Secrets to the Golf Swing: Part 1, The Backswing

The secrets to the golf swing takes years of practice and skill. The idea of a great golf swing is that it must be one fluid motion of grace and finesse, from the start of the backswing to impact, and the finally during the follow through. The secrets to the golf swing are no more complicated than that but could not be any harder.

The backswing is where you start when you are trying to make contact with the ball. It is responsible for setting up and defining how you will be hitting the golf ball. If you have a poor backswing, then the rest of your swing will suffer and a poor shot will result. The following describes the secrets to the golf swing and in particular the backswing.

Once you are set up and in position to prepare for your shot, begin the backswing by moving your club slowly and keep the clubhead as close to the ground as possible.

Do not move the club too fast as this may cause a steep swing plane and minimize your power and accuracy. And be sure that your left shoulder is slightly higher than the right shoulder (right-handed players). Your shoulders, arms, and hips should all be moving together in one fluid motion.

Golf players that start their backswing off with just their arms and hands have a tough time learning to hit with enough power on a consistent basis. You must learn to coordinate all of your body parts at one time. The key is not to think too much about it, simply turn and you will feel your arms, shoulders, and upper legs moving together. Just go with the flow.

Once your backswing is in motion, your body will start its turn and your right arm will begin to fold inside. The left arm should not be stiff, but remain somewhat straight. Your right elbow should be within a few inches of your body throughout the entire backswing. At this point, everything should be turning naturally and your weight will begin to shift.

Once your club shaft is in the air and pointing straight back, your wrists should begin to bend naturally. At this stage of the backswing, make sure that your grip is not getting too tight. You will want it to remain loose yet have control at all times.

Keep turning everything smoothly until your left shoulder starts to moveunderneath your chin. The left knee will start to bend toward the other knee. The club is now in the air and over top of your head. You are now ready for the downswing.

The secrets to the golf swing is a multi-stage operation. Each step is requires practice and concentration. We will discuss the downswing in the next post.