Standing up in golf backswing

Standing up in a golf backswing (Head up at the top) is a common backswing error caused primarily by losing spine angle in the backswing.

This loss of spine angle during backswing rotation can be either due to swing technique issues or physical limitations.

Drills to Help You Reduce Head Lift in Golf Backswing

Below are video explanations and drills by PGA coach Chris Ryan, TPI-certified Coach Aimee and, one of Golf Digest’s top 20 Instructors Rob Cheney

1. Hula Hoop Swing Plane Drill
Trains proper shoulder rotation and swing plane awareness using visual and physical feedback.

2. Head on the Wall Drill
Trains head stability and posture awareness throughout the swing using a fixed reference point.

Avoiding Head Movement in Backswing

Physical Limitations: Standing Up in Golf Backswing

Limited Hip Mobility
It 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.

As per TPI

How to Adapt Your Swing to Physical Limitations

Shorten backswing to reduce posture loss.
Use flared 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 the Top
Lifting the Head

Related Swing Errors

Precursor and successor errors for lifting head in golf backswing.

Precursor Errors (Triggering Issues)

Losing Spine Angle in Backswing
Lifting Arms Instead of Rotating

Successor Errors (Resulting Issues)

Early Extension

Head up at top in Golf Backswing. “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/Intent. Thoughts like "keep your eye on the 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.

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