Left arm breakdown

[jimmydean]

Hi Michael,
Enjoy your website very much. My problem has been that my left elbow breaks down very soon and I don't get the extension on my shots. It seems as though I lower my body going into the shot and shorten my radius.Any thoughts or suggestions or drills to help with this problem.I know that I am losing power and direction.
Thanks,
Jimmy

[Michael Jacobs]

Hi Michael,
Enjoy your website very much. My problem has been that my left elbow breaks down very soon and I don't get the extension on my shots. It seems as though I lower my body going into the shot and shorten my radius.Any thoughts or suggestions or drills to help with this problem.I know that I am losing power and direction.
Thanks,
Jimmy

Jimmy,

Great question and we will be sure to help you get rid of the elbow collapse. You say that you feel as though you are lowering your body going into the shot, does this mean that you are basically shrinking your torso down as you approach the ball? Video of your swing would be the quickest route for a proper remedy but let me ask you a few more questions:

How much do you think your pelvis & trunk is opened up towards the target as you approach contact? Usually the first step to improve what you are describing is to get the body to 'open' more as you approach the ball.

Next question for you would be - when you are hitting an iron shot have you ever noticed the direction of your divot?

When we are discussing the 'opening of your body' review this video tip and let me know if you think that you are accomplishing something similar:

[jimmydean]

Thanks Mike,
My divots are always In to out when I take divots and yes my torso does shrink! I am going to try that great drill you gave and I will report back. Any other thoughts you have would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks again,
Jimmy

[Michael Jacobs]

Thanks Mike,
My divots are always In to out when I take divots and yes my torso does shrink! I am going to try that great drill you gave and I will report back. Any other thoughts you have would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks again,
Jimmy

Jimmy,

Look forward to hearing your report back, there is another suggestion that I can offer. I must first say that this may sound complex but lets help you understand it.

A very important feature when something like this is taking place is to limit how much your arms move across your body on the downswing. The further your arms move across your body to towards the target on the downswing, the more the left elbow will bend out. One thing you will learn from me as time goes on here is that there is a smaller travel of the arms relative to the rear shoulder from the backswing top to finish than most people have accounted for

[jimmydean]

Hi Michael,
After working on my swing and the thoughts you gave in your excellent tips, I can report that I swing without a left arm breakdown when I turn my left elbow "down " from what seems to me to be the top of the backswing. Does this make sense to you?. I know that it is probably just a feeling, but it seems to be working. Thanks again.
Jimmy

[Michael Jacobs]

Hi Michael,
After working on my swing and the thoughts you gave in your excellent tips, I can report that I swing without a left arm breakdown when I turn my left elbow "down " from what seems to me to be the top of the backswing. Does this make sense to you?. I know that it is probably just a feeling, but it seems to be working. Thanks again.
Jimmy

Excellent Jimmy!!!! That is what we like to hear

SUCCESS!