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.
Full Answer
How does the left arm move in the golf swing?
LEFT ARM GIVES WAY ON THE DOWNSWING. Left arm moves down chest making way for right arm. Once at the top of the swing and after a fully completed backswing, the hips initiate the down swing allowing the left and right arm to fall down the chest and the hinged wrists to naturally unhinge. Through the tension free right arm, it straightens from ...
What does the left arm do in the golf downswing?
Golf Tips: Left Arm. 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. Understanding the purpose of the left arm in the golf swing and how to properly utilize it are critical factors in shooting low scores.
Which arm should power the golf swing?
The role of right arm in golf swing should be mostly to guide the club into position and get it ready for an aggressive downswing. Once set properly at the top of the swing, the lower body and left arm should take over and do the rest of the work. Think of it as a transfer of power – the right arm in golf swing takeaway does most of the work, and the left arm regains control when you transition into the downswing.
What should the arms do in a golf swing?
When waggling the club, make sure to remember these things:
- The left hand is the controlling hand in the waggle. The right hand and arm simply follow suit.
- Do not turn your shoulders during the waggle. This move is all about freeing up tension in the hands and arms, not making a full swing.
- Vary the rhythm of your waggle for the shot you’re about to play. ...
What does the left arm do in the backswing?
0:416:49What the LEFT ARM does in the golf swing - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo don't have the elbow bent out keep that arm nice and straight. And we're going to use thatMoreSo don't have the elbow bent out keep that arm nice and straight. And we're going to use that straight left arm to get the club to the top of the backswing. And at the top of the backswing.
Which arm has the power in a golf swing?
0:283:13Golf Swing Power - Left Or Right Hand? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe trailing arm is basically gonna pull back and hold the club back.MoreThe trailing arm is basically gonna pull back and hold the club back.
Should left arm be straight on backswing?
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.
Does the left arm pull down on the golf swing?
0:311:35My Golf Swing Is Pulling Down With Left Arm : Golf Swing Tips - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo that you can help see what you need help with and where you need to work on but for the most partMoreSo that you can help see what you need help with and where you need to work on but for the most part the left arm as we start this downswing.
Which hand should dominate 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.
Which hand controls the clubface?
The left hand (the right for southpaws), is responsible for the rotational movement of the golf club, which, in turn, controls the direction of the clubface.
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.
Why can't I keep my left arm straight golf?
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.
Does left arm rotate in backswing?
The left arm or lead arm stays connected to your upper body and rotates along with the shoulders. The left elbow does not bend, and stays straight throughout the entire backswing. At the top of the backswing, the left arm should match the angle of the player's shoulders which should be parallel to the swing plane.
Should the left arm be connected to chest in downswing?
2:504:31Best Way to Improve Clubface Control - Keep Lead Arm Connected to ChestYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou should be able to hit shots. That won't overhook on you okay that won't over draw on you whichMoreYou should be able to hit shots. That won't overhook on you okay that won't over draw on you which is why i really like lead arm stuck to your chest.
How do I stop pulling down in my golf swing?
2:518:24How To Fix The Steep Transition And Pull Down With This One FeelYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOr what you're trying to feel from the top of the swing is that your body generates. The motionMoreOr what you're trying to feel from the top of the swing is that your body generates. The motion first then your arms and hands follow. Let's say that again from the top of the backswing.
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.
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.
Which arm controls the path of a golf club?
Golf Instruction. The left arm is the one that primarily controls the path that the club will travel on. For this reason we need to try to keep the path from changing during the swing to produce consistent results. That means you will need to feel as if you keep the arm straight from the set up position until impact.
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.
What is the most counter intuitive motion that most golfers ever have to make and feels powerless and uncomfortable at first?
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. Most good players do not keep their left arms completely straight during the back swing.
How to get hips to move after a ball flight?
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 hit a ball relatively straight?
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.
How long does it take to learn to hit a ball curving left?
A person who slices can learn to hit a ball curving left within 40 minutes after learning proper use of the left arm. The typical comment during the change is how unnatural or uncomfortable it is to move your left arm correctly after impact. The key is how the left arm moves very little forward in the down swing.
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).
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 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.
What is the right arm for golf?
As Tattersall says, your trail arm — which is your right arm for right-handed golfers, or left arm for left-handers — can and does a variety of different things on the backswing. “The right arm can fan a little bit, it can rotate, and it can lift. All those things happen in most people’s backswing,” Tattersall says.
Why is the trail arm important?
Your trail arm has an incredibly important role in the golf swing, one with the ability to both help — and hurt — the outcome of the shot you’re about to hit. When something goes wrong in a golfer’s downswing, it generally does so in one of two ways: Either the arms both work too far behind you at the start of the downswing ...
