B A S I C   S W I N G   F A U L T S

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The 12 basic swing faults can all be traced back to physical limitations.

 

  

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9. Reverse Spine Angle

  

38.5% of players have a Reverse Spine Angle
A Reverse Spine Angle is any excessive upper body backward bend or excessive left lateral (for right handed golfers) upper body bend during the backswing. This swing characteristic makes it difficult to start the downswing in the proper sequence, because the lower body is in a position that usually limits its ability to initiate the downswing. This swing characteristic is also one of the prime causes of lower back pain. The upper body tends to dominate the swing when the lower body can't start the downswing or has a limited ability to initiate the movement. The upper body domination will eventually create path problems and limited power output. This swing characteristic also puts excessive tension on the lower back due to forced inhibition of the abdominal musculature during the backswing.

Several physical cahracteeristics must be developed in order to maintain your spine angle during the back swing.

  


   1. S-posture
   2. C-posture
   3. Loss of Posture
   4. Flat Shoulder Plane
   5. Early Extension
   6. Over-the-top
   7. Sway
   8. Slide
   10. Hanging Back
   11. Casting/Early Release
   12. Chicken Winging
  • Foremost, the ability to separate your upper body from the lower body allows the shoulders to rotate around the spine without going into backward bend or excessive left lateral bend. Limited thorax to pelvis separation is caused by reduced spinal mobility and shortened lat flexibility. The seated Trunk Rotation, the Lat Test, and the Torso Rotatin Test best evaluate separation.
  • Right hip internal rotation for right-handed golfer is paramount for full rotation into the right hip wihtout any lateral movement. If the body is unable to rotate around the hip due to joint or muscular restrictions then a l=ateral sway may occur. Any lateral sway during the backswing will force the spine to tilt into backward bend and create the reverse spine angle. Using the Lower Quarter Rotation Test right hip roation is best evaluated.
  • Finally, the ability to stabilise the spine angle during the backswwing is directly proportional to the strength and stability of the core musculature (your abs and glutes). The core is king when it comes to spinal stabilisation. These muscles help keep the thorax forward flexed throughout the golf swing. Core strenght is best evaluated using the Pelvic Tilt Test, the Bridge w. Leg Extension Test and the Leg Lowering Test.