The backswing is the most fundamental part of the golf swing. It’s not where you generate power, but it is where you create the leverage and sequence necessary for a powerful, accurate downswing. If the backswing is flawed, you’ll spend the entire downswing trying to compensate—leading to inconsistency, slices, and loss of distance.
Our video, “THE BACKSWING – THE COMPLETE GOLF SWING GUIDE”, breaks down this critical motion into simple, repeatable steps. This guide is your blueprint for mastering the backswing and finally building a reliable golf swing from the ground up.
Why the Backswing is the Most Important Phase
Think of the backswing as charging a battery. A good backswing maximizes the coil (separation between the upper and lower body) and loads the hands and club into a position where they can naturally release the power on the downswing.
Amateurs commonly struggle with:
- Poor Takeaway: Starting the club inside or outside the target line.
- Lack of Rotation: Relying on lifting the arms instead of turning the body.
- Loss of Width: Bending the lead arm or collapsing the hands too early.
Phase 1: The Takeaway (First 2 Feet)
The takeaway sets the trajectory for the entire swing. Focus on moving the club, arms, and shoulders away from the ball in one unified piece.
- The Key Feeling: Imagine the butt of the club is moving away from the target line, while the clubface maintains its angle to your spine.
- The Checkpoint: At the point where your hands are opposite your back thigh, the club should be parallel to the ground and slightly outside your hands. The toe of the club should be pointing slightly skyward, confirming a square clubface.
Phase 2: The Hip and Shoulder Turn (The Coil)
After the takeaway, the backswing becomes dominated by rotation. This is where you create the power-packed coil.
- The Secret: The goal is maximum shoulder rotation against a stable or resisting lower body.
- Hip Rotation: Your hips should rotate approximately 45 degrees, while your shoulders rotate closer to 90 degrees. This differential creates the torque and separation needed for speed.
- Maintain Posture: Ensure you maintain the knee flex and spine angle you established at setup. Standing up out of the swing will destroy your sequencing.
Phase 3: The Top of the Backswing (The Loaded Position)
The final position determines the efficiency of your transition. A correct top-of-swing position is compact, balanced, and loaded.
- Club Position: The club should ideally be parallel to the target line, or slightly laid off (pointing left). The hands should feel high and deep (away from the target).
- Weight Shift: Your weight should feel predominantly loaded into the inside of your trail foot (right foot for right-handers).
- Connection: Your arms should feel connected to your chest, not floating independently above your head.
Mastering THE BACKSWING simplifies the entire golf swing. When you reach the top correctly, the downswing becomes a natural reaction, not a desperate attempt to correct a flaw.
Ready to build a backswing that feels effortless and powerful? Check on YouTube