Spine Tilt
Also known as: secondary tilt, side tilt
Spine tilt at address is the slight away-from-target lean of the spine — especially with a driver — that promotes a positive attack angle and lets the trail shoulder drop below the lead shoulder.
For a driver, tilting the spine slightly away from the target at address (4–8°) sets up the ascending attack angle that launches the ball high with low spin. Without it, the club tends to arrive descending or level, adding spin and costing distance. For irons and wedges the tilt is minimal. Spine tilt is different from spine angle (the forward lean toward the ball in posture). Too much tilt can cause reverse pivot or hanging back; it must be paired with correct weight transfer.
Example
At driver address the right shoulder sits noticeably lower than the left, and the spine leans slightly away from the target — the setup that enables a + 3° attack angle.
Related terms
- Attack AngleAttack angle is the vertical direction the clubhead is moving at impact. Negative means hitting down on the ball; positive means hitting up.
- Ball PositionBall position is where the ball sits in your stance — from the front foot for a driver to the center for short irons. It directly controls the low point and attack angle.
- PosturePosture in golf is the spine angle at address — bending forward from the hips with a straight back so the arms hang freely under the shoulders and the body can rotate athletically.
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