The #1 Backswing Mistake Amateur Golfers Make
If you’re struggling with inconsistent contact, slices, or a golf swing that never feels repeatable, the problem may not be your downswing.
It may be the very first move you make.
One of the most common mistakes I see from amateur golfers is rolling the club behind their hands too early in the backswing.
It feels natural, but it creates a chain reaction that makes solid, consistent ball striking much harder.
In this week’s 15-Second Fix, I’ll show you a simple adjustment that can help you build a more repeatable golf swing.
Why Rolling the Club Is a Problem
When golfers begin the takeaway by rolling the club behind them, several things happen almost immediately:
The clubface opens too early.
The club gets trapped behind the body.
The swing requires compensations on the downswing.
Solid contact becomes inconsistent.
Many golfers spend years trying to fix impact, when the real problem started in the first few inches of the backswing.
A Better Way to Start Your Backswing
Instead of taking the club away with your hands and forearms, let your body begin the movement.
I want golfers to feel like they:
Turn the right hip slightly back
Let the chest begin pulling the club
Keep the clubhead slightly outside the hands during the takeaway
Those three movements help create a connected backswing and put you in a much stronger position for the rest of the swing.
Think less about lifting the club and more about allowing your body to move it.
Practice the Feel—Not the Speed
One of the biggest mistakes golfers make is practicing too fast.
Slow everything down.
Rehearse the takeaway without hitting a golf ball.
Build the correct movement first.
As I tell my students:
“It isn’t about speed. It’s about getting quality reps.”
A few perfect rehearsals are worth far more than dozens of rushed swings.
The goal is to make the correct movement feel natural before adding speed.
Watch the 15-Second Fix
This week’s 15-Second Fix walks you through this exact concept in less than 15 seconds.
Watch the video, take it to the driving range, and focus on creating the correct feel before worrying about distance.
Small changes early in the swing often produce the biggest improvements later.
Ready to Improve Your Swing?
Watching videos is a great place to start.
But nothing replaces personalized coaching.
At a Christopher Howard Golf School, you’ll receive hands-on instruction, immediate feedback, and a practice plan built specifically for your swing.
Whether you’re trying to break 100, break 90, or finally reach single digits, our goal is simple:
Help you play better golf.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common backswing mistake?
One of the most common mistakes amateur golfers make is rolling the club behind their hands too early in the takeaway. This often opens the clubface and forces compensations later in the swing.
How can I improve my takeaway?
Start the backswing with your body’s rotation instead of your hands. Focus on turning your trail hip, letting your chest move the club, and keeping the clubhead outside your hands.
Will a better takeaway improve ball striking?
Yes. A connected takeaway helps create a more repeatable swing, leading to more consistent contact and improved accuracy.
