overswing

Question
Hello Eddie
I have a severe overswing with a right arm collapse at the top. Can't seem to resist doing it.Even when I try to shorten my swing I still want to do it. Any help you can offer would be appreciated. Regards Ken

Answer
Hello Ken:

Obviously, it's a bad habit.  And I am sure this bad habit did not start last week.  Well guess what, it's going to take work and time to get rid of it, and there are no short cuts.  If you are willing to work at it, you can shorten the swing and make it more efficient.  The reason why people do what you do is not enough flexibility.  When you turn in the backswing (if you do), your body will pivot and the left arm will swing.  The shoulder pivots allowing the arm to swing up.  If someone has limited flexibility (which most all humans do), then they get to a certain point where they cannot turn anymore.  At that point, then they just lift.  And you can only lift so much until you collapse.  Poor mechanics, poor fundamentals, and no flexibility.  So to see how much flexibility you have, do this simple test.  Take your address position and put your right arm behind your back.  Then swing your left arm back like you are taking your backswing.  See how far you can go until you cannot go any further.  If your left arm is parallel to the ground and that is as far as you can swing it, then stop there.  But if you think you need to swing it back further to hit it further (false by the way), then this is where your collapsing occurs.  So, where ever your left arm stops in the backswing, that is as far as you can physically turn.  Put your right hand on the club at that point and say hello to your new "at the top" position.  Grab a club and do the same thing.  So in a nutshell, here is how you'll feel this.  In the backswing, the arms swing and the shoulders turn...right?  So when the shoulders stop turning, the arms stop swinging.  Or say it the other way, when the arms stop swinging, the shoulders stop turning.  I would highly suggest looking into a mirror to watch this so you can visually see where it is.  Then, head out to the practice field and hit some balls.  Make 3-4 practice swings to every ball you hit.  Go as far as your left arm (I am assuming you are right handed) will allow you to turn and then stop.  That is your new backswing.  In time, you'll never understand why you did it any other way.  

Eddie Kilthau
PGA Member