Want to make a better backswing? Try some ‘W turns’

A proper backswing turn goes a long way toward determining the success of the shot you’re trying to hit. Primarily, your goals here are two-fold: loading up on your right side (to generate ample potential energy) and keeping your shoulders on plane (to generate a solid, sweet-spot strike). Here’s a drill to help you achieve both. I call it “W turns.” 

Start by getting into your regular address posture without a club. Next, raise your hands and arms, keeping the bend in your elbows. You should end up producing the shape of a W (above). Make a backswing turn, keeping the W intact. 

There’s more to it than that, however. As you rotate back, get your right hip to move back and up, so that it’s higher than your left hip (center). This will help you “restrict” your turn, in a sense, so your shoulders remain on plane. (Not working your left hip up as well as back will cause you to swing too flat or steep.) 

Finally, carry the W into a mock forward swing (right), rotating all the way through so you end up in a balanced finish with your chest facing the target or even pointing a little left of it. Here, you want to work your left hip forward and up, so that, as you reach your finish, it’s higher than your right hip. This is the feeling of being on plane. 

If you can perfect this, expect a heavy dose of shots that never leave your target. 

Jason Baile is a GOLF Top 100 Teacher and is the director of instruction at Jupiter Hills Club in Tequesta, Fla.