Lesson 2: Backspin: The Golfer’s Best Friend
Backspin is the most important type of spin in golf. Almost every well-struck iron or wedge shot has backspin — and that is a good thing.
When a ball spins backward as it moves forward, the dimples on top move faster through the air than those on the bottom. This creates lower pressure on top and higher pressure beneath — and that difference pushes the ball upward. That is lift.
Backspin helps the ball fly higher and farther. But backspin also creates stopping power when the ball lands — it grabs the ground and slows the ball quickly. A ball with lots of backspin may even roll backward after landing.
This is why skilled players can hit onto a hard green and stop it — or spin it back — rather than rolling off.
Backspin creates lift keeping the ball airborne longer AND creates stopping power when it lands.
Roll a golf ball forward while flicking your fingers backward across the top as you release it — trying to give it backspin. Does it roll differently than a normally rolled ball?
Backspin landing test: from a short distance, try to hit or toss a ball onto a smooth surface two ways: (1) normal forward release, and (2) a backward wrist flick to put backspin on it. Observe how each one rolls after landing. Which stops sooner? Draw a diagram showing both landings and explain what the spin is doing in each case.
The backspin toss is tricky but even an imperfect attempt shows how much deliberate wrist action is required — helping your child understand why ball striking is a skilled craft, not just hitting hard.