Freezing at Top of Backswing

I developed a problem a year ago I cannot break.

When I take the club back, I unintentionally "freeze" at the top of my backswing and cannot conciously initiate the downswing - until after a long, unwelcomed pause (several seconds). When this happens I also (unintentionally) take the club even further back than I would want - and also wind up gripping the club too hard as a result of the frustration - which promotes a casting motion.

What is frustrating is that the "freeze" does not occur when I take a practice swing, I can also swing the club with my left hand, make contact (I am RHP) without freezing.

I think what happened is a result I taking a 5 day golf school- my arm was so sore that I developed a pinched nerve sensation - and the freeze (which is all in my head) cropped up a month after attending the school.

If anyone has ever heard of this - or tips on what I can do to get rid of this mental lapse, PLEASE let me know.

Frank

Hi Frank,

Most golfers have a "freeze" at the top of the backswing, this usually occurs during the transition into the downswing. Although this is only a fraction of a second your seem to be longer.

My advice is to swing half way back and through at the range for 20 balls then 1 only at full swing the 20 half again and so on. you main thoughts should be a light grip and keeping you left foot flat on the ground.

Last time I saw this problem it was due to an over backswing resulting in time needed to feel comfortable to start the down swing, keeping your left foot flat should help stop you overswinging.

Unfortunatly the rest is in your mind, so think of your left foot, light grip instead.


Hope this helps

Ian.