GOLF: How To Make The Perfect Backswing - Left Arm

[@BigDaddy19461946]

Always enjoy your teachings of the golf swing. You get to subject as you’re very direct. You say a lot with fewer words. Some of these teachers love to hear themselves talk. Thank you.

[@CogornoGolf]

Appreciate your support and thanks for being here with us!

[@BigDaddy19461946]

@@CogornoGolf very welcome!

[@garygreenberg1281]

Absolutely the best advice I have seen in a year. This has helped me ( 16) handicap and it should help you as well

[@garykauffman8618]

Beautiful video! You’re absolutely right that most higher handicap golfers wrap that left arm around the body rather than going more vertical, which creates all kinds of problems on the downswing. Also, another big problem is the overrotation. Great combination of the two issues. Thanks so much!!

[@CogornoGolf]

Agreed! Thanks, Gary! Appreciate it.

[@11angelcoach]

This is by far the most helpful video that I’ve seen explaining in detail the different aspects of the backswing. Just excellent!! Thanks!!

[@CogornoGolf]

Thanks, Angel. Appreciate it!

[@michaelhetzel8662]

You are good instructor....I am 75 with a 10 handicap, hoping to get to 7 and play between 6500 and 6200 yds. Your Senior tips are great along with general comments about the swing plane. Nothing complicated. I am a new fan and will look forward to your chipping, putting and just general good teaching tips. I help teach elementary level, high school level and adult level people who love the game. I am a former baseball player turned golfer since 37yrs. old. Thanks for your info.

[@CogornoGolf]

Thanks, Michael! Appreciate the kind words...glad to hear you're helping spread the game!

[@saulft1981]

gonna be honest eric, 2 of your videos (including this one) improved my swing and game to a whole different, level, thx bro for such great material

[@CogornoGolf]

:) Fantastic Saul! Love to hear that!!

[@francisloh6110]

As always, Eric's instructions are crystal clear and specific. And always giving clear causes and effects. Thanks Eric.

[@CogornoGolf]

My pleasure, Francis! Appreciate it!

[@michaelf9594]

Its good to see an American putting out some quality golf instruction. No frills just real, good, knowledge!

[@CogornoGolf]

Thanks, man!

[@gordonvance7704]

Combining these feels with the previous drills for puring irons is brilliant instruction. Thanks Eric

[@CogornoGolf]

Thanks, Gordon.

[@BRIANFAIRBROTHER]

Really love this. It reinforces everything my coach is trying to get me to do. After 30 years of all the wrong movements it is an old dog learning new tricks but I keep trying. 66 year old 10 handicap trying to get back to nine😀

[@CogornoGolf]

Keep working it Brian...keep me updated!

[@mohammadshekarforoush749]

Thank you Eric. Been struggling with horizontal club and open face in the back swing for so long. After watching this and filming my swing, this has really helped me understand the cause. Now the hard part...fixing it.

[@CogornoGolf]

Love it! Yessir-step 1!

[@TheReedhayes]

One of the better golf concept videos I have seen on KZbin!

[@CogornoGolf]

Thanks, Reed!

[@ricarmbruster830]

Eric, you have another video that I have not been able to find where you explain turning the left elbow in when gripping the club and adjusting the wrist to grip the club. I've seen it only once and I thought is was an excellent video and I don't see anyone else teaching this. Can you please reshare that video? Thank you!

[@stevef152]

One simple trick to fix your backswing for good.

[@markyork2551]

Literally freezing over here in England this morning but looking forward to applying these swingthoughts as soon as possible.Despite playing to 6 handicap my ball striking with short irons is very flippy and non compressive your recent videos have been great for creating visualization to improve,Your refreshing style and content a pleasant change from the majority,keep up the good work,many thanks so far for your content Eric.I have already told a few colleagues this side of the water about your site.Cheers.

