Back To Target — Golf Drill

The "back-to-target" concept is one of golf's most misunderstood fundamentals, yet mastering it can instantly transform your ball-striking consistency. Whether you're a weekend warrior or scratch golfer, you've likely experienced the frustration of "spinning out" – that dreaded early rotation that sends shots flying left and robs you of power. Leading instructors like Porzak Golf have identified a game-changing solution: keeping your sternum facing a specific spot while your hips and hands fire

How to practise it

  1. Feel your back-to-target position at the top Take your normal backswing and pause at the top. Your back should face the target completely with sternum pointing away from target.
  2. Start down while maintaining back position Begin the downswing with your lower body while keeping your back facing the target as long as possible, following Meandmygolf's timing principle.
  3. Fire hips while sternum stays back Let your hips rotate aggressively through impact while your chest maintains its back-to-target orientation until after the ball is struck.
  4. Add full release and follow-through Only after impact allow your upper body to rotate fully through to a complete finish position.
  5. Swing at full speed with sequence intact Make full swings maintaining the back-to-target sequence through impact for maximum power and accuracy.

What does 'back-to-target' mean and why is it important for my golf swing?

According to Meandmygolf, 'back-to-target' means keeping your back facing the target for as long as possible during the downswing instead of rotating your hips and torso too early. This prevents the common mistake of 'spinning out' which destroys swing consistency and power.

How do I stop spinning out and rotating too early in my downswing?

Porzak Golf explains that spinning out happens when your upper body follows your hips too aggressively in the downswing. The key is learning to turn your hips without letting your upper body immediately follow, maintaining that back-to-target position longer for better sequencing.

Why do I keep hitting shots to the right when I try to rotate my body?

Get Good At Golf notes this happens when you rush your downswing rotation, causing your body to outpace your arms and club. By maintaining back-to-target longer and not rushing the rotation, you'll hit straighter shots and find more fairways with your driver.

How each of them teaches it

Coaches who demonstrate the back to target drill, each linked at the second they start.

  1. Meandmygolf: You’re Rotating Too Soon #golfswing #golftips (from 0:10). Feel like your back stays facing the target at the start of the downswing while allowing your arms to drop naturally, preventing early rotation and shallowing the club path.
  2. Meandmygolf: You’re Rotating Too Soon #golfswing #golftips (from 0:11). Keep the back facing the target at the start of the downswing while letting the arms drop, preventing early rotation and an over-the-top path.
  3. Golf Secrets: A Turn Will NOT Create a SWING but A Swing Will Create a Turn! | Secret To a Free Flowing Golf Swing (from 6:06). Set up normally, then turn your body so your back faces the target and swing freely to feel the arms releasing past the body.
  4. Alistair Davies Golf: All Golfers Need To Watch This Golf Lesson - Will Change You (from 4:53). Making practice swings while keeping the back to the target longer to feel the club working from an inside path and shallowing out.

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