A short backswing in golf is anything where the club stops short of parallel in the backswing. If you viewed the swing from the side view, you can easily monitor the length of the backswing. There are several advantages to a short backswing in golf.
Golf can be one of the most wonderful experiences one day and leave us wondering what happened the next day. We have all experienced it, the highs and lows of playing the game of golf.
Here at golfjourney365, we love the challenge of trying to play consistent golf and the mental and physical challenge that the need for consistency brings.
On our golf journey, we will try out different feels, setups, swing thoughts and visioning technique until we find something that works. On this journey one can learn a lot and become a more consistent golf. But like with anything, experimentation can lead to some good and bad times.
One potential area to try and adjust is with the length of the backswing. Many amateurs can get carried away with their backswing and make it almost impossible to square the club up at impact.
Update: One of the things we notice in the game of golf is different length swings. From Jon Rahm (short) to Bubba Watson (long) and everywhere in between the length of the swings vary. I would recommend testing out different options. I have shortened my swing over the past season and have notice an increased level of consistency with the driver, without losing distance. I believe most amateurs should error on the side of a shorter arm swing, but ensure they are getting full shoulder turn!
Short Backswing In Golf
We will share these advantages and then jump right into 5 tips that can help you utilize the short backswing to make your game more consistent. Let’s face it, if we could all just play a little more consistent and hit our good shots more often, we would receive greater satisfaction from this wonderful game.
Advantages of A Short Backswing in Golf
- Better Contact
- Better Control of Start Line
- Potentially More Power
Before we dive into the advantages and the 5 tips let’s first understand what we believe the fundamentals of the golf swing. While many believe the fundamentals are the grip, the stance or setup, we believe they are different.
If one were to study the golf swing, they would quickly learn that there are strong grips and weak grips, open stances and closed stances. Golfers that aim way right and golfers that aim way left.
Golfers with a narrow stance and golfers with a wide stance. The main point being is that there are many different ways to hit a golf shot. Here at golfjourney365, we believe the 3 fundamentals in golf are the following:
- Fundamental 1: The ability to control the bottom of the swing close to 100 percent of the time.
- Fundamental 2: The ability to control the curve of the ball and have a consistent start line.
- Fundamental 3: The ability to have enough power or distance to play the golf course.
So the checklist that we often use while assessing a new stance or adjustment in our golf swing is whether or not we improve at the 3 fundamentals.
You can utilize this same checklist with your own game and as your experiment with a shorter backswing. We highly recommend collecting quality data to help you truly analyze this adjustment in your swing.
We utilize the SkyTrak Launch Monitor through a simulator setup in my garage. This provides a laboratory with instant numbers and visual feedback on what the ball is doing. This setup has allowed me to reduce my average score by 4-6 shots on average for 18 holes.
See all of our golf simulator links at the bottom of this post if interested in building one or purchasing a SkyTrak. We have some great and helpful information!
Advantage #1: Better Contact
The shorter the swing the better the chance of making solid contact. We know from fundamental 1, that hitting the ground in the same spot in every golf swing and being able to control the bottom of the club is essential to long term success.
We know that a mishit takes away distance and accuracy. By shortening your backswing, you increase your chances of controlling this contact. We would also promote putting about 10% extra weight on the front foot to control that bottom point.
Many golfers can start to get mechanically off the longer their swing gets. Keep it simple and only take the club far enough back to get some momentum going and the body turned.
You do not need a massive backswing, unless you are going to be a long driver competitor and then go for it. You should probably stretch and workout to ensure you can remain safe.
Advantage #2: Better Control of Start Line
To me this is the most important element in the golf swing. Does your shot start on your intended line at least 80% of the time? Too many golfers take these massive backswings and one time their ball starts right and the next time way to the left.
We must practice and assess our start lines. By shortening your swing and keeping it short of parallel you once again increase your chances of being able to accomplish this 2nd fundamental in the golf swing. Even if you can curve the ball the same way every time, if you don’t have a consistent start line you will drive yourself crazy.
Once you learn to start the ball on your intended start line a high percentage of the time, you can now actually manage your game and have quality course management. You can aim and start the ball in certain places, counting on the ball to curve certain directions. Of course, we have to share with you this drill below.
Bonus Drill
- Set up an alignment stick somewhere between 6 to 10 feet in front of you at the driving range.
- Hit 10 golf balls and try to start the ball right of the target line.
- See how many golf balls start to the right and if they over curve the target line.
- Keep working on this drill until you can get at least 7 to start to the right and see how many curve back towards the target.
Sounds simple doesn’t it? Give it a shot and track your numbers over time. Once you get really good, try starting it on the opposite side and see if you can control your curve the other way.
Golf is about starting the ball where you need it to start. The game becomes much easier when this happens. We believe this drill is essential for reducing your handicap and scoring better!
