Top of Backswing Photo, Golf Swing Position Tips
Clubface, Shaft , Right Elbow, Left Arm, Shoulders and Hip Positions
Sep 16, 2009
Understand the positions a golfer has to swing into on the backswing to find a way to improve your golf game. Take a photo of your own top of the bakswing position to compare the two. The golfers in the photos below are of a European Tour Professional and a pupil who uses photos to build a swing.
Clubface at Top of Backswing
The first thing to study in the main photo is the similarity of the angle of the back of the left hand and the clubface position. This similarity means the grip has to be neutral, not ‘strong’ or ‘weak’. If the toe of the club was pointing to the ground that would mean the clubface is open probably resulting in a slice. With the clubface pointing at the sky the golfer would be gripping the club too strong.
Club Shaft Position
Even if other mistakes are made during the backswing, if the club shaft points at the target at the top it usually means the golfer will hit the ball somewhere near the target even with a mediocre downswing. With the shaft pointing at the target the swing is neither too inside or outside.
The ability to ‘feel’ the club into this position defines the overall talent of the golfer. In all sports, class athletes have an instinctive knowledge of where the target is. A football player sometimes strikes a shot at goal without even looking up. Pracice aiming the shaft differently at the top to educate your target awareness.
Top of Backswing Right Elbow Position
Notice how the right elbow points at the right hip. This means the swing is ‘connected’ and the arms have worked with the shoulders as they turn from the ball in a one piece takeaway. If the right elbow was ‘flying’ or pointing at right angles to the ground the swing would have been too wide swinging away from the ball and the arms would have lifted to the top.
Left Arm Position
For good technique the left arm has to remain relatively firm at the top of the backswing or crucial width is lost. For any golfer who struggles with keeping the left arm firm they should try stretching exercises to make the arm more supple.
Shoulder Turn Position
At the top of the backswing the golfer would have ideally stored up power and accuracy. It is the quality of the shoulder turn that is responsible for both these ingredients. To turn the shoulders into a powerful position the golfer has to learn to turn round the spine. Much of this is achieved at address where the spine has to be straight. Many club golfers stoop to the ball with a rounded back. It is important to keep the chin up and look down at the ball with the eyes rather than the whole head. It is essential in a good swing to keep the spine straight.
Top of Backswing Hip Position
The hips play a vital roll in stabilising the golf swing. If the weight shifts onto the outside of the right foot, the legs collapse, the hips turn too much, and all the necessary torque in the backswing is lost. The hips must resist the turn so maximum tension is built up to hit the ball a good distance.
See Also: Golf Swing Drill for a Perfect Swing and Tips to Start the Golf Downswing
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