What arm is the left arm on a golf swing?
The left arm or lead arm stays connected to your upper body and rotates along with the shoulders. The left elbow does not bend, and stays straight throughout the entire backswing. At the top of the backswing, the left arm should match the angle of the player’s shoulders which should be parallel to the swing plane. It is important to avoid any separation of the left arm out and away from the body.
Which arm folds early in the golf swing?
Trail Arm. Unlike the left arm, the right arm folds early in the golf swing.This allows the right arm to stay connected with our rotating upper body. If the golfer’s elbow does not fold in and stay connected to their body, we start to have some major issues in the backswing.
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.
How to hold a pizza in golf?
Remember, if the right elbow folds correctly in the backswing you can hold a pizza with your right hand at the top of your golf swing. If the right arm separates the pizza will fall to the floor.
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 ...
What does it mean when a golfer has a flat backswing?
If the golfer has a really flat and laid off backswing (meaning the club shaft is more horizontal at the top of the golf swing), the player will cast the club over the top of the swing creating a vertical shaft, cupped left wrist (which opens the club face) and a leftward swing path. All of these symptoms lead to some nasty slices.
How to keep your elbows apart in golf?
You want it a little higher than in the previous drill, but still below your elbows. Take your golf swing without letting the ball drop. This drill forces you to keep your elbows the same distance apart in your golf backswing. If the right elbow separates from the left elbow, the ball will fall to the ground.
What is the left arm in golf swing?
When it comes to the left arm in the golf swing, two main areas to focus on. The first is the back of the left hand or left wrist, and the second is the elbow on the left arm.
How does the left arm work in golf?
From here, down into impact you want to check that the elbow is at about 90 degrees, the wrist is 90 degrees, they're nice and flat and working into the solid strike position where everything is in alignment over the left foot.
What is a left arm downswing drill?
The Left Arm Downswing Drill (LADD) is also covered in two phases, both without a golf club and with a golf club, allowing you to master these impact positions that are so vital for directional control.
How to rotate your wrist in golf?
As you go to the top, start working on keeping your shoulder shut and pulling your left arm down so that your elbow is pointing down the target line and you're rotating your wrist.
What arm is used in golf swing?
A lot of golfers don't understand how the arms work in the golf swing. That's why I have spent a great deal of time talking about the right arm to this point but not as much talking about the left arm. The left arm has an equally important role to perform in the golf swing, perhaps even more so in that it directly controls ...
How to do a left shoulder drill?
For the drill, keep the left shoulder shut, elbow pointing down the line, and rotate the wrist through the entire downswing. Practice with arms only, then add a club & impact bag - stop and check form at impact. The goal is to have everything aligned at impact - left shoulder over left hip, knee & ankle.
What arm do you use to hit a golf club?
This is how we typically do it. As you go to the top of the swing, what I would want you to do is put the golf club down and just use your left arm.
What is the left arm swing?
As the left arm swings the golf club away there are a number of different check points players can use to ensure a successful backswing. Firstly as the left arm reaches parallel with the ground in the back swing, the club should act as an extension of the arm also parallel with the ground pointing away from the target.
What arm is used to swing a golf club?
From here, the left arm remains extended as the wrists hinge upwards pointing the club shaft at the sky. At the top of the swing, the left arm remains extended, guiding the club into a position where it is again parallel to the ground. At the top of the swing, players can also use the left arm as a gauge of swing plane.
What arm to swing putter back?
A player who thinks about using the left arm to swing the putter back is likely to 'block' the putter through the ball toward the hole – often resulting in a miss to the right. Your putting stroke needs a nice release at impact, and that release isn't going to come from your hands (as it does with other shots).
What arm is used to measure swing plane?
At the top of the swing, players can also use the left arm as a gauge of swing plane. If the left arm sits across the shoulders when viewed down the line then the swing is most likely on plane. Here is a drill you can use to help feel the left arm is taking the club away during the back swing. 1.
How to hit a golf ball with your left hand?
2. Make your left hand into a blade with the back of the hand facing a target down the ball-to-target line. 3. Swing the left arm back to the top of the swing and stop before bringing it back down to the ball and through impact. 4.
Why is it so hard to pinpoint which body part is responsible for a certain job?
Because the swing is a combination of intricate movements between multiple muscles and limbs, it's sometimes hard to pinpoint which body part is responsible for a certain job. However, identifying certain movements and practicing their execution can lead to significant improvements in technique. One such area is the takeaway from the ball.
Which arm of the golf swing is the guide?
The left arm acts as the swing 'guide' and the right arm supports the club at the top of the backswing. This relationship between the two arms also continues into the down swing when the left arm guides and the right arm helps generate the power. The left arm should also be considered the arm which takes the club away because ...