In order to learn how to get more extension and turn when initiating your backswing, there are a few simple tips that can help you accomplish your goal. The mistake most players make is loosening up their grip too much, especially with the left hand (on right-handed players).
By all means, loosening your grip will definitely help your clubhead extend further behind your body, but when you re-tighten the left hand to start the downswing, it causes a change in the alignment of your clubhead. The result is far less accuracy when hitting the ball.
It is best to always maintain a firm, yet light grip on the club. Varying your grip pressure during your swing is not recommended. It results in tightening of the forearm muscles, this creates tension and your swing plane starts on a different plane from where it started.
By far, the best way to increase the arc on your backswing is to turn your left shoulder further until it has reached a point over the right foot. This way you will always have a full turn, thus creating the fastest swing speed you can possibly generate, while still maintaining balance and grace.
The Top of Your Swing
At the top of your backswing, always check the position of the club shaft in order to guarantee that you are on the proper plane and accomplishing a full backswing. The club should be perfectly parallel to your target line, and the club head should literally be pointing at the target.
You can have a friend check your swing at the top for this position and if you’re not quite there, you might work on your core flexibility workouts. They also help to keep strain and stress off your lower back.
Another opportunity which I recommend is to have him or her videotape your swing so that you can determine the changes needed to insure your club will point directly towards the target and your swing will be on the correct plane.
One advantage to a video of your golf swing is checking your club position at the top of your swing. If you are a right-handed golfer, check to see if your club is pointing left of your target. If so, then the club is considered to be “laid off” which typically results in a slice. When the club is pointing right of your target then you have “crossed over” which may result in a hook. With a little work and practice you can fine tune your backswing so that the clubhead will always be pointing directly towards the target.
Don’t make yourself miserable though, golf is still a fun outing. If your total ability is a three quarter swing, than you can still be accurate, however you may need to adjust your club selection to make up the distance lost from a lower club head speed.
Although this tip is focused on your backswing and club position, one thing I wanted to mention is when using video for self improvement; you’ll be able to determine if your hips are initiating the downswing as the first move to solid contact. This in conjunction with a club on a proper plane is the perfect recipe to solid ball striking that end up in better lies in the fairway.
Enjoy your day and share my tips with your friends…
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