Hi. Just been wondering about my trail arm at the top of backswing. Is 90 degree angle optimal position for the trail arm to generate maximum power and get the best angle to aproach the ball.
My typical angle seems to be at least 100 degree or more without my left arm breaking down but i feel that position makes my downswing get too steep.
If i stop at about 90 degrees or less than that, i get that shallow angle of attack to the ball.
Should i stop my trail arm from bending over 90 degree?
Hi Jari,
90 degrees on the trail arm bend is what we prescribe. If we try to reach for any more than that - as you can see - we're headed for trouble.
If you keep your connections intact and execute the motions (weight forward, hands in, tilt/turn/extend) properly, then your backswing will have a natural stopping point. Any efforts made to crash through that wall and go back further will only lead to breakdowns that will be very difficult to overcome consistently on the way down.
Remember - in this swing we are taking the hands in DEEP and behind the trail shoulder. As opposed, perhaps, to the disconnected, two-plane "shift & lift" swing model, getting to "parallel" at the top is not the goal here (unless our natural flexibility allows for it without any breakdown). The depth we've created gives the club more than enough distance to travel and accumulate speed into impact while simultaneously accessing the tremendous power source of angular momentum.
That's the long answer. The short answer: YES - stop your trail arm from bending over 90 degrees!!....😎
Tom