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GolfingTips.net Backswing - Introduction The waggle or forward press initiates the backswing. The Backswing is a coordination of feet, knees, hips and shoulders in a unified backward turning motion, beginning with the takeaway. The proper takeaway starts the long arc of the backswing and prevents later hitting down on the ball. Transfer of weight to the right foot stores up power for the downswing. Correct assumption of the ready position at the end of the backswing is the prerequisite for the next stage of the swing. Forward Press From this point on, concentrate on the process and not the goal. The goal has already been established. Many players help to get the process in motion by first waggling the clubhead a number of times. To start the forward press, gently move the hands forward in the direction of the hole. Degree of movement is optional even to the degree of being hardly perceptible. This is a move to set the arms, hands and club in motion. Thus a smooth and unhurried backswing begins. The wide arc of the swing is begun. The tendency to pick the club up is blocked. Takeaway As the reverse continuation of the forward press take the clubhead back slowly close to the ground with the left arm straight but not rigid Swing tempo varies by player. A faster backswing should result in a faster downswing. Maintain the maximum possible radius of the backward arc, keeping the clubhead close to the ground as far as possible. The right elbow is folding. The left knee bends to the right, which facilitates the turn of the hips. A simultaneous turning of the waist and shoulders is initiated. The left heel usually but not necessarily comes off the ground slightly. Transfer of body weight to the right foot is begun. By the time the shaft arrives at horizontal, the clubhead will point straight up. Back to the Top Transfer of most of the body weight to the right foot is completed. The importance of this transfer cannot be emphasized enough as it is integral to finishing the backswing and timing the shot. Stay in balance. The right elbow has folded and stays fairly close to the right side. This closeness will vary according to the plane of the swing and this in turn varies with the length of the club and the height of the player. Shorter players will have a flatter swing with elbow closer to the side as they generate power from added hip turn and leg drive. Taller players will have a more vertical or upright swing, generating clubhead speed more from the width of arc; they will probably find a close-in elbow constricting. Some fast swinging golfers get some torque at the top by an early initiation of the downswing. This is hard to do. It is better to complete the wind up, gettings set for the downswing. Keep the left hand from wrist to knuckles flat with the forearm. Do not cup the wrist because you will have to reverse this motion on the downswing.  Ready At this point the backswing is complete.
The left shoulder has turned until it is seen appearing under the chin. The wrists are fully cocked. The shaft is roughly parallel to the ground and the shaft points along the line of flight. The body's weight is almost all on the right leg, which is straight but not locked at the knee. The turn of the backswing has been completed with the weight transfer and we are at the ready position. There is torsion in the waist, arms and wrists as the swing is about to reverse. The back is almost completely turned towards the hole. The head may be cocked a little to the right to help get all the way around. It is absolutely essential to achieve this ready position consistently in order to produce uniformly good shots. To get maximum accuracy distance, use a leisurely and deliberate backswing, Let the wrists feel some torsion this time of full windup and swing reversal. Backswing - Summary
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