Driver vs Iron: The Top Of The Backswing (3D Proof)
Mike Granato and Shaun Webb from Athletic Motion Golf break down 3D Gears data comparing driver vs. 7-iron mechanics at the top of the backswing. They reveal key Tour player patterns including continuous arm lift, subtle wrist hinge differences, and proper spine angle tilt away from the target. The video includes practical checkpoints and the belly button drill to get the shaft on plane.
Tour players lift their arms throughout the entire backswing (approx. 20° lift), while over 90% of amateurs incorrectly lower them.
Pelvis re-centering towards the target begins when the club shaft becomes vertical at the top of the backswing.
Wrist hinge differences between a 7-iron and driver are surprisingly minimal at the top of the swing (~1° difference).
On video, a proper spine tilt at the top shows the golfer's upper torso/back line leaning slightly away from the target, not towards it.
Setting the shaft on plane pointing at or near the ball line mid-swing allows a natural downswing transition without excessive manual adjustments.