How to Extend Your Right Arm During Downswings

The proper swing mechanics for a right-handed golfer should see the collapse of the right arm in the back swing and the extension of it in the downswing. At address and at impact, the right arm should be bent slightly at the elbow and not achieve a full extension until the follow-through, when the left arm should begin to collapse at the elbow. The entire process is, of course, reversed for a left-handed golfer.

Instructions

    • 1

      Address the ball with your left arm straight, but not locked at the elbow, and your right arm bent to approximately a 135-degree angle.

    • 2

      Take the club back towards your right side, maintaining a straight angle in your left arm and collapsing your right at the elbow joint.

    • 3

      Bend your wrists to a 90-degree angle midway through your back swing. This will help square the club face at impact, produce force and assist your arms in making the proper motion.

    • 4

      Turn at the hips until you've reached the apex of a full swing. Do not slide your hips or leave them stationary, instead, rotate them; a full swing should see your back pointed to your target.

    • 5

      Begin your down swing by rotating your hips back towards the ball, maintaining the 90-degree angle in your wrists.

    • 6

      Keep your left arm straight through the down swing and begin extending your right arm. At impact, your hands should be slightly in front of the ball, if you have maintained the proper angle in your wrists, and your right arm should be somewhat straighter than it was at address.

    • 7

      Swing through the ball, rotating your hips towards the target and releasing the angle in your wrists after impact.

    • 8

      Begin collapsing your left arm and extend your right as you follow through. The length of your follow-through should mirror the length of your back swing. This is true for half, three-quarter and full swings.