Utilizing this backswing feel will help you hit more powerful irons

You know you need to turn on your backswing. And, from my perch on the lesson tee, I can see most players do it. But, as you can imagine, some turns are simply better than others, not just for creating potential energy on the backswing, but also getting your body and club in position for a powerful, on-plane strike on your way back down to the ball.

The big error I see is the manner in which players turn their torso away from the ball. Seems natural: We have muscle fibers in our torso that run east-west, so why not just use them to turn in the backswing? In boxing terms, that gives you a couple of options, with one being a left cross (above left). It’s a solid turn but it leaves a lot of energy on the table. 

You’re better off thinking of throwing a left upppercut (middle) with your body not just rotating back but stretching your abdominals, lats and rib cage as you twist slightly up and around. Hopefully you can see the difference. 

It’s a power storage move that, even better, keeps the clubhead more in front of you, making it easier to keep it on plane as you swing down. When you cross instead of uppercut, the club will get too flat and “trapped” behind you. 

It’ll take a lot more work through impact to get it where it needs to be. But with an uppercut, you’re a knockout. 

V.J. Trolio is a GOLF Top 100 Teacher who teaches at the Performance Center at Frederica GC on St. Simons Island, Ga.

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