Driving · Tip
Two Checks for a Fuller Driver Turn
Part of our driving programs for topped or thin. Build a program with it
A good driver swing needs room. And room comes from a full turn. Swing to the top and stop. Now check two things. Where's your trail hip? Many golfers hold their hips still. Let your pelvis turn away from the ball. Where's your lead shoulder? It should point roughly at the ball. If it doesn't, your upper body hasn't turned enough. Rehearse until both feel free and easy.
Step by step
- Swing to the top and hold it.
- Check that your trail hip has turned back.
- Loosen your pelvis so it can rotate.
- Check that your lead shoulder points at the ball.
- Repeat until the full turn feels natural.
Why it works
A full turn stores rotation in your body and gives the club a longer, wider path to build speed. When your pelvis turns back, your trail hip moves out of the way and your upper body can rotate further. When your lead shoulder points at the ball, it shows your upper body has turned fully against a stable lower body, so you can swing down from a balanced, coiled position.
Common mistakes
- You hold your hips still and turn only your arms and shoulders.Let your pelvis rotate back with your upper body until you feel your trail hip move away from the ball.
- You lift your arms and leave your lead shoulder short of the ball.Keep turning your chest away from the target until your lead shoulder points roughly at the ball.
- You slide your hips sideways away from the target instead of turning them.Keep your trail leg stable and rotate your pelvis around it, so your hip turns back rather than slides.
How you'll know it's working
- At the top, your lead shoulder points roughly at the ball and your trail hip has turned back.
- Your backswing feels free, with no strain in your hips or lower back, and you stay balanced at the top.
- Your contact moves toward the center of the face and your drives start on your intended line more often.
Make it easier or harder
Easier: Make the check with a slow, half-speed swing and use a mirror or a phone camera to see your hip and shoulder positions at the top.
Harder: Make the same two checks at full speed on the range, then hit drives and hold your finish to confirm you stayed balanced.
Common questions
How far should my hips turn in the driver backswing?
Enough that your trail hip moves back and your pelvis rotates freely, without sliding sideways. The exact amount varies with your flexibility, so use the shoulder check as your guide.
Why does my lead shoulder not point at the ball at the top?
Usually your upper body has not turned far enough, often because your hips stayed still or your arms lifted instead of turning. Loosen your pelvis and keep turning your chest until the shoulder points at the ball.
