Fundamentals Part 4: Top of the Backswing

Now that you have learned the first three fundamentals, this fourth fundamental should be pretty natural. The best way to check your backswing is use a full length mirror placed in the "down the line" position.

From the take-away position, your shoulders will turn until they are 90 degrees from where they started, your hands will raise while continuing to rotate around your body until your hands are over your back shoulder. At this point the club should be pointed parallel to the target if it is parallel to the ground. Your hips will have rotated about 45 degrees with neither leg straightening up. Your weight should be about 70 percent shifted to your back leg with the pressure being felt by the inside of the right leg and foot (for right handed players).

Things to remember:
-Try not to completely straighten either leg during the backswing.
-Dont let your weight shift outside your back foot.
-Dont let your spine angle tilt towards the target or away from the ball.
-Try to keep your left wrist (for right handed golfer) as flat as possible.

From this position in your backswing, you are able to make a proper move back to the golf ball that will put the golf club on the arc it needs to hit good, consistent golf shots. The more times you can practice this position in a mirror, the more consistent your swing and ball striking will be.

Good Luck!