How the ‘light’ feel during the backswing can create a powerful stroke

You’ve heard the term “charge on your back move. Good advice, but often misunderstood by most players.

In my research using the Swing Catalyst and various force plates, I’ve found that the “loading” part of your backswing (getting your weight to your side of the track so you can shift it forward on the downswing to create power and speed) happens earlier than you think. The maximum load occurs as soon as you start the club again – this is the big difference. But as you reach the top, or specifically when the clubhead is over your hands, the trick is to feel lighter and not sink so much to your side of the fairway.

It’s this sense of ease that allows you to better transition from the backswing to the downswing and prepare your body to shift the weight to the front side for a powerful stroke. Think of it like this:

1. Place it in your regular address position.

2. As you move back, load on your trail leg. The earlier the better.

3. As you reach the top with the stick up over your hands, feel the load disappear a little. It is this sense of ease that will help you create a smoother transition from turning to cornering.

4. When you’re light on top, you can get your weight to the front more easily and head up for a powerful kick. Loading is important, but it’s better to do it sooner rather than later.

Joe Plecker is one GOLF Top 100 Teachers and is director of instruction at the Landings Club in Savannah, Ga.