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Correct upper right arm and right wrist position at top of backswing

I’m unclear on the preferred right arm position at top of backswing from “A simple tip for great ball striking” video. At the top of the backswing, how much should the upper right arm fold in and detach from the torso? Can you recommend a video showing this in detail from a couple of viewpoints?

Also, I’m unclear on the preferred wrist positions at the top of the backswing. To me, your right wrist appears cupped and the left wrist appears flat. Am I correct? If so, I find it difficult to get my right wrist to cup naturally at the top of the backswing. Any tips to do this?

Thanks!

2 answers4 replies

6 Comments

MarkG in NH

Jun 15, 2021

This was a recent question I wanted to address. But you've described, perfectly I might add, that "oily" wrists comment... as well as simply feeling the weight of the club. I just received THE BOOK this past weekend (wow!) and am progressing through it slowly. I love, and learn best, having more than one voice describing the same thing when I am learning something new. Wish I knew this in high school! 🤣

Tom Saguto

Jun 15, 2021

Replying to

@MarkG in NH - There are indeed plenty of very helpful "voices" here who are ready and willing to chime in with their experiences, thoughts, perspectives, etc. As I've said before, I do my best to convey various "feels" or triggers throughout the swing wherever possible because we're all unique physiologically and psychologically, and something that resonates effectively with me may not necessarily play well for you. But still, someone else might describe something in a completely different way than I have that really clicks with you. So as long as the voices here are in harmony - and they are because they're all singing from the same hymnal - then you've got a chorus of workable options to choose from. It's like a multiple choice test with no wrong answer! 😎

MarkG in NH

Jun 15, 2021

Replying to

@Tom Saguto I agree 150%, Tom. We all hear what we want to hear. Different voices and/or how a message is interpreted comes into play.

Tom Saguto

Jun 14, 2021

@ejamesschiffer - Please have a look at this recent thread started by @Buford T Ogletree, taking particular note of the range of tolerance with respect to the connection of the trail arm to the side. The photos of Mike Bennett and Charlie Wi clearly show that you have some leeway in this regard. In all cases the trail arm should be allowed to fold to 90 degrees at the top.

If you keep your wrists "oily" and allow them to respond naturally to the swing motion, then assuming you have a proper grip and setup you should find at the top that your lead wrist is flat (or even slightly bowed in response to the weight of the clubhead) and the tail wrist is supporting the handle of the club from underneath in the "waiter's position".

I hope this helps!

ejamesschiffer

Jun 14, 2021

Replying to

Thanks TS! Confirming in the “waiter’s position, the trail palm should point angled upward (like in Mike/Charlie’s photos), vs straight up? Is there a lot of leeway on this?

Also, I have a neutral grip but often end up with a straight trail wrist, instead of in the waiter’s position. Any other suggestions besides keeping the wrists “oily”?

Finally, do you recommend butt of the club should point at the belt line or below?

Tom Saguto

Jun 14, 2021

Replying to

@ejamesschiffer A flat lead wrist and angled upward trail hand is what I would consider the baseline position. There is leeway. I am not in favor of a cupped lead wrist and a more vertical trail hand unless a player is fighting the overdraws and we can't resolve it with the typical fixes. A somewhat bowed lead wrist and a more skyward pointing palm on the trail hand are acceptable as it will promote the shallower downswing path that most amateurs will benefit from, again unless this position is causing a ball flight issue.

For the "oily" wrists, try keeping your forearms tension free while allowing you hands and wrists to feel the weight of the head as you waggle the club.

For most ams, pointing the butt of the club somewhere between the top of the pants zipper and belt buckle is preferable as this tends to promote more of a draw flight.