The #1 Golf Backswing Mistake and How to Fix it!

[@shorttripfromcradletocript]

Full disclosure, I just took up golf last fall at age 69. Recently retired and now had the time. I took no lessons and just started playing with some 10-15 handicap buddies. I was of course a mess to my buddies delight initially as it entertained them. They'd offer the occasional advise but kept things from me as buddies do as they insisted I need certified PGA instructions. I took my medicine as a newbie with a smile and good humor as I was hooked on golf. I focused on Mr. SG's instructions, practiced constantly as I went from shooting over 120, gradually down to 100, then 90's and my buddies were not happy with my progress as they lost the entertainment value in my game. Yesterday I shot a 78 for the first time. When I explain how I learned folks can't believe it, no lessons and they think most things on the net are bogus. Thanks Mr. SG, I owe it to you. You've brought joy to a Geezer

[@owenrivard8832]

Some people can learn on their own like my friend who's self-taught and decent enough but I got into golf last summer. This is my first full season and I had my first lesson last week and I'm already 15 yards longer on every club and playing so much better. Lessons are definitely worth it especially if you get stuck but I've also learnt a lot from youtube which has helped me a ton!

[@gregoryjames7976]

My grandfather took up the game at 68 yrs. All winter he would practice putting, in his man cave (along with smoking cigars and drinking whiskey hidden from my grandmother). He had an indoor net set up and would whack balls all winter too. It didn't take long before he was winning money from his golf buddies.

[@BikeronaTrek]

I took up golf at 30, (25 years ago), before there was internet. I gave golf up because I couldn't improve fast enough. I started back up 4 years ago, and what a difference this channel makes! I'm still shooting above 100, (105 five times) but am way better, and not quite as embarrassing out on the course. I am sure I will improve with more playing time.

[@injuredtabletennisplayer1474]

You guys must have some athletic skills to build on already.

[@gerrygeegee1435]

Really???

[@linnduesterbeck8529]

Matt, you are the only golf instructor I can now relate to. You make fun out of it instead of 10-15 minute complications. A person's train of thought is only about as long as your videos. Thanks again. L

[@125spectrum]

The pro at Stirling gave me the same tip and it is a game changer. Nice carry bag.

[@stevenreid3190]

Matt - I can’t even begin to express how much of a difference this little tip made at tonight’s practice. I’m fizzing… that’s how much better things just got. Thanks a million.

[@concussedmelbourne1]

I'm in Australia where it's winter and cold but I tried this and improved heaps after only one round. Elbow.... Rotate..... Slow down backswing.... Repeat. Love your videos!

[@Trailjunkie62]

Best piece of instruction that I have ever seen!! Took this to the range today...MONEY then went over to my weakest part of my game pitching and again it worked amazing. I think the later rotation you talk about (in the slot) is something you don't even have to think about if your are loose and smooth at the top into transition it just happens naturally. Thanks for some of the best instruction on youtube!

[@bretpalmer5921]

Omg Thamk you Matt! For years, all of my golf buddies have been telling me and trying to fix me from turning the club too fast on the backswing. I’ve tried so many things to correct it including lessons and every “fix”just made my swing feel awkward. One bucket of balls with your method and I am hitting everything crisp and straight. We will see if holds up on the course. Nice golf bag btw.

[@robh1791]

Before seeing this video I’ve been doing these two steps in an effort to keep the club head square on take away. However, I was going straight back and not keeping right arm close to torso, the result being a reverse pivot. Will try this for sure!

[@michaelcohen5417]

Ditto. Causing a shank

[@kipjohnson7586]

Underrated value with these tips. Look how it steepens the shoulder angle. Golf is a under handed game. Thanks Matt.

[@deanfrazier7553]

This is just like the top-hand torque method for producing power in a baseball swing. It is also helping me get my lead shoulder under my chin in the backswing. Thanks!

[@michaelgriggle5601]

First time in 20 years of playing off and on that someone had broken it down in an understandable and relatable way. Thanks!

[@shortyintexas1142]

Thanks again for another great video. Your channel has helped me so much. I've gone from shooting 110-115 when I first started and after several videos I now average in the lower to mid 90's. I've actually shot 88 twice so far which is unbelievable in my eyes and the fact I've shot a hole in one/par not that long ago. Thanks again. You've helped me tremendously.

[@hughdunagan1529]

Your videos and advice have always worked for me. This looks like another piece I needed to my swing.