Advantage #3: Potentially More Power
The conventional wisdom is that if you want more power you must swing longer. I would say this is true for the most part. If you were going to compete in long drive competitions I would tell you to go ahead and make as big of a swing as possible.
However, we must combine fundamentals 2 and 3 and make sure we have some consistency in the start line with the power that we have. There is a sacrifice at some point.
Also, for the golfer who can’t find the center of the club face, the shorter swing could actually help maximize your swing speed and produce a higher ball speed. Consider these two examples:
- Long backswing with a Swing Speed of 105, but you completely miss the center of the face.
- Shorter backswing with Swing Speed of 100, but you hit the center of the face and control the spin rate?
Which swing would you rather have?
To me the answer is easy, the second one. You have enough power to play the course, you can control your start line and you potentially will hit the ball further because you found the center of the face
Best Golfers of Today – Short Backswings
The first golfer that comes to my mind is Jon Rahm. His swing is so short, but yet he remains one of the longest hitters on today’s professional golf tour.
The second golfer is Tony Finau, who has incredible distance, maybe the most on tour, with such a short backswing. Both of these show that a great deal of power is generated in the hands and forearms within the golf swing.
Their amount of lag is incredible. They both are consistent ball strikers who can work the ball around the course, yet have the power when needed.
Check out Jon Rahm’s golf swing here:
Here is Tony Finau’s golf swing:
Short Backswing in Golf – 3 Tips
- Be Patient
- Think Tempo
- Start the Downswing sooner
Tip #1: Be Patient
You want to ensure that you keep the tension out of the golf swing, even with a short swing. Too many golfers when they try to shorten their backswing become really tense and lose power.
We want you to stay patient, even though the swing is going to be faster and get you back to the ball sooner. Let gravity be your friend. A rushed golf swing can get you in trouble, but a short golf swing will not.
Tip #2: Think Tempo
Did you know that Ricki Fowler has been known to swing at an 18:6 ratio for his tempo in his golf swing. Whether you are 27:9, 24:8 or 18:6, the key is the 3:1 ratio. You can still maintain what is considered a pro level tempo with a short backswing.
You have to check out Tour Tempo and the post we wrote about the important role Tempo plays in the golf swing. You can still have wonderful tempo with a short backswing. There are many ways to play the game and the short backswing can be a great option for many golfers
Tip #3: Start the Downswing Sooner
One thing you might figure out really soon if you use a camera to measure the length of yoru swing is that what feels like shorter, often is not shorter.
I spent months trying to shorten my too long of a backswing and didn’t have success until I start thinking of starting my downswing sooner vs. swinging shorter on the backswing.
It might seem like a big difference as you read, but when you actually get out there, you can feel like you are starting your down swing when you hands get to your hips. Get out there and test it out. You might be surprised how long your swing remains.
Final Thoughts
Golf can be a wonderful game. Try out different swings and find out what works best for you. We love the three fundamentals shared above because we believe those are the keys to long term success and there are many ways to get there.
There are so many great online instructors (see out 5 top recommended below) that can help you on your journey to consistency. We know that it is a journey and there will be ups and downs, but hang in there and do your best and make sure you are having some fun along the way.
Always keep in mind this quote by Arnold Palmer:
“Golf is deceptively simple and endlessly complicated; it satisfies the soul and frustrates the intellect. It is at the same time rewarding and maddening – and it is out a double the great game mankind has ever invented.”
Arnold Palmer
Take Action – What You Can Do Today to Get Better
What does this mean for you? I believe in the following recipe to get better:
1 – Improve your motion in the golf swing by identifying a golf instructor. Here are some options:
Here is a list of golf instructors that we have reviewed:
2 – Train to swing faster and improve your swing speed. Here are some options:
Looking to gain more Speed and Distance in your swing. Two Options:
3 – Understand course strategy and work to break through your next barrier. Here is a series on breaking through:
We have provided guides on how to break 100, 90, 80 and 70. Check out more below, if interested.
4 – Practice Frequently
Did you know that I build a golf simulator in my garage and have played over 500 rounds of golf on my SkyTrak system? It has been a game changer and one worth checking out. Here are some of my other posts on golf simulators frequently asked questions:
- Is a Golf Simulator Worth It?
- How to Build a Golf Simulator?
- What is the Best Golf Simulator?
- Golf Simulator Accessories?
- How to Build a Golf Simulator for under $7000
- Top 11 Reasons to Buy a SkyTrak
- How to Build a Golf Simulator for Under $1000
- Why Build A Golf Simulator?
- What Space is Needed?
- Can A Golf Simulator Improve My Game?
- How Much Does A Golf Simulator Cost?
- Don’t Forget to Check out our 15 best golf swings of all time.