We all love looking at those big backswings that golf pros seem to rip off with effortless executiion. For the amateur golfer, far too often ego is driving the golf swing more than good logic. This often leads to over-exagerated back swings that are too long, leading to shorter ball travel and wide margins for error.

Golf pros all have different lengths of backswing; they concentrate more on wrist cocking to get their power. The angle between the left arm and the golf club at the top of the swing is 90 degrees or less.

The average player tries to hit the ball too hard. This results in locking up in the wrists leading to the left elbow breaking from the ideal position and the club going back too far. Allow the wrists to stay loose throughout the swing; this will give you more power without requiring you to take the club back too far.

Shoulder Rotation

Shoulder rotation determines the amount the left arm goes back. Greater shoulder rotation, permits are longer back swing. The ideal shoulder rotation[commonly referred to as the X-Factor] is 90 degrees. Most cannot get this far, but rotating to the point of mild tension tells you that you are at your max current best point to create max torque in your swing.

Most golfers avoid this tight feeling by over-rotating the hips. If you rotate the hips more than 45 degrees, you lose this necessary torque creating consistency in the swing. Only turn back as much as your body will allow.

So for maximum power without too long a swing:

Keep your lower body stable and turn your shoulders back as much as you can, until you feel tight.
Keep your wrists are loose enough to allow the club to hinge to at least 90 degrees in your wrists.

Unleash that spring and kapow!