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Backswing All clubs Intermediate ⏱ 5 min 🇫🇷 Video in French

Left arm bent during the backswing: Charles Marchildon

“Your left arm was bent”: You’ve probably heard that after a missed shot. Charles Marchildon, a PGA of Canada professional, shows that many champions play with their left arm bent and puts this principle into perspective.

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Charles Marchildon
Charles Marchildon · his YouTube channelFree lesson selected by Fred P.

To be continued

2 minSame problemJustin Rose's ball drill: rotating without liftingJustin Rose · Intermediate16 minSame problemJon Rahm's Short Driver Backswing ExplainedJon Rahm · Intermediate / Expert2 minFrom the same proSleeve in front of the hip at impact: MarchildonCharles Marchildon · Intermediate / Expert

What the lesson shows

The extension of the left arm has long been considered a fundamental basis for momentum, taught by virtually all coaches and followed by the young stars on the circuit. Yet Charles Marchildon demonstrates several champions with their left arms bent, a list that’s more surprising than you might think. Does a bent arm reduce distance? Not necessarily. Age reduces flexibility and the ability to keep the arm straight, but you also see young players with bent arms.

In his view, The most important concept is still extension as you swing through the ball. The extension during the draw is well known: it is related to the bow’s draw length, a factor recognized for maximizing potential distance. It is therefore A very good recommendation, not a requirement, and certainly not an obsession: a left arm that bends during the backswing isn't a problem as long as it's fully extended at the moment of impact.

The Exercise, Step by Step

  1. Stop obsessing over keeping your left arm straight.
  2. Look for a comfortable extension on the draw, to maximize the bow's draw length.
  3. Accept a slight bend if your flexibility doesn't allow for anything better.
  4. Focus on extending your arms as you swing through the ball.
  5. Judge the shot based on the impact and follow-through, not on the position of the arm at the top of the swing.

Key Takeaways

The "left arm outstretched" has long been taught as a rule.
Several male and female champions play with their left arm bent.
A bent arm doesn't necessarily result in a loss of distance.
Extending the swing on the upswing widens the arc and increases potential distance.
The key: extending as you swing, through the ball.

Mistakes to Avoid

  • Attribute each missed shot to the bent left arm.
  • Forcing an outstretched arm beyond its range of motion.
  • Make it mandatory to extend the arms in the backswing.
  • Don't neglect the follow-through, which is more important.

Driving Range Mode

Keep it in plain sight, on the rug.

  1. Swing with a comfortable extension on the upstroke
  2. Focus on extension through the ball
  3. Comparison of his swings with those of champions with bent arms

Your Questions

Should you keep your left arm straight during the backswing?

For Charles Marchildon, this is a very good recommendation but not a requirement. Several male and female champions play with their left arm bent.

Does having your left arm bent cause you to lose distance?

Not necessarily. Extending your arms on the upswing increases the arc and helps maximize distance, but the most important thing is still extending your arms at the moment of contact.

Why does my left arm bend?

He cites age, which leads to a loss of flexibility and the ability to keep the arm straight, while also pointing out that young players bend their arms as well.

What should we focus on instead?

Focus on extending through the ball as you swing. If you’re doing that, a left arm that bends during the backswing isn’t a problem.

Learn More

All “Backswing” videos →Find the lesson that's right for you Justin Rose's ball drill: rotating without liftingHolding a ball between your forearms keeps your elbows together: your body rotates instead of raising your arms, your hands remain still, and the angle is maintained. Pause at the Top of the Backswing: Matsuyama ExplainsMatsuyama explains his pause at the top of his swing (his left shoulder is too “tucked in” when imitating Tiger), his hands in front of his chest, and his swing mechanics with the irons. Jon Rahm's Short Driver Backswing ExplainedJon Rahm explains his drive: a short backswing, a bent left wrist, aiming to the left for a fade, loading from the right side, followed by a low ball and a high draw. Charles MarchildonAll of his lessons

Video posted on YouTube by its creator (Charles Marchildon). Best Golf Tips selects and summarizes the best free lessons, without hosting them.

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