Most good players prefer to use what is commonly called a one-piece takeaway to initiate their backswings. Some players start the clubhead first. Remembering that golf is really about playing the percentages and minimizing errors, I feel that its best to have this one-piece movement controlled by the lower body motion.

Starting the clubhead first can only be done with the hands, which in turn can break the wrists. The wrists should not break. They should hinge. Starting the clubhead first can get very confusing, however letting the correct motion control the takeaway will help eliminate this problem.

Motion originates in the feet. Get the feet into motion. This will set up a chain reaction throughout the entire body. The shoulders set up the plane the club will swing. Rotate the left shoulder around and down towards the ball. This shoulder motion works for all clubs with a full swing.

All clubs will not travel in the same plane due to the length of the shaft. As the shaft becomes shorter, it forces the body closer to the ball. The closer to the ball, the more vertically the sholders rotate.

In the takeaway, the knees must remain flexed. The right knee should stay in the address position to the finish of the backswing. Let the motion swing the club back rather than taking it back.

Swinging back will keep the club in the correct position. By taking the club back with the hands first there is a greater chance of error that the clubface will roll open or remain closed. Let the proper motion bring the club back.

Swing, don't hit.

Please contact me if you have any problems, and I will be glad to answer them for you. My E-Mail address is: tpward@charter.net.

Tom Ward
PGA Tour Instructor