What Should My Right Arm Do in the Golf Swing?

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The trailing arm plays a crucial role in the golf swing, yet many amateur players get it wrong.
The proper action of your arm drops the club into the “slot”, encourages rotation through impact, and delivers the club head into the ball from the inside.
In today’s lesson we’ll look at the correct motion of the right arm in the golf swing.

[@ds55100]

This is probably the BEST golf lesson I have seen. This must be the key to the golf swing. Thank you

[@nojok2780]

This may be the the final key to my golf swing. I started playing golf at 63 yrs old. I swear I did everything absolutely wrong. I’m now 73 yrs old. I’ve had many many lessons. I’ve joined 3 different online programs. I have watched too many KZbin videos to count and no one has pointed out what you did in this video. It makes so much sense. You basically unwind your backswing the same way it went up. When I do as you demonstrate and then just let my arms naturally swing through without trying to put them in some certain positions, I really hit it well. Thank you

[@TheLoneFalcon]

Went from an 18 to 13 hc in 6 months (posted my first sub 40 9 hole score a week ago) watching his vids, but still struggled with my woods and irons regularly. Tried this and everything suddenly felt right (no pun intended). Hit the first few fat, but then my body adjusted and contact was smooth and the plane shallowed. I now feel that my right elbow never leaves my right hip and there is effortless power at release. Best video I've seen. I'm taking no credit for my improvement. This guy is a great teacher.

[@tonyparker831]

I've played golf for over 40 years and never had the shallowing of the downswing explained so simply. I've been a single digit handicap all my life and struggle with coming over the top from time to time. This works and only took minutes to implement. Thank you!!

[@robhoulding9380]

As one of the Golf Digest top 75 coaches in the world I want to say I think your explanations are fantastic! Clear step by step and mechanically correct instruction. Well done Zach

[@rdlez]

Zach, I'm a 79 yr. old golfer that shoots in the mid to high 90's. Among my golf problems I find that I come up and out of the shot to often...and applying that straight arm release after the shot. I'm confident if I can get a handle on one of those issues I'll be in the high 80's which would make me a happier golfer. Rich

[@yudashyu5057]

It’s really amazing! 90 minutes before I teed off for a round of golf, I happened to see this video talking about unfolding right arm in the downswing. I didn’t practice in driving range but tried it in the first hole first drive. Boy! I couldn’t believe it! I hit at least 30yards longer and I felt easy and smoothly! The whole round I had almost every shot solid and first time I shot 7 strokes less than I shot normally! That was my best score in a year and I fell confident to play golf better! Thank you so very much, Mr. Allen! Next, I like to learn how to draw the ball. Best regards, Yuda

[@ZachAllenGolf]

Wow that is fantastic! Well done

[@michaelbarlow3393]

I've been battling over the top for years and too many lessons but this cured my over the top move. Thanks.

[@dseveno8254]

Took me 35 years to learn how important the movement of the right arm coming into impact was. It completely changed my game when I discovered it.

[@harleymiki8358]

Brilliant! Most videos on the right arm focus on getting the elbow in front of the right hip but that has me getting all bundled up on the downswing, this tip really frees up the motion, thanks a million!

[@gm7161]

hi Zach, this is the first video of yours I have ever seen. Yet some really positive points I would like to share with you on it. I appreciate this video, as I am taking lessons and dealing with this issue. Our group lesson teacher told me to try keeping my right arm straight in the backswing, but I find it unrealistic and too rigid. I really appreciate good use of language in describing golf mechanics and this video contains a really positive example in the term "unfolding the right arm." I can somehow understand that concept. The right elbow unfolds, as the body rotates, but just like any technique it is not an instant formula but then takes good old practice and muscle memory. I also appreciate your rare insight into bad experimental shots just after you have learned a new yet correct technique. I have never been told that, but as a teacher myself, it makes complete sense and shows lots of wisdom in teaching. Thanks.

