Width at Top of Backswing

[Reposted Forum move]

alanschulte Sep 13, 2020
What is the proper width at the top of the backswing, or does it matter as long as the shoulders are turned properly? Watching the TV analysts this weekend commenting about player X has such a big width and player Y has a nice consistent radius. It seems the two things are different or is it that there is more tnan one way to skin the cat? Thanks.

[Ross]

Ross Sep 14, 2020
It is a term to roughly describe the extension of the arms/club ‘away’ from the body*. Some of it has to do with the amount each elbow bends. The term has some merit based on geometry. The idea is … the longer the radius … the potential for more distance and the more consistent the result. A full extension (front arm straight) at impact, would will help maintain a consistent radius thus helping to create a more reliable swing. It is only one factor. If the body tilt changes, great extension does not matter… the club head goes into the ground, or hits the top of the ball… or other.

* In my experience, width is often used to describe the moment in the backswing, when the front arm is roughly parallel to the ground as a “checking” point or “sign” of a potentially good shot or more advanced player.

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