Harper Lin
The backswing in golf is a series of motions that set the club in position for a proper downswing. While there is a saying that you don't hit the golf ball with your backswing, a good backswing is a simple, repeatable movement that starts the sequence of the swing. There are various opinions on what moves first in a golf backswing. Some sources suggest that the hips start to turn first, while others argue that it is the hands or the feet that initiate the movement. Ultimately, the movement that is right for an individual will depend on their natural inclinations and previous experience in sports and golf.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| First move | Hips |
| First move alternatives | Hands, arms, chest |
| First move trigger | Gentle waggle movement with club, hands, and wrists, forward press by gently pushing hands forward or kicking non-target knee in slightly towards the target direction |
| Worst move | Standing up and coming out of your posture early |
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What You'll Learn
The hips initiate the downswing
The downswing is a crucial component of any successful golf shot. It is important to note that the backswing itself is not what hits the ball; rather, it is the sequence of the downswing that determines the quality of the shot.
To improve your downswing, focus on the sequence of movements. Start by turning your belt buckle and hips hard to the left while keeping your back facing the target. This movement should feel like you are initiating a squat, and it will generate power and speed for your swing. The hips must unwind in the downswing to release the torque built up during the backswing. This lateral hip movement should be subtle, only a few inches, allowing the hips, body, and shoulders to unwind and create the desired attack angle.
By focusing on initiating the downswing with your hips, you will be able to hit the ball with more power and confidence.
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The takeaway is important
The takeaway is the first part of the backswing, and it is important to get it right. The takeaway is a slight "trigger move" that initiates the backswing, and it involves a slight shifting of pressure away from the target towards the trailing leg. This shifting or "pivot" movement includes the head and shoulders, and it is important to ensure that the head is not kept perfectly still but actually pivots to a point over a line drawn inside the back leg.
There are different ways to initiate the takeaway. Some golfers start with a gentle waggle movement back and forth with the club, hands, and wrists, which can ease tension and encourage a smooth, rhythmic beginning to the backswing. Others may initiate the takeaway with a forward press by gently pushing the hands forward or kicking the non-target knee slightly towards the target direction, creating a recoiling movement that leads into the takeaway.
The takeaway is also important in setting up the sequencing of the downswing, which is a key component of any successful golf shot. The downswing sequence is what separates the best players from high handicappers. Just like all other athletic movements, there is a pattern of movement that is needed for consistent ball-then-turf contact, accuracy, and distance.
In summary, while the takeaway may not be the most glamorous part of the golf swing, it is important to get it right as it sets the foundation for the rest of the swing and ultimately determines the success of the shot.
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The chest and shoulders rotate naturally
To understand this concept, let's break down the mechanics of the golf swing. The backswing is not just about swinging the club back; it's a series of intricate movements that work together to create a fluid motion. Initiating the backswing with a chest rotation encourages a natural and effortless flow in the subsequent moves.
When the chest rotates, the shoulders follow seamlessly, setting off a chain reaction that extends down to the hips and lower body. This sequence of movements is often likened to the natural motion of throwing a ball. Just as your chest and shoulders rotate when you throw, the same principle applies to the golf swing, albeit with the added complexity of holding a club.
The key to a powerful and consistent golf swing lies in this synchronization of the upper body, where the chest and shoulders work in harmony to generate speed and accuracy. It's important to note that while the chest and shoulders are pivotal, they are just one part of the overall sequence, which also includes the arms, wrists, and lower body.
By focusing on this natural rotation of the chest and shoulders, golfers can achieve a more fluid and efficient backswing, setting themselves up for a successful downswing and, ultimately, a powerful and accurate shot.
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The wrist moves early or late
The wrist hinge is one of the most critical aspects of a golf swing, and it can be tricky to get right. The wrist position changes throughout the swing, so it must be correct at setup and at the top of the backswing to achieve a square and solid impact.
Some golfers prefer to manually cock their wrists in the backswing, while others prefer to let their body and arm movement hinge the wrists naturally. The latter group may still want to consider the position of their wrists, however, as an early wrist hinge can open the clubface, making it difficult to recover.
One way to achieve the proper wrist action is to grip the club as if holding motorcycle handlebars and "rev the engine" by rotating your lead wrist down through impact. This helps train the proper wrist action for a square clubface and straighter shots.
Another way to think about it is to focus on grip, alignment, and posture. If you can bring the club back without manipulating your hands, you will be in a position to make a natural powerful throwing motion.
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Foot pressure initiates the swing
Foot pressure is an important aspect of a golfer's swing, and one that can be optimised to improve performance. The movement of pressure through the feet during the swing is a key factor in the power, speed, and accuracy of the swing path.
At the start of the backswing, pressure should be balanced on the balls of both feet. As the backswing begins, pressure moves towards the heel of the trail foot, while the pressure in the lead foot shifts towards the big toe. This is a natural movement, similar to the way the body moves when throwing a ball.
For right-handed golfers, the pressure moves towards the trail (right) foot during the backswing and then into the lead (left) foot upon striking the ball. This movement of pressure through the feet creates a side-to-side motion in the lower body, which helps to hit the ball further and avoid mishits.
It is important to note that the movement of the hips is also crucial to the swing, and the two are interconnected. By keeping pressure in the ball of the lead foot, golfers can achieve the "hips effect". This involves the right hip moving back and up, enabling the tailbone to move forward and facilitating the necessary extension in the spine.
Understanding and controlling foot pressure during the golf swing can be challenging and requires a lot of practice. However, with the help of technology such as pressure plates and mats, golfers can learn to optimise their foot pressure for a more consistent, powerful, and accurate swing.
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Frequently asked questions
There are various schools of thought on what moves first in a golf backswing. Some sources suggest that the hips move first, while others argue that it's the chest or the feet. Some golfers also have a starting "trigger move" that signals the start of the backswing, such as a gentle waggle movement with the club, hands, and wrists.
A trigger move is a slight movement that initiates the backswing and gets the golf club swinging properly. This can include a gentle waggle movement with the club, hands, and wrists, or a forward press by gently pushing the hands forward.
One common mistake to avoid is standing up and coming out of your posture early, which can result in a loss of power and control. It's also important to note that the backswing itself does not hit the ball; rather, it sets the club in position for a proper downswing.
