Balancing Your Golf Swing

It is best to think of your golf swing as an equation. And like any equation, it does not work unless it balances. Let’s break down that analogy.

In anatomy, we refer to structures closer to the center of the body as proximal — for example, the sternum. Structures farther from the center — such as the hands — are called distal. In the golf swing, we can draw a parallel: the body serves as the proximal segment, while the arms and club function as the distal segment.

Understanding how those two segments relate — and counterbalance — one another is essential.

The Backswing: Wide vs. Narrow

Consider the backswing in terms of width. Some swings are wide; others are narrow.

A flatter swing tends to be wide because the arms and club move farther away from the center of the body. An upright swing is narrower, as the arms and club remain closer to the body. Here’s where the equation comes into play:

A wide (flat) backswing requires the body to remain more centered over the golf ball to maintain balance.

A narrow (upright) backswing allows for slightly more movement off the ball.

Neither is inherently right or wrong. The key is whether the motion balances.

The Downswing: Matching the Motion

Balance must continue on the downswing.

A wide backswing requires some narrowing to offset that width. This often shows up as a good amount of “lag” or downcocking — the club retaining wrist angle longer into the downswing. That narrowing effect helps match the earlier width.

Conversely, a narrow (upright) backswing often pairs well with a bit more width coming down — an earlier release pattern that offsets the initial narrowness.

Again, it’s not about positions. It’s about matching movements.

Swing Path and Low Point

The same balancing principle applies to swing path.

An inside-out path tends to reach the low point earlier. To match that, the player must maintain wrist angles longer — a later “hit” — to prevent bottoming out too soon.

A more outside path tends to bottom out later. That pattern often requires an earlier release to balance the later low point.

Different patterns. Different matches. Same governing principle: balance the equation.

Solving the Impact Equation

So many elements of the golf swing feed into the impact equation. Professionals have learned to solve it. Amateurs often struggle because their motions don’t match — the equation doesn’t balance.

We all have a swing sequence. Knowing when to do what — and how one motion offsets another — is critical to better golf.

Balance the equation, and impact improves.

That is the difference between copying positions and understanding function.

And that’s why seeing a qualified instructor matters. The right professional won’t simply change your swing — he or she will help you find the correct matches for your motion.