Backswing. Is it neccessary?

[dlam]

I like to have a fun debate regarding weather a backswing is necessary at all.
I argue it isn't.
Why not just start the swing from the top like baseball players?
Ryan Moore had a no BS swing few years ago but didn't catch on.
Here's some advantages of no BS
1) A bad BS won't ruin the swing cause there isn't one
2) Don't have to work against gravity.to bring the club up.
3) I can feel balanced at the top of my swing by setting up balanced.
4) My momentum is not lost going back. It's all FORWARD SWING to the ball.
5)It hard enough to learn the different full swings.Now we can learn or teach "one swing"

 

[Jared Willerson]

You may have valid points....but it looks dorky. I want to at least look athletic.

Other than that a backswing is great for building momentum and the transition from backswing to downswing is an important part of building speed and power.

 

[lia41985]

Fast-forward to 3:35 (I'd actually watch the whole thing):
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[birdie_man]

Like Brian has said...easier to create efficient swinging (like a swing set) motion from norm address...load angles at top...

Create momentum in bs for "something to pull on"...

More consistent alignments in setup.

...

Relating somewhat to the idea though, I'm gonna try Moe Norman's address...preset back from ball.

 

[drewyallop]

Why? Because of the way muscles work. For details see the anti-summit video, specifically Dr. Neal's explanation on this topic.

Drew

 

[Kevin Shields]

Ryan Moore most def had a BS when he was doing his thing. All he did was pre set his wrists. Ill bet my house when you hit balls with no backswing you still "pump" to the top and do not just start straight down with all downswing. You'll still have some "up".

Baseball players do not start from the top. Really?

 

[Brian Manzella]

As soon as the fly fisherman, baseball pitchers, and baseball hitters do it, I'll debate it.

Otherwise....

I have spoken and written many, many words on the subject.

But here is a short version:

Why wouldn't everyone early set.

 

[trickyric67]

it wouldn't be a dynamic athletic move without a backswing

 

[derekeast]

Fast-forward to 3:35 (I'd actually watch the whole thing):
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Great Video Brian!

 

[Kevin Shields]

He wont get mad at me for saying it but I think he'd like a mulligan on the "right wrist doesnt cock" comment.


Constant upgrades!!!!!!!!

 

[mjstrong]

A "fun" thought experiment: If there were professional "tee ball" players, instead of baseball players. Would they start at the top of the swing? I think the timing involved in hitting a 90mph baseball (that's delivered at different times) has weeded out what we consider the backswing...

 

[lia41985]

He wont get mad at me for saying it but I think he'd like a mulligan on the "right wrist doesnt cock" comment.


Constant upgrades!!!!!!!!

Totally, on both counts.

 

[kc8kir]

If you look at good baseball swings, you will notice there is a backswing. It is very small compared to a golf swing, and merely a loading into the rear leg. Depending on the player, the wrists do cock somewhat. I sincerely thing you could make a golf swing the same way. Just be prepared to really have to load the shaft, as you won't have the body deceleration (change of direction) vs. momentum of the club from a long backswing to help you bend it. I think playing golf in this fashion would be very tiring, and precise control might be more difficult. But you could do it. As far as whether you can get the same clubhead speed or more... too hard to say with any certainty.

 

[spktho]

A "fun" thought experiment: If there were professional "tee ball" players, instead of baseball players. Would they start at the top of the swing? I think the timing involved in hitting a 90mph baseball (that's delivered at different times) has weeded out what we consider the backswing...

Check out some professional slow-pitch softball swings:

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I'd bet a tee baller would swing close to this, maybe some more lateral movement is all.

 

[mjstrong]

Check out some professional slow-pitch softball swings:

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I'd bet a tee baller would swing close to this, maybe some more lateral movement is all.

Yup, definite backswings there...

 

[jeffreycharris]

Fly fisherman don't always make a back cast (backswing), in fact, in real fishing situations they often use a water haul type cast.

 

[golfie]

Fly fisherman don't always make a back cast (backswing), in fact, in real fishing situations they often use a water haul type cast.

Just like a backswing ... gives you something to pull against.

 

[golfdad]

aren't there people teaching people to chip and putt like that already?

i would think that a few out there with hideous backswing may actually benefit from a try

but, for the most part, the tempo and rhythm comes from this swing in both directions.

golf should be like a dance instead of a hit.

i like brian's demo and emphasis on the lagging of the hands at take off.

a whole new world...

 

[Seanmx]

I think the backswing is needed to create lag and rhythm

 

[self-mastery]

Learn a real BS that doesn't have you bobbling around. I glue my upper left arm to my chest, rotate and lift.