How to Lengthen Your Backswing

A golf swing is a study of fluid motion, as several actions must occur simultaneously for the swing to achieve maximum effect. The arms, legs, hips, wrists, shoulders, hands and golf club must all move as one to drive the ball the desired length to the intended target. Any flaws in the mechanics of the backswing, and the yardage falls short or the targeted landing area is missed. Making proper stance adjustments and developing more flexibility in certain parts of your body can help you lengthen your backswing.

Instructions

    • 1

      Reduce the amount of tension in your body prior to addressing the ball. Step away from the ball and take a couple of deep breaths. Loosen your grip slightly and shake your wrists to release tension.

    • 2

      Adjust your stance to allow you to rotate your hips easier. For example, if you stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and have trouble getting length on your swing, move your feet an inch closer on each side.

    • 3

      Develop your swing so that you get full rotation from your shoulders. Practice your swing to see how close you can get your left shoulder to move to the spot where your right shoulder began the swing (for right-handed golfers). If you cannot do that, then you are not getting full shoulder rotation. Perform some stretching exercises, such as reaching with one hand and touching the opposite shoulder behind your head, during your warm-ups.

    • 4

      Maintain proper hand position throughout the swing. As you rotate your body on the backswing, make sure your hands go as far back as possible with the club without causing a loss of balance. Have a friend or fellow golfer help you achieve this. Stop your swing at the top and have your friend stand behind you and pull your hands away from your chest in the swing arc. If he can move it more than an inch, you are not maximizing proper hand positioning and losing length off of your swing. Adjust your hip and shoulder rotation to bring your swing as far back as it will go.

    • 5

      Hinge your wrists slightly backward when you reach the top of the backswing. As you drive the club forward, move you wrists back into position so that they are straight when the club makes impact with the ball. Continue hinging your wrists on the follow-through so that they are hinged opposite to what they were on the backswing.