Question:

Jeff,

Do you have a target amount of rotation in mind for the left forearm during the backswing to fan the clubface open?  Starting with my thumb on the top of the club shaft, it feels like about 90 degrees (or the thumb traveling from 12 to 3).  Is that right?

Also, do you believe in all of the talk about passive arms, and letting the uncoiling of the body do the work on the downswing.  Do you agree?

Thanks so much...love your stuff!

Answer:

You are correct. The left arm will rotate roughly 90 degrees from its starting position in the back swing. A good way to feel this is to make some swings with your arms and shaft at shoulder height. As you swing back you will notice the left arm working across your chest as the face stays looking in the direction of its normal position. To complete the back swing you will then notice that the wrists must hinge and the left forearm must rotate to the right. At the completion of the back swing the left arm and shoulder plane should be matching, with the club face parallel or square to that plane as well. This is a good representation of the understanding of the role of left arm rotation in the back swing motion.

Click this link for my Youtube video further explaining the role of the left arm:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vEGsLn6yQsE&feature=channel_page

As it relates to your question on body action, I believe that every good swing is made up of a combination of body, arm and hand action. To feel the proper sequence of movement I always go back to something as simple as throwing a pitch in baseball. I first make a powerful move with my body to set the sequence in motion. This is followed by the unwinding of my chest, which is followed by the swinging of my arm. In the end I feel a snap of my wrist as my intent is to “throw.” I never forget that my hand is holding that ball and the throw is all about the connection and relationship between those two. Personally, I feel like I turn hard, swing hard and “hit” hard with my hands to get maximum swat on any shot! To me that is the logical sequence you see in most every other sporting pursuit!

I hope this helps!

Jeff