Drill: Watch Your Head Move in the Backswing

By | on May 22, 2013 | 11 Comments |


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Paul Wilson is the creator of Swing Machine Golf and founder of Ignition Golf. Paul's golf swing technique is based on the Iron Byron swing machine. YouTube Channels: Paul Wilson Golf and Ignition Golf Tips. Please Join me on Google+

11 Responses to “Drill: Watch Your Head Move in the Backswing”

  1. Hi, I can see my whole head, is that too much? That’s more than you.
    Also, I guess this is keeps me behind the ball? Thank you. Michelle

    • Michelle,

      Your head should be moving 3-5 inches by the time you hit the top of the backswing so yes that seems like it is too much. As you move your head back make sure the weight loads on the instep of the back foot. If so it should not move too much.

  2. Paul – I had a thought that might be helpful. If you’ve ever watched the classic Olympic event called the hammer throw, you may see as I did the best analogy, or related movement to what you are teaching in the golf swing. The Olympic athlete spins around in a prescribed circle, and when he has achieved the maximum circular speed to the hammer, he releases it. The goal is to throw it as far as possible – which is directly proportional to the speed of the hammer at time of release.

    The hammer is about the size and weight of a cannonball. There is no way that anything other than the thrower’s power in his legs and back is going to impart any speed to the hammer. Also, the arms are straight and weightless, as a result of the enormous centrifugal force from the weight of the hammer.

    Golfers can mistakedly power their swings with their hands and arms because the head of the golf club is lighter than a cannonball. But if they thought of what they would have to do to power a cannonball into flight, they might have an insight into the proper golf swing.

    Hope this helps.

    Dale Jenkins
    New York, NY

    • Dale,

      I have heard the hammer throw before. This is a great image. Discus as well. All sports incorporate the 3 elements I teach.

      I will continue to use this image in my teaching.

      Thanks,

  3. Paul,

    I have been turning around my spine in the backswing and have felt my weight on the right side and after looking at it in a mirror found my head moving 5 to 8 inches toward my right side which i never felt happening. I am assuming my head moved back when i fired my hips, still rotating around my spine. I hope this is correct as i don’t want to change anything as i am hitting it straight and solid.

    Darrel

    • Darrel,

      That is great that your head is moving and you are feeling the weight load. Yes, your head is moving back due to the firing of the legs in the downswing. This is what happens in a great golf swing. I describe it as hitting the accelerator of a car. When you do your upper body goes back. Same thing when you drive the lower body.

  4. Paul,
    I have a slight backward movement to my head in the back swing 3 to 4 ” but I have found adding a slight downward movement of my head and body during the back swing helps me load the right foot and produces a tighter coil. Do you see a problem with slight downward movement of my head and body? 1 to max 2 inches.
    Thanks

    • Micheal,

      You do not need to purposely do this. If you are firing the lower body properly this should be happening on its own. If it is working keep doing it. Just don’t overdo it.

  5. When i move my head i sway rather than turn (coil)?

  6. Avatar photo

    October 19, 2017

    JohnBenson

    This is a great visual with the mirror. I use one in my practice room.
    A question I’ve been meaning to ask is how much the head drops as the downswing starts. It seems like yours drops about 3 to 4 inches.
    I think you’re saying this just happens naturally because you’re firing your hips like an excelerator on a car your head will naturally drop on it’s own. [like…Whoa!]
    I tend not to drop my head [Because I’m thinking of rotation] and of course this must cause me to top the ball. As you know I still fight the chicken wing, but I have really been working on keeping my arms straight like they’re coming out of their sockets through release point on thru the three-quarter mark.
    I feel like I should be more conscious of my head dropping as well. What do you think?

    • Avatar photo

      October 19, 2017

      Paul Wilson

      John,

      Yes, it will be about 3-4 inches or more. It occurs due to the firing of the lower which tilts you more than you were at address plus the eyes looking down to see what you hit. You should not work on this. You should work on the fundamentals and this will happen. That is why I said it will happen on its own.

      So don’t worry about the head other than watching what you are hitting. The chicken wing is more important right now.

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