Wrists 'n Elbows

[Travtex]

Probably have better feedback over the long haul with Specific Threads, but don't want to go on a New Topic spamming binge and in all probability I'd forget what I'm thinking about if I tried to space it out over a week or so, heh. (Matter of fact, I've already forgotten a couple questions in the process of typing this out. This is probably good, as I'm only planning on working on ONE thing next practice session, anyway.)

Some stuff I've noticed, plan on working on, or have wondered about with regards to my swing tweaks this season.

1.) Elbows Close Together. I've noticed that when I really -remember- to work at keeping my elbows as close as possible together, good things happen. Straighter farther, etc. One problem/concern/curiosity about this is that it tends to create a bit of tension in the arms. Is one more important than the other? Am I overemphasizing one or the other (Tension versus Close Elbows)?

-- One related thing I've noticed is that my trailing elbow can tend to get stuck back by my hip on the transition/downswing. I'm guessing this shortens things, and am wondering if that's a culprit with my recurrent thin/top problems.

2.) Wrist Hinge. Which way do YOU hinge? "Up" or "Back" from address? Harder than I expected to describe, but by an 'Up' hinge, think of swinging a hammer. Now, that requires some forearm rotation... (Then I start to wonder about tying it into "1" above.) A straight 'back' hinge feels awkward, but doesn't seem to require as much arm manipulation. I don't think about either when I swing, currently, and when slowing down to see what's actually going on... I'm thinking about it too MUCH. Which is -correct-?

[senorchipotle]

1. i wouldn't say the objective is to keep them as close together as possible, but rather keep them in a synchronized motion. you're definitely over thinking this. work on tempo, and that will get you synced better than worrying about the distance between your funny bones. as far as getting stuck goes, you've just gotta shoot those hips out farther, or not come so far from the inside. i lead with my right elbow, and try to feel like i'm putting my elbow where my appendix was before i shifted my hips.

2. well, it shouldn't be both up and back. tracing a path of the clubhead from your ball to the top of your swing then back down again. whatever your preferred swing path will dictate how flat or vertical your hinge will be, also the number on your club.

[Travtex]

1. i wouldn't say the objective is to keep them as close together as possible, but rather keep them in a synchronized motion. you're definitely over thinking this. work on tempo, and that will get you synced better than worrying about the distance between your funny bones. as far as getting stuck goes, you've just gotta shoot those hips out farther, or not come so far from the inside. i lead with my right elbow, and try to feel like i'm putting my elbow where my appendix was before i shifted my hips.

Part of that reminded me -- Tempo. I'm always hearing about swinging nice and easy to get/keep things under control, but my experience has been Nice and Easy = Death. (For me, slowing down makes me get my arms much more involved than I want them. My usual feel is more of just driving the hips and the clubhead weight whips itself through. When I try to back off, I end up just letting my arms get ahead and everything goes to crap as would be expected. The old adirondack chair golf swing, hah.)

I'm definitely overthinking it, but that's the goal at the moment. Once I know what particular thing I'm going for, position or form-wise, it's a simple thing to replicate the feel... figuring out WHAT I'm trying to do is always harder than doing it.

[senorchipotle]

sorry... i meant to say ''it should be both up and back...''

[senorchipotle]

Part of that reminded me -- Tempo. I'm always hearing about swinging nice and easy to get/keep things under control, but my experience has been Nice and Easy = Death. (For me, slowing down makes me get my arms much more involved than I want them. My usual feel is more of just driving the hips and the clubhead weight whips itself through. When I try to back off, I end up just letting my arms get ahead and everything goes to crap as would be expected. The old adirondack chair golf swing, hah.)

lol... adirondak chair, that was hilarious! anywho, i never said anything about slowing down your swing. hell, look at alvaro quiros, the guy swings as fast as all get out. but, he's in balance, and has good tempo. tempo has nothing to do with speed, but knowing when to change direction, push your hips, and bring your hands down and through in the proper sequence at the proper rate dictated by what you want to accomplish with that particular swing.

i'd suggest watching this video...