2 crushing faults in your backswing (and how to fix them!)

While it’s true that the downswing is perhaps the most crucial element of the golf swing, the backswing is vastly important as well. The downswing determines how you hit the ball, but the backswing puts you in position to do so.

But despite the importance of the backswing, it’s largely overlooked over by recreational golfers. When trying to make a swing fix, they tend to focus only on the downswing. But to hit the ball solid — and consistently — nailing the backswing is crucial.

Our friends over at GOLFTEC know this to be true, and recently, they put together a video detailing the biggest faults they see amateur golfers make in the backswing, and how to fix them.

Fault No. 1 — Too far inside

One of the biggest faults is amateurs sucking the club too far inside during the takeaway. When this happens, they’re forced to reroute the club from the top to get it back on plane. However, most of the time they overcompensate and end up coming over the top. The result is a weak fade or a nasty slice.

How to fix it: There are two easy fixes for sucking the club too far inside. One — try to increase your shoulder bend early in the back swing so your lead shoulder is pointing more down. And two — speed up how fast your lead wrist hinges when you start your swing.

A good way to check to see that the club is on plane is to stop your swing when the shaft is parallel to the ground and check the position of the clubhead. Make sure the clubhead is slightly outside your hands at this position and you’ll be in an excellent spot to keep the club on plane all the way back.

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Fault No. 2 — No width

Another backswing fault is lacking width in the backswing. Amateurs will either suck the club inside too fast, getting narrow in the process, or will lift the club instead of turning. Both of these faults will sap your swing of power and consistency.

How to fix it: Again, there are two easy fixes for a narrow backswing. One — try to keep your lead arm straight on the way back, as if you are reaching out to shake someone’s hand. This will force you to turn your upper and lower body on the way back. And two — bend backwards with your upper spine as you swing to the top of your backswing.

Both of these fixes will add width to your swing and give you more power as a result.

Golf.com Editor

Zephyr Melton is an assistant editor for GOLF.com where he spends his days blogging, producing and editing. Prior to joining the team at GOLF.com, he attended the University of Texas followed by stops with Team USA, the Green Bay Packers and the PGA Tour. He assists on all things instruction and covers amateur and women’s golf.