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Golf

The Right Elbow: How to Master the Chicken Wing Golf Swing

golfer at top of swing

When it comes to perfecting your golf swing, one of the most important things to keep in mind is the position of your right elbow. In fact, the position of your right elbow can make all the difference in terms of power, accuracy, and consistency in your swing. In this article, we’ll explore the mechanics of the right elbow in the golf swing, give tips on how to execute these mechanics correctly, and provide drills to help you develop proper right elbow technique. (By the way, if you’re a left-handed golfer, apply this advice to your left elbow instead.)

Unleash Real Power

Proper right elbow technique can really transform your game if you let it.

Learn to harness all the power your body has to offer. It takes a trained eye to point out exactly where you’re going wrong, and an even better one to make an action plan to fix it. Gears touts the most powerful, precise, golf swing motion capture system in the world and our users are frequently awestruck by the clarity and practicality of our analytics. With our system you can not only compare your swing with a pro’s, but you can enjoy a glorious 3D rendering of every angle and speed of your body movement so you know exactly where you should perfect your technique. Let us know if you would like to give it a try! 

The Role of the Right Elbow Chicken Wing in the Golf Swing

fried chicken wings

In the golf swing, your right elbow plays a crucial role in generating power and maintaining control. During your backswing, your right elbow affects everything from your swing path, arc, and clubhead angle. It introduces another level of power and consistency in your game, and can do a lot to lower your handicap if you get it right. So what should you do with it in your swing? Keep it locked in close to your body at the top of the backswing.

Generating Power and Accuracy

Keeping the right elbow close to the body during the backswing is essential for generating power and accuracy in your hit. By keeping your right elbow close to your side, you create a more compact and powerful motion. This enables you to keep your wrist angle intact and use the power of your body to generate maximum clubhead speed on the downswing.

Maintaining a Consistent Swing Path

In addition to generating power, keeping the right elbow close to the body also helps maintain a consistent swing path. By keeping the right elbow close to the body, you reduce the likelihood of swinging too far outside or inside of the target line. This can help produce straighter shots with better accuracy and control.

Tips for Executing Proper Right Elbow Mechanics

Now that you understand the importance of the right elbow in the golf swing, let’s explore some tips for executing these mechanics correctly.

Tip #1: Keep The Right Elbow Close To The Body During The Backswing

Hint: Tip #1 is the only tip, because it’s all that matters! When it comes to your swing, one of the most critical elements to focus on is the position of the right elbow during the backswing. It’s not technical. Just don’t extend your right arm. If it doesn’t look like a chicken wing, you’re probably doing it wrong!

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Avoiding Common Swing Flaws

Another benefit of keeping the right elbow close to the body during the backswing is that it helps avoid common swing flaws. A common swing flaw is letting the right elbow flare out too far from the body, leading to a loss of power and control. By keeping the right elbow close to the body, you avoid this swing flaw and produce a more powerful and accurate swing.

  1. Keep your right elbow pointed down towards the ground as you approach the top of your backswing. This will help you maintain control and create a consistent swing path.
  2. Avoid letting your right elbow flare out away from your body, as this can lead to a loss of power and control.
  3. Focus on maintaining your wrist angle throughout your swing. This will help you generate maximum power and accuracy.

Drills To Perfect Your Right Arm Mechanics

If you’re struggling with your golf swing and finding it challenging to keep your right elbow in the correct position, don’t worry – you’re not alone. The good news is that there are several drills you can do to help you develop proper right elbow technique and perfect your golf swing. Here are ten drills to help you improve your right elbow technique:

  1. One-arm swings: Take your right hand off the club and swing with your left arm only. This drill will help you develop a feel for how your left arm should work during the swing, and you’ll notice how important it is to keep your right elbow close to your body.
  2. Use a towel: Place a towel under your right armpit and grip the club as usual. This will help you keep your right elbow close to your body throughout the swing.
  3. Swing in slow motion: Practice your backswing in slow motion, focusing on keeping your right elbow close to your body as you swing back.
  4. Use a mirror: Position yourself in front of a mirror and practice your swing, paying attention to the position of your right elbow.
  5. Swing with a tee: Place a tee in your right armpit, and try to keep it there throughout your swing. This drill will help you keep your right elbow in the correct position throughout the swing.
  6. Wall drill: Stand with your right side facing a wall, and practice your backswing, making sure that your right elbow doesn’t touch the wall.
  7. Swing with a glove: Put a glove on your right hand, and tuck it under your left armpit. This will help you feel how your right elbow should be tucked in close to your body.
  8. Tennis ball drill: Hold a tennis ball between your right elbow and your body throughout your swing. This drill will help you keep your right elbow in the correct position.
  9. Focus on your setup: Make sure you start with a good setup, which involves keeping your right elbow tucked in close to your body from the beginning.
  10. Practice with a professional: If you’re struggling with your right elbow technique, consider working with a golf professional. They can provide you with personalized tips and drills to help you perfect your swing.

Last Words

The position of your right elbow is crucial to the success of your golf swing. By keeping your right elbow close to your body and pointed down towards the ground as you approach the top of your backswing, you can generate maximum power, accuracy, and consistency. With practice and the help of these drills, you can develop the proper right elbow technique and take your golf game to the next level.

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