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

See Examples For:

backswing

"Bryson has been penalised two strokes for inadvertently improving the area of his intended swing, so the intended backswing on the fifth hole when he was playing his second shot," a R&A spokesperson told reporters.

From Barron's ● Jul. 17, 2026

They tend to start quietly—an elbow that aches after the range, a shoulder that nags during the backswing, a wrist that feels tired late in the round.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 6, 2026

“Did you know you have too big a backswing on your volleys?”

From Los Angeles Times ● May 23, 2025

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

The top of a backswing makes some of the nicest shapes in golf photography.

From BBC ● Dec. 29, 2023