Improve Your Golf Swing Extension Through Impact

Learn how to achieve better extension through impact in your golf swing for longer and straighter shots.

Watch the full 4-minute video lesson

Understanding Extension Through Impact

Many golfers aspire to achieve the same great extension as elite players on the PGA Tour. However, most amateur players struggle to replicate this crucial aspect of the swing. Instead of looking like the GOAT Model, many end up with less-than-ideal form through impact. In this article, we will break down the techniques needed to achieve better extension through impact, which can lead to longer and straighter shots.

The Right Way to Approach Impact

When golfers reach the top of their swing, especially right-handed players, there's a common tendency to push with their right side in hopes of generating more club head speed. This approach, however, can lead to various issues:

Coming over the top and cutting across the ball, which often results in a slice.
Scooping at the ball instead of making solid contact.
Creating a 'chicken wing' effect with the arms, which compromises extension.

To counter these mistakes, we need to shift our focus to a lead-side dominant swing. For right-handed golfers, this means using the left side to guide the club down into the ball.

Lead with Your Left Side

As you transition from the top of your swing, it's crucial not to let your right side push through. Instead, focus on using your left side, particularly your left arm, to pull you down into impact. This technique is vital for generating club head speed efficiently.

By allowing your left side to take the lead, your right side will naturally follow, promoting a smooth release of the club through impact. This is how the golf club is designed to work; the shaft is engineered to turn over during the downswing. If you let your arms release past your body correctly, you will achieve that coveted extension.

Visualizing the Proper Extension

Picture the ideal follow-through of a PGA Tour player. Notice how they maintain a beautiful extension through impact. By leading with the left side and allowing the club to release naturally, you can mimic this form. If you position your left hand on the club and then bring your right hand back, the result will be a more extended and effective follow-through.

Practice Makes Perfect

To implement this lead-side dominant approach in your practice, focus on drills that emphasize the use of your left side. By doing so, you will not only improve your extension through impact but also enhance your overall swing mechanics.

Conclusion

To achieve better extension after impact, remember to lead with your left side and avoid pushing with your right side. By adopting this technique, you'll enhance your performance, leading to longer and straighter shots on the course.

Key Takeaways

Focus on using your left side to guide the swing into impact.
Avoid pushing with the right side to prevent common swing faults.
Practice drills that emphasize lead-side dominance for better extension.

See What GOATY Finds in Your Swing

Upload a swing video and get your GOATScore, root cause diagnosis, and personalized drill prescription in 60 seconds.

Analyze My Swing Free

or

Try a Free Live Lesson