How to get in the ideal position at the top of the backswing

I am a fan of achieving positions in the golf swing and then allowing the way you get there to be on instinct. In other words, the end justifies the means. Also, I firmly believe as a coach, I cannot tell you what any position should feel like as you will interpret feelings differently to me. So, here is a brilliant drill that will get you into the correct position at the top of the backswing. I must stress, this is not the way to hit a golf ball. If you go through this process, step by step as I describe, and then hit the ball, you will look rather silly. You will also almost certainly miss the ball! The idea is that once you understand the steps, you can put it all together in a natural back swing.

Take it in stages

Take your normal address position, then lift the club up to horizontal, keeping your arms straight and try not to lift your spine up too vertically, although a more vertical spine angle will be inevitable. Then cock your wrists 90 degrees so that the shaft of the club now points to the sky. Next tilt the club off at a 45-degree angle so that the shaft of the club is pointing at the target. Finally, make sure that your left arm is as straight as you can, keep looking at the golf ball on the floor and then turn your shoulders through 90 degrees so that your left shoulder is in line with the ball and your back is facing to your target. Wherever you now feel discomfort, this is where you should feel it when you swing the golf club.

So, if your current reality is very different, then this is something you should work on. This drill pre-positions the hands, wrists and arms into the correct position and then allows you to just concentrate on turning your shoulders fully while keeping the ball in view.  I love getting newer golfers to feel this as often they struggle with the wrist cock action to complete the backswing from halfway back. Work on each step and then it should all begin to come together naturally.

By Jon Woodroffe – Master Professional, World of Golf London

Categorised in: Tip of the month, World of Golf London