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Groove a perfect backswing with this expert advice

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We all know that you need to turn on your backswing. It’s how you turn that makes all the difference. To borrow some boxing analogies, high-handicappers tend to make a left cross. Better players make an uppercut. Here’s what I mean — plus a visual to help you see and feel the difference.

Get into your regular setup with any iron, then swing to the top and hold. Have a friend place an alignment stick across your elbows, as shown in the photos above. If you struggle with consistency or speed, it’s likely that the alignment stick looks like the one on the left: parallel to the ground.

This indicates that you simply rotated your shoulders, probably with a little too much sway off the ball. Yes, you’ve turned, but you haven’t really “loaded.” This is the dreaded left-cross turn, which can lead to a serious lack of power and plenty of downswing path problems.

You need to build some uppercut into your backswing. Notice in the photo on the top right how at the top the alignment stick is angled more toward the ground. It’s this type of turn that correctly sets the club on plane and creates the “load” you need for a power-rich and on-plane downswing. Think of turning while retaining the tilt you establish at address. It’s the easy way to always catch the ball solid.

V.J. Trolio is a GOLF Top 100 Teacher who teaches at Old Waverly Club in West Point, Miss.