The Right Hand Bent Drill
It is very important to understand that in the golf swing, the hands and arms should remain in front of the body at all times during the swing. And this includes the top of the backswing. The hands and arms should not be swung across the body.
To understand the ‘feel’ or pressure required to achieve a straight left arm and the correct position at the top of the backswing, perform the ‘right hand bent’ drill directly in front of the body, and rotate the body 90 degrees to assume the top of the backswing position as described below.
1. Take your stance and straighten your left arm in front of your body by pushing in the direction of the right forearm. As you straighten the left arm allow it to rotate clockwise, and the left thumb to push the right hand back (like a door opening to about 45 degrees). Exert pressure from the base of the thumb line in the right hand to assist this. When complete your right arm will be noticeably bent, and the back of the left arm and hand will be facing the sky. The left hand will be cupped and your hands will be on a level not far above the navel. The right arm will be bent.
2. Turn your body so that the hands and arms are in the backswing position and take careful note of the feel in you hands. Note also that the left arm and cupped left arm are facing the sky and the bent right elbow is tucked into the right side of your body. Importantly, the hands and arms remain in front of the turned upper body.
It is from this position that you will be ready to perform the transition from backswing to the downswing using a “thumbs down” uncocking action.