[@ej9315]

Wow this makes a ton of sense. Can't wait to get to the range tomorrow. Thanks for the video!!

[@owenrivard8832]

Fixing my backswing to what you showed in this video has literally added 10-15 yards to my shots. I worked on this exact thing during my first lesson with the head pro at my club and it's doing wonders for me. This gives you so much more power cuz it loads you up so much more at the top

[@cesarconda3612]

I tried this today on the range. It worked as advertised. I hit straight/baby cut towering iron shots, it also worked with driver. Thanks

[@stevenolmstead]

This is a great example of how golf instruction has recently evolved. Pretty cool stuff. I am more the second example - the one where the left arm rotation is incorrect and goes up (min 3:04) With the first example you explained why this leads to problems. Curious as to why we don't want to do the second. Thanks!

[@mysb13]

Leadbetter’s A swing. And you add a simple and effective detail to help perfect it. Thanks..!!

[@nhatube69]

Wow great tip. Took this information straight to the net downstairs to test. Felt odd at first but all the while never thinned or fat a ball. Can't wait to bring it to the range or on the course!

[@frankcanzanella6753]

It’s good to repeat the video. I’m now convinced to keep my left elbow close to my side on the backswing. Though the club face seems closed at the start of the backswing a proper hip rotation and shoulder rotation will bring the club face back square to the target on the downswing. I’ll have to review again the idea of shaft leaning forward.

[@BruceAlmty]

Now I understand how to drop the club into the slot. Great explanation with the forward forearm rotation Mr.SG

[@ashleyjohnstone9098]

Probably the best tip I have ever had. Hit is so solid today, feels like I have more room and speed. Thanks Mr Short Game.

[@davidgolf3245]

Mr Short Game good stuff thanks. Here is an idea for your next video or for future one. I was cleaning out my garage and came across my old set of Ping Eye 2 irons. How about a video with old clubs vs. new clubs on the course and explain the technology/differences. I did put into play my Eye 2 L wedge to help me out of the bunkers and so far so good. Thoughts??

[@PaulWalker-px1rc]

THANK YOU!!!! The missing piece of the jigsaw. Coming back to the game after lay off. Was playing off 10 but struggled since returning. Rolling the club so flat and round my body and couldn't stop!! This will take some work but instant improvement. A proper eureka moment. Right, back to the range!

[@gregoryjames7976]

Good tip Matt. Have been working on taking the club straight back and really helps get into proper position.

[@levibillet2231]

Thank you MrShortGame for taking the time out of your day to make all these videos so we can play better and therefore have more fun in the process

[@claudiochisani4120]

Great explanation, always excellent stuff! I am struggling a bit with the same issue. Something I imagine to fix the issue: I bring a telephone receiver on a plate with the left palm to the right hip and pick it up with the right hand, which involves a lift and a fold of the right elbow. The fold will always be a above the waist (no early club face rotation) and you can't pick up the receiver if you drop the plate (ie the left forearm cannot rotate too soon downwards toward the ground). It worked for me, as a drill and on the course.

[@frankcanzanella6753]

The Pros have a saying about what they don’t care to share. They call their personal swing thoughts prioritize (or something like that). Matt you make it seem that you are exposing the pros like a strip show. This tip today helps me to further keep my hands close to my side. Better to be concerned about the elbows than what the club face is doing. It’s easier to stay centered while focusing on the elbows. Thanks

[@andrewmayo7557]

Hi Matt. Thx for this tip. So far so good. Ive gone through my wedges up to my 7 iron and i feel like ive gained more distance and consistency. My misses were "smaller". Thank you!

[@williamherringshaw457]

Amazing. How something so subtle can improve my swing so much. Thank you thank you Matt. Love the drill.

[@peterlovett8451]

Great video Mr. SG. Knowing how to use the body is huge. Thanks!

[@wallstreetoneil]

The one thing I would add, and I think it is very critical for 'amateurs' trying to implement this type of steep to shallow / hold off the forearm rotation to forearm rotation etc etc - is to remember this one VERY important fact - when you lay off the club, if you do not do anything else, you are effectively MASSIVELY opening the club face - MASSIVELY. One of, if not the biggest measured difference between Pro & Amateur swings, is that Pros as the downswing is happening (the layoff / the forearm rotation), begin to VERY strongly and VERY quickly apply a twisting torque to the grip of the club to get the clubface to close - whereas Amateurs apply almost none - and the amount they do apply is applied very late in the downswing - which leaves the club face open and thus amateurs slice the crap out of almost everything - or have some flipping action at the end to save it and it creates random shots that can't be controlled. So, absolutely incorporate the great ideas of this drill to improve your swing - but remember, equally, if not MORE importantly, is that AT THE SAME TIME you must begin to apply a strong twisting torque to the grip of the club, as early in the downswing as possible, to get the face square. As a video check, film your swing from behind and down the line and when the club comes back to parallel in the downswing, and in line with the hands, the toe of the club should be pointed somewhere between 12 & 1 and square to your back if you have applied enough twisting force - most amateurs are somewhere between 10:30 & 11:30 - i.e. wide open.

