Ben Hogan
William Ben Hogan was an American professional golfer who is generally considered to be one of the greatest players in the history of the game. Hogan is notable for his profound influence on golf swing theory and his legendary ball-striking ability.
How to keep your arms straight during a golf swing?
You should keep your arms this way from the backswing to the downswing and the release. While you will find your right elbow bending on impact, your left elbow will remain straight. The contact between the elbows will encourage your left arm to remain straight. During the finish, your left arm will bend, but the right one will straighten.
What does the left elbow do in the golf swing?
This starts with the left elbow, as it is the hinge in your arm that controls its bend throughout the golf swing. The left elbow should be kept as straight as possible during the golf swing before hinging after impact in your follow-through. Proper Left Arm Positioning
How to use a swing align rod?
If you are using a Swing Align device the front of the rod will move down first (not out and around). This will help you keep your left arm straight and close to your body which starts your takeaway on the proper swing plane. When your left arm is parallel to the ground, your left and right arms should be essentially level.
How do you keep your arms straight when you pick up the ball?
Your arms, particularly your lead arm goes along for the ride. Some golfers struggle to keep their left arm straight during the takeaway. A good thought is to push your left arm away from the ball by rotating your shoulders and trunk with your left shoulder working down and under your chin.
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How do you keep your left arm straight when swinging a golf club?
5:447:29The Trick To Keeping The Left Arm Straight In The Golf Swing - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo draw the circle around your head from face. On feel your chest up right shoulder up and backMoreSo draw the circle around your head from face. On feel your chest up right shoulder up and back until your head stays in it if you've gone toward the target.
How do pro golfers keep their left arm so straight?
If you feel your swing is too short try rotating your lower body more. This gives you additional room to turn your upper body while keeping your left arm straight in your golf swing. On the downswing, the left arm remains relatively straight. A little bend here is ok but the goal is to maintain your width.
Why can't I keep my left arm straight in golf swing?
Your grip may be too much in the palms therefore the wrists aren't hinging or setting the club properly in the first place. This causes forces you into bending that lead elbow to complete your backswing. From there you are forced into casting the golf club by releasing the angle in the lead arm during the downswing.
How do you keep your arms relaxed in golf?
2:218:41EFFORTLESS GOLF SWING DRILL TO RELAX YOUR ARMS (Irons and ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo you flip your club upside. Down you just do a bunch like this okay here i am oh okay arms areMoreSo you flip your club upside. Down you just do a bunch like this okay here i am oh okay arms are relaxed. I'm just gonna work the club back nice and slow. Feeling the strength level in your arms.
Why is my left arm bent at impact?
The straightening of the left arm is the response to a proper release of the golf club, not something you will need to try to do at the moment of impact. If the right arm is pushing too much or the left arm is too tight through impact, this will cause the left arm to bend.
Should arms hang straight down golf?
your arms should hang straight down from your shoulder sockets at address, and. all golf clubs are built on an angle.
How do I keep my wrist straight in the golf swing?
1:583:38GOLF: How To Get A Flat Left Wrist In The Golf Swing - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe lead wrist will still be in a slight cup or extension during the takeaway gradually from theMoreThe lead wrist will still be in a slight cup or extension during the takeaway gradually from the takeaway. Into about left arm parallel is where you'll start to get that lead wrist closer to flat.
Do you pull with your left arm in golf swing?
You should pull the butt of the club toward the ball. Remember, this pulling down is done by the left arm. It's the controlling agent, and if you let it be you will escape the many troubles that result from trying to push the club down from the top with the right hand and the right shoulder.
Which hand should dominate in the golf swing?
The left-hand dominant golf swing is known to be very powerful, and it will help correct some misses golfers have in their game. If you are a player who wants power and you like the classic methods of pulling the golf club through your swing, then left-hand dominance is the right idea for you.
How do I stop tensing up in golf?
4:436:013 Golf Drills To Reduce Tension (NEW DRILLS!) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou can just just balance it a little bit there you see how light that is turn it upside down make aMoreYou can just just balance it a little bit there you see how light that is turn it upside down make a few swings.
Should I be relaxed during golf swing?
0:584:49How Relaxed Should My Arms Be? - Golf Swing Basics - IMPACT SNAPYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipMove so they need to be loose enough or supple. Enough so that there can be some movement in theMoreMove so they need to be loose enough or supple. Enough so that there can be some movement in the swing. I like treating treating uh setup wise with loose arms but relatively long arms so that we don't
How do I get rid of tension in my golf swing?
1:225:32HOW TO REMOVE TENSION FROM YOUR GOLF SWING - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBut all we're really gonna get you to do is take your starting position. And then just raise theMoreBut all we're really gonna get you to do is take your starting position. And then just raise the club a little bit off the ground. And that's what you're actually going to start your golf swing from.
Does your left arm bend in golf swing?
