Long Backswings Create Shorter Golf Shot

A long backswing is natural for many players to develop. The thought process behind it seems to be that the longer you swing the further you will hit the ball. Unfortunately this simply isn’t true.

Some people will argue that a few pros have long backswings and have no difficulties with distance. If I take John Daly for example he is known for his long backswing. However John can rotate his shoulders back more than 90 degrees. It is because of this rotation that his swing is perceived to be longer.

Some people feel tight and that therefore not capable of rotating their shoulders this far. If you feel tight when you are turning back than this is not a bad thing. The tightness tells you that you have created torque in your swing. Use the imagery of your body being a giant swing, you wind it up tight, then if you were to let go it would want to snap back the other way.

Many people try to avoid this tight feeling by over rotating their hips, by doing this they lose their torque. Tips for next time you are at the range, keep your lower body stable and turn your shoulders back as much as you can, until you feel tight. This tightness tells you that you have created the necessary torque or tight. Also, make sure your wrists are loose enough to allow the club to hinge to at least 90 degrees in your wrists. This will give you maximum power without having to swing back to far.