Uncommon Swing Fixes: Connection

This post is part of a series of discussions where I tackle a lot of common swing issues.  However, instead of providing common fixes that you've probably seen elsewhere, I will be providing a more accurate way to think about how to obtain the correct feels of the swing.  This series is catered to help more of an intermediate to advanced player who has somewhat of a functioning swing.  These articles will assume you know some swing vocabulary.  Please also check out my earlier posts.

Today we will be discussing an uncommon swing fix to help you get a sense of the proper connection in the swing.  Most people have a misunderstanding that your arms need to be glued to you body during all parts of the swing.   

How it's different:  When most people try to solve the problem of not being connected in the golf swing, they immediately think, "Towel Drill."  We all know this popular drill as it has been seen on youtube videos as well as by fellow golfers on the range.  The towel drill only solves part of the issue.  

Why has the towel drill been such a popular drill for a long time? You still see people doing it from time to time.  Well, there's a lot of merit to the towel drill.  The mechanism behind it is the fact that it keeps your arms connected to your body. People who tend to over swing or get the arms too far away early in the swing are prime candidates for this drill. However, it has been proven that the arms actually come off your chest more at the top of the swing and that the connection of the arms to the body is more dynamic than just plastering your arms to your body. Those of you know that this drill is probably the most uncomfortable drill at first.  Let's take a look further as to what really happens in the golf swing.

during the first stage of the backswing from address to about hands waist high is the only area where the arms should stay more connected to the body.  after this point, as the club works toward the top of the swing is where your arm starts working more upward.  Some of the PGA players who get their hands really high is a great example e.g., Justing Thomas, Dustin Johnson.  Although it's in the beginning of the swing where there's some pinning of the lead arm toward the bottom of your chest, it then starts working up your chest as it creates leverage up against your body and spine, those hand and arms need to get really high after that.  Remember, the steepening of the hands is what creates a shallower path in the downswing not the other way around.  Keeping your arms stuck to your body all throughout the swing will create a too flat of an arm swing and actually get you steeper!

Try this! take something other than a towel, like a glove or piece of paper, put it under your lead armpit.  Keep it tucked as you take it back to about halfway in the backswing.  Then, as you swing your arms up in the air, try to get your arms up high and don't worry about letting the glove fall out, in fact try to let it fly out.  Try this while hitting balls and see what happens.  You'll be surprised.  Also, don't forget that you should not compromise your spine angle by lifting your head!

I appreciate you reading my blogs.  If you find my articles helpful. Feel free to call to get more information on lessons.  You should also look at my smartphone lesson options as they really help too!