Lenght of backswing

Hi guys , thanks for all your help with my previous threads. What is the correct lentgh for a backswing(full shot)? Is there a certain "feeling" or sensation that tells you that this is it and stop? I know I overswing sometimes and my swing gets to quick. When I tell myself to make a "short" backswing I tend to strike the ball better. Like any amateur I am striving for distance, so the short backswing doesn't do much for that ego boost. Any pointers as to find the "stop" and start downswing point?
I'm currently playing off a 8 handicap.

Hi collie.
Try to make a point of stopping your backswing just before you reach horizontal , the speed of the swing will carry your clubshaft a little thurther , but not to a point of overswing.
Or, try to practice in front of a mirror or a large window . swing slowly and stop when you reach horizontal and hold it for a few seconds. Repeat this until you get a feel for the correct position.

cheers
aft

Hi Aft
So you say I shouldn't swing back further than horizontal right? That sounds like my halfswing lenght......

Hi collie.
Horizontal at the top of the backswing is as far as the swing needs to go , if you go past the horizontal, you risk developing other swing flaws.

aft

well if you can go that far then I would suspect you are loosing your spine angle.
check out this thread
http://www.golf-tuition-online.com/g...ine-angle.html (easy tip on spine angle)

I just keep my hands and arms passive and turn my shoulders until I feel that my back is to the target. On camera I actually stop just short of parallel

I see a lot of people who over use their hands and arms in the backswing, the right knee straightens and the left wrist breaks down

Just turn your upper body over the flexed right knee, letting the arms go for the ride. Most people wont be flexible enough to get to parallel if they do this correctly and dont collapse the wrists/bend the arms

Collie,

The correct backswing length for me is when I've achieved the following:
- my chin touches my left shoulder
- the left arm stayed straight
- full wrist cock
- head stayed steady => (most important)

This should give you more power + more sweet spot hits.

Secret: If you want to squeeze a little more shoulder turn, setup with your face facing to the right a little ala Jack Nicklaus (then still follow the pointers above). This will allow more shoulder turn without your head getting pulled up and right.

Hi Collie,

Aftford is spot on in his description of ideal backswing rotation.

I would only add that many people do not have the physical build, fitness or flexibility to achieve this, most people have this problem as they become older. if this is the case then they should create as much shoulder turn as they can within their limitations.

It sounds as if you do not have these restrictions but for those that do here is a tip that may help: On the backswing allow the left heel to raise slightly off the ground, this will give you a good degree of additional rotation. NOTE! you must bring the heel back down as soon as you begin to unwind.

Regards
Brian