backswing

American  

[bak-swing] / ˈbækˌswɪŋ /

noun

Sports.

1. the movement of a bat, racket, or the like, toward the back of a player in preparation for the forward movement with which the ball is struck.

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Etymology

Origin of backswing

First recorded in 1895–1900; back ¹ ( def. ) + swing ¹

Example Sentences

And as he approached his 40s, he also began lifting his front heel on his backswing to help with hip rotation and add even more power—a trick he borrowed straight from Nicklaus.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

Before Thursday’s start in the United Arab Emirates, his first tournament since last month’s Alfred Dunhill Championship, he revealed that he has spent the period in a studio working on his backswing.

From BBC • Nov. 6, 2024

Instead, using a silent camera with no motor to avoid disturbing Mr. Woods’s backswing, Mr. Vuich took a wide shot from a tower of his tee shot at the final hole, nearly surrounded by fans.

From New York Times • Jan. 24, 2024

D-backs catcher Gabriel Moreno had to leave Wednesday’s win over the Brewers in the third inning after getting hit on the head by a backswing.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 6, 2023

He had a pronounced bat tip, or hitch, in his backswing that made it tougher to get the barrel through the zone quick enough to pull balls with authority.

From Los Angeles Times • May 2, 2023