Getting Rid of the Back Swing Dip From Your Game

November 6th, 2009 by articles

The PurePoint Golf swing theory points you in the right direction and gives you a system of fundamentals to measure yourself against. In golf this is very important; however situations come up where you just can’t figure out why you are having certain difficulties. Whether your problem is hitting behind the ball or hitting the golf ball thin, sometimes we are clueless to where the problem lies.

We teach a fairly horizontal swing plane in comparison to most. Even though there are major benefits to this version of the golf swing certain complications can develop very quickly. This tip in particular was designed to keep golfers from hitting behind the ball. My objective is to enlighten you on all areas of the golf swing, so that when certain situations arise, you can adjust accordingly. And ultimately check points pre established.

The player(s) back shoulder in his/her backswing dips down; meaning that the back shoulder is dipping towards the ground. This is hard to do when you have no lateral movement or weight shift back and away from the target, as we instruct. However, this is common among golfers who have a horizontal swing plane. The common tendency is to lower the back shoulder as your swing plane becomes more horizontal.
Please understand that if you lower your back shoulder in your backswing this could cause many different problems in you swing. Your hand position, and timing at impact, weight shift through the ball, and follow-through position could all be negatively affected.

Solution

Fortunately there is simple solution. Go to the practice range and take a ball. Place the golf ball below your back foot (please make sure that ½ the ball is in the ground so that you don’t fall over). If a ball is uncomfortable use a towel or something that is at least an inch off the ground. The ball/object should be placed below your back heel in order to ensure that you have no weight transfer and that your back shoulder does not dip in your backswing.
Then simply take your normal golf swing. If you determine you can hit a ball or you can just take a few practice swings. Focus on not dipping your shoulder in your backswing (keep the back shoulder up and not down). I guarantee if you master this skill you will make solid contact with the ball on a consistent basis.
This drill will force you to practice a swing with no weight shift back and away from your target and at the same time help you with dipping your back shoulder.

Practice this drill and be aware that if you are having trouble hitting behind the ball at any point in your round, the problem could lie in shoulder position in your backswing. To learn more go to PurePoint Golf Instruction
PurePoint also offers great golf training aids