Monday, June 18, 2007

Right Arm or Left Arm Power

The next time you take golf lessons, this is what I want you to do.
I want you to ask your instructor: "Why do you say this, what is the basis, can you prove it?"

One of the most damning pieces of instruction has to be: "swing with your left arm."
Oh really? Most pros say this because:

1. They heard someone else teach it and just accepted it at face value without QUESTIONING the source and validity of that information.

2. Its logical because the left arm for right handed golfers is facing the target and therefore it seems reasonable to use it for power.

3. Using the right arm will cause the ball to hook.

Well, the truth to the above 3 points is this.

1. Although some big golf magazine says this is true doesn't make it true. I can say that the moon is square till the cows come home does not make it so. Having alphabets behind a golfer's name doesnt make him or make him not an authority of the golf swing.

2. Kinesiologically speaking, the left arm is in a more biomechanically disadvantaged position than the right arm in a right handed golf swing. This is not a matter of whether you are right handed or not. Try setting up to the golf ball lefthanded and throw balls with the left hand and the right...you will find that the trailing arm produces more power.

3. Using the left arm exlusively will cause the ball to hook as well. The back of the left wrist is the component responsible for clubface control. As well, the hooks are cause by an over-the-top swing, a move which most amateurs have. Therefore don't malign the right arm. It could be your key to LONGER DRIVES.

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