Good backswing positions you to be in the best position to strike the ball on the mark. The stability of your right knee and leg during the backswing is a key indicator of this position.
It can be summed up as the right leg being a support for the backswing. The position of the right foot does not shift from top to bottom, while the knee remains flexible. You will notice this consistency in the golf swing sequences of pro tour players, which is something you won’t find in most instruction books.
These are the benefits:
You create torque so that the club is pushed down towards the ball, rather than being stopped at a stop. (=free power)
This reduces the swing’s swing’s swing slack, making it impossible for your swing not to be in line.
Keep your weight centered to allow it to transfer easily from the right side of the downswing.
Your balance will improve because your weight remains centered.
Chances are, you might actually be doing the opposite. You’re letting your right leg move to the left and then letting your knee straighten as you get the club back. Because it’s comfortable, you do this. The golf swing doesn’t depend on how comfortable you feel. The golf swing is based on the right thing.
It is an excellent professional skill to keep your right leg straight. This skill takes time to master. This exercise will help you learn it slowly.
Place your address in a straight line, with no club. Stand feet apart and bend your knees. Straighten your legs straight up without bending at your knees. To your right (or to your left, for lefties), turn straight up, keeping your knees crossed and your right foot flat on the ground. Your right hip should be turning in the opposite direction. If necessary, your left foot may lift a little off the ground. After a couple of tries, this exercise should be fairly easy. You will eventually be able to keep your right leg straight and your knees in place without having to think about it.
Turn the other way. Bend from your hips towards your address. Let your upper body do the rest. It will initially feel as if you are being restricted in your turning. It’s normal because this is how it should feel. Your turn is being taken advantage of. The only thing that is being limited is the space for your club’s deviation from its course as it moves away and back towards the ball.
After you’ve done the exercise several times, it will feel natural to pick up the club and perform the exercise. Do a simple backswing. Keep your right leg straight and keep your knee flexed. This move can take several months to become natural even with consistent practice.
It will all be well worth the effort. You will start to see the benefits of the energy you have built up. Your balance will improve and your clubhead will be able to return to the ball. It is truly a magical feeling.
You won’t believe how fast the balls fly when you have this powerful move in.