How to Not Let Your Left Arm Break Down in a Golf Swing
- Grip. Grip the club in the fingers of your left hand (for right-handed golfers). You should see two or three knuckles of...
- Backswing. Swing the club back with your shoulders and begin hinging your wrists. Keep your left arm extended as you...
- Downswing. Start your downswing by moving your lower body to the target.
How to keep your left arm straight during a golf swing?
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. Grip the club in the fingers of your left hand (for right-handed golfers). You should see two or three knuckles of your left hand grip.
How do you fix a left arm collapse in golf?
Attempt to identify the point of the swing in which your left arm collapses and place special emphasis on rotating during this point, rather than bending the elbow. A left arm collapse may result from dozens of swing errors. The easiest swing fix is to sign up for lessons with a qualified PGA teaching professional.
Why is my left arm bent on my golf clubs?
The bent left arm is very commonly seen in young golfers who lack proper equipment, coordination or are attempting to swing much too far back. Once given lighter, age-appropriate clubs and quick example of where to stop the backswing the issue goes away. The fix for more mature golfers is in what we will identify as e xtensor action.
How do I Stop My backswing when I Turn my Arms?
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.
Why does my left arm collapse in golf swing?
The lead arm collapsing is simply an effect of the rear/trailing arm over bending. Any time the rear arm bends more than 90 degrees the lead arm will also bend. This causes a lot of potential issues including: hitting the ground behind the ball, taking steep divots, and the most common, pulls and slices.
How do I stop my left arm from breaking in my backswing?
2:394:51STOP THE ARMS COLLAPSING IN THE BACKSWING WITH ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipMake a back swing now as you're doing that the one point of focus is keeping that palm on that thumbMoreMake a back swing now as you're doing that the one point of focus is keeping that palm on that thumb don't let that slip off now as you do.
How do I strengthen my left arm in my golf swing?
Hold the squeezed position for two seconds and slowly release during a four-second count. Slowly release the contraction and repeat for up to two sets of ten repetitions. A second helpful exercise for keeping a straight, firm left arm during the swing is a “Downward Arm Pull”.
Should you keep left arm straight in golf swing?
So, what is the correct way to do it? 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.
Which arm should control the golf swing?
Third, Hall said golfers must have their lead arm and hand in control of their swing. That's the left arm for right-handed golfers and the right arm for lefties. By leading, you avoid hitting at the ball.
How do I extend my arms in golf follow through?
1:097:18GREAT EXTENSION THROUGH IMPACT - THE GOLF RELEASEYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo it's rotating your body towards the target. And extending the arms what i see too much is bodyMoreSo it's rotating your body towards the target. And extending the arms what i see too much is body staying down static almost looking at the ball too long and then the arms will tend to fold.
Which arm is most important in golf?
Overview. 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.
Does arm strength help golf?
Casual golfers focus on strengthening the core muscles alone. However, adding arm strengthening exercises to your golf weight training program will help you develop the quickness and explosiveness needed to cover more distance. In addition, this will enhance a powerful and accurate swing.
How do you keep your left arm straight in follow through?
1:409:45HOW TO KEEP YOUR LEFT ARM STRAIGHT (WHAT REALLY ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo even into the fall through if you can keep turning. And get the body turning more with the armsMoreSo even into the fall through if you can keep turning. And get the body turning more with the arms that'll allow you to keep your lead arms straight uh much longer into your follow.
Do you bend your wrists golf swing?
0:583:59Cure Your Slice – Wrist Bends Throughout the Swing - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThough best golfers start with their left wrist pretty flat in the backswing early on if anything itMoreThough best golfers start with their left wrist pretty flat in the backswing early on if anything it starts to flex downward or they start to bend their wrists like you're flexing.
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.
What causes chicken wing golf swing?
One of the biggest reasons why people develop a chicken wing is that they don't rotate the shoulders and hips around and to the left through impact, meaning that the arms and club don't really have anywhere to go, so they fold up into a chicken wing.
How do I keep my right arm straight in the backswing?
9:4016:17The Role Of The Right Arm In The Golf Swing - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFrom down the line elbow. Towards my hip elbows. Feel close together okay so during the backswingMoreFrom down the line elbow. Towards my hip elbows. Feel close together okay so during the backswing for those that bend it too much two really good drills i like the first one is a split grip.
How do you stop chicken wings?
5:258:34STOP Golf Swing Chicken Wing For Effortless POWER and Ball Striking ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe right arm a little bit more here. As we come through we're straightening the arms. This way okayMoreThe right arm a little bit more here. As we come through we're straightening the arms. This way okay but we're feeling like the left elbow is down so it's here the left elbow is pointing.
Is it normal for arms to hurt after golf?
Golfers Elbow is a condition that comes from the strain of repetitive motion. You may have Golfer's Elbow if you have forearm and elbow pain after golfing. Another common elbow injury that we treat is torn ligaments. Fat shots, hitting rocks and other swing problems can be too much for your elbows.
What arm is left for right handed golfer?
If you've been around the game of golf for an extended period of time, you've likely heard one of its cardinal rules about keeping the left arm straight for a right-handed golfer. Some professional golfers, such as Sergio Garcia, maintain rigid left arms during their backswings, while others, such as Jim Furyk, keep their arms somewhat bent.
How to make sure your left arm is straight?
