Side bend in the backswing - the secret to a perfect backswing.

[CupCup]

There is too much talk about side bend on the downswing but it's clear the key to a great backswing in the side bend. I only had an effiecnt backswing once I incorporated side bend. Truly the most underrated move in the backswing.

[Zitlow]

I agree, it's an underrated move. One of the biggest overrated moves is to swing wide down the static baseline.

[MPStrat]

I agree, but I don't like to think of lead side bend as a backswing move. I like to think of it as a transition or re-centering move. If it happens too early it limits turn and encourages loss of inclination or "posture" in transition.

[Nickc]

What do you all mean by side bend?

Youtube example?

[jporter91]

This spring I’ve really started to focus on side bend in the backswing. However, I feel really stuck when I transition to the downswing, and can’t seem to figure out transitioning from left side bend to right side bend.

[CupCup]

Yeah I agree. I believe many fell for that including myself.

[CupCup]

The main way to transition is from the ground up. Mainly hip turn. However, I believe it's important to first establish how to execute the right side bend on the downswing first. So the video below best explained the feeling as its stated in the video. "The key is to get your right shoulder and right hip closer without moving your hips forward"

[Ri_Redneck]

Yeah, I'm a bit unclear also. Are you guys referring to sideways spine tilt?

BT

[CupCup]

Yes. However people who hear the word tilt end up just dipping their shoulders and dont get a proper shoulder turn. If you start off with the intention of left side bending while rotating, you will achieve the perfect position.

[Ri_Redneck]

I see. I relate bending to a curved line and tilting to a straight line. IMHO, your spine should be tilted, but straight and everyone is different. I try to tilt about 5* to my right at setup and maintain that until impact. This gives me solid contact and a shallow divot. I have to make sure I stretch well before I play though because if I don't, the proper tilt doesn't feel right because my muscles are tight.

BT

[wagolfer7]

I hope it helps some people. In my opinion, I think there are other things to focus on to get the same results and not think about your bend.

I can see a lot of players misinterpreting this and creating a lot of tilt. Similar to the drop-kicking driver trend during 2017-2018, when hitting at an upward angle on the driver was all the rage. You need more tilt is what everyone was saying.

Just be careful and use mirrors / video to make sure you aren't tilting a bunch.

[Krt22]

You can have lots of turn and lots of side bend and still get in a terrible position if you don't pivot and extend properly

[tthomasgolfer605]

There is no perfect position in the backswing. The best position for you is whatever makes it easier to slot the club correctly. Some need to lay it off. Some down the line and some across. Some need be upright or flat.

[mikpga]

SHOULDER DOWN...

Allows the golfer to keep their upper hub more centered, as well as maintain their inclination to the ground...

[CupCup]

Well yes I agree people can misinterpret the move. Honestly, i always rotated and just assumed that was enough but how wrong was I. But the correct move is simple. Start rotating and then add side bend as you are rotating. It's the easiest and the most effect way to backswing.

 

There are a couple of videos on it.

 

[NoFancyUsername.]

removed.

[KevinKegman]

Thank you for the link.

[Tanner25]

Thanks, Mike. It seems the left shoulder down allows the up (hands & arms) in the backswing.

[Atrayn]

It's all in the hips...