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BackswingRange Practice All clubs Beginner / Intermediate ⏱ 5 min 🇬🇧 Video in English, summarized

Golf step drill: a shorter, rhythmic backswing

According to Alex Fortey of The Art of Simple Golf, the backswing can end much earlier than you might think. Using the step drill and then the double step drill, he demonstrates how a shorter swing becomes more consistent thanks to rhythm and sequence.

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Alex Fortey
Alex Fortey · 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 proFinding Your Distance to the Ball in GolfAlex Fortey · Beginner / Intermediate

What the lesson shows

Alex Fortey states that The entire backswing stops at waist level: fewer things to think about, which means more consistency and confidence. To experience this, the step drill: Feet together; the ball appears to be far forward but is actually below the sternum. In the takeaway, the club slows down, and when it reaches waist height, you Put your front foot back on the ground, at address. The club then continues to rise on its own, and a natural lag and release are achieved through the movement and momentum.

He recommends placing the ball on a tee so you don't try to help it rise. Even if you try to stop at waist height, the stretch created by the swing takes the club a little further. This isn't a position to aim for: rhythm and sequence provide reliability on the course, with a full swing and a penetrating ball flight. To take it a step further, the double step drill: one step to start the backswing, another to start the downswing, a slightly narrower stance, and the ball positioned slightly back. The arms no longer lead the body, and the body no longer leads the arms.

The Exercise, Step by Step

  1. Place the ball on a tee so you don't have to try to get it to rise.
  2. Stand with your feet together, the ball under your sternum.
  3. Start your backswing smoothly and feel the club slow down.
  4. At waist height, place your front foot back on the ground in your setup position at address.
  5. Let the club finish its upward path on its own, then swing through the ball.
  6. Once you've mastered that, move on to the double-step drill: one step to start the backswing, another for the downswing.

Key Takeaways

The backswing can stop at waist level.
Fewer positions to think about, more consistency on the course.
Step drill: feet together, take one step toward the target at the midpoint of the backswing.
The stride creates a natural delay and relaxation.
Rhythm and sequence are more important than positions.
Double-step drill: one step for the backswing, one for the downswing.

Mistakes to Avoid

  • Try to position the club in a series of positions during the swing.
  • Take the plunge and pull the club away abruptly.
  • Try to help the ball go up.
  • Trying to swing as hard as possible with a backswing that's too long.

Driving Range Mode

Keep it in plain sight, on the rug.

  1. Step drill with the ball on a tee
  2. Step drill without a ball to get a feel for the sequence
  3. Double step drill: step, swing, step, swing

Your Questions

Does the backswing really stop at waist level?

That's the feeling Alex Fortey offers. With the step toward the target, the stretch takes the club a little further, and you end up with a true full swing with fewer things to think about.

How do you do the step drill?

Feet together, ball under the sternum, resting on a tee. When your backswing reaches waist height, place your front foot back on the ground and let the club continue through, then swing.

What is the double step drill used for?

Work on the sequence of the backswing and the downswing: one step initiates the backswing, another the downswing. It's harder to synchronize.

Learn More

All “Backswing” videos →Find the lesson that's right for youAll “Practice” videos →Find the lesson that's right for you Tommy Fleetwood's Precision Drive: The Safe TeeTo find the fairway, Fleetwood maintains his tee height, holds the club in the air, widens his stance, and hits over a tee placed behind the ball. DeChambeau's Short Game Practice: Chips, Rough, BunkerHis typical practice session around the green: three basic chip shots, three shots from the rough handled differently, and in the bunker, controlling the point of impact on the clubface. Justin Rose's putting session with Phil KenyonBefore a tournament, Rose and his coach check his setup, the ball's line matched to the top of the putter, a start-line gate and the slope in percent. Alex ForteyAll of his lessons

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

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