[@VV-nd7pv]

I watched this and some couple of other pro teachers videos abt downswing. The 👉unfolding right arm and left arm DOWN (not forward) to position the shaft in an angle of attack and turning the hips is the most important part of a golf swing. Now I'm hitting the ball solid and decent. Now it's golf I'm playing. It took me 20 years to figure it out. Many thanks from Brazil👍

[@CFWaittoleave]

Zach to me is so genuine and eager to teach us. I really appreciate this man.

[@robinaxen272]

Zach, you are a golf god! Great advice and simple explanation. I was definitely one of the "throw-your-arms-at-the-ball-golfer" who struggled tremendously with swing plane. This helped! Thanks!

[@cammac3805]

This is a genius tip. As a life long ‘over the topper’ I have had live lessons and watched so many instructional videos that made sense but didnt solve the conundrum for me. This is so simple and so well demonstrated that its hard not to make it work, particularly when you break it down when drilling it. Thanks

[@stephenbrown3151]

Hands down some of the best advice I've come to learn! I took this to the backyard with some rubber balls and hit thirty or so shots. I took it to a course yesterday and was very happy with my results -still plenty of work to do, but what a great start! I've struggled with the slice for years (mostly with my driver, but any club on any given shot). This method negated my slice and even had me hitting to the left of the fairway. It also helped with my weight transfer. My balls traveled further with each club as well. If you are an arms/shoulder first golfer, give this a try! You'll be impressed.

[@overbrookstudio5246]

This is absolutely new info for me. Can't wait to try it out. Thank you!

[@2561r]

Amazing, i have been working on shallowing the club for so long and this made it so easy!!!! Thank You

[@antoncrouse1470]

And off to the range I go!! Best demo on youtube thus far. Thx.

[@MPerski]

Working on the "Magic Move". Played yesterday, and my playing partner says, "You're close!" Good reinforcement. Thanks, Zach! Keep up the good work.

[@ZachAllenGolf]

Really means a lot when your friends notice the improvements. 👍🏻

[@davidlevin3660]

Great instruction. Easy to understand and adopt. Striking ball better than I have in years. Each new lesson refines the process further. Thanks.

[@tubphooj]

Thanks Zach - this helped a lot. I’ve been struggling this season and this reminded me what I’ve been doing wrong. Today game was much more enjoyable thanks to this video. Keep it up.

[@hduaneallman]

Thanks again Zach! Love your videos. This one in particular, unfolding the right arm, has made a big and immediate difference to my game. I'm making way, way better contact. I'm compressing the ball. I'm hitting it straight. Only played 2 9-hole rounds so far, but a 37 and a 40 for an 11.5 index is a big improvement! Thank you!!

[@jwmaxcoach]

I don't think any golf coach I have ever seen has explained this better. Great coaching and communication. Casting solved! Hitting the ground before the ball solved! Brilliant!

[@gortklatu3784]

Zach, I tried this today on the range. Had to include the hip rotation simultaneously and concentrate on the impact, or it would be fat. But hit some solid in the clubface center. Best, there was no pull to the left, per my standard miss. Simple swing thought, unfold the right arm. Will continue. Thanks.

[@johnnystog2281]

Top tip! I will have this in my mind next time on the driving range. Zach Allen also has the gift of explaining in a simple and understandable way

[@jboy5744]

Crazy cool lesson, the quiver analogy has been used many times but you showing the simple right arm unbend is made even simpler. I am really enjoying your ballstriking blueprint.

[@georgeclowney548]

I love it, easy to learn. Up until now I ve been strugling to get a decent ball contact and distance with my irons. Works like a charm. Thanks Zach.

[@troll707]

Most golf people on KZbin do a poor job at fixing your swing. This is so well explained and the only video that actually helped me

[@maxa3221]

This is a million dollar video. Every single video about shallowing made me focus on the club head, but this video made me realize the golf swing actually way more about the club 'hands'. This is the only video out of 20 that actually shows how to unfold the arm, I found it automatic initiated my hip turn as well. unreal breakthrough.

