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.
