The backswing initiates the entire golf swing. A good back swing will allow us a consistent timing and be able to return the club face to the ball consistently. Here are 3 tips that will allow you to develop a smooth backswing.

Tip #1: Allow your forearm muscles to relax and your arms to hang loosely down. The arms should be straight and not bent at the elbows. There should be just enough muscle to keep your arms firm and yet not to the point where you feel tension in your arms.

Tip #2: Have a starter motion. This can be a small movement of your hands toward the left before moving the hands to the right and starting the back swing, taking the club face away from the ball.

Tip #3: Keep the "V" triangle shape formed by the left and right forearm intact as you bring the shaft of the club to the 8 o'clock position. From there, allow your wrist to cock naturally as you swing the club to the top.

You will also feel your weight shifting from the center to the right inner portion of your right foot. Keep your right knee flexed as it prevents the body from bobbing up and down.

A good timing sequence can go like this, a small movement of hands to the left, then count 1, hand starts to move right, count 2, hand swings and places golf club at the top of the swing, count 3, weight shift and transition of weight from right to left.

By: Sherman C
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Mastering a strong backswing can make a big difference in your game. The goal is to get your hands, arms, body and clubhead positioned in such a way that you can return the club square to the ball with the maximum amount of power.

Step #1. Check the basics before you make a swing. Is your grip and ball position correct? Are you in a relaxed posture with your feet, knees, hips, chest and shoulders parallel to the ball-to-target line?

When your club reaches the top of the backswing, the clubface must be positioned so you can return it square to the ball. How do you achieve this? As you begin the back swing, rotate your upper body halfway – about 90 degrees – while your hips, thighs, and knees make a quarter turn or 45 degrees.

Step #2. The way you will know you have done this correctly is that when you take a full swing with a wood or long iron, the shaft of the club will point at the target and will be parallel to the ball-to-target line.

Step #3. Have your knees flexed and back bent slightly. It is important that you feel relaxed as you address your ball. Your knees should be flexed and your back slightly bent. And your feet should be about the same distance apart as your shoulders. Keep the clubhead low for the first foot as you take it away from the ball. Then allow your body to rotate to the right as this moves the clubhead inside the ball-to-target line. At about the midpoint of your backswing, your right arm will begin to bend. This opens the clubface. Your left hip should now be pulled to the right and your weight should have moved on to your right foot.

Step #4. Move smoothly on the downswing. As your left knee moves toward the ball, your weight should shift to the inside of your right foot.

Step #5. Strive for an imaginary straight line. When your clubhead reaches the three-quarter point, the clubhead should be well above your head. At the top of the backswing, your left arm, left wrist and left hand should be joined by an imaginary straight line Your upper body will now be coiled and ready to unleash a powerful downswing.

A good backswing isn't easy. But then, did anyone ever say that golf is an easy game?

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By: Douglas Hanna
Douglas Hanna is a retired marketing executive, an avid golfer, and the author of more than 100 articles on HD radio, and internet marketing. He is also the publisher and webmaster of http://www.hd-radio-home.com.

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