Should you be swinging your arms around the body or straight back and through?
Traditional instruction suggests the golf swing should be around the body. It’s a movement you often see among the Pros on TV. And it can work for you . . . if your body is flexible enough to carry out this movement smoothly.
But what if you have a bad back, bad knees, or other issue that interferes with that smooth around the body swing to hit a good golf shot. Or (like me), you’ve reached the magic age where you just can’t move like you used to when younger.
Todd Kolb promotes a golf swing that is more vertical. It involves taking the club straight back and through. He calls it the Vertical Line Backswing. It is more Up and Down versus around the body.
Here’s two pictures that demonstrate the difference between the two types of golf swings. The first one Todd depicts the traditional backswing, bringing the club around the body. The second picture is Todd demonstrating the vertical line swing, less twisting of the body.
Golf Backswing
Todd believes his more vertical back swing promotes loose arms and involves less tension on your back and the rest of your body.
Because the swing is easy on your body it is more repeatable. You aren’t fighting tension; it’s a natural movement.
By allowing your body and your arms to swing freely, without tension, you’ll find an easy increase in club speed, allowing shots to carry a longer distance.
Golf Forward Swing
Traditional coaching would have your swing be low and pulling left through the swing, turning your belt buckle towards the direction of the ball flight. Unless you are quite flexible, this movement stresses the back muscles. Your body is going to naturally protest finishing the swing in this manner.
Todd’s swing is down-the-line swinging towards the target and finishes UP rather than a corkscrew around the body.
In the following slow-motion video, I break down the elements of Todd’s swing. You’ll see his hip turn on the backswing is modest, mostly a shoulder turn. In the finish his hands are high.
Slow Motion Video of Todd’s Vertical Line Golf Swing
Is the Vertical Line Golf Swing right for you?
If you have pain or simply have trouble with a complete shoulder turn or managing the full finish mandated by traditional golf instruction, this may be a solution for you.
Learn more at Todd’s YouTube Channel or his Vertical Line Swing website.
. . . Have you tried the Vertical Line Swing? Let me know in your comments below the post.
Other Body Friendly Golf Swings & Videos to Check out
- Paul Wilson’s Body Swing – As the name implies Paul believes how you turn your body is key to a reliable, effective golf swing.
- Tom Saguto’s “Stack and Tilt” Golf Swing – Tom’s swing method is based on simplicity, reducing the number of moving parts in a golf swing.
- Jim Venetos Closed Stance Golf Swing – Jim’s unique setup is part of his golfing system that makes a reliable golf swing possible.
- Brian Sparks/Easiest Golf Swing Principles – Brian was a pioneer in teaching a natural-based body friendly swing, absent focus on minute details. Brother Phil is continuing Brian’s legacy in the Easiest Swing golf channel.
- Manuel De La Torre Golf Swing w/ Trish Beucher – Like Brian Sparks, Manuel believed in finding ways to allow your body to naturally move the club and strike the ball successfully. Former student Trish Beucher continues teaching in his tradition.
- Video Playlist – Senior & Body Friendly Golf Swings