Noticed something yesterday when at the range what do you think

[tazrestling27]

I was playing a week ago with a guy that out drove me by at least 30 yds on average and I hit the driver pretty far as well. He told me that I lose yardage because on my downswing I do not keep my back elbow close to me. So I was assuming that when I drop my back elbow into my side for the downswing it makes me pivot faster. So on the range yesterday I was hitting a few golf balls with a slightly open stance. Just so I could feel the elbow come inside, I was hitting all my clubs at least 10 yds farther and I was getting a perfect divot in front of the ball. Does this sound confusing I just wanted to know what some of you thought.

[Gioguy21]

not confusing at all, if i'm not hitting my irons pure that's usually the reason, and on drives if I keep it tucked in I can get some extra yardage out of it...but on irons is where I see the most benefit

[tazrestling27]

So keeping my back elbow tucked really makes a big difference huh?

[saevel25]

What i think it does is, creates that lag. If your right elbow is close to your side, you decrease the angle between you and the club, then you whip that through the ball to create alot of club head speed. That is why people say when you want more distance you extend on the backswing more. Because the change in angle between your backswing and your downswing is were power comes from. They did image studies on this with long and short drivers of the ball on the tour. But the only issue i have is if you start to get stuck, then you might flip your hands or start casting.

[Gioguy21]

with an elbow tucked, it makes casting kinda hard...but makes flipping a bit easier to do...especially if you rotate the hands and drive through the ball trying to time the release of lag. There is a detriment to holding your arm too close as well, could flatten out your swing too much and if you were to raise up...top...if you were to keep your front shoulder down, could be fat...it's a matter of finding that 'niche' for your own swing slot. i went to the range with my camera and did a few swings with a slightly, moderately and incredibly tucked right elbow...i'm in between moderate/incredibly tucked. I find if i come too close to my body the clubhead can turn over faster (handsy) and not drive through the shot. If your elbow is farther from your body it decreases your lag or can lead to casting. (keep in mind there are two kinds of lag, one for instance is the kind sergio garcia has and then the kind jason zuback has)

[Scott_K]

I've noticed I hit the ball further when my right elbow drops in the slot. I also feel the torque built up in the backswing is more efficient and the overall swing is more towards the effortless effort end of the spectrum. I do experience the flipping action as explained by Gioguy21. I don't practice enough to keep my timing in check.

I like the figure skater analogy here. When skaters tuck in their arms and legs, they are able to spin faster. When right elbow drops in closer to my body, the hands are closer as well and the speed is there. The arc is tighter as well. This is mostly with my driver. My irons are fairly predictable, but I think the club weight is a factor for me.

[chilly]

I've been working on that exact swing thought, right elbow tight. I think it makes for more lag, and more solid contact. I've done it intentionally on a swing monitor, instant 4-5mph difference with a driver, and you'll hit the ball more consistently. I throw a golf glove in my armpit to make sure I keep the elbow tucked.