[@Poekoe1975]

For me, this might be the best video out there... And I've seen the lot.. Fantastic stuff, this might very well be the missing link for me👍

[@waltstringfellow6495]

Amazing, I've been looking for a true explanation of how the right arm transition works. Very well done!

[@rickjones8735]

Great video. Makes more sense than anything I’ve heard in 50 years.

[@Stucrompton1]

another superb tip zach thats something ive also struggled with my right arm firing too soon causing the flip so this video gives me a great understanding of the right arms role, thanks so much zach

[@joeboland3516]

I've been hanging on to my angles too long causing a slight over the top movement and to steep at impact , ok for short irons but bad for long irons and driver . I have practiced this shallowing movement with a club and it feels different by giving me more width and time in the downswing to reach impact . I like it and will try on the practise range tomorrow. Thanks Zach , and keep up the good work that we are all trully thankful for .

[@aaronjames4432]

This is like a eureka moment. Struggled with shallowing and coming down above plane in a steeper manner. This seems so simple, can’t wait to try later. Thanks zach

[@yksow51]

Great tip. I watched this video 2 hrs before my game. I unfold my right arm as seen, it was great to assessed my over the tip hitting. I got 10 strokes better score with 30 yards longer on my driver . Will repeat again next game. Thank you !!

[@jackbisson9226]

Wow! I have watched many videos on the right arm/elbow and none really have put in these terms of unfolding the right arm. This is great knowledge. Thank you for sharing.

[@Will-nb8qk]

I am going to say this straight up. This is the best demonstration of shallowinv out the club I’ve watched and I’m telling you, i’ve watched ridiculous amounts of videos! Good stuff!

[@mrr4979]

❤

[@weirdmood8102]

I've been struggling with this so hard for over a week, and this seems genius. I simply couldn't figure out how to shallow my damn club. I'm literally heading to my yard now to try this.

[@claywoodson7806]

Zach, thank you so much for this video. It has made a large improvement upon my game. My score will improve the more that I try the right arm improvement, because I have been coming over the top four Time. Thank you very much keep the videos coming I enjoy your knowledge of the game. Thank you Woody Woodson

[@bobrhodes6379]

I purchased your BallStriking Blueprint video series and it has helped my game more than any lessons I have ever taken. I added the Right Arm unfolding from this video. Immediately my swing became effortless and my distance improved big time! Thanks Zach!

[@ZachAllenGolf]

Dang, love to heat it. Glad to hear your work Is paying off.

[@pohoresky]

No other word---BRILLIANT!!! Thank you.

[@louislazarus2734]

THIS is absolutely 100% correct, right on the money, perfect. Right arm folds up and down while chest turns back and through. Combine these two movements and you're on your way to a great and CORRECT golf swing. Great job, Zach!

[@ZachAllenGolf]

Thanks, really does simplify it when broken into separate parts. Than blended together.

[@Korninva]

One of the best vidoes I've seen on the right arm, elbow. Thank you.

[@stan06426]

I’ve been searching for this way out of my ‘over the top‘ blues for a very long time. Thanks for showing me the way.

[@wviti64]

Zach, good explanation of what happens to a trapped right arm, and consequences, and best explanation with what the right arm must do so to promote the rotation and best position for the strike.

[@howardfeldman7196]

Seems like really good tips. I have always learned that golf was a left sided sport for right handers, but this video challenges that paradigm. Did a bunch of practice swings inside and the consistency of the swing was really amazing. Looking forward to trying this on the range!

[@golfnut533]

Best description of the role of the right arm in the downswing. Bravo sir! 👍

[@coolmark4851]

Just came back from range. Never thought about my right arm in the down swing but now trying it with immediate improvement. Felt very natural. It’s like the last thing I needed to do for a easy swing. Thank you for this instruction.

[@ZachAllenGolf]

Glad to hear it worked fairly easily on your first trip out.

