A Reverse Spine Angle as defined by TPI is any excessive upper body backward bend (trunk leaning towards the target) or excessive left lateral upper body bend (for a right-handed player) during the backswing. This swing fault makes it very difficult to start the downswing in the proper sequence due to the lower body being placed in a position that usually limits its ability to initiate the downswing. This swing characteristic is also one of the prime causes of lower back pain in golfers.

Other Names for This Issue

  • Reverse pivot
  • Stack and tilt
  • Forward spine lean

Causes of Reverse Spine Angle

This issue occurs when a golfer’s upper body tilts excessively towards the target during the backswing. As a result, the spine leans backward, creating an unnatural and inefficient posture that hampers the ability to generate power and maintain consistency during the swing. This swing fault can put excessive stress on muscles

Golf Technique Deficiency resulting in error

Excessive Hip Slide: Instead of rotating, the hips slide toward the target during the backswing, forcing the spine to tilt the wrong way.

Over-Rotation of the Upper Body: Rotating too far or too fast without proper lower body control, leading to a loss of spine angle and poor balance.

Poor Setup/Posture: Starting with rounded shoulders or an overly upright spine makes it hard to rotate around a stable axis.

Lack of Pelvic Stability: If the pelvis tilts or wobbles too much during the backswing, the spine compensates by tilting toward the target.

Incorrect Weight Shift: Shifting pressure to the lead side during the backswing can pull the upper body forward and cause reverse tilt.

Drills to Fix the Issue

Shoulder Tilt Awareness Drill
Corrects reverse spine angle by training proper upper body tilt and rotation in the backswing.

  • Cross your arms across your chest, placing your hands on opposite shoulders.
  • Get into your normal golf stance, ensuring your spine is tilted slightly away from the target at setup.
  • Begin your backswing slowly, focusing on rotating your lead shoulder toward your trail knee — not toward the target.
  • Maintain your spine tilt away from the target throughout the backswing.
  • Avoid any upward lift or lean toward the target — this is the reverse spine angle you’re trying to correct.
  • Repeat in slow motion to build awareness and proper shoulder-knee alignment.

🎯 Goal: Eliminate reverse spine angle by promoting proper upper body tilt and rotational movement away from the target.

Reach and Throw Rotation Drill
Promotes full upper body rotation and proper sequencing by using a reach-and-throw motion.

  • Have a partner stand on the target line in front of you, holding a ball about a driver’s length away.
  • – If no partner is available, place a box or stand to rest the ball on at the same distance.
  • Take your normal golf stance without a club.
  • In the backswing, rotate your body and reach for the ball with your trail hand — this encourages a full turn and extension.
  • In the follow-through, throw the ball against a wall or into the air in front of you, using your whole body.
  • Focus on staying in posture, rotating through the throw, and avoiding upward movement or sway.

🎯 Goal: Improve upper body rotation, reduce reverse spine angle, and train proper swing sequencing with dynamic motion.

Resistance Band Posture Drill
Reinforces spine angle, rotation, and posture stability using resistance and guided hand path.

  • Stand in front of a barbell fixed in a rack, with the bar positioned at about thigh height.
  • Place your hands on the bar as if gripping a club, and take your normal golf stance.
  • Loop an elastic resistance band around your lower back, then hold both ends of the band with your hands while still gripping the bar.
  • The band should create gentle tension, pulling against your lower back.
  • Keeping your posture and spine angle steady, perform 10 slow, controlled golf swings, using your body to rotate around the fixed bar.
  • Focus on resisting the pull of the band while maintaining balance, depth, and connection.

🎯 Goal: Improve rotational control, prevent early extension, and train your body to stay in posture through the swing using resistance feedback.

Straight Back Takeaway Drill
Trains a proper takeaway by promoting width, structure, and correct hand path early in the backswing.

  • Take your normal golf stance.
  • Hold an alignment stick with both hands, palms facing up, arms extended straight in front of you.
    • If you don’t have a stick, do the same drill with bare hands held straight.
  • Begin your backswing slowly.
  • Focus on keeping the lower end of the alignment stick (or your hands) pointing directly behind the ball, straight away from the target line.
    • If using your hands, imagine pointing them up toward the sky in the backswing, not pulling them behind your body.
  • This motion ensures you’re staying wide and on plane without collapsing inward.
  • Repeat until the takeaway feels smooth and structured.

🎯 Goal: Create a straight, wide takeaway that avoids early rerouting or collapsing inside the line.

Shaft Alignment Turn Drill
Trains proper shoulder turn and swing plane awareness using visual shaft alignment.

  • Lay a club on the ground parallel to your trail foot, just inside your stance — this represents your target line.
  • Place another club across your shoulders, holding it in place with crossed arms or hands.
  • Take your normal golf stance.
  • Begin your backswing by rotating your upper body.
  • Stop when the club across your shoulders becomes parallel to the club on the ground.
  • This confirms a proper shoulder turn that matches your swing plane.
  • Repeat slowly to build consistency and awareness of your shoulder alignment.

🎯 Goal: Train a full, on-plane shoulder turn to support better swing mechanics and consistency.

Physical Limitations Contributing to Reverse Spine Angle

Limited Thoracic Spine Mobility: Poor upper back rotation forces the body to find motion elsewhere, often by tilting the spine instead of rotating it.

Weak Core Muscles: Without a strong core to stabilize the spine, it’s difficult to maintain posture during dynamic movement.

Tight Hip Flexors: Prevents proper hip rotation and extension, leading to compensation with upper body lean.

Poor Glute Activation/Stability: Glutes help control pelvic tilt; if they’re weak or inactive, the pelvis and spine become unstable.

Restricted Ankle Mobility: Especially on the trail leg — limited flex can restrict rotation and balance, leading to upper body compensation.

Exercises to Build Movement Capacity

Open Book Stretch – Improves thoracic rotation.

Glute Bridges with Band – Strengthens hips and stabilizes pelvis.

Dead Bug with Core Control – Builds core strength for better spine support.

How to Adapt Your Swing to Physical Limitations

  • Use a slightly shorter backswing if rotation is limited.
  • Turn the trail foot out slightly to improve hip turn and reduce spine tilt.
  • Narrow stance slightly to help with balance and rotation control.

Related Swing Errors

Precursor Errors (Triggering Issues)

  • Upper body sway in backswing – Often leads to reverse tilt.
  • Improper weight shift at setup – Forces upper body to lean forward.

Successor Errors (Resulting Issues)

  • Over-the-top swing path – Caused by poor sequencing and body angle.
  • Early extension – Body lifts up to recover from a bad spine angle.

Tools and Training Aids

  • Wall or Chair Behind Hips – Helps you feel proper hip turn and spine tilt.
  • Alignment Stick Across Shoulders – Visual cue for keeping spine angle during rotation.
  • Foam Roller or Ball at Lead Hip – Feedback tool to maintain correct hip pressure.