Many golfers have been advised to keep the left arm straight throughout the swing. Keeping the left arm straight allows the club to maintain its path during both the backswing and downswing, as well as minimizes excessive arm action. Further, a straight left arm can increase the arc of the swing and lead to improved distance. Several training aids exist to promote a straight left arm during the swing.
Types
Straight arm training aids usually come in the form of a sleeve or strap that fits over the left arm, preventing it from bending at the elbow joint. Some straight arm training aids contain dual straps that fit over both the left and right arm, which allows the golfer to develop a connection between each arm and promotes the correct triangle position at address and impact. Dozens of variations of sleeves and straps exist and the one you choose is a matter of personal preference.
Functions
Inflexible or untrained golfers will be inclined to bend the left arm to reach parallel at the top of the swing. Bending the arm prevents the golfer from rotating with the hips and shoulders and creates more of a lateral movement to the swing. The golf swing should function as a winding and unwinding motion, with the downswing initiated by the hips. Bending at the elbow can throw the swing off-plane and involve the arms too much. Sleeves reinforce the idea that the arms should work in a pendulum-like manner.
Benefits
With significant practice, straight arm training aids promote the correct muscle recruitment patterns and lead to an improved swing. Preventing the left arm from bending forces the golfer to rotate more with the shoulders, leading to both increased distance and accuracy. Repetition is the key to success and practicing every day with a straight arm training aid will result in lasting improvements.
Misconceptions
Despite the fact that the left arm should remain straight, it should not feel stiff or locked at the elbow. Excessive tension of the left arm will result in tightness throughout the shoulders and restrict their ability to turn. The left arm should feel straight and rigid but never tense. Just a slight bending of the elbow is allowable and probably unpreventable for most golfers.
Practice Tips
The legendary Ben Hogan was notorious for his work ethic on the driving range, often spending hours after a round trying to perfect a single shot. While you may not have the same amount of time to practice as Hogan, 10 minutes each day of just swinging with a straight arm training aid should be sufficient to promote long-term change in the swing. PGA teaching professional Mitchell Spearman highly recommends practicing in front of a mirror to check technique and position throughout the swing.
References
- "Five Lessons: The Modern Fundamentals of Golf"; Ben Hogan; 1957
- "AIM of Golf"; Mitchell Spearman; 2004
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