Golf: What Is the Most Common Mistake in the Backswing?

Golf backswing is very important in the game of golf. It begins a long journey for the player looking to improve their shot. To perform well, one must find a good balance between speed and accuracy. The backswing begins with three key components: Arms, hands, and club head (which are used interchangeably). It is vital to one’s golf game to have a backswing that is at least average, if not good. However, most players are plagued with many common mistakes while performing their backswing. 

8 Most Common Mistakes in the Backswing

Here are the mistakes that most golf players make during their backswing.

1. Using Wrong Shoulder Turn or No Shoulder Turn

Using a wrong shoulder turn during one’s backswing is another common mistake many players make. It is essential to use a good shoulder turn to generate more power and keep your swing smooth. Using no shoulder turn will cause the player to have a much less smooth swing.

2. Poor Grip on The Club

A poor grip on a club can ruin a player’s ability to hit the ball well. One’s grasp begins with the hands and the fingers. A player needs to make sure that when they are gripping the club, their fingers are not overlapping. It is advised that one has a “V” shaped gap between every two fingers so that the club can quickly move through your fingers.

3. Holding the Club Too Tightly

When one is trying to perform the backswing, one should not hold their club too tightly, as this will make it more difficult for them to do so. Also, having the club too tightly will cause one to slow down in their swing and thus slow down in their shot. It is best when one is trying to swing the club, to feel the shape of the club in their hand. If it fits well in your hand, you are gripping it properly.

4. Too Much Body Turn

During one’s backswing, many players will turn too much of their body, resulting in a more powerful shot. It is not recommended because it causes the player to lose momentum from the beginning of their swing, which makes the image harder to control. It is best to use a proper amount of body turn to keep the same amount of power and control as one uses when hitting the golf ball.

5. Poor Posture

Another common mistake in the backswing can be poor posture. One must keep their head up, spine straight, and weight balanced throughout the backswing. If one does not have excellent posture, their balance will most certainly go out of whack resulting in a more difficult shot to complete.

6. Using the Wrong Levers

When performing one’s backswing, one must use the correct levers intended for the game. Different players have different levers, and it is essential to understand what works best for them.

7. Improper Swing Speed

One must have proper swing speed while they are performing the backswing. One’s swing should begin with a little bit of speed, but if it is too fast, it will cause the player to become out of balance and lose their timing. Proper acceleration is significant in one’s backswing, so ensure you are always under control. Power loading is very important in achieving the right balance, thus drills and lessons like the Brian Mogg power loading technique can help players fix their swing once and for all.

8. Not Having the Right Distance from the Golf Ball

One must have the proper distance from the golf ball during their backswing. During one’s backswing, one needs to be able to get their body closer to the golf ball. Being too far away from the golf ball will cause the player to hit it low and thus make it more difficult for them to get it up in the air.

Bottom Line

Throughout the game of golf, one must practice hard to improve their backswing. Understanding how the swing works and what can go wrong before attempting a practice swing is fundamental. By knowing what can go wrong with one’s backswing, one will be able to fix it and become a better player. Everyone has bad habits that are formed over time; it will take a lot of hard work and patience to get rid of them.