[@marknielsen4494]

Roger this. Took me 20 years to figure this out. Matt actually fixed me with his no hands vid. Now I feel he's dangerously suggesting to lay that face open on transition. Matt you may need to revist this and explain thx! Great vids always!!!

[@AA1993]

Paul O'Neil appreciate this comment, been trying lately to shallow the club out more. Will matts drill above help this, it looks like it does! Then your comment about you must apply the turn the screw method to this as you say the club face will be wide open won’t it

[@wallstreetoneil]

@@AA1993 Yes it will help shallow the club. Yes it will, all things being equal, further open the face, relative to your spine angle, if you take no further twisting action on the grip. To show this to be true, just imagine you lay the club off in the extreme such that it is now on the ground - the face would be pointed to the sky if you moved it around your body from this position, with no twisting, you would hit the ball with the sole of the club in the heel - cant get more open than that. The real benefit of laying the club off, if you can provide the additional torque to the club to square the face, is that you can retain your right wrist bend longer coming into impact for power delivery, access further power sources of opening your hips and shoulder more - but all this is only possible if you get the club face squared very early in the downswing - that is the key - and it is what players like DJ, Koepka, JT do as examples - when that club gets back to 2nd parallel, they all have the face pointed toe down at almost 1 o'clock (square to the spine) and they still have full right wrist clock and they unload and turn through the ball - all of this is only possible if that club squares very early. If not, you will get massive blocks or blocks that also fade - or you will tire of this stall your body flip you hands and roll your wrists in and attempt to square the club - and your swing will suck. The #1 difference between Pros and Amateurs is torque applied early in the downswing to the grip - the more you can do it, the more you can lay it off the more you can maintain the right wrist bend the more you can aggressively turn the body - but if you can't twist that club back to square then making the club more open is not a good idea.

[@golfmaniac007]

this has got to be one of the most underrated lessons.....the backswing. thanks for going over this subject!

[@denonhogue8623]

Matt that was good teaching. You were really striking those balls

[@stevenmvaerst4540]

The first move (rotating lead forearm elbow in toward the body) was an awesome key!! ball striking using that first initial technique was spot on!! Thanks

[@josephcoble9681]

Wow! You’re the man with this tip!

[@xpayback1209]

you always point out something different that really helps me think about my swing next time i hit the range! Thank you!

[@christopherlook9226]

Thanks, I do that a lot without even realizing it. I'm going to concentrate on this.

[@samdruss]

If I am ever in California I want to play a round with you. Just so enjoyable.

[@jamiebackhus900]

This makes sense to me. I try to keep the club face. The feeling I get is like I am rotating the way you're explaining. Always worked for me so I've always gone with it.

[@wademarchand4441]

Great tip. Never heard this before. Looking forward to trying out!

[@douglaswhite7106]

Great video. Is your concept of left arm opposite rotate, similar to what Jimmy Ballard states when he says, "left arm "on top" of chest and elbows down through the swing?

[@treyhendersoniii3625]

Wow exactly what I need....thanks

[@chadmace3355]

worth a try... had the same bag... great but carrying f'd up my back (along with other things)... get a push cart, save the back... love the videos... please do one on Brady's swing.. Manning's as well...

[@shornsby63]

Ok, I may not have hit 500 or 1000 balls yet but I did hit 6 flat balls in my living room better than I've ever hit them before. Do those count towards my 1000? I've struggled with keeping my arms connected with my body and this tip really seems to help. I got so frustrated a few years back that I took a lesson from someone who taught me the stack and tilt which I initially thought was a blessing but turned into some of the ugliest golf I've ever played. I appreciate all your videos because you explain why a tip works instead of expecting people to just do what you say - keep up the great work! My question is, what should we do with respect to forearm rotation for pitch shots or even chips? When I'm hitting these and try to keep my backswing to the inside to keep from getting too steep and chunking it, I don't have any idea how my arms or if my arms should rotate.

