The takeaway---also known as the back swing---in golf is essential to hitting a quality shot. The takeaway sets you up not just for a powerful shot, but for an accurate one as well. Following a few tips can help improve your back swing, setting you up for straight, long golf shots and helping lower your score.
Slow Down
Many first-time or high-handicap golfers think the takeaway is the key to a powerful golf shot. On the contrary, the back swing is all about putting your body in a position to execute a strong forward swing. The back swing is all about positioning: getting your body and the club in the best position to swing down and through the ball. Focus less on how quick or powerful your takeaway is and more on your form.
Keep Your Right Knee Still
Part of that setup for the forward swing is putting your body in a position to create torque---the energy used from your body to make the club swing as fast as possible. As you take the club away from the ball, focus on keeping your right knee---or left knee if you're golfing left-handed---straight and rigid. You will feel some tension in the knee. This is the pent-up energy you'll be using to drive the ball through your forward swing.
It's All About the Left Arm
Again, reverse sides if you're golfing left-handed, but for most golfers the left arm should be the dominant piece of the takeaway. Your left arm dictates much of your body movement on the back swing, so if it's not going in the right direction, neither will your swing. Don't let your right arm get in the way of where your left arm is going. It's merely there to hold onto the club and drive the ball during the forward swing. Keep your right arm loose and your left arm straight and rigid in order to turn your body correctly and create enough torque in your upper body to complement the energy building up in your right knee.
Parallel and Straight
The key to knowing if you have a proper takeaway comes at the top of your back swing. When you're out hitting a bucket of balls, stop at the apex of your takeaway and check the alignment of your club. If the club isn't parallel to the ground, you're either taking it back too much or not enough, unless you're trying to pitch or chip the ball. On full shots, the club should be parallel to the ground and pointing in the same general direction as your target.
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