Full Definition
Sway is the lateral sliding of the hips (and often the whole body) away from the target during the backswing, rather than rotating around the spine. Instead of turning the trail hip behind you, it moves laterally to the right (for right-handers). This kills torque, creates re-centering problems in the downswing, and makes consistent contact extremely difficult. GOATY's ANCHOR score measures lateral hip movement (sway) during the backswing in real time.
See How Sway Affects YOUR Swing — In Real Time
GOATY AI watches your swing live through your camera, speaks coaching cues in your ear while you swing, and measures the exact biomechanics — including sway — that determine your ball-striking quality.
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GOATY measures lateral hip displacement in the backswing — catching sway before it becomes ingrained. Book a free live lesson to see your own sway data in real time during your practice session.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sway in golf?
Lateral movement of the hips away from the target in the backswing instead of rotating.
Why does sway matter for scoring?
Sway is the lateral sliding of the hips (and often the whole body) away from the target during the backswing, rather than rotating around the spine. Instead of turning the trail hip behind you, it moves laterally to the right (for right-handers). This kills torque, creates re-cen...
How can I improve my sway?
GOATY measures lateral hip displacement in the backswing — catching sway before it becomes ingrained. GOATY AI measures your sway in real time during live practice sessions — giving you instant feedback without needing to film and review video after the fact.
What is a good sway for an amateur golfer?
The benchmark is the GOAT Model — elite swing mechanics scored at 97.3. GOATY AI shows you exactly how your sway compares to this elite standard and coaches you toward it session by session.