[@billgedh]

Great video. What advice or drills do you recommend to get the club more up right ? I have a good takeaway but still trying to incorporate a proper rest hinge

[@EricB-somejibberish]

tried this out in my garage lab yesterday and the results were great...just need to get through the next 450 practice shots and 1000 of the full swing to really know :)

[@frankcanzanella6753]

I would love to feel confident about my golf swing being repetitive. The supination of the left wrist around shoulder height on the backswing is key to getting comfortable with a repetitive golf swing. Thanks

[@fb_777]

Interesting idea, looking forward to give it a chance

[@brettcigars4452]

That's one of your Best tips , I like it alot. It's won my subscription , cheers

[@jbrownsea]

When you watch videos of the "old-timers" who started the backswing with wrist lag..the forearm naturally stays inside. Thanks MSG. Great lesson.

[@usertec3889]

Driving ranges not open yet.but I will hit a few.going to try your chipping drill on the course.one question can i make the same move with my 52

[@stephengotkin5486]

Great explanation! Thanks

[@Alex-nq8wt]

What kind of net are you using? Thanks for the videos!

[@khanisahebjam2147]

Another great yet simple tip!!

[@pursuitofpar]

Good info! I have this exact issue in my backswing. Definitely gonna give this a try!

[@camilobrescianiarenas7390]

I will try it for sure, is it the same with driver?

[@andrewferguson1013]

Great instruction, thank you!! Just so I've understood correctly, will the trail arm therefore be above the lead arm? I've just tried a few of these, and when I rotate my lead forearm internally, it kind of forces my trail forearm up, ie. above my lead forearm.. Cheers Andrew

[@brianross7544]

WOW i was close before, but now my elbow inward feels DYNAMITE!!!! it is literally my only swing thought now, Matt u are outside the box of a much larger box my friend

[@ianworsfold3421]

Thanks for the tip Matt, this is something i suffer with! I've just tried chipping a few with the first part of the tip and it feels very solid already! if i dont add in the 2nd part will it duck hook left after time?

[@dannyd-rockmahaffey3087]

Great video...Think you have made my life better w this one

[@andrewcpham]

Matt, I understand part 1 and 2 but at impact do we need a part 3 where u turn the screw aka counterclockwise of left hand thus resulting in a counterclockwise rotation of left forearm! I feel that if I do 1 and 2 then I may slice the ball.

[@HeroFever]

I'm serious when I say greatest swing tip video ever. You are king.

[@rickswansbro1309]

Great videos! Question… After three days of golfing, my pinkie finger middle joint on my right hand is very sore and swollen. I am play right handed and use an interlocking grip. Any suggestions?

[@richie8240]

LOVE this one - Top Man

[@fordsvt_performance1358]

Great information, thanks!!

[@f1partisan160]

Doing this one today !

[@method341]

I'll try this tomorrow

[@boogpal2728]

Thank you, Matt. See u again after 500 range balls w short irons. It is ON!

[@billcumbie3384]

I like what you said about taking the club back with the reverse left forearm. My concern is with the transition. It appears as though the club is being laid off a little. That scares me because with that transition move, it brings the dreaded shank into my swing. I have the tendency to lead with the hosel. Any advice for me?

[@scarface5757]

Matt, can this be applied to driver and if so will it help with coming over top ?

[@donmartino8399]

Will we receive an answer on this as it is important as with any clubs -swings we should not apply it to.

[@HoneyColmes]

Watch the entire video

[@stevenmvaerst4540]

I did this with all of my clubs...driver included and it works!!

[@ahall1443]

I needed this one after hitting on simulator showed I was coming over the top.

[@michael2782]

Excellent video. On my rehearsal for (almost) every strike I stop with the club parallel to the ground and make sure that the club face is facing the ball, not open. My struggle is with the transition getting the right arm close inside without opening the face. I'll get back to you with a "grade" after a thousand practice strikes 😊👌🏌️‍♀️

[@ABitShifty]

Well. Looks like I know what I’ll be using my range time working on today 💪🏼. Love your content. Thank you for all that you do.

[@svenhallauer3229]

Great tip!!!

[@ragazzo3826]

Real good advice !!!

