Backspin

Definition: The backward rotation of the golf ball in flight along its horizontal axis (the top of the ball is rotating back towards the player), or the measured rate of that rotation. Most golfers think of backspin more in relation to wedges - backspin is what causes some wedge shots to "back up" on the green, or roll backwards after hitting the green. But all clubs produce backspin. When the clubface makes contact with the ball, the ball slides up the clubface and is "gripped" by the club's grooves, which imparts backspin. The more lofted a club is, the more backspin it will produce. Aerodynamically, backspin produces lift which creates greater carry.