Shoulder Turn In Golf: How Much You Need In Your Swing

The shoulder turn is one of the most important fundamentals in the golf swing. A proper shoulder turn allows you to create power and consistency in your swing. But how much should you turn your shoulders on the backswing and downswing? Let's take a closer look.

Why the Shoulder Turn Matters

The shoulder turn is critical for two main reasons:

It creates coil and torque in your swing. By turning your shoulders away from the target on the backswing, you build up potential energy. This stored energy can then be unleashed on the downswing for increased power. 

It sets your swing on the correct plane. The shoulder turn determines the swing path and helps get the club on the right angle during the backswing. This consistency leads to solid ball-striking.

Backswing Shoulder Turn

On the backswing, the shoulders must turn at least 90 degrees from their address position. The optimal range for most golfers is between 90-110 degrees. Here are a few checkpoints for your backswing shoulder turn:

• Feel like your back is facing the target at the top. Your chest should point towards the ground.

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• Your back shoulder should move under your chin. Don't lift your shoulder upward.

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• Limit the hip turn on the backswing. The shoulders turn more than the hips.

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• Keep your head steady and spine angle consistent throughout the shoulder turn.

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Restricting the backswing shoulder turn is one of the most common problems. Limited mobility, tension, or swaying off the ball often causes this issue. Make sure you have a full 90+ degree turn for maximum power.

Downswing Shoulder Turn 

On the downswing, the shoulders must square back up to the target. As your torso unwinds, the sequence is shoulders first, then hips. Here are some keys for the downswing shoulder motion:

• Feel like your chest is moving towards the target first on the downswing. Avoid spinning the hips early.

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• Time the upper body and lower body properly. The shoulders should be square at impact, while the hips are still opening up. 

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• The shoulders and torso lead the motion, while the arms and club drop into the slot. Don't overuse your hands and arms.

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• Finish in a balanced posture with chest facing the target and belt buckle pointed left of the target.

The downswing shoulder turn adds considerable power when executed correctly. Make sure you feel the upper body leading the downswing for maximum speed.

Tuning Your Shoulder Turn

Fine-tuning your shoulder turn will depend on your specific swing characteristics and limitations. Here are some adjustments you can make:

For restricted backswings, focus on thoracic spine mobility and keeping your arms more in front of you during the turn.

• If your upper body races too fast on the downswing, feel the lower body initiating the motion first before turning the shoulders. 

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• For steep swings, allow your upper body to rotate more level to the ground on the downswing.

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• If you tend to spin out, limit the hips turning level with the shoulders at impact.

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• Use alignment rods or palm trees as guides to dial in the optimal shoulder rotation.

With some self-analysis and purposeful practice, you can hone your shoulder turn for new levels of power and consistency.

Mastering the Motion

An efficient shoulder turn is instrumental for good ball striking and distance. Follow these key practice tips:

• Make half, 3/4 and full backswings while focusing only on the upper body motion. 

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• Rehearse the shoulder turn in slow motion to train the proper sequencing. Start the downswing by firing the shoulders towards the target.

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• Exaggerate your backswing and downswing shoulder turns during practice swings. Feel the increased rotation.

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• Strengthen your torso with exercises like rotations and chops to increase flexibility.

With sound fundamentals and purposeful training, you can develop a shoulder turn that maximizes your ability. Keep these concepts and checkpoints in mind as you work on your golf game. Consistent rotation of the upper body throughout the swing will lead you to new breakthroughs on the course.