The Reverse K Setup in Golf – The Magic Fix for Your Swing?

If you’re like me, a good swing tip is a great way to turn over a new leaf and start playing the type of golf you want.

Whether it’s a simple positioning of your back foot or even a new mental thought, these little changes and tips help guide us into being much better players.

The reverse K setup in golf can be a great option for those who want more power, more accuracy and more distance. Rory McIlroy loves this concept, and it’s something simple that you can implement today.

 

What is the Reverse K Setup in Golf?

To improve your overall ball flight and power, the reverse K setup in golf allows you to align your lower and higher bodies. While this setup is best for players with a driver, the best players will be able to use the reverse K to hit shots using any club in their bags.

Here are the steps to get into a reverse K position…

Step 1: Take your typical stance

Start by taking a standard position in golf, where your hips are straight and your shoulders are square. Most golfers will notice a slight dip in the right shoulder because the right hand is lower than that of the left.

Step 2: Bump the Hips

This reverse k setup is one of my favorite parts. It is so easy to get into. Simply lift your hips towards the target and move your hips back. If your original setup looked something like the letter K, it is unlikely that you will be able to see how it looks backwards.

The legs are the base portion of the K. They point towards your target, not away. The top of the K is the upper portion and has a tilt to the opposite of the lower.

You can expect to have more power and strength when you are in the reverse K position.

Step 3: Use the Legs as a Support Base

Rory McIlroy, for example, has switched to the reverse K setup due to the extra power it gives them pushing off their legs. Torque is one the most important scientific forces in the game.

This extra resistance and torque in the lower body gives you something to push off from as you hit the golf ball. This is the way to go if you want to hit a big ball off the tee.

Step 4: Analyzing Your Golf Bag

Before you can make any changes to your golf swing, there are some things you need to know.

The first thing to remember here is that you can’t over exaggerate the spine tilt, or you can get to a point where it becomes challenging to get the weight off the back foot. This address position can also change depending on the club you have.

The reverse K setup is extremely easy to use and very effective when you have a driver in your hands and a wider stance. This reduces the tendency to sway or incorrectly transfer your weight. Players find it easier to lift their back legs and transfer weight.

The amount of tilt you want in your setup will change as you move down the bag to the wedges and irons. A great iron shot requires a downward swing with the golf club. If you are too low with your right shoulder, it can be difficult to hit the ball.

Take photos or videos of your posture, stance, set-up, and take them back to analyze to see if the concept has been taken a little too far.

 

The Reverse K’s Pros

The reverse K setup is used to increase golfers’ power and distance. Rory McIlroy’s example shows that he isn’t the greatest player on the tour, but he can hit it just like the big guys.

Rory attributes that to the reverse K and its impact on his golf game.

This was a very easy position to get into when I tried it. It made me feel comfortable and was something I could easily repeat over and over again. Although it takes less than a second to set up in the reverse K position on the teebox, it can be a significant part a pre-shot routine.

One thing that worried me was my ability to push off from the right side and get to to the left. It felt like the tilt might keep me on my right side. It was actually quite the opposite, I discovered after trying it.

The turf was more efficient and, in return, the overall distance of the jump and ability to jump from that right side were greatly increased.

• This will increase your power and ability to push the right side.
• It is easy to get into this position
• Higher ball flight
• Less backspin on driver
• Feels powerful in the position you were before swinging

 

Cons of The Reverse K

Problems can always arise with any swing modification. Some of the negative effects of the reverse K are due to pre-existing golf swing issues. For example, players who struggle to release their hands properly will find that the reverse K creates a larger slice.

It’s good to understand that some positions in golf are there to help us create more power and others are for accuracy. The reverse K is a more powerful move. It’s not going to cause you to be inaccurate, but if accuracy is already a problem in your game, it’s something to be aware of.

You must ensure that your lower and higher bodies work together and that the golf club is released correctly. Clubface angle, spine angle and tilt can easily be exaggerated. Make sure you pay attention to how you enter the reverse K setup and don’t overdo it.

• Some golfers may exaggerate the concept to get in a bad spot.
• Higher ball flights are not always better
• It’s not as good for wedges and irons as it is driver swing.
• You should still ensure that your lower body is lifted at impact

 

Final Verdict – Should You Use The Reverse K Setup?

The PGA Tour has found the reverse k setup to work well as a swing tip. When professionals use it, it’s hard to question whether or not it is effective. The bottom line is that we know the reverse K is effective; it’s just a matter of whether or not it will work for your game.

The reverse K setup makes sense for golfers who desire higher ball flight, greater carry and more distance off the green. It’s a bit easier to work with in the driver and fairway woods than it is in the irons and wedges.

This is the basic idea for starting at the range. Give your hips a little bump towards the target and see how that impacts the ball’s flight and distance that you can obtain.

This is what I saw immediately when I tried it on my driver swings. It’s why so many golfers have adopted it.