Right Arm

A question I would like to ask is, How would it effect your swing if in pushing back your left arm in the backswing, you over extend the right arm causing the elbow to stick out.?

hi
whats more important is what the right elbow does on the downswing. there are some very good players that have a flying right elbow on the back swing but all drop the right elbow in close to the right hip on the downswing.
bill

The Hud, what's your intention when you do that?

On the backswing, the right arm should be bent almost at right angle which is the "tray position" at the top. Its ok to have the right elbow off a little as long as it drops down into the slot.

There is no intension to do it and yes I am constantly told to keep it down and in as in the tray position, but it just happens. If I concentrate on it I might make it happen, but as soon as I think of something else, out it goes again.

When I want to go somewhere, I put one foot in front of the other. I don't intend to do it (walk) but my intention (go somewhere) forces me to do it. I didn't ask if you intended to walk (flare the right elbow), I asked where you wanted to go (what you want to do with the club).

So, when you flare the right elbow, what is your intention? Do you want to over-swing either by bringing the club too far back or by dropping it too low at the top? By changing your intention, you change how you get there.

Swing wider but swing shorter. Try this:

Long left thumb: (edit: loose long swing)

Club drops lower at the top of the backswing
Swing arc is narrower
Distance traveled by clubhead is shorter
Angle between left arm and club is narrower
Thus, movement between top-of-the-backswing and impact is longer
Acceleration is more violent and more difficult to control

Short left thumb: (edit: tight wide swing)

Club drops higher at the top of the backswing
Swing arc is wider
Distance traveled by clubhead is longer
Angle between left arm and club is wider
Thus, movement between top-of-backswing and impact is shorter
Acceleration is smoother and easier to control

Hi Eddie,

As a 25 handicapper why are you troubling your self with these details?

Concentrate on bringing the clubface to the ball on an inside path, hit down onto the ball with everything except your driver and 3 wood where you should hit straight through. Elbows sticking out should then take care of it's self.

Hud:

The flying (or sticking out) right elbow is usually the result of overswinging and most always results in an across the line club position at the top.

You can play from an across the line position as long as it is not too far across the line and goes to that position consistently.

I would have someone check this or video your swing to see exactly what effect the right elbow is having on your top of backswing position.

I am assuming that by you posting, the effect may be less than satisfactory as far as ball flight consistency. You should strive for as on plane a club position as your flexibility will allow. In a perfect world, this would be pointing parallel of your target line and horizontal with the ground at the top. This is the most consistent position to bring the club back on plane but as I wrote earlier, slightly across the line or laid off will work.

Thanks everyone foe their replies, the reason I asked the question was I wondered if it could be causing my inconsistent shots and according to Martin it could be, so I will get someone to watch if I'm laying off on top of the swing, I will also experiment with the short thumb, again thank you all.