BACKSWING WHERE IT ALL BEGINS

By Michael Pickens
Manager of instruction, Englewood Golf Course

A proper backswing sets up the golfer for a powerful and repetitive forward swing. On the practice range the golfer should train to get into four simple positions and swing motions on the backswing.

1. Take the clubhead back low to the ground for 6-12 inches. This habit will promote a consistent backswing and swing plane. On the driving range put a ball 8 inches behind the ball on the tee and hit the ball behind with the back of the clubhead on takeaway.

2. At the top of the backswing, be sure the left wrist is flat. The thumb will be under the shaft. Use a mirror to check your wrist position. If the back of your left hand is bent away from you, with palm up, the tendency is to fade or slice the ball. If the back of the left hand is pointed up and the palm of the hand is down, the ball will have a tendency to hook or slice.

3. At the top of the backswing, be sure the right knee is slightly bent. You should feel the weight on the inside and toward the heel of the back foot. Use a mirror or video equipment to train yourself.

4. At the top of the backswing, have 80-90 percent of the weight on your back foot. From this position the golfer can then begin the downswing by moving weight to the forward foot.