Last month I discussed the role of the club face in the golf swing. I hope that helped you gain a better understanding of what the golf club is doing. This month I want to tackle the role of your arms in the golf swing. Obviously the arms are the key to the swing in that they along with the hands are the only connection to the club. I want to define the position of the arms in the backswing in this article. Please try the following exercise:
1. Take your normal address position without a golf ball with a 7 iron.
2. Release your right hand and let it hang next to the club. Keep your left hand on the club.
3. Swing your right arm back simulating the backswing keeping your right elbow as far away from your body as possible.
4. Keeping your right arm at the top of the backswing, swing the left arm and club as far back as possible. Stop when your arm starts to bend.
5. Grip the club with your right hand.
This is the proper top of the backswing for your golf swing. The first point most people notice is how short the proper backswing is in relation to what they thought. The next point people notice is how far your right elbow is from your body. The final point most people realize is how vertical the shaft is pointing. Almost straight up and down. The most common misconception is the elbow issue. Most golfers believe that the elbow should be next to their body, I strongly disagree. I think that 95% of all golfers are better served if they get in the most natural athletic position possible. Try this: Take a ball and begin to make a throwing position. When your arm is at it's highest point, where is your elbow? It is away from your body. You cannot swing your arm with speed with it pinned against your body. Pinning it against your body is similar to a shot put athlete in the Olympics. Not a sport that requires a slinging of the club at a maximum speed for the individual. So if you want to hit it further in a more comfortable position let your right elbow get away from your body. See the pictures below.
Good Elbow Position Bad Elbow Position
I hope that this explanation helps clear up another golf misconception. For more information please visit my website www.bobschade.com. Good luck and good golfing!
