The right arm plays a pivotal role in creating power, consistency, and accuracy in your golf swing. Improper right arm movement can lead to compensations that disrupt your swing, leading to fat shots, thin shots, and a loss of power.
In this guide, we’ll explore three key movements for the right arm during the backswing to help you improve your game. Keep in mind, if you’re a lefty you’ll want to inverse these movements.
Performance Golf coach JT Thomas shares how to implement these right arm movements in an easy to follow YouTube video below!
1. The Right Arm Fold: Like a Bicep Curl
A proper fold in your right arm during the backswing ensures efficient movement of the clubhead without unnecessary body adjustments.
The Mistake: Many golfers move their elbow too far behind them, leaving the clubhead nearly stationary. This forces the body to overcompensate to create power.
The Fix: Imagine a bicep curl. Focus on bringing your thumb closer to your shoulder, keeping the elbow lower than the wrist. This motion allows the clubhead to travel farther with minimal elbow movement.
Drill: Practice swinging with one arm while ensuring your right elbow stays in position and your wrist moves closer to your shoulder.
2. Right Arm Supination: Holding a Bowl of Soup
Supination, or rotating your right arm outward, is crucial for proper clubface alignment and a smooth backswing.
The Mistake: Twisting your right arm inward (pronation) prevents the elbow from folding properly, leading to a steep downswing.
The Fix: Picture holding a bowl of soup in your right hand. Allow your thumb to rotate outward, keeping the elbow positioned under the lead elbow.
Drill: Grip the club with only your thumb and pinky on your right hand. This encourages the proper rotation of the arm during the backswing.
3. Right Arm Abduction: Opening the Door
Abduction, or pulling the right arm behind the body, creates depth and power—but timing is critical.
The Mistake: Pulling the right arm back too soon disrupts swing sequence and reduces power.
The Fix: Allow abduction only after your lead arm is parallel to the ground. This creates a smooth transition and maximizes rotation.
Drill: Place the club under your right armpit and hold near the clubhead. Perform a mini backswing, focusing on the timing of pulling your right arm behind you.
Mastering the Three Movements
To unlock your swing’s potential, focus on these three movements:
1. Fold your right arm like a bicep curl. 2. Rotate your right arm outward (supination). 3. Time your right arm abduction correctly.
When executed properly, these adjustments will lead to more power, consistent contact, and straighter shots. Practice these drills, and let your right arm guide you to a more athletic and effective swing. If you found this guide helpful, be sure to subscribe to the Performance Golf’s YouTube channel.
