Top of Backswing

I think this is only a subtle difference, but I'm not quite sure of the feeling, and I can't really tell for sure from looking at pictures/movies of other golf swings....

At the top of the back swing, should I feel like the back of my left hand (I'm right-handed) is still square with the ball and facing downwards? Or should I feel that the butt of the club is pointing at the ball, with the back of my left hand facing away from me? Or somewhere inbetween?

I dont understand what you are looking for here?

At the top of your backswing your left hand should be cocked and level with your arm (very little cupping or raising of the wrist) The butt of the club should be facing away from the target (to your right)with the club head pointing in the direction of the target (your left) and in the same plane as your wrist. The only thing that should point at the ball is your eyes.

If the butt of the club pointed at the ball at the top of the backswing you would have a completly incorrect position, suggest taking some lessons with a club PGA pro.

Regards
Brian

Sorry, I probably didn't explain myself very well, although it's hard to put it into words!

It's more to do with the swing plane I'm asking... I can take a back swing with my hands on the swing plane, it's more the angle of the club in relation to the plane I'm interested in.

When I reach the top (looking down the line), should I feel the the club is parallel with the swing plane (which is what I meant by butt facing the ball)? Or should the back of my hand still be square with the swing plane? Does this vary depending on the club being used?

Hopefully that made more sense!

OK, I think I understand.

At the top of the backswing the back of your left hand and the club face should be on plane (around 45 deg). You are correct in saying that it is parallel to the swing plane, it is not on the swing plane though, it will be above it, the back of your hand will not be pointing at the ball.

When you start your downswing you must let your arms and the club drop while maintaining the 45 deg angle of your wrist and the clubface parallel to the position it was at the top. This allows the release of the club and wrists to the ball, on plane.

cheers
Brian

Thanks for your help, that certainly makes things a lot clearer. I think this is an area where I've had a lot of confusion up until now.

I've just been watching some of the swing sequences on golfdigest.com and I think I see the 'drop' that you talk about. Does this happen pretty much as part of the transition to the downswing?

The killer in a golf swing is bringing the club over the top and creating a swing path that is out to in (comes down steeply with the club head outside the ball then has to cut across the ball creating a slice). The best way to hit the ball is by creating an inside to out swing path.

To do this correctly you must start your downswing with a lateral sideways move of the hips towards the target and a drop of your arms and club so that your right elbow comes down level with your right hip, ensure the club and your hand maintain exactly the same angle they had at the top of the backswing. Now release the club towards the ball by rotating your forearms and hands so the clubface squares thropugh the ball and generates good speed without heaving at it, your shoulders hips and legs will just follow. keep the club extended down the target line as long as possible.

Regards
Brian