how high should the golf backswing be

There is actual a rather simple definition for the perfect backswing length in the game of golf. You should swing the club back as far as you can without losing your balance. That's it. If you can follow that rule, you will have your backswing length down just right.

Full Answer

How important is the length of your backswing?

The length of your backswing is a go-to topic for golf advice for one simple reason: It matters. A lot. If your golf swing sequence is too long or too short, you can’t hit a quality golf shot. You’re going to lose some fundamental element of an effective shot, whether you lose swing speed, distance, tempo, balance, or solid contact.

How far should you swing the golf club back?

You should swing the club back as far as you can without losing your balance. That's it. If you can follow that rule, you will have your backswing length down just right. Of course, it will be a little harder to execute that sentence than it is to write it, but the objective is very clear.

Does your golf swing shape affect your backswing length?

Sure, a remarkably agile golfer might be able to swing at that low angle and still get a good backswing length. But the vast majority of golfers are going to find that a flat swing shape limits their range of motion considerably. Now, if your swing shape is more vertical, you likely have a longer backswing.

What are the most common mistakes in the golf backswing?

There are three very common mistakes that occur in the golf backswing. The first mistake is opening the clubface during the backswing. This move sets up a golfer’s followthrough to fail by creating an open clubface at the top of the swing and an open face at impact most likely causing the ball to slice.

How high should my backswing irons be?

Adjust Your Backswing From 2 inches to 8 inches, allow the club to travel upward without rotating your wrists. Break your wrists from the 8-inch mark to the 12-inch mark to bring the shaft of the club parallel to the ground. Keep your back shoulder lower than the front throughout the backswing.

How high should your hands go on the backswing?

At the top of the backswing, the right elbow should be bent at slightly more than 90 degrees. The right wrist should also be bent at about 90 degrees so that the palm of the right hand faces directly at the sky (back of the hand is parallel to the ground. Your right elbow should be below the right shoulder.

What is the proper golf backswing?

25:5428:26Perfect Golf Back Swing - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd our body rotate in the backswing. And in the fall through. That's going to build the overallMoreAnd our body rotate in the backswing. And in the fall through. That's going to build the overall power from your legs all the way up to your shoulders that's the momentum.

Should backswing be steep?

1:427:54Steep Backswing Leads To Shallow Downswing Pro-Like Swing PathYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThis a more effective way and something for you to think about is on the back swing to really helpMoreThis a more effective way and something for you to think about is on the back swing to really help you get it a lot more shallow is to be more steeper on the backswing.

Should you pause at the top of your backswing in golf?

1:486:18GOLF BACKSWING: Should You Pause At The Top? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou need a little more time to make the switch in your mind. From set the top to down here to fireMoreYou need a little more time to make the switch in your mind. From set the top to down here to fire your body. So i would suggest pausing or hesitating for a little longer.

Do you keep hands low in golf swing?

2:538:15Low Hands Golf Swing Could Be The Key To Your Golfing BreakthroughYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipEasier okay so the hands need to be lower. And then accelerate through from that point we want lessMoreEasier okay so the hands need to be lower. And then accelerate through from that point we want less movement less manipulation and less reliant on that hand-eye coordination whipping through.

How do I find my perfect backswing?

5:427:21HOW TO GET A PERFECT BACKSWING IN 3 SIMPLE STEPSYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIn add your arm rotation. In and then as you rotate your body you should be able to get the grip toMoreIn add your arm rotation. In and then as you rotate your body you should be able to get the grip to point about. And that's the key word it's about at the ball.

Do you lift the club in the backswing?

0:444:00Should You Lift Your Arms in the Backswing? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOn the downswing they're going to have to drop the arm in what they call a slot.MoreOn the downswing they're going to have to drop the arm in what they call a slot.

Where should golf clubs point at top of backswing?

Ideally, you want the golf club to be pointing directly at your target at the top of your golf swing. This allows you to uncoil your swing with the fewest moving parts and keep the swing on plane and on line the entire way.

What happens if your backswing is too high?

