Golf Swing Extension
Ever wonder how other golfers see
your golf swing?
Do they see a relaxed, balanced golf swing with full extension through to the finish? What do you see?
What is Golf Swing Extension?
It’s the complete release of energy through impact to the finish position without interference. When you create interference you create a loss of energy or power.
The Extension is found in the arms and shoulders when they are driving through impact to the finished position. When your hands reach your ears. Both the trail arm and shoulder must continually push to the target in order for the upper body to fully rotate. If they don’t they the body will never finish facing the target.
There are 2 BIG examples of lack of full swing extension
Collapsing Both Elbows
The first is collapsing both elbows at and through impact. While the trail elbow is slightly bent at impact the target elbow must be straight. Those who collapse both are just hitters and not swingers. They use only brute force with little control and no longevity of golf life.
Leaning Backward in the Follow Through
The second are those who lean backward in the follow through. While the arms are extending, leaning backward stopped the shoulder from pushing forward to the target causing an early upward motion resulting in a higher ball flight or thin hit shot depending on ball position.
The chest in the finish position will almost always be facing upward rather than pointedly at the target aimed at. The target shoulder lifts up rather than moving around in accordance with the torso.
How do I fix my Golf Swing Extension?
Squeeze a soccer ball (or similar type) between your forearms to help you feel the extension and movement of your arms in the first scenario. While you can make the full swing in this exercise the important part is from 3 0’clock to 9 o’clock for right-handed players.
To add even more feel to your body positioning during the swing stand only on your target leg/foot with your trail foot placed directly behind the target foot about 12” and resting on the toe of the shoe. This will force the shoulder to continue moving the torso to maintain balance.
In the second scenario, cut a tennis ball in half and put one half on the front side of your instep. Press firmly down on the tennis ball at setup before you start your backswing. Keep the weight there entirely through the golf swing to the finish. Do not try to shift or alter your weight position at any time in the swing. You will feel strength and balance, a lower trail shoulder, and a greater drive to the target. You develop a more consistent launch trajectory with more distance.