The Old Way
Create resistance between your lower and upper body.
The New Way
Increase your swing arc by raising your left arm higher. Do it by moving your left shoulder down and across your body in your backswing.
Why It's Better
If you increase the width of your arc by getting more arm height, you'll increase your clubhead speed regardless of creating resistance. On the PGA Tour the average left arm angle from the shoulder to the elbow at the top of the backswing is 45 degrees. Long hitters like Adam Scott, Ernie Els and Tiger Woods are closer to 60 degrees. Remember, it's not how straight the arm is — U.S. Open champ Angel Cabrera is one of the longest hitters on Tour and his left arm bends on the backswing — but if you look at his upper arm it is still beyond the 45-degree angle that most long hitters achieve.
How to Do It
If you don't have ample flexibility in your shoulder joint, find a stretching pole or broom and try the exercise below to increase your range of motion. Even if you never get to 45 degrees, the more flexible you become the farther you'll hit it.
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