July 6, 2026 10:37 am

Top of Backswing Golf Shaft Position

Your backswing shaft position can be difficult to check on your own. This is because it happens behind your head and out of your field of vision.

However, from a clear view behind the swing, it’s easier to see exactly where the shaft is pointing and whether the swing is likely to stay on track.

Getting the Shaft Position Right

At the top of your backswing, the golf shaft should ideally be parallel to your target line. In simple terms, it should point in the same direction as your feet and the target.

If the shaft is in the right position, the club has a much better chance of travelling towards the target at impact. This can help you strike the ball more cleanly and hit straighter golf shots.

Here are the two common mistakes to look out for.

If the shaft points left of the target for a right-handed golfer, this is known as being laid off at the top. This can cause the club to come over the top on the downswing, often leading to a slice.

The opposite mistake is being cross-lined at the top. This is when the shaft points over your head, or to the right of the target for a right-handed golfer. This can cause the club to attack too much from the inside, which may lead to heavy or topped shots.

As this position is difficult to see yourself, ask a playing partner to stand directly behind you. They can check where the shaft is pointing at the top of your backswing.

A small change at the top can make a big difference to your strike, ball flight and overall consistency.

Categorised in: Tip of the month, World of Golf London