Left Arm Below Shoulders in Backswing

[LI Hacker]

Hey guys - First time posting here but I'm relatively new to the game, played a few times last year and now I have the bug. I've been trying to work on my backswing a lot at home with the help of a mirror and I've noticed that my left arm (righty) is usually below the plane of my shoulders. I've spent a lot of time watching and analyzing pros swings and most if not all have their left arm at the least even with their shoulders. Unfortunately I have low ceilings so I have to practice with a shorter club (7 iron) so I'm not sure if that's the issue but I figure I have a big flaw in backswing not allowing me to get that arm level with my shoulders. I'd appreciate any tips or advice, I always practice using the towel under both arms to stay connected and with the club parallel to the ground I'm not inside so I'm not sure where I'm losing it. Thanks

[iacas]

Hey guys - First time posting here but I'm relatively new to the game, played a few times last year and now I have the bug. I've been trying to work on my backswing a lot at home with the help of a mirror and I've noticed that my left arm (righty) is usually below the plane of my shoulders.

That's typically not a great thing, so good for you for spotting it. [quote name="LI Hacker" url="/t/66709/left-arm-below-shoulders-in-backswing#post_839199"]I've spent a lot of time watching and analyzing pros swings and most if not all have their left arm at the least even with their shoulders. Unfortunately I have low ceilings so I have to practice with a shorter club (7 iron) so I'm not sure if that's the issue but I figure I have a big flaw in backswing not allowing me to get that arm level with my shoulders.[/quote] The rate at which the trail elbow bends and the direction (if it pulls around behind the shirt seam) is largely responsible for this. Feel that the trail elbow stays in front of the shirt seam and that the folding elbow works the forearm and hands in a more UPWARD direction rather than an "around" position. Also let the right elbow move a little away from the rib cage if necessary.

[LI Hacker]

Yeah in experimenting around and just thinking how the arms function I quickly realized my right arm/elbow is what was affecting my left arm but to be quite honest wasn't sure how to fix it.

I'll definitely try to keep my elbow more in front of me. Do you have any drills/videos to help ingrain this?

Semi off topic but I've been considering going to get an hour lesson as up to this point am self taught and am thinking having an actual teacher help me out would be beneficial but I've heard mixed reviews on the value of lessons. Any thoughts on lessons from local pros? I've done some research and found one who comes highly recommended.

Thanks

[iacas]

I'll definitely try to keep my elbow more in front of me. Do you have any drills/videos to help ingrain this?

http://thesandtrap.com/t/61376/5sk-video-thread/ [quote name="LI Hacker" url="/t/66709/left-arm-below-shoulders-in-backswing#post_839221"]Semi off topic but I've been considering going to get an hour lesson as up to this point am self taught and am thinking having an actual teacher help me out would be beneficial but I've heard mixed reviews on the value of lessons. Any thoughts on lessons from local pros? I've done some research and found one who comes highly recommended.[/quote] Who? I'd recommend someone on http://purestrike5sk.com/instructors.php . Specifically if you're in Long Island, look up John Dunigan or Michael Michaelides.

[LI Hacker]

Bob Possillico at Eisenhower Park?

And thanks for the video, appreciate it

[fRzzy]

I don't understand the "towel under armpits" drill... what good does it do? Your arms are connected to your body at the shoulders, not the elbows.

[LI Hacker]

For my left arm it has really helped keep my takeaway one piece as my arm can't get too far away from my body.

However on my right arm I think its put me in this position because I've kept my elbow locked to my ribcage which has lowered my left arm. I think its a good drill if you have issues with a flying right elbow or on your left arm getting too far from the body on the backswing but now my right elbow stays glued to my body on my backswing which i have to correct.

But I could be wrong, quite new to all of this.