You've Been Using Your Arms Wrong Your Entire Golf Swing
PGA Instructor Chris Ryan dispels common golf swing myths regarding arm motion, explaining why proper backswing arm lift and downswing arm lowering are essential. He demonstrates how elite players decelerate their hand speed pre-impact to whip the clubhead through the ball, offering actionable drills to improve swing path, energy transfer, and contact.
Your arms must lift relative to your chest during the backswing to create width and proper swing structure.
Allowing the arms to lower behind you in the early downswing prevents steep, over-the-top slices.
Keeping your lead arm pinned to your chest through the downswing forces late lowering and an out-to-in swing path.
Peak hand speed occurs early in the downswing; abruptly slowing the hands pre-impact transfers whip-like speed into the clubhead.