THE BACKSWING

Even though I say the backswing doesn't matter too much= there are definitely times where a backswing alteration is necessary to help a golfer keep the shaft and clubhead on a simpler plane. Here is a drill I designed- spur of the moment- during a recent lesson to help the player get better on the 430 path.

Whilst instruction leads us to believe that we need to point the club straight to the target line at the top of the backswing, there are many cases of great golfers not doing this. Here is why..

Storing energy in the backswing and downswing is huge in how much power we can release at the right point in the swing. Width becomes load.

Most golfers- even PGA Tour players- have habits they gravitate towards that can cause their swing to not perform as well. Nobody is immune to this.

Getting the shoulders to turn correctly pays huge dividends for the direction the arms and club move and how the body works. Proper sequence is everything. Watch to learn the desired shoulder movement.

Will a perfect backswing find a perfect impact or downswing path? - No. So that's why understanding and becoming good at the 430 entry will find the perfect backswing for you.

Does the club have to face directly towards the target at the end of the backswing? No, it doesn't. There are many options that can work.

The backswing and downswing are two forces moving in different directions. One is backwards that becomes forwards. The other is away that becomes downwards and then ends up forwards. Make sense? Probably not...but watch this video & also understand the role of each in great ball striking.

This student is a very good striker of the ball, but her hip action caused some inconsistency from time to time with start line and shaping.