Most amateurs are way too active with their hands on the backswing. They want to swing the clubhead first, getting the club too far behind them.

Others may have excessive rotation of the left arm, possibly leading to a flat swing plane.

Here are two possible ways to help players solve these problems: One is to keep the clubhead outside the hands on the takeaway and the other is to encourage the arms and body to turn in unison.

As you pull the club back during the first 6 to 8 inches of the backswing, pull with the right hand straight back and low. Also, move the butt of the club past the right thigh (left for lefties) as you turn your body.

Keeping the clubhead more outside the hands in these two drills will lead to better balance of the club on the backswing.

By having better balance of the club and having it more in front of your body, you will be able to use your legs in a powerful movement, increasing distance.