Golf is a game of precision, and even the smallest flaw in your swing can drastically affect your performance. One common issue golfers face is the "chicken wing" – a swing fault where the lead elbow (left elbow for right-handed players) bends and flares out during the downswing and follow-through.

This can lead to inconsistent shots, loss of power, and poor accuracy. In this blog, we'll explore the top causes of the chicken wing in golf and provide actionable tips to eliminate it from your game.

Top Causes For The Chicken Wing

1.  Poor Grip and Setup

Cause: A weak grip or improper setup can lead to an inability to rotate the forearms correctly, causing the lead elbow to bend and flare out.
Solution: Ensure you have a neutral grip with the "V" formed by your thumb and forefinger pointing towards your right shoulder (for right-handed golfers). Maintain a proper setup with a slight bend in the knees, a neutral spine, and the ball positioned correctly in your stance.

2.  Lack of Mobility

Cause: Limited shoulder and wrist mobility can prevent a full and proper follow-through, leading to the chicken wing.
Solution: Incorporate mobility exercises into your routine, focusing on the shoulders, wrists, and upper back. Regular stretching and yoga can improve your range of motion and help achieve a smoother swing.

3.  Out to in Club Path

Cause: Swinging too steeply or over-the-top can cause the lead arm to bend to avoid the club face closing too much and pulling the shot.
Solution: Practice swinging on a shallower plane. Use drills that emphasize swinging from the inside out, such as placing a headcover just outside the ball to ensure you swing from the inside.

4.  Body Stalling Through Impact

Cause: Failing to rotate the body through the swing can cause the arms to take over, leading to the chicken wing.
Solution: Focus on a full body rotation. Your hips and shoulders should turn together, leading your arms through the swing. Use drills that encourage a full turn, such as placing a club across your shoulders and practicing the rotation without swinging.

5.  Excessive Tension and Overthinking

Cause: Excessive tension in the arms and hands or overthinking the mechanics of the swing can lead to unnatural movements.
Solution: Relax your arms. Take deep breaths before your swing to stay relaxed. Trust your practice and let the swing flow naturally without overanalyzing each movement.

More Drills To Stop The Chicken Wing In Your Golf Swing

Lead Arm Only Drill

- Take your normal stance but use only your lead arm to swing the club.
- Make slow, controlled swings, focusing on extending your arm and maintaining a straight lead elbow through impact allowing it to fold naturally and not pull across the seam of your shirt.
- This drill helps build strength and muscle memory in your lead arm.

Grip Pressure Drill

- Take your normal stance and grip.
- Make swings with varying grip pressures, starting from very light to firm.
- Focus on finding a grip pressure that allows for a relaxed yet controlled swing, preventing the lead elbow from bending due to tension.

Slow Motion Swings Without a Ball

- Take your normal stance and grip.
- Make slow, exaggerated swings, focusing on keeping your lead arm straight and maintaining proper body rotation.
- Gradually increase speed while maintaining correct form.

Mirror Work

- Stand in front of a mirror with a club.
- Practice your swing while watching your reflection.
- Focus on keeping your lead arm straight and your body rotating correctly.
- Use the visual feedback to make necessary adjustments.

By understanding the causes of the chicken wing and implementing these solutions, you'll be on your way to a more consistent, powerful, and accurate golf swing. Remember, improvement takes time and patience, so stay committed to your practice, and you'll see results on the course. 

If you'd like personalised coaching from myself, REMOTELY or IN-PERSON, CLICK HERE to learn how we can work together, and help you get rid of that chicken wing forever and help you become a more consistent golfer.

If you have any questions or comments, please post them below. You can also head over to my YouTube Channel for more FREE tips

Thanks again for checking out my latest blog, and I hope to connect with you soon!

dannymalcolm
dannymalcolm

Helping The Everyday Golfer Create Lasting Success Click Here To Learn More

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