Today's question wasn't accompanied by a name, but it's a really good topic that I want to go over anyway. It has to do with the left arm position and the proper mechanics of the elbows during the forward upswing (FUS).
I just had a lesson with one of my top, collegiate golfers who was also having a similar issue so I thought the timing was perfect.
I'm having trouble with my left arm during the forward upswing. Sometimes I find my left arm extended, thus my follow through is only about three quarters. I don't feel like this is a chicken wing, however I concentrate on folding my left elbow in order to get a fuller follow through. I find that although I hit the ball very solid, it almost always goes left. What are the correct positions for the left arm elbow during the follow through? Thanks.
This is actually a really good question. First, let's look at what happens in a good setup. At address, we have a good triangulation of the arms. Once we get a good grip, with our palms perpendicular to the ground, the palms are facing or opposing eachother. Whatever one does, the other does the opposite. Next, we've got to have the clubface lined up with both hands.
The point here is that we're swinging on an incline plane. We're trying to swing as vertical as we can, but because there's a little rotation, the arms will go up a little bit on a diagonal angle. We control the rotation of the arms with the lift. Because of the secondary spine angle tilt, we lose about 15 degrees in our spine which will shift the club down a little bit. So, if any of you are closely analyzing the swing, the change of position is because of this secondary spine angle tilt.
When we swing the club, it must go toe up in the back to toe up in the front. We're controlling the exact amount that our arms rotate. At impact, both arms are almost perfectly straight. But, they have to start folding at some point after impact. The beauty of this is if you do it correctly, it will happen so fast that it happens on its own. All you need to do is mentally set the position you want the arms to finish at the end of the swing. For us, it's up near the left ear. We want the right hand to come up really close to the left ear (right handed golfer). Make sure you don't wear hats that will inhibit you from getting close to your ear as it may lead to you getting too wide in your finish.
Once you set where you want to finish, you'll be in good shape. My student was keeping his forward arm too stiff for too long. By the time his arms folded, he was losing his balance. Once you determine the spot you want to finish, it's like you ride a roller coaster track that's going right to that position, but it must happen naturally. You don't want to overextend your arms by trying to keep them low, wide or high. All that's going to do is pull you forward.
Set that finish position, get there, recoil and relax, and you'll start seeing good results.
Keep it vertical!
The Surge
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Comments
Folding forward elbow
Another problem I luckily don't have in the FUS : - ) providing that is, I don't try and whale the tar out of the ball hahaha. Less is certainly turning out to be more. Nice tempo, no rush at the start of the FUS and it all just seems to happen thankfully.
Will at last get outside to swing and hone in the swing feel before the next round.
Have been strengthening the grip in both hands while indoors. A firmer hold on the grip with both hands, certainly seems to control the clubhead better. Gripping up with the fingers just before the start of the BUS and away we go.
Patience is indeed a virtue. Something I have not been noted for in the past. Trying 'too hard' is a fault we all suffer from at times. Trying to join up the dots etc. Once the swing starts to work we know it! Feel the swing and swing the feel for me. Yeeeha! DH coming right in NZ
No trouble getting the club to clip my hat either Surge ; - ) Thankyou DH
Folding forward elbow and changing grip.
DH, Aye, that is what I just realized. The part of folding the arm. I have been hitting pretty well, but still was losing balance on FUS and hitting left. I have been really concentrating on turning the burner down. I also found that after all these years I had to adjust my grip. I have always used an interlock but about 3 weeks ago I went to a baseball grip. I have better release, better fold on the FUS. I for sure have better ball flight with out trying to kill it. I am back down to summer scores with winter conditions.
I think The Surge has done a whole lot more fine tune explaining in the last month or so that has really helped. I have the videos and the manual, and these are points that I am just now picking up after several years.
Folding forward elbow and changing grip
Touche Mike,
I started as a baseball grip player then went to overlapping, and very recently changed back to the baseball grip, and am very happy with it. Thunderstorm and lightning flashing around as torrential rain blights the Summer here : - ( Managed a swing session between earlier shower and feel that the swing is becoming more fluid and repetitive. Also spent some time chipping with a variety of clubs on the small patch of grass beside the deck.The first time I have done that. It was well worth the time and effort. Started because I am going to use clubs I have not played with for nine years or more! I enjoyed it and was chipping consistently to the targets chosen. All good stuff.
On the baseball grip, imagination or not, I feel that skipping a rock comes much more naturally to me. Hope your game continues to prosper.I too pick up the odd point missed previously, may that be a thing of the past soon. DH
Back in town
Just checking in on the blog and reviewing several comments along with this daily on the elbows. Great stuff, especially the visual that we can feel too- comparing the follow through to 'a ride on a roller coaster'. Loved that one.
We just got back to Las Vegas from southern Utah and our ski trip to Brian Head. Snow was excellent and weather turned out progressively better each day.
Tuesday afternoon was cold and a bit too windy. It's always the face, hands and feet that must stay warm or it is not much fun. Wednesday was near perfect at a balmy 20*F and no wind. With my brother, my son and daughters with me life couldn't have been much better. they all ski and board real well. Fun was had by all. Cindy can ski but choose to hang out at the spa and hot tub instead! We both finished Wednesday evening with a marvelous massage, ahhhh...!
We passed several nice golf courses in route but our sticks were left at home so we will hit the links tomorrow before returning to work on Saturday.
Going to be 61*F and sunny on Friday so spring like golf weather.
Hats off to DJ for his excellent start to the 2013 PGA season. Had a few misses but some great saves including that saving 8 foot putt on 9 (his 18th) to complete an up an down bogie that could have been an ugly double. He had many other super shots and putts today. Pulling for him to shoot at least another 69 if not a 68 or better to assure a cut and set him up for the week end.
