Flat backswing, below average power, and occasional shank

ryan3tiger · June 6

Hi all,

I just registered after months of lurking. I've battled a short, flat backswing my entire life. I've been able to play some relatively decent golf (e.g., high single digit) at times but I struggle with occasional shanks that can be completely debilitating. I also struggle with low-ish clubhead speed (7-iron swing speed around 75-80mph) because for years I subscribed to a smooth, easy swing (probably because I fear the hosel when I get "quick").

Recently I bought Monte's efficient swing and power shift videos and am working through them. And I'm signed up for his Chicago clinic. I've also watched a bunch of AMG's stuff the past 12 months or so, and I've been trying to work on proper hip movement for months.

On Sunday I had a 2-hole bout of the shanks that sent me down and absolute rabbit hole. I thought I had it somewhat licked by trying to stay closed to start the downswing (used to badly fire the right hip forward) and use the "zipper away concept." But the 3 hosel shots on Sunday just ate me up (I was on 7 and 8 and luckily I was able to get it together on the final 10 holes) and have me wondering if I'm still on the right track.

So I guess I'm posting out of some form of desperation to get any other input on my swing. Video below. Thanks.

Lefty_3Jack · June 6

I would not say your swing is laid off, just short due to the flatness of it. If you had a longer backswing the arms would travel upwards and the clubhead would point more towards the target.

fore_life · June 6

Rotate/unwind chest left harder on the ds,

Edited June 6 by fore_life

ferrispgm · June 6

Were you working on keeping your right arm closer to your side in the backswing at some point? Perhaps stuck a glove under your arm? The right upper arm is pinned way too much imo.

GoGoErky · June 6

Go back and work on segments 1 and 2 in efficient swing. Your arms and a wrist aren’t moving anything like segment 1 and the backswing isn’t near segment 2 although it does look like you are trying to keep the exaggerated feel from segment 2 for the drill on arm rotation

MonteScheinblum · June 6

It’s really none of the bad things you think it is. You’re reaching maximum hip turn WAY too early and it’s shutting off rib age turn and arms swing. Also throwing transition off.

the hips should move last in the backswing. Club head first, then hands and hips and knees last.

ryan3tiger · June 7

3 hours ago, MonteScheinblum said:

It’s really none of the bad things you think it is. You’re reaching maximum hip turn WAY too early and it’s shutting off rib age turn and arms swing. Also throwing transition off.

the hips should move last in the backswing. Club head first, then hands and hips and knees last.

Thanks everyone and Monte. Hit some balls tonight focusing on backswing sequencing and felt so much more in balance and connected.

Lot of work to do. Appreciate it.