Swinging Past Parallel

[Epicycle]

I took a video the other day and finally had a chance to look at it today. I've always known that I go past Parallel a bit in my backswing, enough that people would comment to me. But since I'm a good ball striker I didn't mind it. What I was very annoyed at though was my practice swing would be a great inside out swing and would feel good yet I would actually come straight into the ball or just outside from the top. I've always played a fade and actually prefer that shot pattern ... but I digress. Anyhow, what I noticed in the video was that my right arm was nice and tight and my plane going back was great but then as soon as I went past parallel my elbow would break away and bam, I'm coming across the top. I don't know why it never really hit me ... but it makes complete sense.

So I was wondering, what kind of drills people use to keep that elbow in and not go past parallel? I'm reading the The Plane Truth For Golfers (only a few chapters in) and assume that he is going to have some good ideas in there. I also tried the headcover under the arm drill. It was really hard and I had a lot of trouble with weight shift because I was so worried about the headcover that I couldn't just flow through the swing.

Does anyone have any other handy tricks of the trade / drills that work well? I really do feel like once I get past this hurdle all my other little problems will fall into place.

Thanks for the help all!!!

Sean

[GregJWillis]

Re: Swinging Past Parallel

The headcover drill is only supposed to be still under your arm (and put it close to your armpit) during the first part of the swing, you can let it drop after impact.