at the top of the backswing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at the top of the backswing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in the context of discussing golf or other sports where a backswing is relevant, typically referring to the position of the club or body at the peak of the swing. Example: "Make sure to keep your head steady at the top of the backswing to ensure better accuracy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Cupping the left hand at the top of the backswing?

The New York Times - Books

The player cannot control the weight and length of shaft at the top of the backswing.

Independent

Keeping the left arm relatively straight is much more important than feeling you have high hands at the top of the backswing.

Independent

They are always saying they can either see the clubhead out of the corner of their eye or even that the club shaft hits their shoulder at the top of the backswing.

Independent

[email protected] Simon Iliffe's tip of the week No 88: The Straight Right Knee In many golf swings of varying styles, there is often a similar fault at the top of the backswing: the straight right knee (if you are a right-handed golfer).

Independent

As the club is lifted away into the backswing, this wrist moves into radial deviation until it sits maximally radially deviated at the top of the backswing (figure 1).

British Journal of Sports Medicine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

I couldn't even put pressure on the thumb to tee the ball up or repair pitch marks and I could feel it at address, the top of the backswing and at impact.

The Guardian - Sport

From the top of the backswing, try pulling your arms into your body as you start down.

Independent

"From the top of the backswing, it's critical that you start the downswing with the hips.

The New York Times

"But other than that, it's just the long clubs, the top of the backswing where you extend, where you change direction on the top of the swing, that's where I feel the muscle," he said.

The New York Times

"I wouldn't say that he didn't see that I was ready, but you do have a feel when the other guy is going to hit, and right as I was in the top of the backswing I think he must have pulled like a five-wood or a three-wood and obviously everybody started screaming.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When analyzing a golf swing, use "at the top of the backswing" to pinpoint the crucial moment for evaluating posture, grip, and alignment. This phase significantly influences the downswing and overall shot accuracy.

Common error

Avoid using "at the end of the backswing" interchangeably with "at the top of the backswing". While related, the 'top' refers to the highest point in the arc, whereas the 'end' simply indicates the completion of the backward motion, regardless of height.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the top of the backswing" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb or noun, typically describing when or where an action occurs in relation to the swing. Ludwig examples show usage in sports analysis and golf instruction.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at the top of the backswing" is a prepositional phrase used to pinpoint a specific stage in a backswing, most commonly in golf. Ludwig's analysis confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and predominantly found in News & Media, Wiki, and Scientific contexts. While not extremely common, its usage is consistent within sports-related discussions. Alternative phrases, such as "at the apex of the backswing", offer slight variations in emphasis. When using the phrase, it's important to differentiate between the 'top' and the 'end' of the backswing to ensure accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the apex of the backswing

Replaces "top" with "apex", emphasizing the highest point.

at the peak of the backswing

Substitutes "top" with "peak", denoting the maximum point reached.

at the height of the backswing

Uses "height" to describe the uppermost point.

at the summit of the backswing

Uses "summit" instead of "top", adding a more formal tone.

at the end of the backswing

Focuses on the completion of the backswing motion rather than the highest point.

at the crest of the backswing

Replaces "top" with "crest", evoking the image of a wave.

in the final position of the backswing

Describes the position more explicitly, rather than using "top".

at the completion of the backswing

Emphasizes the finished action rather than a specific point.

when the backswing is fully extended

Shifts the focus to the extension of the swing.

at full backswing

A shorter, more concise way of expressing the same idea.

FAQs

How is "at the top of the backswing" typically used?

It's primarily used in sports, especially golf, to describe the position reached when the club or body has completed its backward motion and is about to begin the forward swing. It's a key point for analyzing technique.

What are some synonyms for "at the top of the backswing"?

Alternatives include "at the apex of the backswing", "at the peak of the backswing", or "at full backswing". These phrases describe the same moment using slightly different words.

Is it correct to say "at the end of the backswing" instead of "at the top of the backswing"?

While similar, they're not interchangeable. "At the top" refers specifically to the highest point in the swing's arc, while "at the end" simply means the backswing is complete, regardless of its height. It depends on the specific aspect you want to emphasize.

Why is the position "at the top of the backswing" important in golf?

It's a critical point because the golfer's position here directly affects the downswing. Proper posture, grip, and alignment at this point are crucial for generating power and accuracy. Adjustments are often made based on what a golfer looks like "at the peak of the backswing".