Need Help with Shortening My Backswing

[CG031]

Currently, my backswing is too long. My friends joke with me "Hey, John Daly, nice drive!"...

It's not as long as Daly's, but it's pretty long. I think it's really starting to hurt my consistency, especially with my irons. I am not consistent at all, and I believe it throws off my tempo.

I've always struggled on and off with my backswing length...it's something that I got under control last summer, and no it's gotten way too long again, and my tempo and timing has gotten very off...I'm starting to slice everything, when I used to draw everything.

My question is this: Do any of you have any tips of shortening the length of your backswing?

I'm figuring it's something you just gotta do and hit balls trying to get it shorter. My problem is I can't make a rythemic swing with good tempo when I get tense on my backswing trying to make sure it goes much shorter than before.

I keep thinking I'm taking it shorter, but my friend's say it is no different that before. I am going to really start working on this because I think it's going to be the key to propel me to the next level.

Thoughts and input are welcome.

[sean_miller]

It's hard to say without seeing the swing in question. If I had to guess (and I do) I'd say you're not keeping your left arm straight(ish). Most people I see with a Dalyesque backswing are cheating a bit.

[CG031]

It's hard to say without seeing the swing in question. If I had to guess (and I do) I'd say you're not keeping your left arm straight(ish). Most people I see with a Dalyesque backswing are cheating a bit.

No, that's not it. Sorry, I know it's tough without the swing. It's straight(the left arm) but... I get a little "flippy" and extra "hinge" at the top of the backswing which causes that club to go way too far past parallel.

It sounds like it's very easy to fix, just swing back shorter, but I can't seem to time it. I hit a lot of shanks or just some very weird products with it. It's real tough.

[kleraudio]

Whats been helping me is trying my hardest to not cup my left wrist. That will keep less "hinge" in the wrist. I struggle with that too but have been working on it....

Keep that left wrist straight and it will shorten your backswing.... Tempo might help too. Ive got a pretty fast tempo, and all that coil makes my wrists hinge a lot. Maybe slow down the tempo too..

Hope that helps

[uttexas]

In order for me to not overswing, I have to think 50% backswing. Even if I think 70% or 80% backswing, I'll cross parallel. To keep my usual tempo with a 50% mental backswing, I start the downswing with my hips turning, then the arms drop (slowing the transition from backswing to forward swing)

[right handed phil mickelson]

The only thing you need to do is eliminate all the wrist hinge. All the power is generated from a full rotation of the shoulders and the arms. The wrists just decide where the face ends up (left, right, straight...)

Take a swing back keeping your left arm as straight as possible (right handed), and turn your shoulders as far as they will go. THAT is where you should be. If you're really flexible, it'll be almost parallel. If your average or so, it should be about a 3/4 swing. That's how Villegas and other players get their power. Keep a little wrist hinge though, and not a perfectly straight arm. The last thing you need is to be all tight during your swing. Have fun golfing.

~RHPM

[CG031]

The only thing you need to do is eliminate all the wrist hinge. All the power is generated from a full rotation of the shoulders and the arms. The wrists just decide where the face ends up (left, right, straight...)

Yeah, I think that's what happens to me in a way. My instructor told me I over turn with my shoulders, causing that extra wrist hinge/too far back with the club.

But that's the tough part - I feel like I'm not making a complete shoulder turn when I don't do my normal swing that I'm used to, lol!

[enarhi]

I used to suffer from a similarly oversized backswing. For me, the most effective solution is to take the club back slower, maintaining a smooth swing throughout. Your timing won't change, since the slower backswing should take the same amount of time, therefore ending sooner in terms of going beyond parallel. You'll feel much more control as well, since with a slower backswing that will be closer to parallel, you're wrists and body rotation won't be given that extra period beyond parallel where they can easily drift/twist off plane.

[wrx_junki]

In order for me to not overswing, I have to think 50% backswing. Even if I think 70% or 80% backswing, I'll cross parallel. To keep my usual tempo with a 50% mental backswing, I start the downswing with my hips turning, then the arms drop (slowing the transition from backswing to forward swing)

This is what I do but forget very often. When I swing 50% it goes the same distance as my 80-100% swing. I'm losing lot of distance when I overswing and end up casting the club.

[CG031]

Alright. I'll keep working on it at the Range. I'm hoping I can eventually get it that my backswing ends up at parallel without me even having to think about it...that's the goal at least.

[rtbuckshot]

Practice it at home some in a mirror, that way you will know exactly what it going on. I had to buy one to put out in the backyard and I am currently on the hunt for a bigger one

[ks8829]

I found to shorten your backswing try these two things:

1) on the back swing take it back with your left arm extended and not bent so that it limits your backswing.

2) at address lower your back shoulder and this will also help limit your backswing.

you may find that after trying the above two things that your backswing is short of parallal and you will gain more control and still hit the ball with the same distance.