[@CogornoGolf]

Appreciate the support Mark! Hope you continue to enjoy the videos. Let me know if there is every anything you would like to see

[@DKCCPA]

Bbn . Mlm

[@frankcanzanella6753]

Eric I learned that if I try to keep the hands close to my body I can throw off the timing of my backswing. All parts need to move together. I can’t have my left shoulder moving a fraction of a second behind my arms and hands. A late shoulder rotation upsets the top of my backswing. It may be that this troubling weakness has always been part of my swing. A fellow elder criticized too much hand action in my attempt to create a pendulum action with my putter. The side of the triangle that involves the club in my left hand extends from my left shoulder and not my wrists. I found that this also applies to the full swing. I’m hoping for a quiet top of my backswing that allows for an easing into the lateral shift. The moving parts of the golf swing can seem nearly as complex as the moving parts of a Rolex Watch

[@CogornoGolf]

Hope you get it sorted, Frank! Certainly lots of elements involved in a good swing and the TIMING of those elements (when you do something) is as important as WHAT you do

[@bobatherton1799]

Eric, you nailed it again...stuff I have always wanted to know. You know your stuff.

[@CogornoGolf]

Thanks, Bob. Appreciate it!

[@alancarlyon5749]

Another great video Eric along with your honesty which brings it home! Cheer!

[@CogornoGolf]

Thanks, Alan!

[@dianeriddle9183]

Very precise and easy to understand. Thanks for your help in analyzing.

[@CogornoGolf]

Thanks, Diane! My pleasure!

[@peterkendall1946]

Thanks Eric ,I have been struggling to get my back swing on plain for years and no one has ever shown me, what you have shown me in this video. I am now getting my swing consistently on plain. Thank you. Peter Kendall .uk.

[@CogornoGolf]

Happy to help Peter!

[@paullazarus790]

Wow thanks again Eric! I'm still fighting a way too flat swing and my left arm is rotating far too much. This helps me so much just like your flat swing video on keeping your left elbow pointing down. I like the left hand moving straight back tip! I need both. It's shocking to me how ingrained the flat swing is for me and how big a struggle it is to cure it. I may need to have my left arm broken to stop the flat swing insanity...just kidding but what a battle. Progress is so slow but at least I'm recognizing the cause and fighting for the cure. Your videos on this are the best on KZbin!!!

[@CogornoGolf]

Haha! Thanks, Paul! IF you are making a change like this you MUST MUST MUST use video feedback so you can exaggerate accordingly. It will in all likelihood require WAYYYY more exaggerated movements to make it look how you want than you think (just like all of us)

[@paullazarus790]

@@CogornoGolf Thanks again Eric! YOU ARE 110% RIGHT!!! I thought I was making progress until I went to a golf simulator and saw virtually none...feel was not real! And the amount I have to exaggerate the backswing to get a more upright club shaft is INSANE to me. Completely totally insane. I "FEEL" like I'm tipping the club way forward in front of my head and I'm not even close...still flat...crazyiness!!! Only good news I'm now so aware of it that it WILL GET FIXED! But wow it's nuts how your mind can be so far off, I've never seen it in any other sport.

[@whoinventedmonday]

Best video for my swing fault I have seen on youtube. Thank you.

[@CogornoGolf]

Thanks, Drew! Hope it helps!

[@siceo3772]

All the others coach or video never talk about this so specifically like you ,I struggle and confuse with this important swing detail for a couple years ，good job and thank you very much!

[@CogornoGolf]

My pleasure!

[@paullazarus790]

This is excellent; I'm trying to implement this immediately as I have a very flat swing plane. How could any of the other instructions I've paid to help me not say this?!? It's so simple and obvious. Thanks Eric!!!

[@CogornoGolf]

Thanks, Paul :) Happy to help!

[@stevebell6586]

You and your instructional videos have saved my game. Learnt so much in a short time frame . Thank You 🙏

[@CogornoGolf]

Thanks, Steve....happy to have you hear!

[@bl6369]

thanks so much for this video. these are concepts I have had trouble understanding.

[@CogornoGolf]

Glad to help my friend

[@mahoneylawpllc4521]

How much less rotation....however much until you see it look like this (steep)....love it!! How much coach? However much until it looks like this, that's how much!! For some reason this resonated with me and sunk in. Thanks man!