0:294:05Left Arm Bend In The Golf Swing: Pros vs Ams - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAlright let's take a look at our pro first. So we've got PGA Tour winner at. Address his left arm isMoreAlright let's take a look at our pro first. So we've got PGA Tour winner at. Address his left arm is - three and a half degrees. So he's got it a little hyper-extended. At shaft parallel in the
Should left arm be straight at address?
When you address the golf ball your left arm should be straight. You do not want to lock it tightly and tensely, but you do want to achieve a fully extended position with your left arm. Your address position is basically the position that you are wanting to get back into when you strike the ball.
Does left arm lead golf swing?
For right-handed golfers, the left arm is one of the most important aspects of the golf swing. The left arm determines the swing arc for a shot and helps release and rotate the wrists and club on the downswing.
Should right arm be straight on backswing?
On the backswing, the right arm and elbow should stay relatively close to your body. On the downswing, the right arm should tuck so that you can shallow the golf club. This allows you to rotate your body through the swing and provides a great position at impact.
How do I keep my left arm straight during the golf swing?
The best swing thought to have when trying to keep your left arm straight during your swing is to have soft arms, but a secure grip. The club should be able to move freely during the swing using centrifugal force, as opposed to you forcing it into certain positions. As the saying goes, tension is the biggest killer of every golf swing.
How many degrees should a golfer's left arm be?
Golfers should try and keep their left arm as straight as possible without it being rigid, or locked, but some bend is fine. Most professional players start with a straight left arm at address, which bends to around five degrees at top of their backswing. Their left arm continues to flex slightly in the downswing and will have around eight degrees ...
Why do golfers lose their arm width?
As a result, they lose the width in their swing – resulting in a loss of speed and consistency – and will also tend to ‘cast’ the club out behind them, leading to slices or pulls.
Why is it important to keep your left arm straight in golf?
How important is keeping a straight left arm in golf? The reason players are encouraged to keep their left arm as straight as possible through their golf swing is to create as much width as possible during the takeaway and backswing.
What causes a player to turn their body and shoulders too far inside the swing plane?
Complete locking of the left arm causes many players to turn their whole body and shoulders too far inside the swing plane. The only way they can then get any height in their arms at the top of the backswing is to lift them up, which in turn can create some poor movements – such as an over-the-top slice – during the downswing.
Why do you have a straight left arm in golf?
Keeping a straight left arm during your golf swing is critical for creating width, speed and consistency, but it should be done so without tension.
How to guard against bending your arm?
The main thing that we want to guard against if we’re bending our arm a little bit in the backswing, is we want to make sure we’re rotating our chest. Some players are going to bend their arm a little bit at the top of the swing, but they’re still going to make that good chest and shoulder rotation, and that’s completely fine. We just need to guard against picking (the club) up with the arms, and not rotating the chest. The main goal is getting that big turn with your core, and that’s going to allow you to get that great swing speed whether the arm is a little bit bent or not.
When to ignore?
Golfers of a certain age whose flexibility is no longer what it used to be often resort to bending the left elbow a little bit. This helps them coil further in order to compensate for what would otherwise be a too narrow swing and it helps them gain yardages. In such instances, allowing the elbow to ‘give’ a little is fine.
What does "don't bend the left elbow" mean?
Also Known As: “Don’t bend the left elbow”. This swing thought reminds you to keep your left arm stiff during your swing, including at the top of the backswing. This is in contrast to letting your left elbow bend, which some golfers tend to do as they proceed to the later stages of the backswing.
Why do you keep your left arm straight?
Keeping the left arm straight promotes a full swing amplitude. Indeed, by pushing the hands furthest away from the body, you are forcing your hands to travel the most distance during your swing. Furthermore, not allowing your left arm to bend also promotes shot consistency and reliability.
How to keep your swing compact?
Telling your mind to stop the rotation of your hips and shoulders when the left arm is fully coiled is a great way to keep your swing relatively compact and reliable.
How to keep your arm straight during a golf swing?
During the swing, you should let your arm rotate at the shoulder socket. If you don’t, your arm will feel tight, and you will feel the overwhelming need to bend. Allowing the arm to rotate will relax it and eliminate the need to bend. You will find that this keeps your arm straight throughout the swing.
How to swing a golf club in a mirror?
Stand in front of the mirror and extend your arms to the front, the shaft of your club should be pointing up. Your face and eyes should be pointed towards the mirror. Turn your shoulders in a full backswing position. Keep your left arm straight and parallel to the ground as you turn your arms with your torso.
How to swing back with resistance band?
As you begin the swing, create a straight line that starts from your left shoulder and goes down to your left arm and hand. Your arm should be straight throughout. As you swing back, take your hands away from the torso instead of close to it.
Why is my left arm bent in golf?
