Backswing Arm Width: Hand-to-Hand Connection Exercise
Curated PGA Drill by Adam Bazalgette
Backswing
10 to 15 smooth bodyweight backswings without a club
None (bodyweight / garage drill)
Beginner
Why This Drill Works (Kinetic Mechanics)
When the elbows spread or the trail arm collapses, width is lost at the top of the backswing. Positioning the back of the trail hand against the back of the lead hand creates an immediate closed-loop constraint: it stabilizes forearm spacing, prevents the elbows from pulling apart, and forces the arms to turn with the chest without requiring any equipment.
How to Perform the Drill
Follow these step-by-step instructions. Rehearse slowly to build proper motor patterns before adding full swing speed.
Set up in your normal golf posture without holding a club.
Place your right (trail) hand under your left (lead) hand, positioning the back of one hand against the back of the other (2:14-2:18).
Perform backswings without a club while maintaining constant contact between the backs of your hands (2:19-2:25).
Focus on letting the torso turn power the movement while the hands stay connected, preventing the elbows from pulling apart.
Rehearse 10 smooth reps feeling how the connection creates effortless width and stability at the top of your swing.
What Good Feels Like
Maintain steady contact between the backs of your hands as your chest turns into the backswing.
- Backs of the hands stay connected and stable all the way to the top of the swing
- Elbows stay naturally spaced without flying or collapsing
- Full shoulder turn achieved with structured arm radius
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Allowing the backs of the hands to slide apart during the backswing
- Lifting the arms independently instead of turning the chest and shoulders
- Rushing the backswing instead of holding the top position to feel the width
Swing Faults & Ball Flights Addressed
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