[@CogornoGolf]

My pleasure my friend! Happy to help!

[@deputyjack1]

Wow! Pretty impressive! Great job all the way around, material content, key points of emphasis, delivery, demonstration.... I'm going to practice this and evaluate my backswing issues... Somehow, even before I get to try it out on the range, conceptually, I anticipate this being very beneficial. Thanks

[@CogornoGolf]

Appreciate that, Jack!

[@openminded1923]

This was really good and informative for me. Now I know more on how to take the club back. Think I have to watch this a couple of times to really remember everything.

[@CogornoGolf]

Thank you sir! Thanks for watching!

[@johndavies4498]

Best golf instruction for the backswing

[@CogornoGolf]

Thanks, John! Appreciate it!

[@shawthompson9385]

Very simple but informative video.

[@CogornoGolf]

Thanks, Shaw!

[@billshaughnessy990]

Thanks I get a little loose and inconsistent with my takeaway these ideas will definitely help

[@BrianH020]

Loved this Eric, hope you see this as it's a 2023 comment on an almost 5 year old video lol Quick question: Too much depth and shallow, could this lead to over the top pulls and hooks on the downswing? Have mentioned before on other comments I have (generally) an upright swing, but last couple rounds have seen these mishits creep into my game. I know video feedback is best, but just your quick thoughts if you would. Thanks!

[@CogornoGolf]

Hey Brian! Glad you enjoyed this video! If you were too shallow (swinging too far in to out), that typically results in pushes and hooks (+ fats and thins) If you were too steep (swinging too far out to in/"over the top", that typically results in pulls and slices with too deep of divots Lots of variables at play so I'd be easier to help if I could see your swing on video! Send us your swings at www.cogornogolf.com so we can work together👊

[@mtwark]

This video was my eureka moment; I'm happy and sad at the same time. I'm fifty-eight years old and I'm only now understanding this most basic truth. Wow... No wonder this game has been so frustrating. Thanks.

[@CogornoGolf]

:) Better late then never! We are all still learning as we go for sure!

[@whoinventedmonday]

Same for me. So helpful.

[@monikalindblom7396]

Finally I know how to feel! Thank you from Sweden :)

[@CogornoGolf]

My pleasure!

[@JailbiPhone4s]

Great subject and great details as always Eric.

[@CogornoGolf]

Thanks, Nick!

[@OpaKnows]

Had to listen to/watch this twice to fully understand what you were trying to convey. That's my fault, I think. I was still thinking about club vertical/horizontal when you moved into hands/shaft butt depth. You force me to think differently about mechanics. I like that.

[@b2bbogey735]

I think going back a feel thing for the entire swing would be adress point. Straight left arm inline with club with driver for example further up left foot. Also left shoulder going down when rotating is another. So there is many more moves to watch out for. Great vid👍

[@CogornoGolf]

Appreciate it!

[@LoozaPalace]

you're a good teacher -- I was especially impressed by the simple truth you stated in an earlier video re what you feel and what you are doing are two different things.

[@CogornoGolf]

Thanks!

[@davidwilson1107]

Really diggin your videos. Direct and to the point. Keep it up.

[@CogornoGolf]

Thanks, David!

[@alancarlyon5749]

Hi Eric, first of all let me thank you from me and many others for the live chat you gave, But may I point out that the questions put to you could not be heard unless I turned the sound up, but then that leads to you being too loud! May I suggest Mary stands closer to you so we all hear what questions are being asked. One question I caught onto was how long a backswing should one take, I liked your answer as I am only 5 feet 5 and 67 years of age and have a short backswing, but with lots of wrist action, yet I am up besides the young duds who have fabulous full backswings! I just love listening to your honesty in your videos which does not hold back from the truth and you getting the message over! You said you go on tour, do you have dates in Scotland? I would love to attend if you are coming here! Many thanks Eric for all the hard work you do in bringing us all this information on better golf swings, am sure I speak for many others out here! Your a star!