The reason why the left arm is bent is that you keep wrapping your hands on the torso during the backswing, even after the shoulder rotation has stopped. This will increase your arc by moving the club as far away from you as possible, which will give you the highest chance of hitting the target. If you swing the club faster, the speed will transfer to the ball when you hit it.
How to keep your arm straight in golf?
You will find that this keeps your arm straight throughout the swing. Hold your arm in front of your body, move the arm across the body, and give it the room to rotate in front of your shoulder. Your right arm should be right alongside it supporting it. When you are at the top of the backswing, you will notice that your arm remains straight, ...
Why is it important to keep your arm straight?
Another benefit of keeping your arm straight is that the connection between the golf club and the ball is better. A bent arm translates to a shorter distance between you and the club. You will have a great strike because the face of the club will hit ...
How to get a good takeaway position?
Keep your left arm straight and parallel to the ground as you turn your arms with your torso. Your spine should be slightly tilted, and your arms should be slightly lifted so that you have the best takeaway position. Practice the drill a few times, and you will see how easy it becomes.
How to swing a golf club backwards?
Swing the club back with your shoulders and begin hinging your wrists. Keep your left arm extended as you turn your shoulders and hinge your wrists. Stop your backswing when your left shoulder is under your chin and your arms are slightly higher than your shoulders .
How to keep your left arm straight in golf?
Keeping your left arm straight during the swing requires the proper grip, arm swing, downswing path and body turn. Learn these fundamentals and you will consistently be able to create a powerful swing.
How to follow through on golf swing?
Follow Through. Keep turning your hips as you swing through impact and strike the ball. Let the club rotate over as your arms extend out to the target. Halfway through the follow-through the left arm should finally bend as you fold both arms to a finish position. Your shoulders and hips should face the target at your finish.
How to get a golf club to swing down?
Downswing. Start your downswing by moving your lower body to the target. This will help you bring the club down along a proper inside-out path. Turn your hips toward the target and keep your left arm extended as you continue swinging down to impact. Turn your hips through the impact position and hold onto your wrist hinge until just before ...
What arm should be straight at the top of the backswing?
By John Wagner. The left arm should be straight at the top of the backswing. One common phrase heard around driving ranges and golf courses is "keep your left arm straight.". This advice can help right-handed golfers create power in their swings.
Where should the V point on a golf club?
The "v" formed by your left thumb and index finger should point toward your right shoulder. Grip the club in the fingers of your right hand with the right pinky finger overlapping the index and middle finger of the left hand. This grip will give you leverage to hinge your wrists while keeping your left arm straight.
Who is John Wagner?
John Wagner is a certified golf instructor and professional golfer with more than 10 years of experience. As a certified GolfTEC, TPI Level 3 and Chuck Cook Golf Instructor, he has given more than 9,000 golf lessons.
How to slice a golf club?
One of the easiest ways to slice the ball is to set up with a weak grip. Begin by gripping the golf club and you will notice a “V” formed between the index finger and thumb on both hands. For a right handed player with a weak grip the “V” on the left hand will point toward the left shoulder while the “V” on the right hand will point toward the right shoulder. In addition, when you look down at your grip you will only see one or zero knuckles on the left hand.
How many degrees should the shoulders be at the top of the golf swing?
Provided you’re reasonably flexible, the shoulders should be at a 90-degree angle to the golf target line at the top of the swing, with the hips at 45 degrees. From here, it’s easy to get the club shaft parallel to the ground without bending the left arm.
Why do golfers slice their balls?
The fundamental reason the ball slices is due to an open club face at impact. However, the golf swing works with a cause and effect relationship. Often a move created in the set up or even backswing promote a slice.
What causes a slice in golf?
An “over the top” downswing complicated by a poor weight shift is one of the more common faults that lead to a slice. The “over the top” move is created from the club head approaching the ball outside to in or above the swing plane and creates a steep swing path during the downswing. Often the player is trying to swing too hard which leads to over rotating the upper body and using the dominate hand to start the downswing. The result is a ball flight that starts left of the target and slices back to the right. Players with an over the top move sometimes complicate the swing with a poor weight shift and leave all their weight on the back leg and foot. In extreme cases, the player might even spin out and allow the front foot to come up off the ground.
Why is it important to have a spine angle in golf?
The spine angle is important to the golf swing since you swing the club in a rotational movement around the body.
What is the triangle between the arms and shoulders?
The arms will hang straight down under the shoulders and the hands should be positioned slightly left of center. The arms and shoulders form a triangle while the elbows are positioned close to each other. The triangle between the arms and shoulders staying intact is a key element of a fundamentally sound golf swing.
Why do golfers fail to improve?
Practice in golf can be defined as a method to control the golf ball by learning a motor skill through repetition. The key word is “Repetition.” If your goal is to alter a movement that you have done for a period of time it takes practice, dedication and commitment to reach your desired goal. The improvement does not occur in a 30 minute session on the range or after reading the latest article in Golf Digest. The following drills will all help improve your golf swing.
