Playing with a Limited Backswing

A round of golf can throw up many surprises and your ball can land in some unexpected places.  There will be times when the position of your ball means you have a limited backswing and today we will be looking at a tip which will help when faced with this situation.

A limited backswing can come because of an obstacle blocking your club.  This could be a tree or a bush and you will find yourself in this position if your ball has left the fairway.

Often, the best option here is to take your medicine and play the ball back on to the fairway, even if it means you do not gain any distance on the shot.  There will be times when the ball is so close to a tree trunk for example, the only option is to play a short shot to the fairway.

However, there is a shot available to you which you can use to hit the ball a longer distance and possibly reach the green.

As you have a restricted backswing, you will not be able to generate the same club head speed you would if you had a full backswing.  To compensate for this, you need more club in your hand.  So, if you would normally use a 9 iron from your current position, you could opt for an 8 or possibly a 7 iron.  This will allow the ball to travel a similar distance, despite the slower club head speed.

If your backswing is only partially blocked, another way to play your way out this position is by adjusting the line of your shot.

This is a great option if you can control the golf ball by using a slice or a hook.  If you play a lot of your shots naturally with a slice or a hook, it is best not to attempt this shot because if you hit the ball straight, you could be left in worse trouble than when you started.

Practicing playing with a limited backswing will prepare you for the moment when it arrives on the golf course.  To do this, simply place your golf bag behind you when on the driving range and use it as an obstacle.  You can practice hitting the ball with various clubs and measure the distance you can achieve with each of them.

Then, when you are stuck behind an obstacle on the golf course, you will know exactly which club to select to hit the ball the distance you require.