Swaying during the backswing (which is an excessive lateral movement) is a common problem with most mid to high handicap golfers. It can be caused by a few factors, but predominantly by trying to add greater power to the swing. I have noticed it often becomes more prevalent late in the round when we tend to get a little more tired. Then we try to generate a little more club head speed, causing a rocking back in the swing, and the swing as a result falls apart.
Before we get into how to correct this common golf swing flaw, let’s examine how swaying in the back swing can totally wreck a proper golf swing. The object every time you swing the golf club, from driver to putter (okay, not the sand wedge), is to strike the ball cleanly as consistently as you can with as much club speed as you can generate. The best way to accomplish these two objectives is keeping the club on a single plane from takeaway, through the back swing and with the follow-through.
Swaying in the back swing makes it impossible to keep the club on plane, and as the club approaches the ball its approach is too low, or flat. Typically this will cause a “fat” shot, or hitting the ground prior to the ball, or “coming off the ball”, or hitting it thin. Keeping the club on swing plane is the only way to consistently hit the ball cleanly with maximum club speed.
So how do we fight this problem? Standing in front of a full-length mirror and swinging, watch to see any lateral movement of the head as it lines up on a point on the wall behind you. You may be surprised at how much your head moves. Correct the sway in your swing by feeling the swing when your head is still.
Another way that has been promoted by several golf instructors is to place a stick in the ground about three inches outside of the back hip. Then hold a club against the front of the shoulders with the arms crossed. Pivot the body as if you were in the back swing. If your hips sway and touch the stick, you know you are guilty of swaying.
These are drills you can do, but obviously when on the golf course you can’t use them. There is one rather easy golf swing key that may help when playing a round.
When in the back swing be sure the front knee is bent and pointed at the ball. At the same time drop the back hip away from the target, to the point the hips are at about a 45% angle to the target. It will be nearly impossible to sway back if your hips are in this position. Plus you get the benefit of having the core generate most of your swing power, which of course is where most of your strength is.
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