Backswing All clubs Beginner / Intermediate ⏱ 7 min 🇬🇧 Video in English, summarized

Golf Takeaway: David Leadbetter's First Inches

Name: Golf Takeaway: David Leadbetter's First Inches
Uploaded: 2023-11-01T12:00:00+00:00
Duration: 7 min 29 s
Channel: David Leadbetter
Description: With Coach Carolin, David Leadbetter revisits the takeaway—those first few centimeters that Arnold Palmer already considered crucial. In his view, most swing flaws originate there. He also introduces his accessory, the Straightaway, which serves as a visual guide.

With Coach Carolin, David Leadbetter revisits the takeaway—those first few centimeters that Arnold Palmer already considered crucial. In his view, most swing flaws originate there. He also introduces his accessory, the Straightaway, which serves as a visual guide.

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David Leadbetter · his YouTube channelFree lesson selected by Fred P.

To be continued

2 minNext Level UpJustin Rose's ball drill: rotating without liftingJustin Rose · Intermediate 14 minNext Level UpCollin Morikawa's Irons: Clubface on the TargetCollin Morikawa · Intermediate / Expert 2 minFrom the same proThe Low Punch Under the Branches: David LeadbetterDavid Leadbetter · Beginner / Intermediate

What the lesson shows

David Leadbetter quotes Arnold Palmer: The first two steps of the swing are the most important. Flat swing, too long, over-the-top, early release, chicken wing: according to him, most flaws stem from the start, and that’s the biggest difference between pros and amateurs. The club is incredibly light and easy to maneuver: you can see it roll inward, veer outward, go straight up, open up, or close in. The one thing all these botched shots have in common: The bust doesn't move, only the hands and arms swing the club.

A good takeaway is a short motion: the end of the shaft doesn't extend past the right hip. The upper body initiates the swing, and the arms remain relaxed, Keep your left arm pressed against your chest, and this gives us the players' standings on the tour: hands on the inside, clubhead on the outside, pointing upward. The straightaway, attached to the club, should remain parallel to a stick placed on the ground. From the player’s perspective, the clubhead is very slightly inside, but parallel.

The Exercise, Step by Step

Place an alignment stick on the ground, parallel to the line of play, along the feet.
Start the swing by rotating your torso, keeping your arms relaxed.
Keep your left arm pressed against your chest as you start.
Stop when the end of the handle reaches the level of your right pocket.
Make sure the club is parallel to the wand, pointing upward, with your hands on the inside and the clubhead on the outside.
Repeat this position, then follow through with the full swing from there.

Key Takeaways

Most swing flaws originate in the first few centimeters of the takeaway.

Many amateurs swing the club using just their hands and arms, without engaging their torso.

The upper body should initiate the swing, with relaxed arms and the left arm pressed against the chest.

At the end of the takeaway, the hands are on the inside and the clubhead is on the outside.

The end of the handle does not extend beyond the right pocket.

A good start also improves coordination between the arms and the body.

Mistakes to Avoid

Throw the club using only your hands and arms.
Roll the club inward right from the start.
Swing the club outward or swing it straight up.
Open or close the face when starting up.
Let your left arm come away from your chest.

Driving Range Mode

Keep it in plain sight, on the rug.

Stop at the takeout, check for parallelism with the stick
Profile video to check for "hands in, clubhead out"
Practicing the start at home, without a ball

Your Questions

Why is takeout so important?

According to David Leadbetter, it sets up the rest of the swing—both the position and the timing. Most flaws stem from a poor start.

What is the correct position at the end of the takeaway?

Hands on the inside, clubhead on the outside, club parallel to the line of play and pointing upward. The end of the shaft does not extend past the right pocket.

What is the Straightaway?

A small accessory designed by Leadbetter that attaches to the club. Its yellow marker must remain parallel to a stick placed on the ground during the tee shot.

Can you work on your takeaway at home?

Yes. Leadbetter explains that you can practice this tee shot at home without having to hit thousands of balls.

Learn More

All “Backswing” videos →Find the lesson that's right for you Collin Morikawa's Irons: Clubface on the TargetClubface always toward the target, body open or closed depending on the shot shape, finish height to control trajectory, and a glove under the arm on the backswing. Justin Rose's ball drill: rotating without liftingHolding a ball between your forearms keeps your elbows together: your body rotates instead of raising your arms, your hands remain still, and the angle is maintained. Pause at the Top of the Backswing: Matsuyama ExplainsMatsuyama explains his pause at the top of his swing (his left shoulder is too “tucked in” when imitating Tiger), his hands in front of his chest, and his swing mechanics with the irons. David LeadbetterAll of his lessons

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