Backswings

I was at the range today and found something strange.

I swing a driver pretty well. On the backswing I pull back in a big arc hardly breaking the wrists at all, then come through on the same arc in a big sweep hitting up. I get about 180-190 in the air with this straight and usually a good roll- though I can put a few into the back of the range if i catch it just right. 

With the Irons the backswing is different. I pull back straight, then load up with a wrist break then rotate back- then come back down on the ball.  Sort of a three part backswing.

With fairway woods I have always tried the same sort of swing as with the Driver, just teeing or placing the ball back a bit to catch it in at the bottom. That has been the thoery anyway but I can't hit them at all. Low sharp hooks or toppers every time.

So today at the range I finished with the driver and irons and used the last 5 balls with a 5 wood. But I must have lost concentration because I loaded up the 5 wood with the same backswing I use for the Irons and....I ended up with a beautiful arcing shot down the midlde. I used the last 4 balls doing the same thing and getting the same great result. Was it a fluke, oris this how the backswing on a fiarwaywood should be?

So I am wondering, do you all have different backswings for drivers vs. irons vs. fairway woods? And if so how do you usually swing a fairwaywood? 

I only have one backswing, cannot see why one would have a different backswing for different clubs. The only thing that changes for me is when I cock the wrists earlier than usual for specialised shots.

I tend to slow my swing down for my woods which creates a gentle fade as if I try to swing hard I tend to hook the ball.

My irons are the same swing but at normal speed.

Why do you cock the wrists earlier on some shots John? The reason I ask is because I do too on a lot of short iron and wedge shots when I want to hit down on the ball in the hope of trying to stop it quicker on the green.

Paul

You have answered your own question, Paul. I do it for the same reason as you.

That's right Pat, keep it simple.

Same swing, I just hit harder with irons as I have more control than with the big dog.

 I don't know but I think I must have two different swings, one for the driver and the other for normal irons. The eason I say this is that if I have a real good session with my driver and go onto my lrong irons I can tend to send the irons shots right to left. I'm not concious of ia difference in the swing and don't want to explore it too much in fear of a complete breakdown. I don't know whether it's to do with the sweeping action of a drive.

I use the same swing on most occasions,chipping i agree with your posts on cocking your wrists but i also alter my swing plane depending on the terrain of the course eg  If the ball is well above my feet i tend to flatten my swing.