How do I get Backspin with my wedge?

Posted under Golf Swing Tips, Swing Improvement

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I somehow managed to get in a position on the course today where I had an audience approaching the 18th green. I think it was probably due to the fact that it was getting dark and the 4 holes behind us had given up and were following us up the 18th fairway. My shot was a long wedge towards the back of the green to come back towards a central pin position, this way I avoided the two horrible bunkers at the front of the green. I caught the shot perfectly and then the guy in the golf cart behind us said “Now how do I get backspin like that?”

I then had great pleasure in telling him to read this blog tomorrow morning as I would have posted a few tips on how to get backswing. So firstly Welcome to my new reader! Now lets get you some backspin. Many people think that to get good backspin you have to scoop the ball and get right under the ball in order to apply the spin. Not the case.

To get backspin you really need to strike the ball on the downward motion so you are striking down on the ball, this then allows the ball to roll up the club face, meaning the balls moving forward but with backspin on it. So some simple steps to achieve this:

Firstly you need to have your body slightly open to the target so you need to be aiming slightly to the left of where you want the ball to go.

Secondly when you strike the ball should be just to the right of center with the ball further back than normal in your stance with your hands in front of the ball. This helps get the ball struck on the downward arc.

Finally (and this was the bit that always used to catch me out) your back swing needs to be steeper and more upright than normal getting a good hinge in the writs. Take back straight then a little nick of the fairway taking slightly less then normal and you will see results.

As with all parts of the game the best thing you can do is practice until you are comfortable. Please don’t try it when it is vital to your round unless you have spent a few hours trying it out first.

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