Tip 5. Backswing

Backswing
by Dana Smith

As our series continues we are moving from the set-up or static position to what is termed dynamic movements. Once you have learned the grip, posture, golf ball placement, and a pre-shot routine, it is now time for you to move the club. The backswing should be a product of correct set-up positioning. Its purpose is to load power sources and to set up a forward swing that produces more consistent results. Your backswing should be a blend of club, hands, arms, trunk (shoulders and chest), hips, upper legs, and feet, working together, placing the club at the end of your backswing. This part of your swing is used to load power and accuracy, before the forward swing (which is where you’ll store the power) is set in motion. As you watch the Tour players, you will observe that their backswing is typically slower than their forward swing.
In referencing the backswing we must talk about two things: your body and the club shaft, head, and face. Both must move synchronized, blending the elements necessary to provide the swing mechanics allowing proper contact between club and ball.
Though the backswing is a continuous motion, it can be broken into two parts theoretically for understanding, but not for swinging. The two parts may be practiced in part but must blend together for success. What we are about to learn is termed an “on- plane backswing.” There are many different ways to successfully make a backswing; this one is the most efficient, needing the least amount of manipulation and compensation to begin the forward swing towards the ball.

Initial Movements of the Backswing
At this stage, the hands, arms, shoulders, hips, and upper legs will move your club shaft to a position that is about waist high, and parallel to the ground. When the club shaft is parallel to the ground, it should also be parallel to your intended target line. As it passes through this area, notice how the hands are obscured from the camera's line of sight by the club-head (Photo #1). Achieving this properly, there could be a slight bending or hinging of the wrists (Photo #2) setting your club directly on-plane (the plane is depicted by a diagonal line along your club’s shaft when at address). The swing plane is important here, as it is a major controlling factor in the quality of contact between the club and ball. The swing plane will be discussed in detail in a later issue, but for now recognizing visually what a swing plane is will be sufficient.

Completing the Backswing
The next series of movements will complete your backswing and allow you to start the forward swing more efficientlyFrom your first movement in the backswing we now allow the right arm to fold and a slight lifting of your arms. As this happens we move the club slightly above the swing plane. The completion of rotation in the shoulders, trunk, and legs allow the club to find the place in the swing in which we transition to the forward swing. As this is being completed the wrists are continuing to bend or hinge to completion. When the backswing is complete, the club is again parallel to the ground (Photo #3) and the target (Photo #4). There are many variables in a backswing that will be determined by the player’s flexibility, and the backswing must be altered to fit each player and their body type.

Practicing Your Backswing
Remember to always work on your set-up, grip, golf ball placement, aim, and pre-shot routine first, as the way to an efficient backswing is through a proper set-up. When you practice your backswing, you may break into the two pieces as described above for your own clarification and to find your own secrets on how to get there successfully. Self- discovery is the most powerful type of learning. Using a mirror and/or video are great ways to practice your backswing. Breaking it up into two sections is fine for practice and awareness, but when practicing with a ball the backswing is a continual motion until complete.

Variables
There are many ways to make a backswing, some players swing a little under or above the swing plane and can play golf very well from there. The backswing described above is specifically designed to help you hit more solid and powerful shots on a consistent basis. Understanding your swing and how it works is what is important. If you are in need of learning the correct movements or swinging the club more on-plane, these tips will guide you to a more efficient backswing.

As the top teachers in the state and contributing writers, Tim Odegard, Dana Smith, Tom Talbott, and Trent Wearner from the Meridian Golf Learning Center would like you to call with any questions you may have regarding this article or anything about your golf game. They offer golf schools, private lessons, after work clinics, the most successful junior golf programs, as well as custom club fitting.

• BACK TO TIPS PAGE

Meridian Golf Learning cee

Meridian Golf Learning ceenter