Ball Striking Principle *2: A consistent long radius to your arc. Part 2/4)

If we accept that the golf is swing primarily a circular motion then it would make sense to keep the club head on the very perimetre of that circle. This not only is a feature of creating power but is vital for ball striking consistency.
If the arms get drawn toward us at the top of the swing then they are no longer on the arc which means that they will have to be outstretched again to make contact with ball. This in/out movement is a huge calculation for your brain to make mid downswing and inevitably leads to topped and fat shots.

Straight left arm
This topic is some what covered by golfers trying to "keep their left arm straight". This is not the best way to think about this for a number of reasons.

• Not everyone has the flexibility to keep the lead arm locked out. A really straight left arm would lead most golfers to becoming very tight and stiff in their movement
• The left arm is only straight during the backswing and prior to impact where shortly afterwards it rotates and folds allowing the right arm to dominate and straighten.

This is a video taken from the 'Everyday Golf Coach' app that explains the concept and demonstrates a great drill that will help you maintain your radius all the way around your swing.

Keeping your hands away from your body will more than likely mean that you shorten your swing. As odd as this may feel you will need to trust that it will in time, bring more distance.