Check your swing in the mirror. Perform your takeaway and backswing, and hold the top position for several seconds while checking to make sure your left arm is fairly straight throughout. Attempt to identify the point of the swing in which your left arm collapses and place special emphasis on rotating during this point, rather than bending the elbow.
How to do a towel drill?
Perform the towel drill. This drill emphasizes rotating the shoulders and hips during the backswing instead of relying on the arms to achieve a parallel position. Place the towel underneath your right armpit. Hit about 20 to 30 range balls, keeping the towel in place.
Why does my left arm collapse?
Perhaps the biggest reason the left arm collapses during the backswing is a lack of flexibility in the left deltoid, hip flexors and abdominal muscles. In order to achieve a parallel position at the top of the swing, you likely will bend the left arm to complete this motion. Instead, stretch the deltoids, hips and abdominal muscles daily ...
Does the left arm need to be straight?
The truth is that the left arm does not necessarily need to be perfectly straight to execute a powerful golf swing. As long as the left arm is straight through impact and the hands are ahead of the ball, it doesn't necessarily matter how it gets there. Furthermore, a tight left arm, or a locked elbow, may actually do more harm than good.
Can a locked elbow hurt your left arm?
Furthermore, a tight left arm, or a locked elbow, may actually do more harm than good. Your left arm should never "collapse," but it may not need to be perfectly straight either.
How to swing golf without a club?
Adopt your golf set up without a club, with your arms hanging completely relaxed and left arm straight (not rigid or hyperextended). Close your left hand into a fist and then extend your left thumb. With your right hand, reach across your chest and grip your left thumb as if gripping a golf club. Now, swing to the top and feel how the pushing of your right arm keeps the left arm structured. Also notice where your shoulder turn stops and your left arm is straight. This is the true top of your golf swing. To swing beyond this point will require a breaking down of your lead arm or loss of posture and spine angle.
Why is my lead arm hanging straight?
Your lead arm is now hanging straight. Locking your arm at the elbow is a hyperextended condition . Before even beginning to work on your left arm, first consult with your instructor to verify the arm is bent to a degree that is actually causing a problem. Different degrees of straight can be seen even among golf’s professional players.
How does a lower handicap player benefit from these drills?
Lower handicap players can also benefit from these drills by sensing extensor action during the downstroke. Better players sometimes need to feel more width through the ball, and an earlier straightening of the right arm. The same drills apply.
How to make a golf belt?
Straight Through Structure. Make a loop with your belt and slide your left arm into it, including your shoulder. Adopt your golf posture and let the belt hang limp. Reach across and grip in your right hand, wrapping the belt around your index finger and pinching with your thumb.
How to give a belt structure?
Make a backswing and keep the belt stretched tight. You will find that the only way to give the belt structure is with a constant pushing from the right triceps. Begin working with a club, swinging to the top with your new right arm sensations. This is extensor action, and the structure that you seek.
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.
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 ...
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.
What is the biggest killer of golf swings?
As the common saying goes, tension is the biggest killer of every golf swing. Below is a video demonstrating a great drill to release tension in your arms, wrists and hands while maintaining a straight left arm throughout your swing.
What happens if you lock your lead arm?
The arms and shoulders need to be relaxed to get the club going fast. But at address, if you lock up your lead arm then your body gets really tight … and can lead to some really poor (backswing) and downswing motions. If we don’t (keep the arm straight) it actually acts as another lever, if you bend your arm.
Should you bend your left arm in golf?
It (your left arm) is allowed to bend. It shouldn’t be ram-rod straight unless you have ultimate, super flexibility. But if there’s a little bit of bend in it, then it’s generally OK.
Does Rick Shiels golf have to be straight?
Rick Shiels from Rick Shiels Golf: It doesn’t have to be perfectly straight, it’s not absolutely crucial. The more we can keep it straight, the better but there’s many golfers out there who keep it as straight as they can (but still have it a little bent at the top).
Why do golfers bend their elbows?
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.
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.
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.
What is the problem with all arms swing?
The problem with an all arms swing is that it doesn’t involve the upper body. As the swing error name suggests, it mainly involves using the arms to swing at the ball. This results in powerless effort, with the ball not going at nearly the full distance it should. In order to make sure you are involving your entire body in your golf swing use this ...
How to make sure you are involving your entire body in your golf swing?
In order to make sure you are involving your entire body in your golf swing use this drill. Place the club in front of your chest with your hands and see that the grip end of the club points directly ahead , at the target. Perform a mock backswing and make sure that the end of your club points at the ball when you reach what would be your top ...
What is an all arms swing?
A golf swing said to be an “all arms” swing is one that features movements almost exclusively limited to that of the arms. Indeed, such a swing error foregoes soliciting the hips, barely or at all. This is in contrast to a better swing that features a healthy amount of hips and shoulder turn, both coiling during the backswing ...
How to make sure your hips are solicited?
One of the ways to help make sure your hips are solicited at all – and that you are not only swinging with your arms – is to engage your hips early in the swing. Making sure your hips are rotating back will shield from at least half of the problem with an all arms swing. This can be done by thinking and focusing about properly shifting your weight ...
Do you coil your hips back during the downswing?
Alternatively, let’s assume you did not coil your hips back during the backswing but are correctly initiating the downswing by uncoiling your hips. The result will see your hips thrown out of position at impact, and will have for effect a high unpredictability in your shots and a wide shot scatter.
