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Struggling to find a consistent ball strike? PGA Golf Coach Claire Batista breaks down exactly how the trail arm should work in both the backswing and downswing. With two practical drills and modifications for those with shoulder issues, this video gives you a clear path to straighter, more powerful shots.
Claire Batista – Game Improvement
Claire Batista focuses on one of the most overlooked fundamentals in the golf swing — how the trail arm is set up and how it moves through the swing. Understanding this single element, she explains, can dramatically improve your ball striking without the need for complicated swing changes. The video includes two drills you can try straight away, plus an assessment for anyone dealing with limited shoulder mobility.
Key Takeaways
Set the elbow correctly at addressPoint the “eye of the elbow” upward when gripping the club, so the elbow stays in front of your body throughout the swing rather than drifting out to the side.
Set the elbow correctly at addressPoint the “eye of the elbow” upward when gripping the club, so the elbow stays in front of your body throughout the swing rather than drifting out to the side.
Use the bicep drill to feel the correct arm motionPress your bicep against your chest and lift the club with your forearm only — this trains the trail arm to pick up and drop correctly without any unnecessary manipulation.
Try the split-grip drill to check your downswing positionGripping the club with a split hand grip at the top helps you feel what it means to have the trail arm in front of your body as you come down into impact, rather than getting stuck behind.
Take these two drills to the range and focus on the feel of the trail arm staying in front of your body — even a few slow-motion reps will start to build the right movement pattern. This video is ideal for anyone who feels their swing is inconsistent or who suspects their arms are working against their body rather than with it.
