C
Clarity News Hub

How do you start a takeaway golf swing?

Author

Rachel Ellis

Published Jan 24, 2026

How do you start a takeaway in the golf swing? You start the takeaway in the golf swing by sweeping the club head back along your target line, slowly lifting it until the shaft is parallel to the ground. The takeaway begins with straight but relaxed arms, ending at the point where they feel like they need to bend.

What moves first in the takeaway?

In order to have the most efficient swing possible, the club head and shaft must move first to start your golf swing. I say club head and shaft because based on your current takeaway, FEELING one move first then the other may be more beneficial to you.

What moves first in the backswing?

Most good players have a starting “trigger move” that signals the start of the backswing. Common backswing starting trigger moves are: A gentle waggle movement back and forward with the club, hands and wrists, which can ease any tensions in the set-up, and encourage a smooth, rhythmic beginning of the backswing.

What triggers the backswing in golf?

A great example of a swing trigger is the right knee “kick-in” as used by Gary Player. Before Player swings the club back he kicks the right knee in and this move forms a brace for the backswing and creates enough flow and movement to trigger the backswing.

How do you start the left knee with downswing?

HOW TO DO IT: Pausing your arms and hands at the top, begin the downswing by releasing your left knee toward the target (above). The arms fall onto an inside path. After the knee moves, let your left leg straighten. If the knee moves outside the left foot, you've overdone it.

26 related questions found

How do you forward a swing in golf?

The forward press golf swing in golf involves moving your hands slightly forward to lean your club shaft toward the pin. To correctly perform a forward press, you need to press your hands in line with your front leg before executing your backswing.

Where does the golf swing start?

The golf swing starts from the ground up. Even as the upper body and arms are still going back, the lower body is starting the downswing. Putting pressure into the lead foot early in the transition is a big key to setting up the rest of the downswing.

How do I start my left shoulder golf swing?

The simplest way to start a sound backswing is with the left arm and shoulder (for right-handed players). By gently rotating away from the ball, the left side puts the club on plane and signals the left hip to turn in the same direction. The result is an efficient, in-sync swing that's connected and coiled.

What body part moves first in golf swing?

To start the swing, it's important to remember to use your “big” muscles at first, instead of the “small” muscles. This means that the first movement is with the shoulders and arms, not the wrists. The shoulders and arms draw the club directly back along the target line until the hands reach waist-high.

How do you stop inside a takeaway in golf?

If you roll your wrists open and suck the club inside, you will hit the couch. Your goal with this drill is to avoid the couch during your takeaway and use it as a guide for your shaft when the club comes parallel to the ground.

What muscles start the golf swing?

The most active muscle during the forward swing phase in the lower body are the upper and lower gluteus maximus (100% MMT and 98% MM) on the right side along with the biceps femoris (78% MMT). On the left side, the most active muscles are the vastus lateralis (88% MMT) and the adductor magnus (63% MMT).

Is the takeaway the most important part of the golf swing?

The takeaway is arguably the most important part of your backswing. It sets the tone for your entire swing. Get it wrong, and you'll struggle to hit great golf shots.

Do you pull down on the golf swing?

Pull Down. As your arms and hands start into the downswing, it is important to imagine pulling the butt of the club straight down toward the ground. This keeps your hands ahead of the clubhead – often referred to as "lag" – and keeps the power you've built up on the right side of the ball.

Which hand should dominate in the golf swing?

The left-hand dominant golf swing is known to be very powerful, and it will help correct some misses golfers have in their game. If you are a player who wants power and you like the classic methods of pulling the golf club through your swing, then left-hand dominance is the right idea for you.

Where should the club be at the top of the backswing?

Ideally, you want the golf club to be pointing directly at your target at the top of your golf swing. This allows you to uncoil your swing with the fewest moving parts and keep the swing on plane and on line the entire way.

Should you hinge your wrists in backswing?

There is no 'proper' wrist hinge in golf. Many coaches suggest to start breaking your wrists once you pass parallel in the takeaway, while others advocate a one-piece takeaway and only allowing your wrists to hinge at the top of the backswing. Both methods can produce repeatable, powerful golf swings.

How do you hinge your wrist in the backswing?

In the backswing, the body and arms should take the club away smoothly as one unit, while the wrists start to set. Once your lead arm is parallel to the ground, the club should be pointing towards the sky, roughly forming a right angle.

Should hands be forward in golf swing?

The grip and hands must be in front of the clubhead and ball. Many amateur golfers believe that the grip and clubhead come back to the position they are in during the setup. The hands and grip must move forward before the clubhead in order to properly compress and control the ball.

Should I forward press when putting?

Dave Stockton (and many other teachers) advocate the use of a forward press because it delofts the putter. There is a theory out there that since most putters actually have 3-4 degrees of loft, you have to counteract that with leaning your hands forward a little bit.

Should you forward press when chipping?

For a basic chip, use a 52- to 56-degree wedge. Play the ball center, and get your weight forward so your left shoulder is over your left foot. Your trunk is the heaviest part of your body, so that's what you should move forward, not the hips (above right).