Muscles Used During the Backswing

The backswing is a sequence of movements that occur as the golfer rotates the trunk and lifts the club up with the upper extremities. The chest and shoulder muscles are active as the club moves away from the ball. The shoulder girdle will continue to remain active, including the rotator cuff, as the golfer lifts the club. The hand and wrist muscles all work to control the weight of the club as the club is positioned above the head at the top of the backswing. The oblique abdominals and the erector spinae or spine extensors are working to rotate the trunk. The loading side hip internal rotators are active while the target hip external rotators are active.