Rory will figure out his new set of Nike's but I think it may be challenging for a while to play the way he did with his major winning clubs he had. Tiger looks pretty good. Short clubs are better. Watch out!
Hope the rain and wind takes a break and lets you play golf DH:)
Back in Town [Rain and Wind]
Good to see that you had a great time and got back in good shape. You will get out before we do. Weather starting to look better. Rain will give up on us on Saturday [our time] and we have Monday pencilled in for the start of a week of much better weather : - )
Swing session overdue. Just about to go and swing when I saw your comment. So enjoy your round on the morrow and hit them long and straight. Off to swing the Mizuno clubs, yeeeeha! DH. Just noticed an un-identified flying object in the sky. B*gger! It's the sun ; - )
Back in Town
Hey RM: Glad you made it back home and that you enjoyed yourself over at Brian Head. They have some great snow there right now, and it looks like it'l only get better! We're cold up here in SLC. High of 9* and low of -5* and lots of snow on the ground :-( Not much golfing going on, so I'm just keeping up with the blog and doing a lot of "shadow-golfing" out in my garage. Enjoy the nice LV temps and keep us posted on the results. Take care, R2
Burrrrr...........
Stay warm R2. Yes we do have some nice days through much of our winter. The 25* nights of last week seem warm compared to yours there.
Dreams of golfing days ahead:) Spring shall come again.
Payne Stewart
At The Ridge CC in Auburn, CA, there is a statue and tribute to Payne Stewart just outside the main entrance. Stopped dead in my tracks and took this pic. I had seen that finishing position somewhere else, too.
Arms folding nicely, body on balance and facing target. One can learn a lot by studying this finish position. Payne had both a classic wardrobe, and a classy, more upright swing. And of course, he was one very competitive and respected man. He left us way too soon.
You would not believe it....maybe you would.....
Great balanced finish....looks similar to Don's T.
Edit: sorry for the sideways image above.
This link shows a similar statue:
http://www.harryweber.com/payne_stewart2.html
And the balanced finish:
http://www.waymarking.com/gallery/image.aspx?f=1&guid=199fc476-b0e2-41f8-8127-83b109f5a409
Picture
Ha ha! The position of that left leg is the reason I will never be much of a golfer. Ouch!!! Call 911.
LOL. Orthopedic surgeons love
LOL. Orthopedic surgeons love the game of golf, but for a different reason.
(Podiatrists and chiropractors too.)
How can this swing be so poetic and beautiful from the waist up, but turned like Gumby in the lower body?
MT's too
Hey simply golf, enjoyed those pics and thoughts about the late great Payne Stewart. BTW, don't forget about us massage therapists, we likewise get repeat visits from golfers and non- golfers alike. It is interesting to me that nearly every person I work on wants to share (if but briefly) their personal issues with that pain between the shoulders and kink in the neck and what caused it. It really doesn't matter what they do for work, recreation and if they are an athlete or a couch potato, most people have many of the same aches and pains. What is the ultimate cure?
Unfortunately even though there is much we can do and therapies we can receive for relief, the only time the pain really leaves us completely when they lay our souls to rest.
Ahhhhhh, yes
Robert, spot on with your MT comment. My gosh, some of the most intuitive and encouraging people ever. Newsflash to the techies in our culture: There is NO substitute for human touch.
In the meantime, God has apparently set it up so we get to manage around our injury, pain, and limitations. So it is. We may need help: Grateful for those that bring help healing or relief with integrity and expertise and compassion. It's a kindness and grace for the crazy people that we are, who insist on playing golf.....Or even snow skiing!
Edit: Brian Head...been there. Talk about great powder. Colorado is nice, but Utah's dry powder is some of the best on the planet.
Amen my friend
Well said pal. Have a great (and hopefully pain free) night and let's hope these kids give us a nice show in Abu Dhabi. Was Just telling DH I may have to watch the re-run in the morning. Not so good at mid night golf watching any more.
Thanks, Robert, for the good
Thanks, Robert, for the good words. At the moment my pain is nominal. Played /walked 9 holes yesterday, and the only thing that hurt was my pride on the 3rd hole. Fortunately, the signature 4th hole (at Black Oak in Auburn) was kind to me, and my bruised ego quickly recovered.
Blessed to have some good functional training, some great chiro care, and occasional MT. (My favorite is the latter.) It is helpful to pay attention to good posture, mechanics, and flexibility.
A great friday and weekend to you and the Nation. It is a great time of year in so many ways. And re-runs can be helpful.
ELBOLD FOLD
DON ,
Your video of the elbow folding is wonderful !
Doctor Jack
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basics of swing
Don,
Could you do a review of the basics of the swing from the Catchers mitt front and rear, etc.???
All of your tips are great but a review going back to the very basic fundamentals of the swing would help a great deal.
Thanks,
Mike
SWISH
I am left handed and have been practicing your swish. Apparently the swish is dependant on the release of my left hand. I.E. My right hand is leading on the downswing followed by the clubs butt and my left hand. To contact the ball and get the swish I release the left hand in a underhand motion. Am I right in my analysis? Also, another problem, hitting behind the ball. At this time of the year I hit perforated ballsin the back yard and I have been hitting behind the ball. To adjust I have changed my target to the front of the ball. I am having success but maybe you have a better suggestion. Also, regarding your back yard hitting net, does it stay out year round, how does it hold up and if it does who is the manufacturer?
Fat shots
https://swingsurgeon.com/daily-video-tips/hitting-ground-behind-your-golf-ball