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Keep pace during the race

To hit good golf shots, you have to pay attention not only to the "what" (swing mechanics), but also to the "when" ― how fast you move the what. There's no question that you're in a race from the top of your swing to impact. The key is to balance your arm and body speeds so that the back elbow "catches up" with the back hip just before impact.

In the left-hand photo, tour player Brian Davis is in the correct position coming to impact, with his left arm parallel to the ground. Davis drops his arms before he uncoils his shoulders, creating an on-plane position where the right elbow sits below the left arm. Note how the butt of the club shaft points at the ball ― a perfect shaft angle to keep on pace in the race to the ball.

From here, his shoulders release toward the target, allowing his right elbow to catch up with his right hip in the right-hand photo. If his right elbow was the same height as his left, the club would be much too vertical ― a common mistake that causes slices and pulls. If you wish to draw the ball, your trail elbow must be under your lead elbow as you start down.

The low right elbow ensures that the club shaft stays on plane and pointing at the ball. It can catch up to the hips from here.

The relationship between hips and elbow varies a bit depending on what shot shape you intend, but basically the elbow catches the hip at impact.