Arm pull starting down

[CaptStubins]

It seems to be agreed that the downswing begins with the lower body, but I've heard many different theories as to what the arms do. I find that many times I get stuck at the top with my shoulders outracing my arms/hands. Should I feel like I'm pulling my arms downs from the top? The only other solution that seems to help is trying to conciously start the arms first, then the shoulders, which is tricky. I've heard many people say that the arms "drop" naturally as the lower body makes its initial move to the target, but I just have a hard time believing that that solves my problem. Any ideas? Thanks.

[DUBBED]

I try to let my hands "drop" to start the downswing. I've always argued that the body should naturally follow the clubhead as you "push" it through impact, therefore it should not move more than it has to.

[jeffy]

Well, for a while, anyhow, I'm going to suggest that everyone buy Jim Hardy's book The Plane Truth for Golfers as a first step to analyze any swing problem. Once you determine which swing style you fall into ("one-plane": left arm and shoulders in substantially the same plane at the top of the swing, or "two-plane": left arm on a distinctly steeper plane than the shoulders at the top), you can figure out how to use the arms properly. Generally, in a "two-plane" swing (most handicap golfers) the arms need to be active on the downswing, in a widening move from the top (think of extending the right arm as if to throw a ball at the ground on a line 45* to the right of the target line). BTW, in a two-plane swing the lower body weight shift is gradual, not immediate; a lot of weight hangs back on the right side through impact.

In a one-plane swing, Hardy says the arms should be passive and follow the shoulders, but I disagree. From my experience working with Carol Mann, from the top of swing the left arm needs to immediately move on an out-to-in path left of the target line with the left elbow folding shortly after impact. The arms must not "drop down" from the top or they will swing on an improper in-to-out path, causing pushes and hooks. Also, in a one-plane swing, the weight shift left can be dramatic, so long as it is lateral (directly toward the target) and down into the left leg, and not circular.

Hope this doesn't screw you up too much! Good luck!

Jeff

[sflaspprentice]

This is exactly what I am trying to nail in my swing right now. I would like to suggest that you think you are hitting a baseball to left field. It worked like a snap for me on my Driver since my typical ballflight was High. If you think left field it could help you alot. Good Luck!!!

[cb_33]

I have been dealing with this issue with my instructor this year.

While he has told me that the initation of the downswing varies from player to player based on thier tendencies. Some players can have overactive legs and thier hips can outrace thier arms and they get "stuck" a lot. This is typically a an experienced players problem. Tiger left Butch because this problem could not be fixed by Butches teaching..

The majority of amatuers need to start with the left hand pulling the butt of the club at the back of the ball. This is what I am doing now and here is WHY.

First off I have read numerous articles from accomplished professionals and teachers that the lower body should begin the downswing with a slight bump to the left. This will result in the arms "falling into the slot" and being perfectly on plane. I worked my ass off on this drill.

I found that for me I tended to over exaggerate the bump and lead to lots of lateral sliding and hanging back to much on my right side. While I agree the hands should be impassive in the inital downswing and getting into the "slot" position is ideal, I have found (through lots of time experimenting and arguing with my instructor) that from the top of the backswing I need to pull the butt of the club with my left hand (I am right handed) at the back of the ball until my elbow of the right arm makes contact with my side.

This allows me to...

1. Get into the slot position and stay on plane

2. Maintain my "lag position"

3. Most important discovery was the the weight shift happened automatically as a result of the hands coming down versus the hands dropping as a result of the "bump to the left".

I have found this to get me into the best position to swing properly. I am hitting the ball farther and more consistent. I only get into a bad situtation with I start down with the shoulder instead of left hand at the butt of the ball. In which case I hit a push or "mini slice".

Please note this works for me as I am new to golf (less than 5 years) and my lower body does not turn the way experienced golfers do. I played other sports all my life where the upper body controlled most movements. Hence the reason my instructor thought it would be better for me to start the downswing this way as my upper body has been trained over the years to be in control.

I also do not "spin out" and getting stuck is no longer a problem. I do lots and lots of slow motion drills working on this move from the top to ingrain the move.

Hope this helps. [/u]

[juststeve]

Jim Flick likes to say that the arm swing turns the shoulders on both sides of the ball. Give it a try.

Steve