[@CogornoGolf]

Thanks, Alan! Appreciate the kind words and feedback. Those are good ideas, will implement that for the next one. No trips planned as of now overseas but we will see what the future holds!

[@buckeye2bucks]

Eric, already looking chilly in PA....time to schedule a golf clinic somewhere in FL😀

[@CogornoGolf]

Haha agreed! We are discussing some options!

[@thevinsk]

@@CogornoGolf You come to Florida (Orlando of course..lol) I'll be there.

[@jinsunglee4658]

Great tip! Thanks from vietnam

[@CogornoGolf]

My pleasure!

[@danallan2]

Probably the most important lesson Eric has done, imo. If you don't get this right, everything else is manufactured. Remember, you are not Bubba, Brooks or Jason. Love that.

[@CogornoGolf]

:) Thanks, Dan!

[@ernestpworrell4439]

Why does no one talk about this? I’ve been doing this wrong my whole life and not one teacher has ever mentioned my left elbow or shoulder rotation. Better late than never I guess. Thanks Eric.

[@CogornoGolf]

Hope it helps your game! Appreciate you watching!

[@ernestpworrell4439]

@@CogornoGolf I went out and tried it right after watching and I am PUMPED to go play now. I’ve always hated my backswing but never knew how to correct it. Anyways thanks again. It’s a major improvement.

[@CogornoGolf]

Love it!

[@ricarmbruster830]

FOUND IT!!!! "One Simple Trick to Fix Your Backswing for Good" This is AWESOME!!!!

[@CogornoGolf]

:)

[@BigOilerFan2011]

Great explanation, as usual. Would you recommend a cupped wrist at address and maintaining that cup to at least waist-high in order to hold off an inside move?

[@CogornoGolf]

For most yes...will still be in slight extension during takeaway. Some guys with more neutral or weaker grips like to "curl under" on the way back and take the extension out right away

[@chrisan7142]

Eric, thank you for your amazing video. How high do I have to lift my left arm until? Until my left hand reaches the shoulder high? Thank you!

[@CogornoGolf]

You want left arm on shoulder plane as stock model from DTL video

[@1windycityguy]

Eric enjoy these videos; I was wondering what is the difference between where the but of the club has to be in this video and the one you had some time ago where you said the but should be in between two parallel lines

[@1windycityguy]

Eriic I was wondering how long does it take for you to answer replies I’m still waiting for that answer to my question below

[@steveperry1344]

eric, i like all your stuff. thnx, steve

[@CogornoGolf]

Thanks, Steve!

[@peterhowe2678]

Totally awesome, just like all of your videos. Unfortunately I'm unfixable.

[@CogornoGolf]

Thanks, Peter! Everyone is fixable! I would suggest you just have not found the correct solution yet....or the amount, timing, exaggeration, order of that solution. Try out www.cogornogolf.com Im sure we can help...If Im wrong you lose $69 for first month....if Im right you make progress!

[@tyronewilliams3634]

Ahhh! So this is what useful information looks like.

[@CogornoGolf]

:)

[@wolfgang8258]

They key to the swing is starting the backswing with the upper left arm and shoulder. If the correct setup with posture and alignment is made with relatively relaxed arms then the left arm will take the correct path to the top and then delivering the late hit at impact. This instruction proposes independent manipulations which is not correct. Hogan said the golf shot is won or lost in the first 12 inches of the backswing and no inswing thinking.

[@CogornoGolf]

Thanks for the feedback

[@jacobr4558]

This video gives "parameters" and tells you to tinker around with the feels. There is a way to DO and there is a way to TEACH. YOU "feel" like the shoulder is the key to what you suggest. To another person it could feel like their left pinkie is doing it. Reality and feel are generally at odds in golf so your comment might be a reality that doesn't translate to action.

[@amaansuleman1]

Awesome explanation.

[@CogornoGolf]

Thanks, Amaan!

[@steveflanagan5027]

I’m on the struggle bus with this concept. I was told to keep my left arm flat … and in order to do that - I flattened my backswing and results were mixed… I’m trying to get the feel of it with a flat or cupped wrist … maybe I’m not advanced enough to worry about this yet. I just want to eliminate all things that produce a slice… I just don’t want to play if I weakly put everything short and to the right.