[@markhamblin590]

Without question, this video was a game changer for me. I have been told every possible way on how to handle my right elbow. None of it was wrong, but Zach said it is such a way that is so different, I went to try it. To be honest, I have never swung the club the right way. Ever! I am a high 80's golfer but am never consistent. This video and tip is the single best thing I have ever learned in golf. The swing motion is almost counter intuitive because forever, I have "swung the club TO the ball." Now I simply unfold my elbow and the club gets there by my rotation! Amazing.

[@daviddeng9053]

A big advice of the right arm explain. Thank you so much

[@thedreamer2766]

Great advice on the golf swing Zach.......cheers!

[@johnr2632]

It's amazing how much this helps strike and direction and then even more amazing when you watch top tour pros with this knowledge and realise they all do the same thing. Right arm is nearly always extended far earlier than I would have thought.

[@ibarbadillo123]

Thank you for this tip... my swing looked Exactly like the 2nd example you shown that top’d the ball upon changing his swing.

[@garyc5841]

Yes, I see that this is covered with the preset drill and the magic move. I should have realized this right away. Preset drill is really great and helped me quite a bit. Thanks, Zach. I have worked my way through the consistency code, which has really helped, as well as the faults and fixes video. I think I am ready for the driver series, but realize that redoing the consistency code regularly is essential. I am FINALLY hitting the ball first !

[@robertkinlin7015]

Tried it today and control and power were excellent.Great tip & never saw anyone teach this before.Thanks

[@StevePfeifenroth]

Zach I have learned the most about how the club drops from unfolding the right arm. Thank you. There is another area I would like to address. The analogies of other sports to golf. OMG the outcome is so much different. In golf you must have extremely accurate contact into an extremely small field with tight distance control at high speeds starting from a standing still. I have played sports baseball, ice hockey and football at higher than normal levels and they don't MENTALLY/physically compare at all. In baseball the field is wide and not every swing requires a home run. You can bunt, hit to any filed just make contact. In ice hockey at least a slap shot analogie you can hit fat and the result is a little less speed. The other sport analogie like tennis or ping pong is with one dominant hand (for the most part) and it's easy to guide that dominant hand to make the racket move the ball ( there is no shaft from the head and a second hand). All the other sports your whole body is already in motion and doesn't require standing still and be a robot. The room for error to play well is SOOO much larger in other sports. In golf completely different. You have to hit the ball with a small blade on the end of a shaft away from your hands into a very narrow field with very little error consistently over and over with power. I am so athletic but yet golf is so perplexing. It drives me mad. If golf was just "close enough is good" I would have a 0 handicap. How to repeatedly get the club head onto the gold ball is a mystery I'm trying to solve.

[@bradgruesbeck3461]

This is another great topic to cover and a helpful drill to work on. I would like to see a video that helps with the difference of hitting down on balls (with irons/hybrid) vs up on balls (driver). I can't hit a driver (hardly), however I can hit all of my other clubs well.

[@rosworld9129]

Just discovered ZA. Fantastic video and advice! Just came back from range and saw noticeable improvement in my swing, and reduced slicing. Thanks Zach!

[@johnpfistner8065]

This video could not had came at a perfect time. I did not realize I was swinging over the top and it showed in a terrible round yesterday. Primarily with driver and long game. I couldn't hit anything. I was losing distance and every shot went right. No power/distance. I must had looked like I never played this game before. It's always fun to golf with your buddies but I actually couldn't wait to end the round. Discouraging. Short game showed up. Putted well but wow, something wasn't right so I waited to get home to analyze my swing from set up. I usually cool down after a round by hitting a small bucket of balls with light swings but no, back to drawing board and here is this video in my notifications. Wow...Thank you for the tip and how to correct it and work it in the swing. My right arm was just like one of the faults demonstrated. Very pleased to had subscribed! 👍

[@ZachAllenGolf]

Thanks for the sub!

