Golfer's Agenda

Physical Therapy

Improve Your Backswing- S T R E T C H
by Pete Draovitch

Many times we hear that to increase your driving distance, you must lengthen or properly sequence your backswing. If backswing limitations exist, the restricted component first must be identified. Is the hip joint and musculature limiting rotation? Is it the trunk musculature or alignment limiting rotation? Is it the near shoulder which doesn't allow the arm to cross the body? Regardless of the restriction, the correction must be made to insure non-compensating mechanics. These four stretches will help correct your backswing limitations, thereby improving your backswing.

Publisher's Note: sorry about the poor alignment on this page!!

	POSTERIOR SHOULDER STRETCH While standing, gently pull your left elbow toward the right until you feel a stretch in your left shoulder. Repeat for the other side. To increase the stretch directly behind the shoulder, have a friend use his or her hand to support the shoulder blade you are stretching. Demonstrated by David Pere.
	DOUBLE LEG ROTATION STRETCH Lie on the floor on your left side, your knees pulled toward your chest. As you keep your knees still, roll your right shoulder to the floor. Be sure to keep your right elbow close to your body. Repeat for the other side. Demonstrated by David Pere.
	CROSSOVER STRETCH Lie flat on your back, your head supported by a rolled-up towel. Cross your right leg over your left thigh and try to keep your left foot on the floor. Also try to keep the toes of your left foot pointed straight in the air. Place your left hand on your right knee and pull it slowly toward the floor until you feel a stretch in the outside of your right hip. Stop if you feel a pinching in your groin muscle. Repeat for the other side. Demonstrated by Steve Levin.
	FIGURE 4 STRETCH (A) Lie on your back with your feet flat on the floor and your knees bent. Cross your left leg over your right with your left foot resting on your right knee. Using your left hand, push your left knee away from your chest until you feel a gentle stretch in your hip or buttocks. Repeat for the right side. Demonstrated by Jeff Gorodetsky.
	(B) Begin as in Figure A. Place both hands under your right knee and slowly pull your right leg toward your chest until you feel a stretch in your buttocks. Repeat for the left side. Demonstrated by Jeff Gorodetsky.

Pete Draovitch, M.S., A.T.C., P.T., C.S.C.S., is the founding President of PD Sports Medicine Services. He's Greg Norman's Personal Physical Therapist and works with other touring pros. Pete can be reached at 561-744-3177, or PD@floridagolfing.com.