Don’t Quit the Swing
Don’t Quit the Swing means completing your full swing motion without stopping at impact. Finishing…
Read More Elbows Facing the Target for a Stronger More Connected Follow Through
A powerful and repeatable golf swing depends on how well your body moves through and after impact. One key follow through concept often reinforced by coaches at Spine Align Golf is finishing with your elbows facing the target. This position encourages proper rotation, improved extension and a smooth release of the club. For many players this simple thought starts with the proper backswing, which cleans up impact and produces a more controlled ball flight. This results when your Swing Sequence Fundamentals are corrected.
What a Correct Elbow Position Looks Like
A proper finish with your elbows facing the target will include:
- A fully rotated torso.
- Arms extended and relaxed after releasing the club.
- Elbows pointing toward the target area rather than down or sideways.
- Weight balanced on the lead side.
- Club finishing around the body in a natural relaxed manner.
This position is a visual indicator that your swing did not stop at the ball but continued through with a complete release.
Why Elbows Facing the Target Improves Your Swing
When your elbows naturally face the target in the follow through it means your arms have extended and rotated correctly through impact. This shows that you released the club instead of holding on to it or flipping at the ball. It also confirms that your body continues rotating rather than stopping or collapsing which often leads to weak shots and inconsistent direction.
A clean arm rotation through impact encourages stability and prevents the clubface from stalling. This movement pattern supports straighter shots and improved compression.
Common Mistakes When Elbows Do Not Face the Target
Golfers often struggle with elbow alignment because of several common errors such as
- Holding the clubface open or closed through impact.
- Stopping rotation early.
- Flipping the wrists instead of turning through.
- Keeping the arms too rigid.
- Allowing tension in the shoulders or arms.
These issues create loss of power and inconsistent ball direction. They also make it harder to maintain balance and stable contact.
How to Train Your Elbows to Face the Target
Lead Arm Extension Focus
Make slow swings and concentrate on extending your lead arm fully toward the target as the club moves into the follow through. Let the trail arm fold naturally. When done correctly your elbows will rotate toward the target naturally.
Turn Through to the Finish
Start with half speed swings and exaggerate your body rotation through impact. Hold your finish for two seconds and observe whether your elbows point toward the target. This develops awareness and consistency.
Performance Benefits of This Follow Through Position
- More consistent clubface control.
- Cleaner ball compression.
- More balanced and athletic finish.
- Fuller rotation leading to increased distance.
- More reliable shot direction.
By improving this one finish position you create better habits that influence the entire swing.
Conclusion
Finishing with your elbows facing the target reinforces a complete release and keeps your swing on the correct path through impact. It improves rotation contact and overall control. To continue building a dependable follow through explore our next guide on Maintaining Balanced Rotation After Impact or download the Spine Align App for real time feedback. You can also join the Spine Align Golf Academy for detailed coaching programs that make every part of your swing more consistent.
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