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BackswingSwing and Swing Plane Irons Beginner ⏱ 2 min 🇫🇷 Video in French

A Step-by-Step Breakdown of the Backswing: Raphaël Jacquelin's Method

In this short video from the French Golf Federation, Raphaël Jacquelin demonstrates his son Melvil’s backswing. His method is based on two principles—the body first, then the club—and involves breaking the motion down into its individual parts.

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Raphaël Jacquelin
Raphaël Jacquelin · his YouTube channelFree lesson selected by Fred P.

To be continued

9 minSame problemAlignment Rod and Swing Plane: The Complete ExerciseSimon Camirand · Beginner / Intermediate2 minSame problemCollin Morikawa: The "Glove Under the Arm" DrillCollin Morikawa · Beginner / Intermediate8 minFrom the same proWedge Pyramid: Raphaël Jacquelin's Pre-Shot RoutineRaphaël Jacquelin · Intermediate / Expert

What the lesson shows

For Raphaël Jacquelin, the backswing has two components: the body and the club, and we start with the body. Its rotation axis is simple: see the left shoulder should come behind the ball. For the club, takeout is available right hand flat against the right thigh, with the club remaining on track.

At the midpoint of the backswing, the bat is pointing toward the ball; then all that's left is to complete the rotation and swing. To explain this, Melvil breaks it down: right hand flat on the club, bringing it to the right thigh, gripping the club, raising the club while making sure the grip is aligned with the ball, completing the rotation, then swinging.

The Exercise, Step by Step

  1. At address, place your right hand flat on the club.
  2. Bring the club up to your right thigh, keeping your right hand flat and the club in the plane.
  3. Hold the grip in this position.
  4. Swing through halfway during the backswing and make sure your grip is aligned with the ball.
  5. Complete the swing, with your left shoulder behind the ball, and then hit the ball.
  6. Then repeat the same motion continuously.

Key Takeaways

The backswing involves both the body and the club: we start with the body.
Rotation cue: Bring your left shoulder behind the ball.
During the takeaway, the right hand remains flat all the way down to the right thigh.
At the midpoint of the backswing, the clubface points toward the ball.
Then you finish the rotation before striking.

Mistakes to Avoid

  • Raise the club without rotating your torso.
  • Rotate your right hand as soon as you begin the takeaway.
  • A club that doesn't point at the ball at the midpoint of the backswing.

Driving Range Mode

Keep it in plain sight, on the rug.

  1. Breakdown of the backswing: right thigh, mid-backswing, top of the swing
  2. Checking the grip along the ball's axis at the top of the swing
  3. Then repeat the same movement continuously, with the ball

Your Questions

How can I tell if I've filmed enough?

Raphaël Jacquelin wants to see the left shoulder come behind the ball. For him, that’s a sign of good rotation.

What does “flat right hand” mean at a takeout restaurant?

The right hand remains flat on the club, without rotating, until the club reaches the level of the right thigh. The club thus remains in the plane.

Where should the clubhead be pointing at the midpoint of the backswing?

Toward the ball. In the video, we make sure the grip is aligned with the ball before completing the rotation.

Learn More

All “Backswing” videos →Find the lesson that's right for youAll “Swing and Swing Plane” videos →Find the lesson that's right for you Alignment Rod and Swing Plane: The Complete ExerciseAn alignment rod extending from the club shaft, pointing toward a line of clubs on the ground at the halfway point of the backswing and downswing: a reference point for the plane, the path, and the wrists. Clubface at the Start of the Backswing: Keep It Looking at the BallAt the start of the backswing, the clubface should still be looking at the ball when your hands pass your back thigh; otherwise the swing gets too flat. Hitter vs. Thrower Swing: The Real DifferencesCompare the swing of someone who hits the ball with someone who throws it to the target: intent changes the setup, the move, the release and the finish; change the start and the end. Raphaël JacquelinAll of his lessons

Video posted on YouTube by its creator (Raphaël Jacquelin). Best Golf Tips selects and summarizes the best free lessons, without hosting them.

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