length of backswing

[bobby]

I have previously had operations on both shoulders leaving them and my right arm weaker than normal. I struggle controlling the length of my backswing. In my swing, my first aim is to have the left shoulder reach the chin. At that stage, my left arm is still straight and relatively parallel to the ground. My problem is that my mind thinks I have to swing longer to achieve more power. I tend to do this and know that it is achieved by my left arm then breaking down and bending. My swing becomes longer and lazy and UCHHHH! How can I fix this problem and where should I aim to swing my driver and 3 wood in particular?

[Ian Hancock]

Re: length of backswing

Hi Bobby,

Without seeing your swing this is quite difficult. If you have all the basics of the swing and you feel this is purely due to your weakened shoulders etc.........

I suggest you concentrate on hitting balls at the range with what in you mind feels like half a swing....If you can get someone to video your swing you may find that you don't overswing or you are way to far....the mind is teribble at judging the length of backswing, when I did mine I was shocked that what I thought was half a swing was actually a full swing....so I have been through this.

I think that perhaps you are worried that you are not strong enough and feel the need to exagerate the swing....Don't...the driving range is full of people using brawn instead of technic.

Your question regarding 3 wood and driver, I would suggest the most Tour Pros go past parallel on the back swing with these clubs.....the important thing is they stay on plane.

Try the half swing drill you will be supprised how much power you have.


Hope this helps.

Ian.

[kiwi]

Re: length of backswing

Hi Bob,

My father who's 67 still drives the ball about 230 metres and he's got a hockey swing. Hands only go level with his shoulders. Swing to what feels comfortable no further and timing will get you the distance. Don't strain your shoulders the extra 10 metres just isn't worth it , remember the golfer who hits it straight will win more matches than the golfer who hits it long.

Good luck

[TeachingPro]

Re: length of backswing

Bobby,

Power doesn't come from the backswing ... it comes from the relase of the club on the downswing. You can swing as far back as you like ... if you don't release the club properly, the ball will go nowhere.

The backswing should end when your hips have turned 45*, the shoulders 90* and where ever the arms and hands are. Notice something here: hand and arm position has got zliche to do with the length of the backswing. They should all end up in position at the same time.

You won't need to swing ALL the way back if you generate power from your core (hips and lower torso) and a late release of the club.

So, focus on getting your left shoulder under your chin, your back to the target and a full hip turn. FORGET THE ARMS!!!!!!!!!!! Smooth transition into the downswing, keep it smooth until your right elbow is near your right hip and then HIT through with the arms, hands and club and let them take your right hip with it through the ball.

Simple ... forget the arms.

I don't think your physical strength or weakness due to surgery has much to do with it. I am not physically strong. I weight 62 kg with metal spikes in my Adidas shoes and not very strong in my arms but I can hit it as long as most because I generate a LOT of power from htiing through the ball from just before hip heihgt on the downswing.

[gord962]

Re: length of backswing

Here's a drill to show you the correct position at the top of your backswing.

In you address position, raise your arms directly infront of you until they are parallel with the ground. Next, cock your wrists to 90* so the club is pointing skyward. Last, turn your shoulders 90* away from the target. This is the position you should be trying to get to at the top of your backswing.

To get to that position with a normal backswing, try this drill:

Start your take away with your arms only and stop when your club is parallel to the ground. Next, cock your wrists 90* so you club is pointing skyward. Last, turn your shoulders 90* away from the target. This should get you into the same position as the first drill. Use a full length mirror when first trying these drills to get a visual. Remember, keep this drill in 3 parts until you are comfortable with how much each body part moves. When your muscles have been trained, slowly blend the 3 parts together. As you pick up the tempo to your normal speed, you will notice you start the take away with your shoulders, as we are supposed to start the takeaway.

If you can't get to that position, shorten the amount your arms move - shoulde turn is much more important than the distance you arms move.