Creating A Good Backswing

Creating A Good Backswing

Creating A Good Backswing

Creating a good backswing requires the coordinated movement of the club, hands, arms and torso. Linking these moves correctly will set off the proper chain reaction in order to assist a powerful move back to the ball.

'Hitting the ball' is a phrase used commonly throughout golf but in reality is quite a dangerous one because when a players focus moves away from swinging the golf club to forcibly hitting the golf ball problems usually arise.

One of the most common problems associated with 'hitting' the golf ball is using the hands excessively to start the backswing which results in the club being picked up off the ground far too quickly. You may have heard the phrase - 'picking the club up'.

The problem is that golf is a static ball sport and with the club in hand and ball stationary then the natural instinct is to try and lift the ball in the air. This is most common amongst beginners as their perception of golf is to try and hit it as hard and as far as possible.

This type of initial move in the backswing causes a narrowing of the swing arc and as a result a choppy steep backswing which generally results in a slice. Neither of these should be welcome in your golf swing.

The first move away from the golf ball is absolutely crucial in creating a good backswing. It determines the shape and tempo of the golf swing and how the golf club is swung around the body.

To help you achieve the correct takeaway think about this image. At address, think about your arms, shoulders and golf club forming a nice neat triangle. To make a smooth takeaway we need to retain this triangle for as long as possible. Focus on turning this triangle back with your chest and navel.

You should have a sense that you control your arms and the club by the movement of the bigger muscles of your shoulders and trunk. Try and maintain the shape of the triangle until your hands are opposite your right leg.

Initiating this takeaway with the body instead of the hands and arms in a 'one piece' movement will start the club head away nice and low and promote more width in the backswing.

Try this drill to promote a one piece takeaway and to keep the swing nice and wide:

Place a ball about 12 inches behind your object ball - just inside your ball to target line- and try to sweep it away as you move the club back retaining the triangle you created at address.

When you can perform this drill proficiently then try to hit shots after the back ball has been pushed away. Practicing this drill will give you confidence in a wide one piece takeaway out on the golf course.

Continue to practice this drill until it becomes second nature. This first part of the takeaway will help you on your way to creating a good backswing and more consistent, longer shots.

Simon Firkins - PGA Qualified Professional

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