If you have played golf a couple of times already, you know that synchronization of the whole body is the key to success. Keeping a flat back and headline, as well as slightly bent knees, are all equally important. However, the positioning and motion of your arms determine the speed and the direction of the golf ball.
We understand that most of you consider your right arm to be the dominant one. The right arm plays the most vital role when it comes to the downswing. Not to mention, it also plays a supporting role during your backswing.
To maximize the potential and power of your shot, you need to fully understand how to properly position your dominant arm. First, we will go into detail when it comes to how it affects your backswing and downswing, as well as your takeaway.
Once we are done with that, we will move on to a few practice tips that may help you have a powerful and smooth golf swing. Let’s get right to it and find out how the right arm works in the golf swing.
The Motion of Your Right Arm in the Golf Swing
One of the most common questions on golf forums is about how the right arm works in a golf swing. Now, a golf swing is quite complex, and your right arm will not remain in the same position throughout the process.
First and foremost, we have the backswing. In order to have a good start to your swing, you will need to move your club along the plane. This is where the right arm plays an important role. It supports the left arm in driving through the arc that is parallel to the ground.
Now, what will happen to the position of your arm during this motion? Driving the club back behind the ball should cause your right elbow to fold more or less. If your arm is closer to the body, the wrist is angled, and the elbow is in a significant fold, then the result will be a horizontal plane.
On the other hand, the position of the ball and your target may require a more vertical plane. If so, then you might want to keep your right arm further away from the body and fold the elbow just slightly.
During the top of the swing, your right arm should still act as a support to the left. If you are a beginner, our personal recommendation is that you imagine you are holding a tray full of fragile glasses. You can either position your right arm at 45 or 90 degrees, depending on the situation.
When it comes to the downswing, your right arm switches from the support to the main role, but what position should it be in? From what professionals recommend, your dominant arm should be close to your right side. There should be an increased angle in the wrist and a narrowed space between the elbow and your side.
Should you straighten out your arm? Not really. Keeping your elbow folded during this movement will allow you to store more power until the moment of the impact. As for where your elbow should be positioned, it should be parallel to the ground. All these elements ensure that, once you hit the ball, it will fly through the air at full speed and power.
As you probably know, your swing will not be any good if you cut it short after the downswing. The idea is that you should follow through, even after the ball is flying in the air. If you have followed the positioning tips above, then it should be natural for your right arm and elbow to straighten out as you make impact.
Keep in mind that you shouldn’t force any movement and that there should still remain a slight angle in the right wrist. At the end of the swing, the golf club should be set behind the middle of your head.
Practices for the Dominant Right Arm
If you want to get optimal golf swing results, then you need to ensure that your right arm is positioned properly. We have prepared two different practices that you can do in the comfort of your own home.
Smooth backswing
One of the best tools for practicing your golf swing is a towel. The main reason for this is because of the resistance that it provides. It will allow you to mimic the situation in which you find yourself on the golf course. The idea is that you wrap the towel around the right elbow and hold it tightly with your hands (the top of the towel).
Go through the backswing movement letting your right arm separate from the side and thus activating the right latissimus dorsi even further. Use your left hand to provide additional resistance for this movement.
Powerful downswing
Once your body is properly positioned, grab a towel and start pulling it parallel to the ground using your supporting left arm. Meanwhile, you should do your best to counteract this movement with your right arm. Make sure that the dominant arm is not pointing to the ground.
Also, the elbow should be slightly folded and tucked to your trunk. This is also a great practice for improving your cutting slice.
Final Thoughts
We can’t say that one arm is more important than the other. Still, it is a fact that there is less space for positioning mistakes with the dominant arm. It is not only there to support the club throughout the backswing, but also to ensure a powerful downswing that will result in proper impact with the ball.
As you gain experience, you will become better at folding your elbow and wrist at the right angle. We sincerely hope that this article has given you a better idea of what the role of your right arm is in the golf swing, as well as how to practice your swing. It is your turn to get on that golf course and smack the ball!