[@robertpollock7763]

Exactly what I needed. Thanks. Never would have figured it out. Took no time to work out the timing. Can finally start the ball right of target and work it back from a relatively square stance.

[@golfdoc1950]

Talk about a Eureka moment! This video exactly described my downswing problem and suggested a solution that works. Thanks so much. I have been able to execute a good looking inside to square move with no ball in front of me for a while, but place a ball on the ground and I would get steep and pull hook or slice the shot. It had to do something with muscle tension, obviously, but I couldn't figure out where. By allowing my trail arm to extend during the early downswing, the clubhead remains behind my hands and has a great shallow path to the ball. My extension is improved as well since I don't have a flexed trail elbow inhibiting it.

[@chrisavelino2201]

Thanks for making an easy to follow video.

[@mannymacias1634]

thanks for this, you really made me understand what my right arm is supposed to do.

[@jimiitalnetworkmusicco.6344]

I fond that very enlightening. Thx you

[@TheLastBabyBoomer]

Awesome stuff. I have the exact issue and will be at the range today working to unfold my right arm. Thanks.

[@hdmydyna3981]

This move is much easier to do than to actually "change" your entire swing to try and shallow the club. In fact, another YT instructor has said to NOT get rid of the over the top move, but just to drop the hands and arms whilst turning. If you look at Rory McIlroy dtl in slow motion, he does the same thing. This tip is actually really good and to the point. 👍

[@karemariuslunde2009]

This video is a real eyeopener + Thank U so much Zach,

[@bagong1945]

As Simple as that! why did my previous instructors never told me this? Thanks a lot, mate!

[@edamelung7185]

Tried what Zach is talking about and although it took a bucket or 2 it works. Other instructors talk about carrying a try with your right hand but the way Zach teaches it works! Try it and you will see! Thanks Zach

[@steveash656]

This technique has changed my game. Now consistently drawing the ball. Danny Maude advocates this swing approach too. Many thanks.

[@jeremyflores6822]

I just subscribed based on how good the content you provided in this particular video I have had hundreds of lessons and never seen it explained like that. Wow great tip !!

[@ZachAllenGolf]

Thanks for the sub!

[@anthonywillis7634]

That bloody makes so much sense and best explanation on KZbin! Not saying I’ll still be able to do it! 😂

[@chadjohnson172]

I've been trying to solve my steep downswing for years, I think this is it. Great Video!

[@vedrfolnirvedrfolnir6840]

Great video. I wish someone had told me this years ago. Thanks Zach.

[@Stoyvensen]

This video is absolute gold. As a natural lefty who swings right handed. I’ve been confused my whole life on how the right arm really should work in the swing. THANK YOU 🙏

[@TheLastBabyBoomer]

I took this to the range yesterday and could not hit a bad shot. No one has ever talked about extending the right arm during the downswing. I no longer have that steep angle and can enjoy a much more shallow path into the ball. Thank you very much for finally adding some consistency into my game.

[@bevholbeche-eyre1093]

I've been hit by the shanks on and off in the last few weeks. I discovered this drill this morning and went down the range and it instantly put me on the correct swing plane. A brilliant method tip, which I haven't seen explained quite like this before. Cheers Zach!

[@bransonmarco7879]

You all probably dont give a damn but does anyone know of a method to log back into an instagram account?? I stupidly lost my password. I would appreciate any assistance you can offer me!

[@nickolashank8622]

@Branson Marco instablaster =)

[@johnbartel5229]

Really like this example of what to do with the right arm. I'm 9 handicap.....Thank you

[@tonylenze4499]

Super instruction in an easy to see and learn format.

[@justinairin1]

Never heard this before this makes so much sense thanks for explaining this so well👍

[@benmoore3092]

this is currently got me out of a funk twice. I thank you for this video. My iron strike currently feels really good and easier to be consistent without trying to think about it much. You are a great teacher. If you were in my state, I would be paying good money to get lessons

[@charlieweston1273]

This is an excellent video. Zach has long been teaching the "magic move" but I think they key is how you actually get the right arm into position to come into the ball on a much shallower plane. I have been struggling with my right arm taking over so I think this will help alot.