[@steveflanagan5027]

I meant to say Left WRIST Flat … that swing thought bought me to left arm flat …

[@CogornoGolf]

I would start here Steve: kzbin.info/www/bejne/opybint7odugrtU kzbin.info/www/bejne/rHjUi32go6l0ZrM kzbin.info/www/bejne/oqObe4lsiM2giKs

[@jamesbrey1719]

Have you ever heard of dice control ? You would be a good candidate !!! It involves the game of craps !!! It would help your golf game to !!!

[@brandonballou457]

Great video! Question. Does the left arm rotate from the shoulder socket or from the elbow down? Thanks

[@CogornoGolf]

Thanks! Both! There is SHOULDER ROTATION (internal external) which rotates the upper arm (humerus) and there is forearm rotation which rotates the radius and ulna bones. Forearm rotation can go about 90* (from thumb up to thump to the right) and shoulder rotation rotates the next 90* (thumb to the right to thumb to the ground)

[@danallan2]

"You are not Bubba Watson or Brooks Koepka." Truer words never spoken. lol.

[@CogornoGolf]

:)

[@brianreeves4655]

@@CogornoGolf So true.

[@BigDaddy19461946]

@@CogornoGolf somethings don’t need to be said. Didn’t quite understand this, but whatever. You handled it very well.

[@MrKingdonuts]

Hey Eric excellent information in this video wow good stuff right here my question is when start the takeaway should it be more left side dominant (left hand and arm). In the Mike Malaska video and other golf instructors like the Chuck Quintan of Rst of the world seen to use more of the Right side (arm, hand)to start the takeaway i know both sides work for different players but what side is easier and more powerful ,repeatable to start the takeaway? For years I have heard both sides some say start with the left and others say use more right side 🤔 iam a little confused which do you prefer ,,,,,,,

[@CogornoGolf]

Thanks! Unfortunately there simply is no answer to that question. Its too subjective. Not everyone will be right side dominant (feels). Not everyone will be left. IT depends on your current movement pattern, what you need to adjust and how your brain better processes feels. All the best!

[@damienmassias9404]

Ha ha ha I love how straight to the point you are, no fluff is the way forward!

[@CogornoGolf]

:)

[@33115566]

For a player with average clubhead speed, using some arm rotation from backswing parallel to the top still seems the way to go to me.

[@CogornoGolf]

That works!

[@dustinhicks1538]

Eric, how would you limit left arm rotation as you describe in the video but also externally rotate the right shoulder? Following your advice on the left arm has been the absolute easiest, best way I’ve found to naturally shallow the downswing, however I feel like I can’t externally rotate my right shoulder doing that. Hit better shots with external rotation in trail shoulder but don’t get the shallowing of the shaft in DS. Thanks

[@CogornoGolf]

The short version is you can't do those 2 movements together. If you want to externally rotate trail shoulder then you need more rotation of lead arm during backswing. So you have to pick which you want :) You don't need to externally rotate on way back

[@bombdrive3880]

Should I do supination during backswing if my arm just tend to pronate during backswing?

[@CogornoGolf]

Yes....if you pronate TOO much (shaft getting too laid off) you would want to feel LESS pronation or MORE supination to find middle.

[@richiesweetman9950]

Great video, thanks

[@CogornoGolf]

Thanks, Richie!

[@curragh100]

How do you maintain your balance in the backswing, I find if I’m vertical I tend to fall forward causing all sorts of speed and tempo issues, while if I’m more flat it’s easier to find balance and then power through the downswing?

[@CogornoGolf]

Hard to say any generals here...keeping neutral bends. Keep pressure towards middle of feet, avoid anything crazy toward toes or heels. I would really have to see your swing to give you specifics

[@gtawatson]

Great video - how does this differ, if at all, when swinging with a driver?

[@CogornoGolf]

Thanks! No difference..

[@rohanmahbub1125]

Should the left arm stay straight during the backswing?

