Expert Golf Teacher Debunks Common Backswing Belief

Staff Writer

Expert Golf Teacher Debunks Common Backswing Belief

Slowing Down Your Backswing: Debunking the Common Belief

Slowing down your backswing

As golfers, we often encounter well-meaning advice from our playing partners. They may suggest slowing down our backswing to gain better control over our shots. However, it’s time to reassess this common belief. Golf Top 100 Teacher Jon Tattersall, renowned for his expertise in the field, debunks the notion that a slower backswing leads to improved performance.

It’s important to discern the merit behind the suggestions we receive. While our playing partners might have good intentions, their lack of credentials makes it challenging to ascertain the validity of their advice. Therefore, following their counsel can potentially harm our game more than benefit it.

The Issue with Slowing Down the Backswing

In a recent Instagram post, Jon Tattersall explains why slowing down your backswing to gain control can cause issues in your game. Instead, he recommends finding a more balanced swing speed and establishing the appropriate tempo for consistent results.

Tattersall’s method involves implementing a blend of speed between the backswing and the downswing. It requires practicing faster backswings to generate momentum, allowing for an additional touch of speed on the follow-through. By adopting this approach, you unlock the smooth and rhythmic synchronization observed in the techniques of great golfers.

But why does slowing down the backswing lead to poor results? According to Tattersall, it’s all about the interactions between your motor skills and the needs of your swing. When you slow down your backswing, your brain naturally signals the need for more speed at the top of the swing to generate greater distance. Consequently, you over-accelerate during the transition, throwing off your balance in relation to the club’s mass, which ultimately results in mishits.

Avoiding the Common Problem

While the swing analysis provided by your playing partners might seem valuable, incorporating their advice to slow down your backswing will exacerbate the issue. Tattersall recommends striving for a blend of speed in both the backswing and the downswing. By attaining consistent speeds throughout your swing, you cultivate a smoother and more rhythmic appearance, significantly enhancing your ball-striking ability.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Why do some golfers suggest slowing down the backswing?

Many golfers believe that slowing down the backswing can provide better control over their shots. However, this notion has been debunked by Jon Tattersall, a highly respected Golf Top 100 Teacher.

What issues can arise from slowing down the backswing?

Slowing down the backswing can lead to over-acceleration during the transition, causing an imbalance with the club’s mass and resulting in mishits.

What is the recommended approach for a more effective swing?

Jon Tattersall advises golfers to strive for a balanced blend of speed in the backswing and a touch more speed in the downswing. This technique promotes a smoother and more rhythmic appearance, ultimately improving ball-striking ability.


  • Backswing control
  • Balanced swing speed
  • Ball-striking ability
  • Common belief debunked
  • consistent results
  • Golf swing analysis
  • GOLF Top 100 Teacher
  • mishits
  • Over-acceleration
  • Smooth and rhythmic synchronization

Updated February 6, 2024