[@drjcwardjr]

Good tip

[@casilatino]

The more I listen to your instruction, the more confidence I have in it. You have a great swing and I have looked at it very closely in slow motion. One thing I would like to see is you using more golf terms and bio-mechanical terms to describe the positions so that some of us will know what you are referring to in the anatomy at certain positions. For example, when taking it back, I think you are saying to not allow any external shoulder rotation (with the left shoulder) to occur and keep the right shoulder internally rotated at the outset of the swing and then during the transition at about P5 you want to have external rotation of the right shoulder which allows the club to shallow coming into impact. Looking at your swing from P4 to P7, it appears that the club shallows in your swing starting at P5 to P6. That one swing you made at 9:18 minutes that you really liked, well you were perfectly on plane with the club pointing directly at the ball at P5. I just think you have an audience that would also appreciate some details in the golf terminology to describe your positions. But I love you videos.

[@erikf5593]

Crap, I would never watch them. The beauty of Mr. SG is he simplifies things for the average golfer. You can find many who get into the technobabble of the swing. Don't change Mr. SG.

[@jrshields3]

Great drill. I am going to start my 500 shots!

[@terryholloway9930]

Great explanation mr sg loved it

[@krummo]

Waiting for lockdown resyrictions to ease further in the UK 🇬🇧 before range and practice areas are accessible.. gotta give this a try 🤟

[@mjp431982]

Do you do this with chipping, pitching, etc.?

[@scott5411]

I think you solved one of my problems lol, I was rotating forearm the other way

[@darrenmcgovern2103]

love this video, wish I had seen something far sooner though 🤣. I have been working so hard on that 1st move as it took me ages to realise this was a huge mistake. but the 2nd part could be a game changer as have been struggling to shallow my swing for so long. not saying this is the missing piece, but it could well be a big step towards it. and It gives me more reason to git the range and hit even more balls 😁

[@jealousy8520]

Love the pink shirt!!!

[@loganharter8221]

I think one of the biggest keys to the backswing is to take it slow and not rush it. I see too many people rushing the backswing when it should be slowed.

[@brnlrn187]

it does work !

[@libsrcrazy9634]

The best thing about that callaway bag is the titleist headcover I see sticking out of it

[@markgolden154]

Funny thing is, if there's anything i love Callaway it's the driver. Lol. I can't get rid of my x2 hot. Love that old bitch

[@libsrcrazy9634]

I just kid. Im a titleist and ping guy but they all make quality clubs.

[@timruffner6788]

Just saw your Edison wedges review and learned that your irons are 2 degrees flat. Does the swing that you promote in this video provide an advantage to using clubs with a flatter than standard lie?

[@wendyalwemp198]

im 59 and have had two hip replacement and i can no longer coil like i used to. im just getting back into the game after not being able to play for 10 yrs plus and now since the replacements im trying to get a decent game but hips dont move like the original parts i used to shoot 79 to 82 on average now i cant break 100 and cant find anyone that seems to be able to help.thanks

[@JouvaMoufette]

So I'm trying to figure out if the rotation for the second part is supposed to be near the end of the backswing, or the start of the downswing. I know this video is about backswing, but it looks to me like the demonstration has it as leading to the downswing.

[@dougmilano4256]

A little off subject, I will say I enjoy your videos for content and your humor, but I hope you will find time to answer. You seem to go back and forth between Titleist and Mavrik drivers. Were you professionally fitted for either one? Or do your abilities allow you to pick something off the shelf, and make it work? friend of mine just got Pro fitted. Complete set. They put him in Mavrik driver with Fujikura shaft, with some kind of special balancing, extra $40 per shaft. Driver along cost him $800 Its not that much off the shelf? Where do you stand on this, is it worth it to do that?

[@manbearpig7359]

Starts at 1:39

[@ronimbeau4868]

Brilliant! The missing ingredient! I’m off to the driving range. I have big expectations! I’m sure many of you know what the outcome will be 😂

[@frankcanzanella6753]

Sometimes your hands are hip high and the club head is hip high and in front of the body. Sometimes your hands are hip high and the club head is higher than the hip level and the club head is not in front of the body. The backswing gets quicker when the hands get around hip high.

[@정성채-z6k]

Wow!!🧡

[@Mav...]

Well why didn't you say this 500 shows ago? lol. Thanks!

[@il-lupo]

Can we invite Goofball Magillicuddy on for a special where we get to see all his swing idiosyncrasies in one go?

[@johneebee242]

Makes sense. Going out front to try it. “Goofball McGillacuty”... my new screen name.

[@johnherman3261]

Mmm 2000 shots later I’m headed to the back doctor. Your right turn the screw baby. The rooster was in the hen house today..great stuff Matt your the man. Be safe!