Keeping the left arm too rigid can also cause golfers to be pulled too far off the ball during their takeaway, including an over shift of the body to the right. From that position, the only way to return the club to strike the ball is to make a huge lateral shift towards the target (known as sliding), which can lead to inconsistent contact. 3.
Full Answer
Should your left arm be straight in a golf swing?
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. You should try and make the biggest arc possible with your club, as this will generate the most speed and consistency in your golf swing.
What is wrong with my left arm on the golf ball?
One last issue with the left arm is bending and lifting the left arm through the ball, classing problem with topping the shot here, is bending this left arm up, we tend to thin and top the golf ball, that left arm pulls in we are in big trouble.
What happens when your left arm overbends during the back swing?
When the left arm over-bends that much during the back swing it tends to create a very steep back and down swing. With a steep swing you may hit your nine iron a little further than you should, but the longer irons and woods will be very difficult for you to hit consistently.
Should your wrist hinge be hinged in the golf swing?
In an ideal position, at the top of the backswing, your lead arm should be straight and your wrists should be hinged. Your wrist hinge in the golf swing is one of the key components in creating and storing power. If you add another hinge, by allowing your lead arm to collapse at the elbow, you'll be throwing away the power you should be storing.
Should you lock your left arm golf swing?
4:447:29The Trick To Keeping The Left Arm Straight In The Golf Swing - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd i want you to feel like as you're doing this you're pushing away with your right arm. And seeMoreAnd i want you to feel like as you're doing this you're pushing away with your right arm. And see how that feels when you lock your left arm in straight like that so split hand grip.
How important is it to keep your left arm straight 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. If you're someone who has a tight, locked left arm, then it's likely doing your swing far more harm than good.
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.
Are you supposed to hinge your wrists in golf?
There is no 'proper' wrist hinge in golf. Many coaches suggest to start breaking your wrists once you pass parallel in the takeaway, while others advocate a one-piece takeaway and only allowing your wrists to hinge at the top of the backswing. Both methods can produce repeatable, powerful golf swings.
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.
What's the perfect golf swing?
2:195:28The Perfect Golf Swing is Easier Than You Think - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipMoving naturally causes it to get in the perfect. Position at the top i'm not even thinking about myMoreMoving naturally causes it to get in the perfect. Position at the top i'm not even thinking about my backswing. I'm just swinging the club. So let me go ahead and demonstrate with the ball.
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.
Can you turn too much in golf swing?
Ideally, you want your hips to be around 45 degrees open in the backswing, and 40 degrees open at impact. Too much hip turn in the takeaway will make it difficult to get your hips open enough when it comes to striking the ball, which can hurt your swing.
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.
What happens if you don't hinge your wrists in golf swing?
Similarly, if you don't hinge your wrists in the golf swing you could be throwing away loads of clubhead speed and delivering your irons with less of a descending angle of attack than is ideal.
Do you hinge wrists with driver?
3:127:25Hinge To Boost Your Driver - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd you see the 90 degree angle this is an exaggerated hinge position for the driver. Usually forMoreAnd you see the 90 degree angle this is an exaggerated hinge position for the driver. Usually for the driver.
What is the proper way to hinge your wrists in the golf swing?
4:077:55Proper WRIST HINGE In The Golf Swing EXPLAINED - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThere are two things that have to happen we have to set the wrists. We have to rotate the armMoreThere are two things that have to happen we have to set the wrists. We have to rotate the arm through 90. Degrees. Then as i start to make my backswing.
When should the wrist hinge in the backswing?
Begin with your normal stance with the grip pointing down toward the ground. Then swing the club up to the top of your backswing. When the club is approximately parallel with the ground the wrists will hinge so you achieve a 90 degree angle between the left arm and club.
Does Bryson hinge his wrists?
Bryson starts to hinge his wrists really late in the backswing. 2. Bryson adds a small amount of radial during transition (only 4 degrees). This was not Bryson's “full rip” swing, during which he adds more wrist hinge, however, his normal controlled driver swing still produces very long drives.
When should I release my wrist hinges?
The wrist hinge will stay in place until after impact and then release shortly after as the arms straighten. In order to unhinge your wrists properly on the downswing, your wrists have to be hinged in the first place.
Should you break your wrists when chipping?
1:359:44IT'S ALL IN THE WRISTS: STOP BLADING and CHUNKING chip shotsYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf i was doing no wrist break it'd stay very much like this. So back make this angle a little bitMoreIf i was doing no wrist break it'd stay very much like this. So back make this angle a little bit bigger. Come back into the golf ball.
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 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 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.
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.
What is the role of the left arm in golf?
