How to Create Torque in the Backswing

The key to improving your scores on the golf course is developing a repeatable swing to create an accurate shot. When building your swing, your backswing is responsible for creating torque, which is then unwound in the downswing to drive the ball toward the target. Although many players feel the farther they swing the stronger they will swing, the key to maximizing torque in your backswing is a focus on fundamentals.

Instructions

    • 1

      Address the ball with your feet slightly wider than your shoulders, so that a line drawn between the toes of your two feet runs parallel to the direction you are aiming your shot.

    • 2

      Stand so that your hips and shoulders also point parallel to the target line.

    • 3

      Turn your upper body toward your back shoulder, rotating about your spine, starting with your shoulders, then allowing your hips and knees to turn naturally to accommodate the rotation.

    • 4

      Hold your lead arm straight while allowing your rear arm to bend naturally as you rotate.

    • 5

      Twist back as much as 90 degrees until your upper body feels tight and you cannot comfortably twist back any further. It is not necessary to force yourself to turn a full 90-degree rotation if you cannot do so comfortably, as the difficulty in turning is a sign you have established torque.

    • 6

      Rotate your hips half as far back as your shoulders, and your knees half as far as your hips. This is the ideal ratio for developing torque. For example, an individual capable of turning the full 90-degrees would rotate his hips 45-degrees and his knees approximately 22 1/2 degrees.