subject: Backswing Tips [print this page] Backswing Tips Backswing Tips
If you struggling for consistency in your game then more often than not it will be down to the incorrect position of the club at the top of your backswing. Follow these short backswing tips for an immediate improvement.
Shorten the backswing for control
In order to hit the ball more consistently and more accurately you need to shorten the backswing. This makes the swing less complex and easier to control. What you must guard against is when trying to shorten the swing that you don't stop turning the shoulders.
If you stop turning the swing becomes too narrow. The key is to shorten the backswing but ensure that you still make a full turn without lifting your arms up too high. Removing any sloppy or unnecessary hand action will also help to keep the swing shorter and more compact.
Even though the swing is shorter the width of arc must stay the same as in a normal shot. It is imperative that in the first stages of the takeaway that the club and body move together in a one piece action to create width.
Limit the hand action on backswing
The more unnecessary hand action a golfer has at the top of the swing the more likely things will go wrong on the downswing. To eradicate excessive hand action and shorten the swing the club needs to be gripped correctly.
There are two main parts of the grip responsible for keeping a good firm hold on the club and stable at the top of the backswing.
The handle of the golf club should be held predominantly in the fingers and not in the palm of the hand. The last two fingers of the left hand should apply the most pressure and will stop the hand opening and letting go at the top. If the handle is held too high up in the palm then movement of the club at the top of the backswing will most definitely occur.
If you examine your glove and find that it is wearing away on the pad of the palm then you are undoubtedly gripping incorrectly.
The thumb of the left hand needs to be positioned just to the right of centre on the grip. At the top of the backswing this supports and controls the club. Without the thumb in the correct position at address there is likely to be unnecessary movement at the top of the back swing.
Grip down the shaft for control
There are a couple of benefits gained by gripping down the club. Firstly the shaft becomes shorter and therefore there is less leverage on completion of the swing, which means it's easier to control the club at the top.
Gripping down the club means you are standing closer to the ball which gives you more control. Think about how much easier a wedge is to hit than a driver. This happens because the swing line travels closer to the target line for longer.
Develop a smooth tempo
We don't hit the ball on the back swing but too many golfers are in a rush to complete this part of the swing sequence. The objective of the backswing is to put the club in the right position at the top. It should be a smooth and unhurried process. Think of an archer and how slowly they draw back a bowstring before letting go with power and precision.
If you want consistency and accuracy in your golf game then try to employ these backswing tips in to your swing. I guarantee that your scores will improve.
