No-Backswing Swing...

[AFilbrun]

I saw this recently in an article about Jim Suttie that dealt with
the science of the golf swing and how things will be changing
in the future.

I wondered what people thought. I kind of feel like I need the
whole backswing to keep things nice and smooth. This seems
like it would be a bit abrupt & clunky...

Here's the text:

-

"We've put over 100 people through what I call a no-backswing
swing," Suttie said. "We start the golfers at the ¾ position in
their backswing. From there, they finish the backswing and hit
the ball. Surprisingly enough, the results are that they're more
accurate without ¾ of the backswing. They lose about 10
percent of their yardage, but their accuracy is much better.
You don't have to worry about all the nonsense we worry
about going back."

-

[RandomHero1090]

Re: No-Backswing Swing...

I saw this recently in an article about Jim Suttie that deal with
the science of the golf swing and how things will be changing
in the future.

I wondered what people thought. I kind of feel like I need the
whole backswing to keep things nice and smooth. This seems
like it would be a bit abrupt & clunky...

Here's the text:

-

"We've put over 100 people through what I call a no-backswing
swing," Suttie said. "We start the golfers at the ¾ position in
their backswing. From there, they finish the backswing and hit
the ball. Surprisingly enough, the results are that they're more
accurate without ¾ of the backswing. They lose about 10
percent of their yardage, but their accuracy is much better.
You don't have to worry about all the nonsense we worry
about going back."

-

Its the best "drill" ever. Jim McLean does the "pump drill," the "stop & go," and the "slot drill." Leadbetter has many variations of this as well.

Making sure that you are in the proper position at key checkpoints is huge (setup, 1/4 back, 1/2 back, 3/4 or fully turned, 1st move down, impact, finish).

[AFilbrun]

Re: No-Backswing Swing...

I think it's a decent drill...the article was implying it's also a way to
play. It seems like pausing too long at the top of your backswing...like it
just doesn't allow you to get any real momentum and tempo going.

Thanks for the input.

[dannyra]

Re: No-Backswing Swing...

This is an awesome drill. Sometime when I'm out by myself I might try a round that way.

I was just in the backyard seeing how my swing would be with this and noticed a grip issue I have. With my right thumb running down the shaft there is no way to keep a constant grip pressure with my right hand and get a full wrist cock at the top.

[jbrunk]

Re: No-Backswing Swing...

My opinion on this is that you would lose a lot more than 10% of your distance. I think the backswing is important because it helps you load lag pressure on the downswing.

Also think of how awkward it would be to start from there. In my golfswing that would be a recipe for BIG PULLS ALL DAY LONG!!!!!!!

[BrianW]

Re: No-Backswing Swing...

I have read results on this starting position before and they suggested little or no difference in distance but possibly some problems with direction and contact.

I think the problem is that you still need to get the club on plane at this [position and that is easier done with a full backswing.

[GregJWillis]

Re: No-Backswing Swing...

Here's what I think:

Because you start 3/4 back, there is less of a chance you start the swing with the hands. So in this drill, all you do is finish the turn back and maybe a little wrist set. This is a huge benifit to those that cast or have over active hands. The thought now is to rotate back to start and the hands/wrists take a back seat and go for the ride.

[RandomHero1090]

Re: No-Backswing Swing...

Here's what I think:

Because you start 3/4 back, there is less of a chance you start the swing with the hands. So in this drill, all you do is finish the turn back and maybe a little wrist set. This is a huge benifit to those that cast or have over active hands. The thought now is to rotate back to start and the hands/wrists take a back seat and go for the ride.

I actually hit balls right after my 1st post. When trying this, I basically got to 3/4, checked all positions (loaded right side, right knee flex, flat left wrist, etc etc). Took me about 3 seconds. From there, I made a couple "practice pumps" focusing on dropping into the slot, on the 4th "pump" I swung. I hit the ball ALMOST as far as a regular shot, and pretty darn straight too.

The two biggest things I noticed:
1) Its so much easier to transition from backswing to downswing...cause...well, you rehearse it!
2) Like Greg said, you use your lower body to start the downswing and your hands stay very passive. VERY easy to find the slot and attack the ball from the inside.

Once returning to hitting regular shots, I hit the VERY well with great tempo. Muscle Memory....

[GolfJunkieSr]

Re: No-Backswing Swing...

Just a question. Starting the downswing from 3/4 could hurt a golfer's distance, if (in my opinion) the golfer suffers from an early release in the first place. Here's the question. If a golfer learned to hold the release (lag) longer, the distance lost from a 3/4 swing might not be that much?

A shorter swing to impact means more control, which would mean more accuracy

I hit my full swings from a 3/4 back swing because that's as far back, and up as I can get my hands. I read on another forum that holding the release, with the hands leading the club head, till the very last split second, would mean the club head itself would have to travel faster to catch up with the hands from it's lagging position to impact. So, if true a golfer would make up some lost distance when using a 3/4 swing by having a more optimum release. Does this sound correct? GJS

[LowPost42]

Re: No-Backswing Swing...

Just a quick note that I'll offer re: 3/4 swings and distance.

I've heard it said that no professional golfer really plays with a full swing - from driver to wedge. Every swing they take is 3/4 (or more like 4/5 - how many times have we heard that the pros say they feel like they're hitting at about 80%?)

I've hit balls this way - loading up into the backswing very statically, checking postions - then hitting. It works well unless you get overactive arms (well, for me, anyway).

[tony_teetime]

Re: No-Backswing Swing...

No backswing meaning starting from a static position at the top No.. bad idea.

Baseball pitchers wind up (equivilant to a backswing), before delivering a pitch. For you UK guys, think of a bowler in cricket, he also winds up

The purpose of the backswing or winding up is to create momentum and then use the flow of that momentum to propel your clubhead through the ball. Do not disrupt that momentum. If you disrupt it , then you may as well start your backswing with the club set at the top already.

Keep that clubhead moving and don't disrupt momentum , and you will understand how the club is suppose to be swung with effortless power.

[LowPost42]

Re: No-Backswing Swing...

I agree Tony - starting from a static position certainly eliminates the idea of rhythm or flow.

[Scragger63]

Re: No-Backswing Swing...

Is the opposite of no back swing/static start a full "Happy Gilmore" type swing...

Have seen a fellow hit it this way and whilst not consistently straight, he was VERY long...

Cheers

[james.welsh]

Re: No-Backswing Swing...

Did anyone notice the short backswing of Zach Johnson? Case closed.

[tony_teetime]

Re: No-Backswing Swing...

Did anyone notice the short backswing of Zach Johnson? Case closed.

You need to work on your comprehension skills. The topic is "No-Backswing" Hello ?

Show me one elite pro player who setup with the club already 3/4 of the way into his backswing already. Good luck finding one. People has played this game for over 500 years, and I have never saw or heard of a top tier player swinging this static way, and there is probably a good reason for that.

Regardless of short or long backswing and it varies based on a person's tempo... A back swing is needed to create momentum.