Never Keep Your Head Still in the Backswing
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Recreation Sports -> subcategory Golf.
Never Keep Your Head Still in the Backswing
Introduction
When I first started playing golf, the advice I heard over and over was "keep your head still." My father would repeat it at least 50 times per round, thinking it was the key to improving my game. In reality, the secret to a better swing lies in doing the opposite: letting your head move during the backswing.
The Importance of Head Movement
Why should you move your head as you take the club back? A dynamic golf swing requires a proper axis to rotate around. At setup, your head forms the top of this axis, while your legs and feet form the base. During the backswing, your head should shift 3 to 5 inches to the right, creating a stable axis. As you swing through, your head naturally moves back, then forward over your left leg, establishing a second axis. This movement allows for a circular, though slightly oval, swing.
Balance and Axis
The idea of keeping your head completely still only works if you're standing on one leg, which is impractical for generating power and maintaining balance. Instead, focus on using both legs while letting your head move. This promotes effective weight transfer and facilitates a more powerful swing.
Practicing Head Movement
Most golfers find it uncomfortable to move their head initially. To get a feel for the correct movement, imagine your head shifting a foot to the right, even though it will only move a few inches. Practice this in front of a mirror to ensure your head moves properly. As it does, you should feel your weight load into your right leg, signaling that you've established the first axis.
Checking Your Technique
One way to verify your head movement is by noting if the brim of your hat stays level during the backswing. If it does, your head is moving correctly. You can also ask a friend to observe or use a video camera to analyze your swing. If your head remains too still, remind yourself or ask someone else to prompt you to "move your head."
Adjusting for Better Impact
Initially, moving your head might cause you to hit behind the ball, indicating too much weight remains on your right foot during impact. To correct this, focus on shifting your weight off your right foot, leading to a clean, powerful strike.
With these adjustments, you're likely to see significant improvements in your game.
Until next time,
Paul Wilson
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