#737 Stop Squeezing Your Elbows: The Biomechanics of a Better Golf Transition

<p>Many golfers struggle with an over-the-top swing or a steep shaft during transition. One common mistake is trying to copy professional golfers by squeezing the elbows together.</p><p>But the <strong>elbow gap is a symptom, not the cause.</strong> Efficient movement begins with proper biomechanics and sequencing.</p><p><strong>1. The Elbow Gap Is Not the Problem</strong></p><p>When the elbows separate during transition, the cause may be premature chest rotation, poor pelvic timing, or excessive upper-body dominance.</p><p>Forcing the elbows together creates tension, restricts shoulder-blade movement, and can reduce rotational speed.</p><p><strong>The goal is natural connection, not forced restriction.</strong></p><p><strong>2. Reconnect Your Lead Arm</strong></p><p>During transition, the lead upper arm moves closer to the ribcage through adduction.</p><p>This reduces the rotational radius and moment of inertia, allowing more efficient body rotation.</p><p>However, the arm must remain dynamic. Pinning it against the chest restricts movement.</p><p><strong>Reconnect. Don&#39;t pin.</strong></p><p><strong>3. Stop Trapping Your Trail Elbow</strong></p><p>Driving the trail elbow straight down into the ribs can trap it behind the body.</p><p>Instead, trail-shoulder external rotation helps move the elbow forward and down, into the space in front of the trail hip.</p><p>This preserves room for the hands and club while allowing continuous torso rotation.</p><p><strong>4. Shallowing Is a Result</strong></p><p>Trying to shallow the shaft through wrist manipulation can create clubface instability.</p><p>When the lead arm reconnects and the trail shoulder externally rotates, the hands can move inward and downward.</p><p>The shaft can then shallow naturally through coordinated movement.</p><p><strong>5. Sequence Before Position</strong></p><p>An efficient transition follows a coordinated sequence:</p><p>1. Pelvis changes direction.</p><p>2. Ribcage begins rotating.</p><p>3. Lead arm reconnects.</p><p>4. Trail shoulder externally rotates.</p><p>5. Trail elbow moves forward.</p><p>6. Elbow gap narrows naturally.</p><p>7. Hands enter the delivery corridor.</p><p>8. Shaft shallows toward impact.</p><p><strong>Practice Drill</strong></p><p>Take a mid-iron and swing slowly to the top.</p><p>Begin transition with light grip pressure. Reconnect the lead arm while externally rotating the trail shoulder.</p><p>Let the trail elbow move forward and down without forcing it against