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Fix That “Chicken Wing” For Good: Swing Like a Pro

/ Fix That “Chicken Wing” For Good: Swing Like a Pro

Fix That “Chicken Wing” For Good: Swing Like a Pro

Are you tired of battling the infamous “chicken wing” in your golf swing? That awkward, arm-flailing motion that sabotages your follow-through and keeps you from reaching your full potential on the course? Well, you’re not alone, and the good news is—you can fix it for good! In today’s session, Coach Carolin is here to break down why the chicken wing happens and how you can eliminate it from your swing once and for all. Let’s dive in!

What Exactly Is a Chicken Wing?

First things first, let’s talk about what a chicken wing actually is. No, we’re not talking about the tasty appetizer—although that does sound delicious! In golf terms, a chicken wing refers to the motion when your lead arm (for right-handers, it’s the left arm) bows out at the elbow during or right after impact with the ball. This happens when the left elbow bends outward toward the target instead of staying in line with the rest of your arm. The result? A loss of power, accuracy, and a rather unflattering finish to your swing.

You might have seen this on the driving range, or maybe even noticed it in your own swing. But don’t worry—you’re in good company. Even PGA Tour players like Jordan Spieth have shown signs of a chicken wing. But as Coach Carolin says, “What works for a Tour pro might not be the best for us average Joes.” So, let’s figure out why it happens and how to fix it.

Why Do We Develop a Chicken Wing?

The chicken wing is not something that golfers choose to have. It’s a compensatory movement—your body’s way of making up for a mistake made earlier in the swing. So, what’s the root cause? It often boils down to improper club path and face angle.

Here’s the scoop: when you come into impact with a closed clubface (pointing left for right-handers), your body senses the misalignment and tries to correct it by flaring out your lead elbow. This movement is an attempt to square up the clubface at the last second, but it’s not a reliable fix. In fact, it often leads to more issues, like slices, pulls, and loss of distance.

Your body is simply trying to prevent a disastrous shot by compensating with a chicken wing. The real culprit, however, is your swing path.

Understanding the Swing Path

To fix the chicken wing, we need to address the underlying issue: your swing path. A common cause of the chicken wing is coming over the top. This means your club is traveling on an out-to-in path during the downswing, which typically results in a slice or pull. When this happens, your body tries to “save” the shot by bending the lead arm, creating that infamous chicken wing.

But how do you correct it? By getting your swing on a more neutral or slightly in-to-out path. This allows you to approach the ball with a square clubface, eliminating the need for your body to compensate.

The Fix: A Steeper Backswing, A Shallower Downswing

One of the keys to fixing the chicken wing is adjusting the angle of your swing. Coach Carolin suggests starting with a steeper backswing, where you feel like you’re standing the club up more vertically. The idea is to avoid the common mistake of yanking the club inside on the backswing, which can lead to an over-the-top downswing.

Once you’ve steepened your backswing, the next step is to shallow out your downswing. This means allowing the clubhead to drop slightly as you transition into the downswing. By doing this, you set yourself up for a more in-to-out path, which helps you approach the ball with a square clubface.

This adjustment might feel a bit unusual at first, but with practice, it will help you eliminate the chicken wing and create a smoother, more powerful swing.

Practice Drills to Banish the Chicken Wing

Now that you understand the theory, it’s time to put it into practice. Here are a few drills that Coach Carolin recommends:

  1. Alignment Stick Drill: Place an alignment stick along the target line just outside your lead foot. As you swing, focus on avoiding the stick with your lead elbow. This will help train your body to keep the lead arm in line during and after impact.
  2. Wall Drill: Stand with your back to a wall and practice your backswing and downswing without hitting the wall with your club. This encourages a steeper backswing and helps prevent coming over the top.
  3. Towel Under Arm Drill: Tuck a towel under your lead arm and hold it in place as you swing. This drill helps keep your lead arm connected to your body, reducing the tendency to flare the elbow and create a chicken wing.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

While working on fixing your chicken wing, there are a few common mistakes to watch out for:

  • Overcompensating: Sometimes, in an effort to fix one problem, golfers create another. Be careful not to overcorrect by swinging too far in-to-out, which can lead to a hook.
  • Neglecting Your Grip: Your grip plays a crucial role in controlling the clubface. Make sure your grip is neutral—not too strong or weak—so you’re not predisposed to closing the clubface too early.
  • Rushing the Process: Fixing a chicken wing takes time. Be patient and focus on making gradual improvements rather than trying to fix everything overnight.

The Mental Game: Trust the Process

Golf is as much a mental game as it is a physical one. As you work on fixing your chicken wing, it’s important to trust the process and not get discouraged by setbacks. Remember, even professional golfers have flaws in their swings that they continually work on. Stay positive, and celebrate small victories along the way.

Final Thoughts

Fixing your chicken wing isn’t just about looking good on the course—it’s about improving your overall game. By understanding the root cause and implementing the right drills and swing adjustments, you’ll not only banish that unsightly arm flail but also hit the ball more consistently and with greater power.

So, the next time you step onto the tee box, swing confidently knowing you’ve got the tools to fix that chicken wing for good. Keep practicing, trust the process, and soon enough, your chicken wing will be a thing of the past!

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