The left arm

[Shamed04]

I wanted to know if there are any tips for keeping your left arm straight in the backswing. If your arm is bending does this mean you are swinging with your arms to much, your overswinging, etc...? Any tips or advice?

[BrianW]

Re: The left arm

A small amount of bend in the left elbow is fine, in fact it's preferable as forcing a straight arm creates tension, think of a slight crescent shape as you finish the back-swing. The problem comes if the elbow collapses at the top creating over-swing or chicken wings through impact shortening the swing arc, both will be a power leak.

I turn my elbows in a little at address so that the backs of the elbows point towards each hip, this encourages a little extension, the arms should stay lose though, feel as if your hands stay away from your head at the top.

[keiko]

Re: The left arm

Don't worry about the straightness; better to focus on getting the tray position at the top, ie. right arm at 90 degree angle and left arm fairly straight but not rigid.
The tray position will allow the arms to work together along with a nice pivot and a little leg action, the wrists will automatically hinge and you are off to the races.
Practice it in a mirror.
That position stores alot of power and when you hit shots after getting that position right, you will be hooked forever.