Why is this of such paramount importance?

  From this parallel or laid-off shaft-line at the top of the swing you set up a position from which you can keep the left arm in control and the club-shaft BEHIND the hands as you move into the downswing and then into the hitting area.

  You will learn more of the material value of this operation of the shaft in returning the club head squarely back to the ball and maintaining the club-line through the ball when I explain the mechanics of the downswing and the delivery.

  How far back should the swing be allowed to go?  Except in very rare cases where the player is particularly supple, the shaft should not go beyond the horizontal.  It is unlikely to if you have carried out the movement correctly and not let go with the left hand.  Jimmy Adams, former British Ryder Cup player had an exceptionally long swing which took the shaft well beyond the horizontal, but this very fine player retained complete control of the club.

  He is so made that he was able to do this without putting himself under strain and without losing poise.
At the top of the swing the hands are about level with the right ear.  The back of the left hand will be slightly, but only slightly, cupped, that is, concave in relation to the upper side of the left forearm. 

The completed backswing, and as far as it is advisable to take the club back.  The golf clubs shaft should now be parallel with your feet.  The stomach should be kept well in and the left shoulder is up under the chin.  Clearly a body-turn and not a rocking movement.  The right shoulder has risen automatically as the arms reach their maximum leverage.  This often leads to the illusion that the left shoulder goes down.  Nothing of the sort.  The right shoulder rising is apt to give this false impression.  The left shoulder must be kept up and close under the chin.

  It will be at an angle of no more than 300 off the line of the left forearm.  The right elbow will be pointing down.  If it is allowed to "fly" the concavity of the left hand will be increased and the club-shaft will be forced across the line of the feet.

A bad backswing but all too often seen.  The club has been drawn sharply inside the line and the left shoulder has dropped.  The right knee has straightened and the shaft is way off line at the tops of the swing.  Note the 'flying' right elbow and raised right hip.  This hopeless position denotes a rocking action in contrast to a controlled body-turn.

  Having set the right elbow as explained in the address, at the same time retaining the original hand placement in the grip, you should have no difficulty in keeping the elbow under proper control at the top of the swing.

The Simple Swing

I guarantee you'll lengthen your drive and cut your handicap by 7-12 strokes in just 2 weeks.

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