Don’t Let a Long Backswing Ruin Your Game

It’s Thursday and you’ve got this coming,

 “How Long Should Your Backswing Really Be?”

The length of your backswing is a common question among golfers of all skill levels. Many recreational players assume their backswing should be as long as the pros they see on TV, with the club parallel to the ground. But is that really the right move for everyone? Let’s break down the key factors that dictate your backswing length, common faults that occur with overswinging, and drills to help you find your perfect backswing.

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STOP! BEFORE YOU GO ANY FURTHER

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HOW LONG SHOULD YOUR BACKSWING REALLY BE?!
Misconceptions About the Backswing Length

If you want to watch my breakdown of this tip, check it out here!

When most players hear “backswing,” they often think of a club that is parallel to the ground at the top of the swing. It’s a visual we’ve all seen from tour players, but the truth is, this isn’t a one-size-fits-all goal. The length of your backswing is determined by a combination of factors, including:

• Mobility in your hips and shoulders

• Rotation capability in your upper and lower body

• Your arm structure and range of motion

For many recreational golfers, trying to reach “parallel” can lead to significant breakdowns in their swing mechanics.

The Dangers of an Overly Long Backswing

When players overextend their backswing, two major issues often arise:

1. Swaying Off the Ball

As players try to create a massive turn, they may start to sway laterally away from the ball. This loss of stability disrupts the downswing sequence and often results in inconsistent ball striking.

2. Reverse Spine Angle

To achieve a longer backswing, many golfers tilt their spine toward the ball, leading to reverse spine angle. This isn’t just bad for your swing; it’s also dangerous for your back.

Both of these faults force compensations in the downswing, making it harder to deliver the club consistently and effectively.

Finding Your Perfect Backswing Length

The key to determining your ideal backswing length is understanding your body’s limits. Here’s what to look for:

• Maximum Rotation Without Swaying

While turning into your backswing, ensure you maintain stability without swaying off the ball. Use video or a mirror to track your movement and identify your limit.

• Arm Extension Without Collapse

Keep your hands as far away from your head as possible during the backswing. If your lead arm bends excessively or your hands start to “fold in,” it’s a sign your backswing is too long.

• Stopping Where the Body Stops

Once your body has reached its rotational limit, resist the urge to lift your arms further. This lift often leads to loss of posture and poor sequencing in the downswing.

Training Your Backswing

To train a backswing that matches your body’s capabilities, follow these drills:

1. Clock Drill

Record your swing and assess where your hands stop at the top of the backswing. Using a clock analogy, your hands might stop at 9:00, 10:30, or 11:00—find your natural stopping point.

2. Mirror Feedback

Use a mirror to practice your backswing. Watch your rotation and ensure you maintain posture while keeping your hands far from your head.

3. Club Across Shoulders

Place a club across your shoulders and make a turn. Stop when you feel tension in your side and rib cage—this is your body’s natural limit.

The Benefits of a Shorter Backswing

Some golfers worry that a shorter backswing might reduce their clubhead speed. However, for many players, a shorter backswing improves sequencing, allowing the lower body to lead the downswing effectively. Over time, this can actually increase speed and consistency, delivering better results overall.

Summary

Your backswing length should be tailored to your body’s mobility and rotation capabilities—not an arbitrary visual of the club reaching parallel. By identifying your limit, avoiding harmful movements like swaying and reverse spine angle, and using targeted drills, you can build a more efficient and powerful golf swing.

Hope this tip helps!

As always, I’m here to help you become a better golfer! If you’ve got any questions about alignment or anything else, click here to send me an email

Remember, if you want the full breakdown video, you can click here

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