PART I:  At the Top

How many times have you seen someone make a practice backswing, stop the club at the top, and check the position of the club? While I’m sure tour and club professionals alike know exactly what they’re looking for,
I often think the average golfer simply mimics what she has seen a professional do!

Let me illustrate, from a right-handers view, what I look for in a good top-of-­backswing position by explaining the following exercise. Using a golf club and a full-length mirror, you can check the three 90-degree angles which indicate leverage and structure in your swing.

To begin, position the mirror behind you as if your backswing were going to extend into it (but stand far enough away so it won’t). Then assume your normal address position, swing the club to the top, and stop.

(1) The first 90-degree position to check is that of your right arm.
At the top of the backswing, your right arm should find a 90-degree fold at the elbow joint. This fold is the supporting structure of the extension of the left arm. If the right arm folds beyond 90 degrees―say to 110 or even 120 degrees―the left arm loses its extended position. Consequently, your backward armswing loses its structure, that is, its width; and width is a vital component of your backswing.

(2) Now turn so you stand with your chest facing the mirror. Again, set up, swing the club to the top, and stop.
Now check the rotation of your shoulders. They should have turned 90 degrees from where they started at address. If they have, your right shoulder is behind your head and your back faces in the direction of the intended target.

(3) One more time, with your chest facing the mirror, set up, swing to the top, and stop.
After observing 90-degree angle number one (width/arm structure) and 90-degree angle number two (rotation of torso/shoulders), I then look for a third 90-degree angle, one formed by your left arm and the clubshaft.

Check these three angles at the top to ensure you’ve reached a backswing position that has sound structure and leverage. Then let it go!