[@CogornoGolf]

More toward straight than bent

[@pohoresky]

In a greenside bunker don't you want more rotation and a flatter swing?

[@CogornoGolf]

Greenside bunker completely different topic....for another day

[@tomnelson8515]

Well done!

[@CogornoGolf]

Thanks, Tom!

[@JamesYoung-ui9nz]

Eric , great stuff ! I am a feel player and this helps a lot ! Do you have an email address ?

[@CogornoGolf]

Thanks James! [e-mail]

[@amfohr]

How much in Golf? In between!

[@mannyman8312]

Ace explanation..

[@CogornoGolf]

Thank you sir!

[@prycealderson9352]

How do these angles change when using a driver?

[@CogornoGolf]

Not much!

[@nikihultstrand]

Very good

[@CogornoGolf]

Thank you Danny!

[@ikaleris1298]

How do you stop left arm from bending?

[@CogornoGolf]

Turn your body enough Make your right arm longer

[@joesmith389]

Is there anywhere I can go (either online or in-person) for advanced instruction? Been playing the push hooks for 10 years, and can’t break 70 consistently. Cuts are possible but inconsistent. Needing to pull back on distance and focus on trajectory/distance control/wedge play. I’ve been through many of the great local instructors, but they each have their own weird belief systems. Thanks in advance

[@CogornoGolf]

Yessir ecgolfcoaching.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php

[@balisongjihad4108]

Thanks

[@CogornoGolf]

MY pleasure!

[@jfvezina3458]

Isnt that in contradiction with the lift and squeeze video ?

[@spakuloid]

Of course - the thing that feels natural - is easier to do - and seems to make sense - is completely wrong. Thank you Golf.

[@CogornoGolf]

:)

[@nikolayvelchev8093]

Super!

[@CogornoGolf]

Thank you, Nikolay!

[@nikolayvelchev8093]

@@CogornoGolf You're welcome!

[@lestergreen1190]

Feels like club is almost vertical???

[@CogornoGolf]

It MAY if you normally go too "flat". We usually like to see the shaft angle neutral...so the butt of the club point at the ball/target line at left arm parallel kzbin.info/www/bejne/iIOyfHSCh5arqLc

[@lestergreen1190]

@@CogornoGolf So flattening my left wrist helps get club vertical?

[@CogornoGolf]

No that piece won't change shaft angle much....it has more to do with arm/shoulder rotation I explain that in more detail here kzbin.info/www/bejne/iIOyfHSCh5arqLc

[@mickeyonee]

Agree................not Dufer, Bubba, Koepka, or hundreds of other golfers.

[@CogornoGolf]

:)

[@hardrockminer-50]

Great info. But, a ciaching tip: don't confuse me by showing over and over how NOT to do something. Show again and again hiw to correctly do things...

[@CogornoGolf]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@mikehoffman3142]

Swing starts to go and then you try to follow conventional theory and swing more inside to out. Swinging too far inside, lead elbow moves away from the body and your swing is doomed. Results - over the top, stuck, big push or snap hook. You can maybe hit it left or right, but you can't hit it straight. Eventually, it works into your chipping and destroys it. Your game is ruined and you were trying to follow conventional swing advice. I know, it happened to me. Don't let that lead elbow (for right-handers the left elbow) move out and away from your body. Can hit irons picking club straight up and basically dropping head of iron on back of ball, but it's weak. Driver is impossible when lifting club straight up. Eric is right, you have to find your happy medium. Right now, I am thinking of making my back swing starting with the inside joint of my lead elbow going straight back and it moves inside with the turn of the body. Tried it last night and it really helped my driving. Feels kind of restricting, but in a good way.

[@CogornoGolf]

:)

[@PFitz539]

Wouldn’t you just focus on what the hands do rather than club face?

[@CogornoGolf]

You can. Some people are better feeling/thinking club face, others hands/arms.

[@lestergreen1190]

You.have to be kidding. I am way too flat.

[@CogornoGolf]

Check that one I linked for you last comment!

[@666gregor]

👍👍👍😉