“Head up at the top” means your head lifts or shifts upward/backward during the backswing, which breaks posture and leads to poor contact, balance issues, and off-line shots.

Causes of Lifting the Head at the Top in Golf Backswing –

Mentioned Below are the technique related issue along with the physical limitations for the error:

  • Poor Setup or Weight Distribution
     Too much weight on the toes or a slouched spine at address can create imbalance, encouraging upward movement in the backswing.
  • Lack of Understanding of Body Movement
     Many golfers confuse rotation with lifting — raising the head instead of coiling around the spine.
  • Overemphasis on One Element
     Trying to create a big turn or “see the club at the top” often leads to unintended head lift.
  • Incorrect Swing Thought
     Thoughts like “keep your eye on 5the ball” (too literally) can tense the neck and destabilize head position.

Drills to help avoid the issue –

1. Hula Hoop Swing Plane Drill:
Trains proper shoulder rotation and swing plane awareness using visual and physical feedback to Develop proper shoulder turn, swing plane discipline, and full-body rotation without head or spine movement.

2. Head on the Wall Drill:
Trains head stability and posture awareness throughout the swing using a fixed reference point to Prevent excessive head movement during the swing to improve consistency, balance, and ball-striking.

Physical Limitations With Exercises to Improve –

  • Limited Hip Mobility:
    Makes rotation difficult without lifting or swaying.
    – Exercises – Side lounges, hip stretching, 90/90 stretch.
  • Lack of Core Strength:
    Reduces control of posture at the top.
    – Exercises – Plank, side plank, russian twist.
  • Neck or Upper Spine Rigidity :
    Prevents smooth head positioning during rotation.
    – Exercises – Chin tucks, neck rotation, shoulder blade squeeze.
  • Tight Hamstrings:
    Restricts ability to maintain spine angle.
    – Exercises – Static stretch, seated hamsting stretch, foam rolling.

How to Adapt Your Swing to Physical Limitations –

  • Shorten backswing to reduce posture loss.
  • Use a wider stance or flare feet for better balance.
  • Emphasize lower-body-driven rotation to keep the upper body stable.

Alternate Names of Head Up at Top in Golf Backswing –

  • Loss of Head Position at Top
  • Lifting the Head
  • Peeking Too Early
  • Losing Spine Angle at the Top

Related Swing Errors –

Precursor and successor errors for lifting head in golf backswing.

Precursor Errors (Triggering Issues) –

  • Poor Posture at Setup
  • Lifting Arms Instead of Rotating

Successor Errors (Resulting Issues) –

  • Loss of Clubface Control
  • Over-the-Top Move
  • Early Extension
  • Inconsistent Contact

References: