Turn Like This in the Backswing and you Will Rip the Cover Off the Ball

The Power of a Proper Backswing Turn

A powerful and consistent golf swing starts with a well-executed backswing. The goal is to create width and leverage through proper body rotation, rather than relying on excessive arm movement. When done correctly, the backswing sets you up to unleash stored energy into the ball, maximizing distance and control. Unfortunately, many golfers sabotage this process by allowing their lead arm to cross too far across their chest, leading to a breakdown in mechanics and a loss of power. A proper turn, driven by the chest and torso, ensures your arms stay connected to your body, maintaining the ideal width for an explosive downswing.

Understanding the Backswing Mechanics

Let’s break down the essentials of a proper backswing turn with three critical points:

1. Limit Lead Arm Movement
 Your lead arm should move only about 20 to 30 degrees across your body during the backswing. Exceeding this range often results in a "fake turn," where your arms disconnect from your torso, causing inconsistency in ball striking. Keeping the arm in front of your chest ensures a more connected and powerful swing.

2. Use Your Chest as the Engine
The backswing should be driven by the rotation of your chest and torso, not your arms. Think of your chest as the engine that powers the swing, pulling your arms along for the ride. This promotes proper sequencing and prevents over-flexing of the lead arm.

3. Maintain Width for Power
Width in the backswing refers to keeping your arms extended and connected to your body as you turn. This creates a wider arc, allowing you to store more energy for the downswing. When your lead arm collapses or pins across your chest, you lose this width, sacrificing both power and accuracy.

Mastering these principles can be a game-changer, but it requires awareness and practice. Let’s move on to two simple drills that will help ingrain these concepts into your swing.

Drills to Perfect Your Backswing Turn

Below are two actionable drills designed to build proper arm positioning and body rotation in your backswing. Practice these regularly to develop muscle memory and see immediate improvements in your ball striking.

Sternum and Elbow Connection Drill

Setup: Stand in your golf posture without a club. Place your thumb on your sternum (the center of your chest) and your pinky finger on the joint of your lead elbow, creating a small gap between your hand and arm.

Execution: Simulate your backswing by turning your shoulders and torso to the top of your swing. Focus on maintaining the same gap between your sternum and elbow throughout the turn. If the gap closes, it indicates your lead arm is moving too far across your chest. Reset and try again, emphasizing chest rotation over arm movement.

Tips: Perform this drill in front of a mirror to visually confirm your arm position. Start with slow, deliberate movements to build awareness, then gradually increase speed. Do 10 to 15 repetitions daily to reinforce the feeling of a connected turn.

Golf Ball Armpit Drill

Setup: Grab a golf ball and place it in the joint under your lead armpit or near the elbow area. Hold it lightly—don’t squeeze it tightly against your body. Take your golf posture with a club in hand.

Execution: Make a backswing to the top while focusing on not compressing the golf ball. If the ball falls, it means your lead arm is collapsing across your chest, reducing width. Adjust your turn to keep the ball in place, ensuring your chest drives the motion. Once comfortable, hit a few shots with the ball in position to lock in the sensation.

Tips: Use a mid-iron for this drill to keep things manageable. If the ball keeps falling, slow down your swing and prioritize rotation over arm movement. Practice this drill for 5 to 10 swings per session to build consistency.

Conclusion

Mastering the proper turn in your backswing is a fundamental step toward hitting longer, more consistent shots. By limiting excessive lead arm movement, using your chest as the engine, and maintaining width, you’ll set yourself up for explosive power and precision. The Sternum and Elbow Connection Drill and the Golf Ball Armpit Drill are simple yet effective tools to ingrain these mechanics into your swing. Take the time to practice these drills at home or on the range, and you’ll soon notice a dramatic improvement in how you strike the ball. Get out there, put these tips to work, and start ripping the cover off the ball with confidence. What aspect of your backswing will you focus on first? Let us know, and happy swinging!