The other major contribution the left or front arm makes is what I call golf’s dirty little secret. The way the left arm moves and rotates after impact is one of the key contributors to a great golf swing. This is the most counter intuitive motion that most golfers ever have to make and feels powerless and uncomfortable at first.
What happens when your left arm over bends?
When the left arm over-bends that much during the back swing it tends to create a very steep back and down swing. With a steep swing you may hit your nine iron a little further than you should, but the longer irons and woods will be very difficult for you to hit consistently.
How to hit a golf ball straight?
Remember, your arms hook the ball and your body slices the ball. To hit a ball relatively straight the arms and body sequence and speed must match up. Once you learn to curve the ball left with proper arm rotation you will then need to change the sequence of your body motion. Most amateurs have their hips facing the ball at impact. If your arms work correctly and your hips are square to the ball at impact you should hook the ball. After accomplishing a ball flight that curves left next try to get your hips to move laterally from the top of the swing and then try to get the hips 20 to 40 degrees open at impact. This may take a little time but it is well worth it. This is how a good athletic motion produces extremely long consistent shots.
How to swing your arms?
Stand in front of a mirror and make small swings watching how your arms work. Keep the back of the front or left arm firmly against the chest on the down swing . Notice that your arms can rotate easier before, at and after impact.
How far does the left arm stay in the ball striker?
The left arm will stay at or around a 30 degree angle across the chest from the half way down position of the down swing and not move forward until after impact and not until the hands get around chest high on the follow through. This means that your front elbow will stay closer to your belly button than your front hip at impact and stay there until your hands reach about shoulder height. This may sound odd but this is what most of the best ball strikers in the world do.
What does it mean when your left arm moves back in the back swing?
Obviously this means your body must move in an athletic manner with the hips moving towards the target to start the downswing.
How many golfers do proper front arm motion?
I would estimate that only about 3 to 5 percent of golfers accomplish proper front or left arm motion which is also in line with the percentage of players that break 80. The biggest problem with this is that it feels powerless and all “bunched up” through impact. If you were to see this on video you would notice the exact opposite is the case. By keeping the left arm firmly against the chest, (tricep pressing against the center of the left peck or chest) this allows your right arm to become fully extended through impact. This motion also allows your arms to extend and rotate properly.
What is the role of the left arm in golf?
Every part of the body has to be insync for a golf swing to work, but the role of the left arm in golf swing is one of the most crucial and easy to check components. This article will discuss proper positioning for your left arm in a golf swing, when to think about it, and how it should move throughout your swing. An important note, this page will discuss the importance of the left arm in the golf swing as most golfers are right-handed, but what we really mean is the lead arm in the golf swing. So if you’re a left-handed player, this article will be about your right arm.
How to keep your left arm straight during a golf 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. 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.
Why Keep Your Left Arm Straight?
It largely determines the spacing and arc of your golf swing, it helps control the clubface and ensures power through impact. Too much bend in your left arm can throw off the timing of the rest of your body, costing you power and making it more difficult to square the club at impact and start the ball on-line.
How does swing alignment work?
Remember that body rotation is critical to maintaining a straight left arm and Swing Align helps you see how much you turn. Visit Swing Align’s full collection of products to drop strokes off your game and achieve proper positioning throughout your golf swing!
How to use swing alignment?
Start by taking some small swings, rotating back only so that your left arm is parallel to the ground. Keep your left arm close to your body and rotate the alignment rod back and through using your body.
What arm does the follow through do?
It also teaches you to make a full swing instead of decelerating at impact. During the follow through your left arm will remain straight after hitting the ball, but will bend as you rotate through to face your target and your arms come up to your finishing position.
How to swing backswing golf?
First, as you start your backswing, keep your left arm straight and close to your body until it approaches parallel to the ground and your wrists start to hinge. You’ll want to make sure that your arms and body are “connected” and your body is driving your turn away from the ball, not your arms. Remember that golf is a rotational game ...
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
What happens when the left arm stops at the ball?
If the left arm decelerates and stops at the ball which is the one, for a lot of golfers because they don’t want to hit the ball too hard, they bring the left arm up, that maybe come up to high, then they think I have got too much power, so they stop the left arm, this happens what we see here is the club will overtake the hands or the clubhead goes past the hands that causes problems with the little slick and little scoop and that’s going to cause a big issues with the quality of the contact. Actually what should happen through here is the left arm should keep coming through to round about the same length it went on the backswing. So the left arm short on the backswing, short on the follow through, longer on the backswing, longer on the follow through, but we don’t want the long backswing and then the deceleration that’s going to cause problems with scooping that left wrist. One last issue with the left arm is bending and lifting the left arm through the ball, classing problem with topping the shot here, is bending this left arm up, we tend to thin and top the golf ball, that left arm pulls in we are in big trouble. So keeping that left arm really straight and really clean is going to give you some good crisp contact on the golf ball. Improve your left arm to improve your chipping. 2016-10-03
Is the left arm locked or firm?
