In golf, like any other sport, there are certain tricks that only those who have been playing the game for some time are capable of. Even then, they are tricks that are difficult to perform or only work under certain circumstances.
If you’ve ever heard of golfers putting backspin on their ball, this is one of those tricks. Though not necessarily easy and not something you should do frequently, knowing about it and how it’s done can definitely pave the way for you to do it eventually, or at least recognize it when it’s done by players in tournaments.
What is backspin?
As the name would suggest, a backspin is a ball that’s spinning backwards in the air.
As if defying the laws of physics, golfers put a backspin to the balls they shoot for two main reasons.
First, a backspin actually creates a surprising amount of lift on the balls trajectory. With a good backspin shot, you can hit your ball higher and farther than usual. Though there is a danger to this because if there isn’t enough backspin, the ball might actually generate less lift and veer off to another direction.
Secondly, with a normal shot the ball would tend to roll a bit on landing. When a ball has back spin, the golfer can trust that the ball would more or less stay put wherever it lands. This offers a huge amount of control for a golfer since you can hit the ball directly to the target without having to worry about obstructions that might cause your ball to roll farther away.
In some cases, the ball would even roll backwards upon landing. Golfers use this to their advantage and make shots that are purposely a little further in distance.
Factors to consider:
Before going over how backspin is created. Let’s go over some elements that need to be considered to achieve it.
- Angle
The angle your clubhead has a direct effect on the spin of the ball. Known as the angle of attack, the steeper the angle (the more vertical it is), the easier it is to create a spin on the ball.
- Grooves
The grooves on the clubface also play an important part in generating spin. As the ball comes into contact with the groves and this creates the traction needed to carry the ball up the loft. Make sure that the grooves on your club are clean and free of any debris that might lessen this traction.
- Loft
The loft is the angle between the clubface and the center of the shaft. The higher the number, the greater the loft. For instance, a number 9 iron would have more loft that a number 4 iron.
As a general rule of thumb, the greater the loft also means the greater the spin. So if you’re trying to create backspin, you’ll need the club with the highest loft possible.
- Angle of the clubface
The angle of the clubface, or face angle, is the direction your clubface is pointing when it comes into contact with the ball. To generate spin, you need to to have a square face on impact with the ball.
- Grass
The thing you have to consider with grass is the same thing you would have to consider the grooves mentioned earlier. You want absolutely nothing to come in between the clubface and the ball. That’s why make sure the grass around the ball is short.
- Swing speed
The faster your swing is, the more spin is generated when the ball leaves the face. This does not mean you have to hit the ball as hard as possible though. Simply make as much of a quality swing with a high-loft club as possible.
How To Put Backspin On A Golf Ball:
Step 1 – Choose your club
Irons and wedges are the most ideal kinds of golf clubs when trying to create backspin. Around number 7 or higher should be sufficient. If you are a beginner, we would advise that you learn how to do a proper golf swing and be able to do that consistently. If you have this down, then you can try your hand at putting backspins.
Step 2 – Practice first
Start practicing this shot with a lob wedge. It will give you confidence as you hit longer shots later with irons.
Step 3 – Consider your terrain
This kind of shot works best in clean flat land on the fairway then anywhere else on the course. It’s near impossible to do it on the rough, even professionals avoid this.
Step 4 – Use the proper ball
Golf balls with wound centers generally have more spin that balls with hard centers. A 90 compression ball is perfect for generating backspin while attaining great distance.
Step 5 – Use the wind
Only put a backspin into your ball when hitting into the wind. Professionals never put a backspin on their balls when hitting downwind since the spinning is in direct conflict with the air. Hitting against the wind also allows the ball to reach maximum backspin and generate the most height.
Step 6 – Take your shot
To create a backspin, start by position the golf ball more toward your back foot, rather than in the center of your stance as you would on a regular shot. That will force you to hit down on the ball. Swing down hard and hit the ball first, taking a divot in front of it after the ball is struck. This motion will create backspin.
This is something easier said than done since it requires perfect timing.
In conclusion…
A backspin works under specific circumstances and, even then, it’s just unnecessary in most cases.
But when you hit a backspin in those cases where it counts, it could be enough to win you that whole.
As you play golf, you’ll build the expertise and experience needed to make judgements like these. Backspins are great tricks as long as they’re done by those who know how to use them.
My name is Linda Parker, I’ve been around golf since I was born, and I’ve been golfing since I was four years old! I’m here to share my love of the game with you, so please do let me know if you have any questions! https://sunrisegolf.co/author/lindapark/
