05:13
Faizan
A common problem among novice golfers is left arm tension. Instead of using the upper trunk and shoulders to move their arms into the backswing, beginners tend to use their arm muscles to keep their left arm locked, which causes the tension. To keep your left arm relaxed, shift the focus to the larger muscles to initiate the swing as well as allowing your left arm to bend slightly.
Natural Swing
When your mind and body are at ease, your golf swing will move in a more natural and fluid way. A tense left arm can cause a forced swing and lead to various problems, such as a loss of balance or speed, rolling on to the outer rim of your right foot, a tempo that is too quick or a flawed swing plane. If you just focus on only using your left arm to keep your left arm fully extended during the backswing, excessive tension can result. Your left arm should be firm before you enter the backswing and your attention should be elsewhere.
Rod and a Hinge
A golf swing requires that your arms move in a circular motion. While your right arm forms a 90-degree angle, the left arm moves like a rod which hinges only at the wrist. If your right arm flexes beyond the 90-degree angle, it’ll cause your left arm to bend too much to accommodate the extreme angle of your right arm. The left arm then has two hinges -- elbow and wrist -- and will not be able to execute a full shoulder turn and complete the arc of the swing. However, a slight bend to the left arm shouldn’t affect your swing.
Elbows and Grip
In addition to keeping your left arm straight before the backswing, two pointers can help to keep your left arm relaxed. First, turn your elbows in on the swing. The inside of your left arm should be facing upward. Use your right hand to pull against your left wrist. If you don’t roll your left elbow in, you’ll instinctively use your left arm muscles to keep your arm tense and rigid. Second, ease the pressure of your grip so your forearm muscles remain relaxed. Check your grip by tightening your hands around the club and then letting go in degrees to find a lighter grip.
Waggle and Relax
If you’re anxious and stressed, you can carry that tension in your body. From the first tee, what goes on in your mind will affect how your body moves. Because the large muscles of your body don’t move as quickly as the small muscles, the muscles in your arms and hands will take over. You need to be relaxed to allow your trunk and shoulders to do their job first and keep left arm tension at bay. Move your club back and forth over the ball and shift your weight slightly from one foot to the other -- waggle -- to relax your mind and body.
Natural Swing
When your mind and body are at ease, your golf swing will move in a more natural and fluid way. A tense left arm can cause a forced swing and lead to various problems, such as a loss of balance or speed, rolling on to the outer rim of your right foot, a tempo that is too quick or a flawed swing plane. If you just focus on only using your left arm to keep your left arm fully extended during the backswing, excessive tension can result. Your left arm should be firm before you enter the backswing and your attention should be elsewhere.
Rod and a Hinge
A golf swing requires that your arms move in a circular motion. While your right arm forms a 90-degree angle, the left arm moves like a rod which hinges only at the wrist. If your right arm flexes beyond the 90-degree angle, it’ll cause your left arm to bend too much to accommodate the extreme angle of your right arm. The left arm then has two hinges -- elbow and wrist -- and will not be able to execute a full shoulder turn and complete the arc of the swing. However, a slight bend to the left arm shouldn’t affect your swing.
Elbows and Grip
In addition to keeping your left arm straight before the backswing, two pointers can help to keep your left arm relaxed. First, turn your elbows in on the swing. The inside of your left arm should be facing upward. Use your right hand to pull against your left wrist. If you don’t roll your left elbow in, you’ll instinctively use your left arm muscles to keep your arm tense and rigid. Second, ease the pressure of your grip so your forearm muscles remain relaxed. Check your grip by tightening your hands around the club and then letting go in degrees to find a lighter grip.
Waggle and Relax
If you’re anxious and stressed, you can carry that tension in your body. From the first tee, what goes on in your mind will affect how your body moves. Because the large muscles of your body don’t move as quickly as the small muscles, the muscles in your arms and hands will take over. You need to be relaxed to allow your trunk and shoulders to do their job first and keep left arm tension at bay. Move your club back and forth over the ball and shift your weight slightly from one foot to the other -- waggle -- to relax your mind and body.
Posted in: golf
