Working on keeping right elbow connected during backswing

[SoundandFury]

I sucked it up and took a lesson to get my swing back on track.  One of the things the pro pointed out right away was that my right elbow was flying away at the top of my backswing, i.e., pointing to the side instead of pointing towards the ground.

When I first started working on this, it felt awkward, but I was hitting the ball quite well. I've always had a HUGE problem allowing the club to release, and this position seemed to make it much, much easier.  However, after a couple range session, it just feels plain awkward.  I hit some truly great shots now and then, but I'm hitting a TON of blocks and even some straight mishits in there, which I haven't really had a problem with in a very long time.

My questions then are: 1) does anyone know any drills on keeping the right elbow pointed down at the top of the swing other than just doing it over and over? 2) I read a Nicklaus quote where he said that at the top of the swing, elbow should be pointed down and the shaft should be either pointed at the target or a little right of the target, but never left. For me, this position feels like I'm way over swinging; and 3) I'm guessing the blocks are being caused by a wide open clubface, which makes sense because in this new elbow down position, I can the face is way more open then in my previous "flying elbow" backswing.

Thanks as always.

[EverythingGolf]

When you hit the "block shot" is it straight or does it fade as well?

[SoundandFury]

Generally straight right.  With irons it's straight right 100% of the time (unless it's a hosel rocket, which I've seen a couple of times).  Driver has a fade to it.

[EverythingGolf]

I would try and strengthen your grip a little and see if that helps.

[Spyder]

Originally Posted by SoundandFury

Generally straight right.  With irons it's straight right 100% of the time (unless it's a hosel rocket, which I've seen a couple of times).  Driver has a fade to it.

Check the club's grip position in your hand as well. Make sure it is running through the base of your fingers and not diagonally through the palm. As EverythingGolf suggested as well, try a stronger grip.

[mvmac]

http://thesandtrap.com/t/61376/5sk-video-thread/18#post_804662

[SoundandFury]

Originally Posted by mvmac

http://thesandtrap.com/t/61376/5sk-video-thread/18#post_804662

Originally Posted by mvmac

http://thesandtrap.com/t/61376/5sk-video-thread/18#post_804662

Very helpful video, thanks!  What about the idea of the shaft pointing to the target at the top? Is that important?

[mvmac]

Originally Posted by SoundandFury

Very helpful video, thanks!  What about the idea of the shaft pointing to the target at the top? Is that important?

Not really, there are a variety of shaft alignments at the top of the swing that I would call acceptable.  I can name hall of fame golfers that have the shaft pointing left, at and right of the target.  Got to really take a look at it on a case by case basis and how the shaft alignment effects the golfers ability to make a solid downswing.

[PirateJim]

If you are looking for some sort of drill, the old head cover under the armpit while beating a couple of buckets of 9 iron shots down range helped me get past the awkward feeling of keeping that elbow in tighter. And the little half to three-quarter shots it forces let me focus more on keeping everything tight and compact as suggested in the video above.