| The golf swing is basically a chain reaction, as I've said | | | | she swings. If you compare her head position at the |
| before. One good move leads naturally to another. | | | | top of backswing with her head position at the start of |
| Obviously, the first few "links" in the chain are critical, | | | | her backswing, you'll see that it has moved a good 5-6 |
| since they determine the quality and the shape of the | | | | inches (12-15 cm) to the right, enabling her to "get |
| swing. If you make a proper backswing, as I often | | | | behind the ball." |
| write in my golf tips, you'll develop power, accuracy, | | | | Think "All Arms" |
| and consistency in your swing. | | | | A proper takeaway is critical to a good swing. The |
| Unfortunately, some golfers take their backswing lightly. | | | | catalyst for the chain reaction, the takeaway starts |
| Instead of taking the club back slowly and smoothly, | | | | everything in motion, as I stress in my golf lessons. It |
| they rush it and find themselves in a poor position to | | | | introduces width and coordination in the swing, and |
| start their forwardswing. A poor backswing requires | | | | determines the quality and shape of the shot. The first |
| complex adjustments during the swing, which can | | | | 30 inches of the takeaway is perhaps the most crucial |
| throw it off. The end result is a slice, a hook, or an | | | | point in the swing. The goal is a one-piece takeaway. |
| otherwise ugly shot. If you want to develop | | | | To achieve a one-piece takeaway, sweep the club |
| consistency and power-while improving your golf | | | | back low and slow as your left knee, hip, and shoulder |
| handicap-you must build a better backswing. | | | | turn to the right. Shift your weight slightly onto the right |
| Make a Preflight Check | | | | foot (for right-handers), creating the feeling as if the |
| Get in the habit of making a preflight check before | | | | move was "all arms." And hold your chin up as you |
| starting your backswing. A good set-up increases the | | | | take the club away to allow for a full left shoulder turn. |
| chances of starting off right. Check for correct | | | | Turn and Set |
| posture, the right weight distribution, and the proper ball | | | | The turn and set is the final element of the backswing. |
| position, which should be just inside the left heel when | | | | Once the takeaway is complete, the wrists hinge as |
| using longer clubs and toward the middle of your | | | | the body continues to turn and the arms swing the |
| stance for shorter clubs. Also, check to see that the | | | | club up on plane. A useful checkpoint in the swing |
| club's shaft is an extension of the left arm | | | | occurs at the halfway point in the backswing. In a |
| (right-handers) and that you have a neutral grip. | | | | properly executed backswing, the club points toward |
| In addition, check your tee-height. As a general rule, the | | | | the sky. From there on, it's a simple movement to the |
| top edge of the driver should be level with the ball's | | | | top of the backswing. |
| equator, irrespective of the clubhead's size and design. | | | | Watch the takeaway of Ernie Els when opportunity |
| This rule also applies to the 3-wood when used from | | | | permits. His upper body, hands, arms, and the club all |
| the tee. The design of this club hasn't changed | | | | move away from the ball in harmony. The wrists are |
| significantly over the years. Its clubhead is smaller than | | | | almost completely passive. They only start to hinge as |
| almost all drivers' clubheads, especially the new ones. | | | | the hands reach a point just beyond the right hip, the |
| You need to tee the ball lower to achieve the right | | | | ideal takeaway to emulate. Notice also that he lifts his |
| height for the 3-wood. | | | | left heel slightly as he takes the club back. There's no |
| Shift Weight Properly | | | | hard and fast rule on this, as I've said in my golf tips. If |
| Allowing your weight to move back and forth in | | | | you need to lift it slightly to complete a full body turn, |
| harmony with the swing's direction generates power. If | | | | then do so. |
| the upper body coil and the weight shift are both | | | | One last tip on building a better backswing: As you |
| correct in the backswing, the natural movement is a | | | | begin, try thinking "low and smooth." Maintaining this |
| lateral one onto the right foot (right-handers), preparing | | | | swing thought as you start your swing encourages |
| the golfer for a forceful forwardswing. This is followed | | | | you take the club back in a deliberate manner. |
| by a weight shift to the front foot. | | | | Building a better backswing is a key to generating a |
| Annika Sorenstam, considered by many as the | | | | consistent, repeatable swing-the hallmark of players |
| number one ranked woman golfer on the pro tour, | | | | with low golf handicaps. Work on your backswing in |
| presents a good example of someone whose weight | | | | practice. You'll see a difference in your swing on the |
| shifts properly during her backswing. Watch her when | | | | course. |