When the backswing gets too steep, it can create several swing flaws. These swing flaws will require compensation and timing to hit a quality golf shot. When the shaft works too steep in the backswing, it causes the player to excessively tilt their shoulder plane.

How do I know if my swing is too steep?

What are steep and shallow describing? The terms steep and shallow describe your swing plane i.e. the angle of the shaft during the swing. A steep swing has a shaft that is more vertical in relation to the ground, while a shallow swing is more horizontal. “It's standing up, or it's laying down flatter,” Dunigan says.

What happens when golf swing is too steep?

5:238:203 MAIN CAUSES & FIXES FOR A STEEP DOWNSWING - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipComing over the top and you can see the shaft angle gets steep. So that's cause number two armsMoreComing over the top and you can see the shaft angle gets steep. So that's cause number two arms getting pinned. Across the chest.

How to know if you have a long backswing?

Another sign of a long backswing is lack of balance. The next time you swing one of your irons, take a moment to notice how your body feels at the finish.

What happens if your backswing is too short?

If your backswing is too short, you’ve lost the opportunity to build up that energy. As a result, you attempt to pack speed as you transition from the top of your golf swing into your downswing, throwing off your golf swing mechanics and the rhythm of your motion.

What happens if your golf swing sequence is too long?

If your golf swing sequence is too long or too short, you can’t hit a quality golf shot. You’re going to lose some fundamental element of an effective shot, whether you lose swing speed, distance, tempo, balance, or solid contact. But as important as backswing length is, many golfers struggle to find the sweet spot.

How to get sweet spot on backswing?

Standing farther back from the ball at setup. Working your lead arm just a little lower on a the backswing. If your lead hand is in line with your shoulder at the top of your backswing, you’ve found the sweet spot. Now for the bonus drill.

Can you get a shorter backswing with a golf club?

If your golf club moves around your body at a low angle, you’re going to get a shorter backswing . . . especially as you get older. It comes down to flexibility, especially in the hips. Sure, a remarkably agile golfer might be able to swing at that low angle and still get a good backswing length.

Can you hit your backswing too long?

First, if you’re struggling to make solid contact, your backswing could be too long. Golfers with an over-extended swing often find themselves hitting it off the toe, off the heel, hitting it too high . . . hitting it anywhere but the sweet spot.

Is backswing length a topic?

Backswing length is a huge topic in golf, so I know you must have opinions or experiences of your own to share. Whatever is on your mind, please join the conversation in the comments . Whether it’s a great tip I haven’t mentioned or a question about your own game, I’m always happy to talk golf.

Why do arms elevate in the backswing?

When the arms elevate more in the backswing, there is more potential energy due to the simple fact that they will be falling from a greater height and gravity will be happy to assist with the initial acceleration.

What is the most distinctive element in a golf swing?

The most distinctive element that will be apparent in your golf swing is the amount of lag you will have in your golf swing based on the amount of arm elevation.

Do your arms move vertically during the backswing?

It's crucial to realize that the amount your arms move vertically during the backswing directly impacts how you'll be able to, and should, power your downswing, no matter how you swing the golf club.

How to practice backswing length?

The nice thing about practicing backswing length is that it can be so incredibly simple - just focus your attention on your balance, and make sure your swing is stopping prior to your balance getting out of control . Rarely will you get the chance to work on something so simple in your golf swing.

How to move a golf club back in your backswing?

Once you have worked out how far you need to move the club back in your backswing, the only other job you have to do is to take your time between the top of the swing and impact. You want to take your time, building speed gradually, until you unleash everything that you have into the ball. Continue to Practice.

Why does my backswing look longer?

The shape and size of your swing should remain constant, although your backswing will look longer when you are swinging a club such as the driver simply because the club itself is longer. However, the body rotation that you make should be largely the same, as should your aggression through the ball.

What is the action that sets the stage for the actual hitting of the golf ball?