[@BRIANFAIRBROTHER]

What a great swing thought. Unfold your right arm. Will be on the practice ground in Spain tomorrow working on this.

[@supreme444]

That's wonderful! I will be in Antarctica tomorrow working on this as well.

[@samuellim1554]

A revelation....truly wonderful!

[@musarra195]

This makes a lot of sense. Big tennis player and a number of guys like Gasquet and Federer hit their respective backhands and forehands Iike this. They release it behind them and simply rotate and pull through. I bought the video ! I’ve had some wrist injuries comimg down too steep and hoping this shallowing out process will be more of a body move and less of a wrist , small joint moves.

[@kaungsithu1987]

Great and nice and very basic but essential . Thank Zach

[@pdubs7069]

I really like the instruction from Zach Allen! Simplifies complex mechanics!

[@ZachAllenGolf]

Glad you enjoyed, golf is tough to keep simple.

[@qualitycheck3319]

This helps me a lot!!! Great content!!!

[@franciscocabeza9927]

by far the best tip I´ve seen on how the right arm should work.

[@theoakhills]

since I had shoulder surgery my left arm doesn't quite straighten (inch or so shorter) so I used this drill with my right hand 1inch further down grip.....I will give report.

[@Geep1778]

When you get the swing coming from underneath like it should and both hands and arms working as a team you’ll get better immediately. With that you’ll understand and see the swing in your head which makes your impact zone more of a reality rather than a blur you hope to get right. Then it becomes a lot easier to repeat because your ball is flying straight and you have the feel of what it feels like at the top of your backswing. The rest is momentum and tempo. Fold the right arm after a wide takeaway w left hand then hold firm w both hands... turn with lower body and as you start your swing remember to keep your right elbow close to your body till it feels normal and passes by your belt buckle still bent. No over the top or and across the line! You must get your lower half out of the way first or it’s slice city...hang back a split sec or practice rotating your lower body out the way..then Make your body turn power the club until you get a controlled swing all balanced into finish. When you got that down then you can get all Dj n Brooks w it and add some of your own power, hand speed, or forced body torque. Control first hit fairway then go for bombs. These commercials make it sound like all pros are smashing 300 yd plus drives on every hole and they’re not!!! 280 290 some less than that so 240-250 for an am is 👍 so forget 300 and go for fairways first. This message is for me 4 years in the past lol.

[@johneebee242]

Geep1778 I agree. My swing and distance immediately changed after nine holes of golf. And I repeat it the very next day with another nine holes. Not only is my driver going farther, my fairway hybrids are taking off like rockets! This is truly part of that magic move I believe and how fun it is to see instant results!

[@kevinrowland1860]

Really clear. Makes a difference. Thanks from the U.K.

[@hardybrannon8360]

Best tip on what to do with my right arm during the swing I have ever heard

[@vallance5959]

These instruction videos are great. It so nice to see real students in golf instruction videos for a change as opposed to a pro showing us how it's done.

[@lawrencewoods5907]

Amazingly explained!! Thanks Zach!! Super helpful:)

[@robharvey981]

Zach i agree with the comment below i have had multiple lessons some with top top coaches and your video has been the only way fro me to understand or more importantly get the feel - thanks

[@brianestes7040]

Great video Zack!! This makes alot of sense.

[@damianwrigley007]

Nice one Zach, awesome explanation!

[@greglucioli3398]

Hi Zach Great teaching advice about when trying something new in the golf swing. It feels different. So i am committing to learn a new habit. Get my swing technically correct. So i shall stay with the uncomfortable uncomfortable

[@crwing7307]

He kind of looks like a younger Arnold Schwarzenneger lol Great content! His explanations have had a more significant impact on my game than any other channel. Keep it up!