Confused about the role of arms/hands in the downswing

[NotBillCosby]

The first two bits I worked on my swing with my instructor were using the lead arm and not thinking about the trailing arm, also getting my weight to pivot to the left foot.  I then learned about the lateral hip movement to the left, keeping the head in position, and rotating my hips so buckle points at target on impact.

My question is what should I be thinking about what my hands and arms are doing on the downswing ?

Do I even think of pulling the butt end of the club with my hands?  That's what I have been doing at this point and my results are not always consistent.

Or should I just let the movement of my lower body passively swing my arms and do I actively try to get that right elbow tucked?

[RoyHotPower]

Since you are working with an instructor, you should ask your coach what to do.  That's a lot to digest though (5 things to think about at once it sounds like?). I had a similar type question once several lessons ago; after a few lessons, I was also now thinking of several things though as well.

So I asked him. He said do the drills until they become muscle memory.  Once muscle memory is achieved, we'd focus on something else/new. I had been and this just reassured me.  Now I ask if I have questions when something new is introduced.

I guess I am adding more to my initial response.  Make sure your get clear instructions from your coach.

[NotBillCosby]

  RoyHotPower said:

Originally Posted by RoyHotPower

Since you are working with an instructor, you should ask your coach what to do.  That's a lot to digest though (5 things to think about at once it sounds like?). I had a similar type question once several lessons ago; after a few lessons, I was also now thinking of several things though as well.

So I asked him. He said do the drills until they become muscle memory.  Once muscle memory is achieved, we'd focus on something else/new. I had been and this just reassured me.  Now I ask if I have questions when something new is introduced.

I guess I am adding more to my initial response.  Make sure your get clear instructions from your coach.

I agree.. I have been concentrating on those things and gotten them into muscle memory over the past months. I know it's best to learn it in bites.  I just won't see him for while so I thought I'd ask this point.

[dozu]

so here is another example of the swing of 1000 positions.

I think every golfer, either student or teacher, should read EA Tischler's work, even though it maybe difficult to understand for a beginner.

all this left side right side arm hands stuff... if you fight your own body type, chance of success will be slim, if any at all.

[RoyHotPower]

This isn't a diss or rant against dozu, but when I quit golf 10 years ago, it was precisely because of the 1000 pieces of advice that were readily available.  I was in the mold of the self taught golfer that after a few years actively sought advice from anyone that seemed to be capable of imparting wisdom - be they a casual player, club pro, instructor at a community college or 3 weekend session with a card carrying instructor.  I can't imagine being in that same place with the advent of YouTube, self taught packages and the advances in technology since 2002.

Which is why I opted for one coach like I did now that I am back into golf.  But to dozu's point, I have an 'unconventional' body type and therefore do not possess the classic golf swing.  My coach is helping me use what I naturally have.  There are certain things I now know that I would not be able to replicate in a 'one swing fits all' approach.

For me this is all working.  He has mentioned a few things to me in terms of technique and body style that I have investigated further on my own, but so far its as an addition to the concept.

So, once I complete my lessons will I go back and look at other offerings?  Possibly.  But for right now I'm wearing the horse blinders.

[AmazingWhacker]

The arms and especially the hands are where you focus all your inner rage before you swing the club.  Grip the club as tightly as you can at address and think of something that makes you extremely angry.  Then look at the ball and say "Time to die, ball!" . .and violently thrust your arms and hands at it - as if to kill it.

In all seriousness - I like the advice about asking your instructor for clarification.  I actually don't think pulling on the end of the club is a good feel to have, though.  The thing is - the feel you need depends on what you're doing wrong - so you have to go one step further and think about what you're trying to correct and then look for something to fix it.  I don't believe there is a "universal feel" that everybody should have with thier hands and arms or any other aspect of the swing.