| Keep the left arm straightThere's little truth to the over-used, misunderstood phrase of "keep your left arm straight." Look at Fred Couples as a prime example and proof that staying loose and letting your left arm relax leads to more distance.
Keeping the left arm straight or stiff on the back swing is nearly impossible unless you are double jointed. Even if you could keep it straight and make a swing, your upper body would become so tense and constricted that vital club head speed and power would be lost. The time you want full arm extension is on the downswing.
If your arms are relaxed and moving at full speed coming down, centrifugal force will straighten the left arm so it is naturally in line with the club shaft at impact for maximum power.
So, don't worry if your left arm bends on the way back. Let it move naturally and think “extended” instead of “stiff” or “straight,” and you’ll become a freer swinger and a longer hitter.
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