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Ask the Pro: How can I stop swaying on the backswing?
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Question: I have a tendency to sway on my backswing rather than pivot and turn. Are there any drills I can do to help create a better turn for myself? Keith from Ventura.
Answer: Keith, when someone sways during their backswing it is usually caused by trying to feel like they are shifting their weight to the back foot during the backswing, and then shifting to the front foot during the forward swing.
This makes the player's head move far from its starting position during the backswing and makes it necessary to move his or her head back to the target during the forward swing.
If you focus more on trying to keep your head movement to a minimum, and turn your chest away from the target on the backswing, rather than shifting your weight back and forth on your feet, you will improve your turn. If you are still having difficulty, make sure that your back leg is not straightening during the backswing. It needs to stay flexed so it can help act as a spring that you can coil your upper body against. Keep in mind, physical strength and flexibility are what allow people to make big turns with their upper body and still keep a solid lower body. To help build more core strength try doing a few sit-ups or crunches. Also, swinging a weighted golf club will help your swing muscles and flexibility. For more help, talk to your local PGA professional.
— Jon Gomez is a teaching professional and the New Player Development Director at River Ridge Golf Course in Oxnard. He can be reached at 320-2668. If you are having a problem with your game and would like Jon to give you some advice on how to fix it, e-mail your question to him at bbuttitta@venturacountystar.com. Jon will answer your question and also try to get another local teaching professional in your area to suggest a solution. Please include your name and the city you live in with your e-mail.
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