The golf swing is like a chain reaction. One move naturally leads to another. Usually, the swing’s first few moves are the most critical. That’s why your backswing is so important to your swing. Get the backswing right and you’re golden. Get the backswing wrong and your dead. A bad back swing often spells disaster.
Below are 5 keys to the perfect backswing:
1. Think all arms as you start
2. Sweep the club away low and slow
3. Keep your wrists quiet until about hip high
4. Keep your front heel grounded
5. Shift your weight back slightly
6. Pivot around your back knee
Build the feeling of all arms in the first few inches of your backswing. It pulls the entire front side toward the ball. And keep the legs firm as you start back.
Sweep the club away low and slow in the early stages. This “one-piece takeaway” builds width and coordination immediately into the swing. It’s critical for full swings with longer clubs. Point your front knee at the ball as you go back.
Keep your wrists quiet until about hip high. Then start hinging them. Your wrists and arms should from a 90-degree angle as you move past your hip, with the clubhead pointing directly to the sky.
Keep your front heel grounded if you can—although there’s no hard and fast rule about this. It depends on the player’s flexibility. If you must lift your heel off the ground to make a strong turn, do it. But delay “lift off” as long as possible.
Shift your weight back slightly and pivot around your back knee. Keep the knee flexed a bit as you go back. It helps generate power.
Many golfers use a trigger to start their swings. Jack Nicklaus does. So does Arnold Palmer. Lee Trevino kicks his front knee in. A trigger injects rhythm at the start.
A good backswing is essential when swinging. It boosts your chances of making a good swing and encourages good ballstriking. It also boosts consistency.