I've been working on getting more of a consistent swing (with the driver). I've noticed in various photos of PGA tour pros that on thier downswing they are tucking in their right elbow (righty) prior to impact.
Is this the correct move?
I ahven't been to the range to practice this but it does feel comfortable..
this is weird that this is mentioned i have been fighting with a slight slice with my drive only recently and one day i took a practice swing and thought maybe i should try tucking the elbow a little well i have def been hitting my driver a lot better and no more slice except when i get careless. what i want to know is wether or not this is an actual fix of my problem or just a little band aid that is just masking the problem?
I think the tucked in right elbow on the downswing helps with the body rotation needed and takes away from 'hitting with the hands and arms'. It tends to give connectivity to the swing. Also it pulls the club into the correct plane.
A coach of my acquaintance suggests brushing the front pocket with the left arm on the down swing. I believe this is easier to achieve and has the same effect. Anything that helps the body/arms behave as a connected unit is good. Of course the arms lag behind the body on the downswing but the feeling of connection through the ball is still important.
Yes, you should always have that feeling of tucking your right elbow by your side. Try putting a towel under your right armpit and swinging, this is kind of more tuck then you need but it will give you that feel you're looking for.
Be aware that it's easy to "dump" the right side (rh golfer)...like swingezy said, it "connects" the right side of the body to the left side but just make sure to keep the left side erect and not leaning skyward - that is sure to produce high "balloons" when you connect and plenty of fat shots. Stand and face the target when the shot's complete.
i used to be way to armsy in the swing and tried keepin gthe elbow comfortably closer during the downswing. just be careful not to get it trapped behind you and like someone mentioned above don't dipt he back shoulder.
I took a lesson several years ago from John Goertson sr who was a teacher at Pebble Beach he believed and taught that theory. He used to say try =to put your right elbow into your watchpocket
This move you speak of is great and even better when you put it in concert with the rotation of your body. It helps the club stay in "the groove" - this means that it will creat a more constant path that will guide the club better through impact.
thanks, it is a wonderful move..that is one thing I always try to do is keep the move connected with the rotation at impact. I have also noticed an increase in distance..about 15 yards all around. For example, I use to hit a 7 from 150 but now I have been using an 8. I also noticed that from a bunker it has greatly helped my shots come out better.
The tucked in elbow is the correct move in your swing. It helps me keep my swing on plane and prevent the dreaded slice. With the shorter irons, it will be more of a subconscious effort, so you won't notice that your elbow is tucked. It becomes more obvious when your elbow flairs out with the longer shafted clubs. Keep the elbow tucked! ;)
For years I really had an unguided downswing and I always wondered how the heck I could get more consistent and "know" where my path was..then one day I was practicing and my right arm started to feel more grooved on the downswing but I noticed that my elbow would feel like it was tucking into my right side..BINGO. Basically, I feel more effortless now and this move keeps my overall tempo in check. Definitely the next evolution in my golfing.