How to Get a Bigger Backswing and More Distance in Golf

Want more power in your swing? Most golfers limit their potential by restricting shoulder turn in the backswing. The good news—you don’t need a new fitness program or extreme flexibility to hit longer golf shots. With a few simple setup adjustments and at-home golf backswing drills, you can unlock a bigger turn, improve your mechanics, and increase clubhead speed—regardless of age.

Watch the Full Lesson

Why a Bigger Backswing Creates More Distance

A bigger backswing allows for:

• Greater shoulder rotation.

• More stored energy at the top of your swing.

• Increased clubhead speed through impact.

The key is learning how to use your body from the ground up—rather than forcing the turn from your shoulders alone.

The Ground-Up Approach to Shoulder Turn in Backswing

Most golfers make the mistake of trying to rotate from the top down. Instead, think ground up:

• Start with your feet and stance.

• Understand how your legs support maximum hip turn.

• Let your shoulders follow for a full 90-degree turn.

This approach makes achieving power and consistency easier for golfers at every level.

Three Setup Adjustments That Instantly Improve Your Golf Backswing

1. Square-to-Flare Foot Positioning

Flare your feet slightly outward. This opens up hip mobility and makes it easier to rotate into a bigger backswing.

2. Belt Buckle Forward

Push your hips slightly forward (belt buckle toward the target). This promotes better hip rotation without forcing it.

3. Closed Stance for Mobility

Close your stance just a touch. This creates space for your trail hip to rotate freely, allowing you to achieve more shoulder turn.

At-Home Golf Backswing Drills for Shoulder Rotation

These drills don’t require special equipment and can be practiced right at home:

Lawnmower Pull Drill

Mimic starting a lawnmower by driving your trail arm back and behind. This activates your trail shoulder and hip for a bigger turn.

Trail Arm Sweep Drill (Windmill Motion)

Perform a sweeping motion with your trail arm, like a windmill. This helps sequence your arms and torso for better backswing mechanics.

How to Achieve 90° Shoulders and 45° Hips Without a Fitness Program

The combination of foot flare, hip position, and stance adjustments allows you to naturally achieve:

• 90 degrees of shoulder turn

• 45 degrees of hip rotation

Anyone who knows me, knows I’m a fitness fanatic. What my experience on the lesson tee has taught me, however, is you don’t need to spend months getting your body to be more mobile in order to start hitting better shots right now. Even if you don’t consider yourself flexible, you can improve immediately following the tips in this lesson.

Take Your Game to the Next Level

If you’re ready for personalized feedback, video swing analysis, or in-person coaching, I’d love to help.