Hip Turn
Also known as: hip rotation, pelvic rotation
Hip turn is the rotation of the pelvis around the spine during the golf swing. In the backswing it resists the shoulder coil; in the downswing it leads the kinetic chain to generate speed.
In the backswing, limited hip rotation (resisting rotation against a turning upper body) increases X-factor and torque. In the downswing, the hips fire first and ahead of the shoulders, delivering the slingshot effect of sequencing. Insufficient hip turn in the backswing produces a narrow, arm-dominated swing; insufficient hip clearance in the downswing traps the arms and causes blocks, flips, or early extension. Hip mobility training is directly applicable to swing improvement.
Example
A player turns the hips 40–45° in the backswing while turning the shoulders 90°, then fires the hips open first in the downswing — correct separation and sequencing.
Related terms
- Shoulder TurnShoulder turn is the rotation of the thoracic spine and shoulders during the backswing. A full shoulder turn (near 90°) is the primary source of swing arc and coil — the engine of a powerful backswing.
- SeparationSeparation in the golf swing is when body segments rotate at different rates at different times — most importantly when the hips lead the shoulders at the start of the downswing, creating torque.
- Kinematic SequenceThe kinematic sequence is the order in which body segments accelerate and decelerate during the downswing: pelvis → torso → lead arm → clubhead. Each segment slingshots the next for maximum speed.
- Hip ClearanceHip clearance is the rotation of the lead hip out of the way through impact, creating room for the arms and club to swing freely past the body.
Related guides & benchmarks
Put this into your swing
SwingVantage can spot this in your own swing — free to start.