The Slow-Motion Backswing: Learning How to Coil (Rotate)
 

Putting yourself in a positive position at the top of the backswing is essential to getting back down to the ball consistently. There is absolutely no rush when practicing the following moves, in fact by practicing them in slow – motion it will help stretch the muscles used which in turn will increase rotation which translates into more club head speed and distance.

DO THEM SLOWLY

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The first move back (takeaway):

        The first few feet that the club moves away from the ball is a one-piece motion, Chest – Shoulders – Stomach together as a single unit. Avoid using your hands and arms to start the club in the backswing The feeling you want is the club head - hands are following the shoulders - chest – and stomach turning. You’re not using the hands and arms to pick the club up, YET.

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Club Parallel to the Ground:

        At waist high in the back swing the shaft of the club should be parallel to the ground and the club head is slightly outside your hand or even with them, never behind them, with the toe of the club pointing to the sky or on a slight angle that is the same as your spine angle, this is your first check point. At this stage you should also feel the hinge in your wrists starting to happen automatically because of the weight of the club. Don’t force it, just let it happen as you turn (rotate).

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Reaching the Top:

        Continue to turn (rotate) your upper body around your spine. The goal is to create a full should turn while resisting with your lower body. Think turning inside a cylinder – you don’t want to sway your hips to the side. At the top of your very slow backswing, you should feel a stretch across your back. Your weight is now loaded, on the instep of your trail foot. Most importantly you should be comfortable. Making these moves slowly will, over time allow your muscles to stretch. Don’t try to mimic a pro’s position, just get to your own full turn while keeping good form.

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Check Point Remember to check your top hand on the grip through out this drill to make sure you can still see the two knuckles you started with as mentioned in the Grip section. If you can't you've changed the face angle of the club face which will be very hard to correct in a span of 2 seconds or less which is time spent in an average swing from start to finish.