Common Golf Swing Faults and the Biomechanical Limitations Behind Them
A powerful and consistent golf swing depends on both technique and physical ability. Many common swing faults stem from biomechanical limitations—restrictions in mobility, strength, or stability that prevent you from executing an efficient swing. The Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) has identified key swing faults and their underlying physical causes. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the most common swing faults, their biomechanical causes, and corrective exercises to improve your swing.
1. Reverse Spine Angle
What is Reverse Spine Angle?
Reverse spine angle occurs when a golfer leans their upper body excessively toward the target during the backswing, creating a backward bend in the spine. This fault makes it difficult to generate proper rotation and increases stress on the lower back.
Biomechanical Causes:
Poor thoracic spine mobility – Limited upper back rotation leads to compensations in the swing.
Weak core stability – Without proper core engagement, golfers may rely on their spine rather than their hips to create rotation.
Hip mobility restrictions – Limited hip movement can cause excessive movement in the upper body.
Effects on the Swing:
Reduces power and consistency
Increases risk of lower back pain
Leads to early extension or loss of posture in the downswing
Corrective Exercises:
Open Book – Improves upper back mobility to reduce excessive leaning.
Pallof Press – Strengthens core stability to maintain better posture.
Hip Flexor Stretch – Loosens tight hip flexors that may contribute to excessive extension.
2. Over-the-Top
What is Over-the-Top?
This occurs when the club moves outside the ideal swing plane on the downswing, resulting in an out-to-in club path that often causes a slice.
Biomechanical Causes:
Poor upper body separation – Limited ability to separate the shoulders from the hips results in a steep downswing.
Lack of lower body stability – If the lower body doesn’t initiate the downswing properly, the upper body takes over.
Limited shoulder mobility – A tight lead shoulder (left shoulder for right-handed golfers) can cause improper arm movement.
Effects on the Swing:
Produces a slice or weak fade
Reduces clubhead speed and distance
Leads to inconsistent ball striking
Corrective Exercises:
Seated Trunk Rotations – Improves upper body separation for a smoother downswing.
Resistance Band Pull-Aparts – Strengthens shoulder mobility for a more controlled swing path.
Step-Through Swings – Trains proper sequencing of lower and upper body movement.
3. Sway
What is Sway?
Sway happens when the lower body moves laterally away from the target during the backswing instead of rotating properly. This fault prevents proper weight transfer and limits power generation.
Biomechanical Causes:
Limited hip mobility – If the hips cannot rotate properly, lateral movement (sway) occurs as a compensation.
Poor glute strength and stability – Weakness in the glutes makes it difficult to maintain a centered turn.
Lack of core control – Without core engagement, the pelvis shifts laterally instead of rotating.
Effects on the Swing:
Decreases power and consistency
Makes it difficult to maintain balance
Leads to timing issues in the downswing
Corrective Exercises:
90/90 Hip Stretch – Improves hip mobility to allow better rotation.
Single-Leg Balance Drills – Enhances lower body stability for controlled movement.
Cable Rotations – Strengthens the core to prevent excessive lateral movement.
4. Early Extension
What is Early Extension?
Early extension happens when a golfer’s hips and pelvis move toward the ball on the downswing rather than rotating properly. This limits space for the arms and can lead to inconsistent ball striking.
Biomechanical Causes:
Weak glutes and hip stability – Inability to control pelvic movement leads to early extension.
Poor thoracic mobility – If the upper back doesn’t rotate well, the lower body compensates by extending.
Tight hip flexors – Restrictions in the front of the hips make it difficult to maintain proper posture.
Effects on the Swing:
Causes inconsistent ball striking (blocks, hooks, thin shots)
Reduces power and efficiency
Can lead to back pain due to excessive lumbar extension
Corrective Exercises:
Glute Bridges – Strengthens glutes to support proper pelvic movement.
Dead Bug Exercise – Engages core muscles to prevent excessive extension.
Hip Hinge Drills – Reinforces proper lower body mechanics in the swing.
5. Hanging Back
What is Hanging Back?
Hanging back occurs when a golfer fails to shift their weight properly onto their lead leg during the downswing, resulting in inconsistent contact and loss of power.
Biomechanical Causes:
Poor lower body strength – Weak legs make it difficult to drive forward in the downswing.
Limited ankle mobility – If the lead ankle lacks mobility, weight shift is restricted.
Weak glutes and core – Without proper stability, weight remains on the back foot too long.
Effects on the Swing:
Leads to fat or thin shots
Reduces clubhead speed
Increases strain on the back and knees
Corrective Exercises:
Lunges with Rotation – Improves lower body strength and weight transfer.
Ankle Dorsiflexion Stretch – Enhances lead ankle mobility for better movement.
Step Change Drill – Trains proper weight shift through the swing.
Improving Your Swing Through Physical Therapy and Training
Many swing faults can be corrected through targeted physical therapy and golf-specific training. Here’s how:
1. Mobility Work
Thoracic Spine Mobility Drills – Improves rotation for a more efficient backswing.
Hip Mobility Exercises – Enhances rotation and weight transfer.
2. Strength and Stability Training
Glute Activation – Exercises like bridges and squats help stabilize the lower body.
Core Strengthening – Anti-rotation exercises build better control in the swing.
3. Movement Screening and Corrective Exercises
A TPI-certified physical therapist can assess your mobility, stability, and strength to determine what’s limiting your swing and create a personalized training program.
If you struggle with consistency, power, or pain in your golf swing, addressing the biomechanical causes of swing faults can help you move better and play better. At Back Nine Physical Therapy, we specialize in golf-specific assessments and training programs to optimize your movement and performance.
📞 Contact us today to schedule a golf movement assessment!
Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before beginning a new training program.
