Guest written by GOLFTEC
Instilling a bigger turn earlier in your backswing can reshape your ball striking skills.
OK, so admittedly there are a few things separating the average golfer from a Tour pro. Insane putting stats, staggering approach shot averages and killer clubhead speed, just to name a few.
But when it comes to the swing itself, do you know what, specifically, sets your swing apart from the likes of a Justin Thomas or Rory McIlroy?
For many golfers, it’s shoulder and hip turn. Or, to be exact, a lack of it in your backswing.
Turn like a pro!
In the image below denoting a before-and-after comparison of a GOLFTEC student, the ‘Before’ swing on the left indicates a far less turn of the shoulders and hips (illustrated by the motion measurement numbers in red and yellow) compared to how the best players have been measured to swing.
Among many other issues, this limited amount of shoulder and hip turn can lead to the lack of distance and consistency plaguing many golfers.
When compared to the ‘After’ swing on the right (shown in green numbers), the increased shoulder and hip turn this golfer is demonstrating – nearly 20 degrees at each point measured in the backswing – does wonders to create a longer backswing with more “depth.” It ultimately also encourages an “in-to-out” swing path, and more power and consistency.
How to turn more in the backswing
All swing adjustments begin with small steps to make what can seem like a huge change feel less uncomfortable.
To practice increasing shoulder and hip turn in your backswing, take your normal address position and slide your trail foot behind you about 12 inches and flare it out about 45 degrees.
While taking your backswing in this staggered position, you’ll be able to increase the turn of your hips as well as your shoulders. After a couple of practice swings using this setup, add a ball and slowly work into hitting full shots in the same manner.
VIDEO: Improve Your Turn
The video below explains how a proper turn in the backswing can help improve your ball striking.
Like all adjustments in the golf swing, this will take time and practice. So, as always, talk to a GOLFTEC Coach for more help!
GOLFTEC Canada is the Master Franchisor for GOLFTEC in Canada, currently operating 19 Improvement Centres across the country, from Vancouver to Ottawa, including in select Golf Town locations. In Canada, they teach more than 22% of all private lessons, with 70 Certified PGA of Canada Instructors as full time coaches across the country. In their private lesson facilities, they teach all levels of golfers, from beginners to aspiring tour players.