The backswing is the action that sets the stage for the actual hitting of the golf ball. While you can't hit a great shot with a backswing alone, you certainly can put yourself in a great position to strike the ball accurately when you come down into impact.

How many parts does a golf swing have?

The golf swing can be split into two parts; the backswing where the power is built, and the forward swing where the ball is struck. Here is a tip to gain more control and maximize distance by understanding the length of the backswing.

Why is golf so popular?

One of the reasons golf is such a popular game is because it is something that can be enjoyed in the senior years - but you don't have to be resigned to just knocking the ball around the course. If you wish to take your game seriously, there are plenty of exciting accomplishments waiting to be achieved.

What muscles are used to do a backswing?

To perform a controlled backswing, the bigger muscles of the shoulders and hips should be used to power the motion rather than the smaller muscles of the arms and hands. This allows the mid-section of the body to turn against the legs creating more tension and a bigger wind up.

What is the backswing of a golf club?

The backswing in golf might be the most important part of any player’s swing. It is what gets us into position to deliver the golf club to the ball. If we are out of position in the backswing, it is very hard for us to swing the club on plane and deliver a square clubface at impact.

What is a golf backswing?

The golf backswing is one of the most scrutinized aspects of any golfer’s technique, and for good reason. A quality golf backswing sets you up for a powerful follow-through . . . and a poor golf backswing can alter your clubface angle, weaken your downstroke, and cause you to slice the ball. After all, nobody has a perfect golf swing by starting ...

How to hold a pizza in golf?

Remember, if the right elbow folds correctly in the backswing you can hold a pizza with your right hand at the top of your golf swing. If the right arm separates the pizza will fall to the floor.

What are the common mistakes in golf backswing?

There are three very common mistakes that occur in the golf backswing. The first mistake is opening the clubface during the backswing. This move sets up a golfer’s followthrough to fail by creating an open clubface at the top of the swing and an open face at impact most likely causing the ball to slice. The second mistake is separation of the ...

What does it mean when a golfer has a flat backswing?

If the golfer has a really flat and laid off backswing (meaning the club shaft is more horizontal at the top of the golf swing), the player will cast the club over the top of the swing creating a vertical shaft, cupped left wrist (which opens the club face) and a leftward swing path. All of these symptoms lead to some nasty slices.

How to keep your elbows apart in golf?

You want it a little higher than in the previous drill, but still below your elbows. Take your golf swing without letting the ball drop. This drill forces you to keep your elbows the same distance apart in your golf backswing. If the right elbow separates from the left elbow, the ball will fall to the ground.

What does it mean when a golfer gets into the correct position at the top of the swing?

A golfer who gets into the correct position at the top of the swing due to a solid backswing will be able to deliver the golf club in a much more consistent manner. I have been teaching the game of golf for over twenty years.

What is an upright backswing swing?

An upright backswing, for those who may be unfamiliar, is a golf swing where the arms tend to work more vertically up and down. A flatter backswing swing, by contrast, is when the arms work more around a golfer’s body. Notice below how in Dustin Johnson’s upright backswing, his left arm is more towards the sky, while in Kuchar’s flatter backswing, ...

What is shallow downswing?

A shallow downswing is, in its simplest terms, when your arms work more around your body, similar to how they move if you have a flatter backswing. It’s why it’s pretty common for players with a flat backswing to also have a shallow downswing. But how, then, can a golf swing be both upright and shallow?

Which arm is more towards the sky in Dustin Johnson's upright backswing?

Notice below how in Dustin Johnson’s upright backswing, his left arm is more towards the sky, while in Kuchar’s flatter backswing, his left arm is more across his chest. Endorsing an upright swing is an idea that seems counter to the modern obsession with being shallow on the downswing.

What's Shoulder/Arm Elevation?

Leverage vs. Rotation in The Downswing

• The most distinctive element that will be apparent in your golf swing is the amount of lagyou will have in your golf swing based on the amount of arm elevation. As you'll see in the video, if your arms don't elevate much in the backswing, you'll need to use more body rotation for power and vice versa if you have more elevation. This can most clearl...

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