The Trail Arm Setup Position That Will Change Everything!

The Trail Arm Setup Position That Will Change Everything!

If you're struggling to generate power in your golf swing, you're not alone. One of the most common mistakes I see in amateur golfers is related to the setup—specifically, the positioning of the back arm. This seemingly small detail can lead to a huge domino effect that negatively impacts your entire swing, making it harder to create the lag and compression you need for solid ball striking. In this post, we'll break down how the position of your back arm affects your swing and share a simple drill to help you correct it for more power and consistency.

 




The Importance of Proper Back Arm Position

When you set up to the ball, most players are aware of grip strength—whether their back hand is in a "strong" or "weak" position. However, very few golfers think about how the positioning of the back arm and wrist influences their swing. Specifically, if the inside of your elbow crease matches the inside of your palm at address, you could be setting yourself up for disaster. Here's why:


When your elbow crease and palm are pointing in the same direction—especially upwards—you’re more likely to pull the club away in your backswing. This prevents you from creating the wrist hinge that produces the necessary power and compression at impact. Without the proper wrist action, you'll struggle to generate speed and distance, and you'll find it hard to make solid, crisp contact with the ball.


Understanding the Back Arm Setup

To better understand how to set your back arm for optimal results, let’s break it down:

 

Elbow Position: At address, your elbow crease should be slightly up, not pointed directly down or to the side. Think of it as a 45° angle from your body.

Palm Position: Your palm should rotate slightly downward. This natural rotation helps allow the wrist to hinge properly, creating the correct wrist angle for a powerful backswing.


Drills to Improve Your Back Arm Position

The Dart Throw Drill

Setup: Stand up straight with your arms relaxed.

Execution: Let your arms hang naturally. As you move, notice how your elbow crease forms an angle and your palm rotates inward. This natural alignment is what you want to replicate when you set up to the golf ball. Imagine throwing a dart—the motion of your arm is a great visual representation of what you want in your backswing.

Tip: Practice this movement and try to feel the natural rotation of your arm and wrist as you move.

 

The Back Arm Setup Drill

Setup: Position yourself in your regular address stance.

Execution: From here, focus on setting your back arm correctly by positioning your elbow crease up and your palm slightly downward. Once this is done, place your hand on the golf club, making sure it sits comfortably against the thumb.

Tip: To check your positioning, remove your front hand and see if the club head moves freely. If your arm and wrist are in the correct position, the club head should move independently from your body, allowing the wrist to hinge properly.


 

The Hack Motion Feedback Drill

Setup: Use a Hack Motion sensor (or similar wrist feedback tool).

Execution: In your setup, aim for a reading of about 10° on the sensor. As you swing back, aim for an increase to 30° by the time your lead arm is parallel to the ground. This should feel like your wrist is hinging correctly, creating the proper angle for lag and compression.

Tip: If you’re unsure about your progress, use the sensor’s feedback to help guide your positioning. Look for color changes or vibrations to signal when you're in the right position.

 

How to Apply This to Your Full Swing

Now that you understand how to position your back arm at address, it’s time to blend this into your full swing. Here's how:

 

Start Small: Begin by hitting small, controlled shots with your new back arm setup. Focus on keeping your elbow crease up and your palm slightly down.

Increase Swing Length: As you become comfortable, gradually increase the length of your swing. By the time your lead arm is parallel to the ground, your wrist should be hinged at a 30° angle, allowing for proper lag.

Feel the Lag: As you continue practicing, you should feel more lag in your wrists, especially as the club head moves more than the handle during the backswing. This is crucial for creating power.


Conclusion

If you're struggling to generate power in your golf swing or you're having trouble hitting consistent, crisp shots, the position of your back arm could be the key. By focusing on the alignment of your elbow crease and palm, and practicing the drills mentioned above, you can correct the common mistake that many golfers make in their setup.

Remember, the first few feet of your backswing are critical for setting up a powerful, efficient swing. Don’t let a simple setup issue cause you to lose distance. Once you start implementing these changes, you’ll be well on your way to creating more lag, improving your wrist action, and ultimately hitting the ball with more power and precision.