So the left arm is firm but it’s not locked. During the back swing, it stays firm and not locked and the height and position of that left arm can really dictate the length of the golf shot we have the lower the left arm goes, the low it will come through, the shorter the shot.
What are the common mistakes in golf backswing?
There are three very common mistakes that occur in the golf backswing. The first mistake is opening the clubface during the backswing. This move sets up a golfer’s followthrough to fail by creating an open clubface at the top of the swing and an open face at impact most likely causing the ball to slice. The second mistake is separation of the ...
Why do golf clubs have side bends?
Vise versa, if the club works steep in the takeaway due to arms lifting and poor body rotation, it will want to shallow in the downswing. This causes a lot of side bend instead of rotation in the downswing. This side bend also promotes early extension and a flip of the hands at impact, which promotes a swing path that is too far from the inside. All of this creates inconsistent ball striking and ball flight.
What is the backswing of a golf club?
The backswing in golf might be the most important part of any player’s swing. It is what gets us into position to deliver the golf club to the ball. If we are out of position in the backswing, it is very hard for us to swing the club on plane and deliver a square clubface at impact.
What does it mean when a golfer gets into the correct position at the top of the swing?
A golfer who gets into the correct position at the top of the swing due to a solid backswing will be able to deliver the golf club in a much more consistent manner. I have been teaching the game of golf for over twenty years.
What is a golf backswing?
The golf backswing is one of the most scrutinized aspects of any golfer’s technique, and for good reason. A quality golf backswing sets you up for a powerful follow-through . . . and a poor golf backswing can alter your clubface angle, weaken your downstroke, and cause you to slice the ball. After all, nobody has a perfect golf swing by starting ...
How to open the club face in golf?
The only connection we have to the golf club is where the hands grip the handle. With this, the only way we can rotate the club face or open the clubface is by rotating our hands or changing our lead wrist angles.
How to know if your elbow is right?
To better visualize the correct position of the right elbow at the top of the backswing, take your golf stance and rotate to the top of your swing. Now imagine from this position you were holding a large pizza in your right hand. If the right elbow folded correctly and stayed connected to your body, you should be able to hold the pizza and avoid the pizza from sliding off the pan. If the right elbow separated from the left arm and body, the pizza would slide off the pan and onto the floor.
How to move your arms in golf?
If, as you should, you can move your 'triangle' shape of your arms keeping the same 'Y' shape relationship with the club, keeping the convex angle of the left wrist that was there at address whilst retaining connection with your body/shoulder turn until the whole of this 'still hands' (no active manipulation) plus arms & club unit move 'intact' until just past the right (for RH) thigh, then you'll have made the best start to a swing motion that's possible.
What direction should the left wrist go on a golf swing?
If you really cup the left wrist going back the club face will be a good ways open at top of swing (toe hanging down a good ways) then it takes a lot to get the face angle anywhere near square at impact, especially if the swing path is out to in with the club head going left in direction through impact.
What wrist is the best way to close the club face?
Conversely if you really bow the left wrist at the top the face will be a good ways closed, face angle pointing up to the sky, at top, then it takes a real fast hip clearance & the body to keep rotating through (as DJ shows) if your going to stop the club face being a good ways shut through impact.
What is the hole point of a good take away?
The hole point of a good take away is to get you into a good, repeatable and persistent position at the top. If you do this with early wrist hinge then so be it.
When was cocking the wrist taught?
Was taught in the 70's when cocking the wrist was seen as crucial. Now teaching is much different but its something ingrained that I find impossible to change. Where and when it happens in my swing I couldn't say. I just know I do it still
Which hand is 90 degrees?
It's the fact the the left hand/wrist & right hand/wrist perform two slightly different functions in the 'set' that enables the 90º angle between left arm & club shaft, the left wrist cocking upwards largely responsible for this, & the flat left wrist at top of the backswing which then has the leading edge of the club face perfectly parallel inline with the left arm, it's the fact that the right hand/wrist softens backwards & 'hinges' back on itself that largely controls the 'flat' left wrist angle & club face position at top of the swing.
What is the catalyst for the left hand to cock?
As it all continues back a ways further, at around hip height or soon after & because the right arm will have to fold during the continuing body pivot, the folding right arm is the catalyst that makes the left hand/wrist 'cock' upwards so the left thumb sets upwards to the sky.
