Complete the Backswing

I can get myself into a pretty good position at the 3/4 point in the backswing. My left arm is parrallell to the target line and the club points to somewhere between the ball and my feet.

This however is where it all breaks down. I can't not swing to the top up from here. I have no idea how to. I can in my practice swing though. Its like I get stuck here. I have good flexibility so I can do it. For some reason, i can't complete the backswing. Any ideas ?

what drill or swing though to go from the 3/4 position to the top ?

thanks

Steve

I suspect you have more tension in your actual swing than your practice swing. Try to relax the arms especially.

i have tried that. I grip is not tense. I am fully relaxed.

cheers

I suspect you're not going to like my idea.

Since you're 'thrown out of whack' trying to complete the backswing, perhaps you should stop where you're still in control. You'll be surprised at how far you hit the ball from this position - and how straight.

I can hit the ball a long way and have great control, but, I feel to progress and not look ridiculaous i would prefer a normal swing ..

During your best practice swings, notice where your left shoulder is. For example, when you have completed your practice swing, look down at your left shoulder and remember where it is. During your for real swing, don't stop until your left shoulder is where you remember it from your full practice swing.
This should give you a visual reminder of how far to swing.

cool, i will give it a go . cheers

You could try to just pump your shoulders round to a full turn or as LP suggests leave things as they are. Have you seen a video of your back swing? I suspect you are making a fuller turn that you imagine.

Do you want the best looking swing (according to who?) or the lowest score?

Given the current state of my game - which, just to add a counterpoint to the 3Skills thread, has gone way way south since I tried the drills - if I could hit the ball a distance with control then I wouldn't try to change a damn thing

I have to agree with bdbl and lowpost42 on this one, and this is certainly one of the very useful points of emphasis in the "Three Skills" book that we're discussing elsewhere. If you're getting good distance and good control, then that's your full swing. There is a lot of variation even among Tour pros in backswing length. J.B. Holmes has a short backswing and hits the ball a long way--and I haven't heard anybody say he looks ridiculous.

And to echo BrianW, what feels like a short backswing may not be.

Hi Steve and others having backswing problems,
As we get older and even the less flexible youngies have problems with their backswings. It is my belief that we all vary physically and as stated even the pros vary in backswing length. There is not one set length.
To assist you, however, why not fix your wrist break at the start of your swing and then simply rotate the shoulders as far as you feel comfortable. You will be surprised at how much extra clubhead rotation you achieve and how much clubhead speed you can generate at impact. I have acheived both with fantastic results and my swing plane and swing "look" are much improved. For more you can contact me on 1on1golfteacher.com
Good golfing,
Alans

I am very flexible so really looking to complete a nice full swing. I appreciate a good looking swing isn't the most important thing but it does give a good foundation for improving. I am only 30 so have time to change it.

So really is the key to the backswing the turning of the shoulders. Replacing the position of the right shoulder at address with the left one at the top of the swing ?

Nor really. It's m ore a matter of getting your left shoulder under your chin at the top then replacing that with your right shoulder as you go past impact.

Read or google Jim McClean's "X" factor.

Hello Mooresteve,
A major problem with most golf tuition is that it can get rather complicated and can have you thinking about things during your swing which completely interupts the dynamics of the smooth swing you are looking for.
By setting the hands at the beginning of the swing and then simply rotating your arms to the top of the swing you will, given average flexibility achieve a good full backswing. Remember, you are torquing up the power in your swing with your rotation and you do get to a point where you have created enough power with your coil that any more could get you swinging away from the plane(moving upward, or sideways with your body - not wanted). I know this sounds contrary to much instruction you and others have had over the years, but the fact that so many fellow golfers are still looking for fixes, maybe thinking outside the traditional square is worthy of trying!! What I have suggested is not wrong and does get you in the exact position you require at the top of the swing.
1on1golfteacher.com.
Alans