What is the backswing in golf?
The Backswing (in French, the ascent) is the first major phase of the swing. The club starts from the position at address, behind the ball, and moves up to the summit, the point where it changes direction. Its purpose is to position the club correctly and store energy through body rotation, which is then released during the downswing.
A good backswing isn't judged by its length; above all, it must be repeatable and leave the club in a position where it will naturally drop down.
What are the phases of the swing?
| Phase | In English | What's Going On |
|---|---|---|
| The Departure | Takeaway | The club moves away from the ball, driven by the shoulders and arms working together. |
| The Backswing | Backswing | The torso turns, the wrists cock, the club swings upward. |
| The Summit | Top of the swing | The club reaches its peak and pauses for a brief moment. |
| The Transition | Transition | The change in direction: the lower body begins the downswing. |
| The Downswing | Downswing | The club moves back down toward the ball until impact. |
| The Crossing and the Finish | Follow-through, finish | The club continues toward the target, and the body ends up facing it. |
How Can You Execute a Successful Backswing?
The Departure
At first, the hands, arms, and shoulders move together. The clubhead stays close to the ground for the first few centimeters, which gives the swing a wide path. A jerky start using only the hands is one of the most common causes of an irregular swing.
Rotation
The backswing is first and foremost a rotation: The shoulders rotate more than the hips, and at the top of the swing, the back faces roughly toward the target. Weight is shifted to the inside of the back foot, without letting the pelvis slide outward. This is referred to as “loading” the back side.
The Summit
At the top of the swing, the wrists are cocked, and the club generally points toward the target or slightly to the side of it. For many players, the shaft is nearly horizontal with the driver; it’s shorter with irons and wedges. A shorter backswing doesn’t prevent you from hitting the ball far: several great players have a backswing that’s significantly shorter than average.
What is the difference between the backswing and the downswing?
The Backswing is the backswing, the downswing the downswing. In between, the transition is the most delicate part of the swing. For good players, the downswing begins with the lower body: weight shifts to the front foot, and the hips begin to rotate just as the club finishes its upward swing. The arms and the club follow.
When the downswing is initiated by the shoulders or hands, the club moves away from the line: this is the “over-the-top” swing, which causes many slices and shots that pull left.
The Most Common Mistakes in the Backswing
- Backswing using only your arms, without turning your torso: the swing lacks power and becomes choppy.
- Side-to-side swaying (English: “sway”): The hips slide backward instead of turning, and you have to bring them back in the downswing.
- Straightening up During the backswing: the angle of the column changes, and contact becomes erratic.
- Going too fast: The transition is happening quickly. A gentle backswing gives the body time to start the downswing in the right order.
- Striving for length at all costs by bending your front arm or lifting your body: a slightly shorter but solid backswing is better.
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Frequently Asked Questions: The Backswing in Golf
What is the downswing in golf?
This is the club's downswing from the top of the swing to impact with the ball. Ideally, it begins with the lower body, followed by the arms and then the club.
Does the backswing have to be long to hit the ball far?
No. Distance is primarily determined by the rotation of the body and the speed at impact. A shorter but consistent backswing often yields better results than a backswing that is too long and poorly controlled.
What is the transition in the swing?
This is the moment when the club changes direction, between the end of the upward swing and the start of the downward swing. It is done correctly when the lower body initiates the downward swing before the arms do.
Should you pause at the top of the backswing?
It's not required, but a steady backswing with a short pause at the top helps many amateurs avoid rushing the downswing. This is a common tempo exercise at the driving range.