A correct backswing can be described
as a ‘Coiled Spring’. There is nothing comfortable
about the position we get into at the top of a backswing
and there is tension created between the upper and lower
parts of the body.
Lady golfers tend to be over flexible and so do not create
enough tension/resistance to generate speed and power.
- Common causes of over flexibility are: (see
photo opposite)
- Raising the left heel in the backswing.
- Over rotating the hips in the backswing through straightening
the right knee.
- Allowing the left arm to collapse accompanying excessive
wrist hinge at the very top of the backswing.
A starting point for a better, firmer backswing is through
your feet position.
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- Notice the right foot is at right angles to your target
line.
- The left foot is turned towards the target about 30
degrees. (see photo right)
- The left foot must remain flat on the floor at all
times.
- - The right knee should remain flexed, allowing the
hips to rotate only enough to:
- - Allow a 90-degree shoulder turn.
- - Feel the weight on the inside of the right knee.
- - The left arm remains extended with no less than
a 90 degree angle between the left arm and club shaft.
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Gentlemen golfers tend to be under flexible. Reason for
this include:
- Being told to keep your head still.
- Having too fast a backswing.
- Not trusting a fuller backswing.
It is all well and good having a short backswing with little
shoulder turn if you intend to use only 7-SW, but to progress
to longer irons and woods a wider, fuller backswing is necessary
to create a shallower ‘Angle of Attack’. (see
faults and fixes) |
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- A fuller backswing should be initiated by turning the whole
left side. That is the left shoulder and hip turn away from
the target as the arms, slowly take the club on the backswing
path.
- Allow the head to move 2-4 inches to the right during this
movement.
- This will position the body weight on the inside of a flexed
right knee with the shoulders turned 90 degrees.
- From starting the backswing to the top of the backswing count
1-2-3 at your normal pace, this is neither too fast or too slow
but gives you a chance for repetition and swing building.
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