Some golfers are amazed that on one shot they hook the ball with their golf swing, and with the next shot they shank it in completely different direction. If you use backspin at all, chances are you, at one time or another, have had a problem with the shank.

The source of this problem is in the first few feet of the back swing. Instead of having a solid one-piece takeaway where the arms, shoulders, club and waist all move in unison, it is likely the hands initiate the takeaway and roll the clubface open.

When this occurs the butt end of the club will be pushed away from the body, the clubface then coming too far inside the target line and hands, promoting a flat back swing. The only way to get the face of the club back to a solid impact position is to roll it (clubface) back to its starting position.

If this is overdone, the clubface will be closed and promote a hook shot. Or, if the butt end of the club is still farther away from the body than at address, you’ll see a shank.

The Golf Back swing Corrected:

As you initiate your back swing, the left forearm should rotate slightly away from the golf, in synchronization with the starting of the body turn.

The action of turning in the back swing will push the clubhead a bit inside the target line, but maintains a position outside of the hands.

Imagine the butt end of the club originating the back swing, and that you are attempting to slightly brush your right thigh with the club during initial few feet of the swing. This promotes the head of the club to say outside the hands in the beginning and move just inside the target line.

To Practice:

In your golfing stance prepare as you would when beginning your golf swing. Now, slide your hands down the club shaft, with the butt end of the club sticking slightly into your waist. Take a couple of practice swings. You should become acutely aware of the butt end of the club and its importance as the originator of the back swing.

A solid golf swing begins within the first few feet of the takeaway. Do this properly and you’ll well on your way to a more solid and fundamental golf swing and playing better golf.