Why bother with a backswing

[SonicBoom]

I'm just wondering what the point is. Do the rules state you have to have a backswing?

The backswing can be the cause of lots of problems such as being off-plane etc and I am surprised that I haven't seen anyone simply start their swing from the top.
That way you can make sure your weight is in the right place and you could check the shaft to make sure you are pointing at the target etc. Then simply launch into your down swing.

Absolutely no one does it, so I guess there is a reason (maybe the loss of rythm?). Any thoughts? It would cut out a lot of variables !

 

[Whee]

Try it on the range, see what the results are?

 

[Robobum]

I have seen Suzanne Petterson use half a backswing in competition play. SHe would set the club parallel to the ground with the toe pointing to the sky, wrists fully hinged. Then just turned her shoulders to get to the top, I've tried it whilst messing about and it's quite easy to do, repeatable and decent results.

Not sure whether you could generate enough clubhead speed without casting if you started from the top. Report back if you do try it

 

[CMAC]

rules state there must be a hit ie any stroke cannot start with a 'push', can't remember the exact wording but its common sense, you must go back first.

Theres a drill many pro's advocate with setting the wrists, turning the shoulders so you are at the top, pause then start the downswing to get on plane. The issue is I dont believe you build up enough torque/resistance to generate real power.
Try it and see how it feels.

 

[Bratty]

So what you're suggesting, SonicBoom, is getting yourself in the right position "at the top", regardless of how long that may take, and then start the downswing at normal speed?

I would suggest there'd be a distinct lack of power due to not enough kinetic energy having been built up, no coil or resistance.

I'll try it tomorrow and see what the results are.

 

[Swinger]

There would be a lot of extra tension in the swing from holding the new starting position. Would be interesting to see what happens though. The club stops in most cases and changes direction so barr any weight transfer problems don't think distance should be an issue.

 

[ADB]

I try this at the range - it feels wierd but produces very good results.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6QtMgkK6zI&feature=youtube_gdata_player

 

[richart]

Some cricketers and baseball players do it with good results, and no noticeable lack of power. Think Graham Gooch was one of the first batsman to hold the bat up in his stance. Think it would be more a rhythm issue in golf

 

[Mattyboy]

Didnt Ryan Moore do this on the PGA tour? Think he got to the stage he couldnt take the club back so had to start from a wrists cocked position.

 

[sev112]

you woudl be surprised how little distance you lose

It's a Leadbetter drill and it is worth trying once a while to take all the crap out of your backswing