For beginning golfers, one of the most common golf swings to use is a one fluid motion swing. But this type of swing can be much more difficult than need be. If you use a one fluid motion swing, you may have problems in your backswing that you’ll need to correct on the downswing.

In a typical backswing, the club head travels further between the start of the swing to the top of the backswing than the arms, shoulders, and hips do. The problem when you use a one fluid motion swing is that when you begin the backswing, your body turns too early and has to wait for your arms and club to catch up. When this happens, the body gets out of line and you will lose power from your swing unless you make adjustments to your downswing. However, there are some steps you can take to keep your power without having to adjust your swing.

The first thing to remember is that in your backswing, your club head should be the first thing to move. Ensuring that your club head moves before anything else is critical to countering the timing problems with the one fluid motion swing. If you are right handed, start with a subtle clockwise rotation of your left forearm to start the club head moving away from the ball. Keep your hands from moving, but allow your right wrist to bend. For left handed golfers the hands are switched. This rotation will cause the club head to begin moving before the rest of your body. As a result, your arms and body will reach the top of your swing at the same time as your club and you can continue your downswing without having to make any last minute adjustments.

Just remember, the club and arms begin moving before the rest of the body. Let your shoulder movement come from the momentum of the club.

To practice the one fluid motion swing, draw an imaginary (or real) line in front of your toes from one foot to the other. Begin your swing and pause with the club just below waist level. Take a look at where the club is in relation to your line. If the club ends up well behind the line, then you are not moving the club head first and your body is turning too early. You may need to practice rotating your forearm to get the club head moving first. However, if your club and hands are parallel to the line on the ground then your club head is moving first and your body, arms, shoulders and club should reach the top of your back swing at the same time. Just remember that the club should be parallel to the line, not behind it or in front of it.

By practicing these steps you’ll be able move your club, arms, and body in sync, and have a powerful, one single motion golf swing.