How To Tell If You Are Using The Arms or Body To Hit the Ball

By | on August 25, 2023 | 14 Comments |


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Paul Wilson is the creator of Swing Machine Golf and founder of Ignition Golf. Paul's golf swing technique is based on the Iron Byron swing machine. YouTube Channels: Paul Wilson Golf and Ignition Golf Tips. Please Join me on Google+

14 Responses to “How To Tell If You Are Using The Arms or Body To Hit the Ball”

  1. July 18, 2012

    MARKKEISE

    Hi Paul
    This is where I still lack consistency. I am constantly working on trying to use my body to hit the ball. I do it well for a while, but then I go back to hitting with the arms especially when am I play a lot. On the tee box am constantly reminding myself of the ‘belt buckle’ drill and the ‘keep the head behind the ball’ drill. Most times it helps, but sometimes I stay over the ball too long and hit poor shoots. My game has come a long way with your help. Am considering attending your golf school again next winter for a refresher – maybe the 2 day school. You are a great teacher and you have help my game tremendously.
    Thanks and appreciate any suggestions you have.
    Mark K

    • Thanks for your kind words and support. I am not doing 2 days schools anymore. There is just not enough time. You should come for private lessons next time. You don’t need to go through a school. Also, you can get video Golf Lessons from Pete. At least this way we can be looking at it and keeping you on track.

      Getting the arms to release consistently is very difficult. I used to roll the wrists over and over every day all throughout the day for weeks if not months. You need to keep rolling the wrists mostly in practice swings but even when you are hitting balls keep trying to hook it over and over again until you get the wrists releasing consistently. If you do this at some point in the future you will have it mastered. Just keep doing it.

  2. July 18, 2012

    JaySchwarz

    Paul,

    I’m continuing to work hard on your technique. When I do what I think is correct, I’m getting a very distinct “one-two” feeling on the downswing. The lowr body turn just a bit before the upper body comes through. I think this makes sense based on everything you’ve said, but I was curious if you get the same “one-two” sensation?

    • I do not get this sensation because I do not go back too fast and I have fired the lower body millions of times in my life. If you are getting this sensation that is great. This tells me you are waiting for the body to start the downswing. Keep this feeling. Then you will not be rushing the downswing.

  3. Hi Paul, my problem is when I turn my hips first, I can only do it at %110, I can’t seem to turn my hips slow. And when my hips turn fast, it seems to engage my hands and arms. I’ve been golfing for 46 years now, and hitting with my hands and arms the whole time, until 3 months ago, when I tried your method. I’m committed to this change though, because I’ve hit some of the best shots of my life.

    Frank

    • Frank, It is tough to turn the arms off. Make sure you are doing the drill I put in tonight tip. I just released it. Also, do more practice swings than hitting balls. If there is a ball in front of you you want to hit it. Take the ball away and focus on your movement and positioning. Start focusing on building a great swing. If you do the arms will subside and you will hit the ball better than ever. So if you go to the range you now hit a small bucket. Do 3 times as many practice swings as shots working on 1 position at a time until it is master. Then move on to the next and so on.

      If you are hitting you care about where your ball is going. Make the movement more important than the ball. Once you do you will make the breakthrough you are looking for.

  4. February 20, 2013

    LenKoblenz

    Hi Paul,
    I’m relatively new with your program. Yesterday, I hit about 70 balls with the driver. Some are wonderful, some OK and many are less than good. The majority that are less than good are struck solidly but go in the direction of the small red roof in this video. In baseball, this would be in the power alley in rightcenter. They are blocked to the right and fade a little. My initial thought is that it is caused by a slide. I also get an occasional duck hook. From your response to the comment above, I believe I do need more practice without a ball.

    Do you recommend a partical brand or type of video recorder? I do not have one and don’t know where to begin to purchase one. It does sound like a good idea.

    Thanks again,
    Len

    • February 21, 2013

      Paul Wilson

      Len,

      I’m glad you are seeing results. This is the sign of things to come. Why you cannot do it every time is because it is new and you will always want more and more power. In wanting more your arms and hitting will creep back into your swing. Stick to a level you can do it at without your swing falling apart. Get used to it. Then increase the speed of the body to get more power.

      Cameras have changed so much in recent years. I just film everything on the iPad using the Coach’s Eye app. You could pick up a new iPad if it’s in the budget or a used one. I buy a lot of stuff off eBay from trusted sellers. This way you can get one cheap. For cameras you will have to search some reviews online.

  5. February 21, 2013

    LenKoblenz

    Paul,
    Thanks for the encouraging words. Some of us really need that. When I hit balls last Friday it was very discouraging. I took a few days off and recharged my batteries. Tuesday was much better and your acknowledgement of progress is very uplifting. I know it is a long road, but the reward at the end will be well worth it. Patience is one of the keys.

    Thanks,
    Len

    • February 22, 2013

      Paul Wilson

      Len,

      Just keep this stuff simple and work on one or two things until they are mastered. The golf swing is like a puzzle. Once you put enough pieces together the picture becomes clear.

  6. April 24, 2013

    carlosgomez

    doing good with the driver and medium/shorts irons with powerless arms
    but cant seen to hit long irons keep leaving the face open so I loose power
    do you have a video on long irons only thanks

    • April 24, 2013

      Paul Wilson

      Carlos,

      With long irons you need to swing slower. This gives them more time to square. I am going to do a tip on this. Thanks for reminding me.

  7. January 28, 2019

    RaymondCHASTEL

    I’ve watch old videos of the odd way famed SOUTH AFRICAN golfer BOBBY LOCKE putted :he had a closed stance ,and contacted the ball with the toe of the putter head .What this does ,is that you don’t cut across the ball when touching it and also that the path of he putter goes straight to the hole or to the point you are aiming at. .I tried it ,it works .No recent top golfer uses it to my knowledge ,as far as I see on the Tour events .Do you have an opinion on this queer way of putting ?

    • Avatar photo

      January 28, 2019

      Paul Wilson

      Raymond,

      This could be a great little drill just to even get a feel for the right stroke. I might have to so a tip on this one.

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