Are you struggling with a slice in your golf game? Do you find that your downswing is too steep, causing the club to come on an out-to-in path? The solution to this common issue may surprise you – steepen your backswing. By making your backswing steeper, you can actually promote a shallower downswing, leading to straighter shots and push draws. Andrew Park, a Golf Digest Best in State Teacher, explains how steepening your backswing can improve your overall swing mechanics and help you hit better shots.
The first step in steepening your backswing is to find your ideal posture. Everyone’s ideal posture is different based on their body proportions, so take the time to establish a comfortable and balanced stance before starting your swing. A quick tip is to bend from the hips and let your arms hang down naturally. If your fingertips touch the tops of your knees, you’ve found the right posture for you.
Next, focus on starting your swing with the proper sequence. Make sure that your grip and belt buckle are moving together as you initiate the backswing. This connection between your hands and body will help ensure that your sequencing is correct and that your core is driving the initial movement of the swing.
As you continue the backswing, hinge your wrists up when your lead arm is parallel to the ground. This motion will help get the club more vertical and promote a steeper angle at the top of the backswing. Aim to point the butt end of the club at the ball or your toe line to exaggerate the steepness of your backswing.
Once you’ve achieved a steeper backswing, focus on shifting your weight forward and turning through the downswing. By transferring your weight to your lead leg and rotating your body, you can allow the club to shallow out naturally on the way down. This feeling of the club dropping into the slot is crucial for hitting consistent draws and improving your overall ball-striking.
If you’re looking for a role model to emulate, consider studying the swing of Nick Price. Price is known for his steep backswing and shallow downswing, which allows him to hit powerful draws with ease. By incorporating these concepts into your own swing, you can improve the steepness of your backswing and unlock a new level of consistency and accuracy on the course.
