For this case, the arc of the swing is the circle the full swing creates. Virtually all great drivers or ball strikers have maximized the arc of their swing. Copying a swing like John Daly, a long backswing that causes the club to go past parallel, is not what is meant by maximizing your arc. A better definition is to maintain a maximum radius during the swing. The radius is set by the extension of the arms. Learning how the arm function during the swing can teach us a lot about how to maximize the swing’s arc.

During the golf swing one of our arms must be extended to create the maximum arc. As we swing back our target arm remains extended to the top of the backswing, during the downswing, and into impact. The trailing arm folds to a 90 degree angle in the backswing and unfolds into impact. Slightly after both the trail and target arms are fully extended. After this point the target arm begins to fold and the trail arm remains extended. Observe top golfers on TV, in books or magazines and you will see this action in their arms.

Maximizing your arc will create a more powerful swing in these two ways. First, maintaining the extension of the target arm in the back and downswing will allow for more consistent ball striking. If our target arm bends too much it creates another lever in the swing that needs well timed to make solid contact with the ball and causes either fat or thin shots depending on the timing. If the extension of the target arm remains the same the golfer does not need to make any compensations to make solid contact. Second, if the target arm maintains its extension the trail arm is able to create a 90 degree angle at the top of the backswing. This angle is very powerful. If the target arm bends too much the trail arms bends with it and the 90 degree angle diminishes and power is lost.

At impact maintaining the arc is extremely important. If all goes well in the swing the golf club will strike the ball on a slightly downward blow which will create the lift the ball needs to become airborne. It is at this point many golfer want to help the ball get airborne. One of the more common ways is to lift the arms, this lifting motion causes the elbows to bend outwards. This compensation creates instability in the swing resulting in poor contact, power is lost by shortening the arc, and club face will turn at impact. Our goal is to have the target arm to fully extend just after impact, creating a full extension in the swing.

After impact and into the follow through the target arm fully extends, rotates and then begins to fold upwards to a 90 degree angle. The trail arm extends after impact and will remain extended until the hands get to shoulder height and will begin to fold slightly.

Creating and maintain the arc other golf club travels will enable you to create more power through more club speed and better contact.