The chicken wing golf swing isn’t a great look.
To be honest, when you see golfers chicken winging, it’s really difficult to even say “nice shot” or “looks great.”
Although this common flaw does not keep all players from hitting a good shot, it’s important to start to get rid of the chicken wing, as it generally means there are other problems in the swing.
We must go back in time and see what is causing the chicken wing to heal.
What is a Chicken Wings Golf Swing?
The chicken-wing golf swing is for right-handed players. This is when your left arm creates a chicken-wing motion by swinging through the ball. The arm is not rotating as it should. It certainly falls out in comparison to the right arm.
What causes a chicken wing in a golf swing?
Many golfers believe the chicken wings in a golf swing are created after impact. Although it is obvious, this is not the cause of the problem.
Problems such as hips that sway on the backswing or poor movement toward the target are more serious. Arms losing their extension from impact are also significant.
Arms losing their angle
Do you remember the old trick to keep your left arm straight? It’s never explained correctly, and most professionals will shake their heads when a beginner comes to them with this left arm that will barely even move.
There is something to be said about keeping your left arm straight through impact. If your arms begin to bend or become too loose, you will be able to see the chicken wing.
Arms should be strong and extended after impact.
Swaying on the Backswing
It is not a good idea to play golf in a double.
You need to pivot and not sway in order to get the best performance. Golfers who have difficulty turning and shifting their weight can often find themselves in a position where it is necessary to catch up or manipulate their clubhead so that it is square.
As you approach impact, the last thing you want is to think about the clubface angle. You need to ensure that you can pivot correctly and that there is less thinking.
Impact: Lack of weight shift and hip rotation
Great players can turn their hips towards the target at impact. The importance of weight shifting is critical as it will produce power in the swing and consistency in how the club’s delivered.
Great players shift their hips more toward the target when they hit the ball. This allows golfers to move their arms more efficiently. The hips will begin to rotate, making it possible for the arms to move through the swing as they should.
Players can feel stuck if they don’t do the weight shift and hip rotation. The stuck motion makes it harder to get your arms in that final position and the chicken wing is a real problem.
It’s a good idea to narrow down what is causing your chicken wing golf swing before you attempt to start fixing it. The cause should be the root cause of your fix.
Three Tips to Get Rid Of Your Chicken Wing Golf Swing
Now that you have the reasoning behind your chicken wing, it’s time to eliminate it. This is not a one-shot fix. I highly recommend going to the range with the ability of videoing your golf swing.
Sometimes, visualizing the changes you made to the chicken wing swing can help you remember them the next time you go out on the golf course.
1. Improve Arm Connection
One of our favorite drills for fixing swing flaws, is one that allows your left hand to stay more connected. This drill is also useful if your downswing is too fast.
This is the first step. Next, you will place a golf glove or towel under your left armpit (for right-handed players). This should remain in place throughout the entire drill.
Next, you can start taking some half swings where you don’t even hit the ball. Simply move back and forth so that the glove/towel does not fall out.
I would then attempt to hit a few shots such as this. Stick with something like the 8 iron or pitching wedge, so you don’t have to worry about forgiveness or launch in the club. These shots are not meant to be taken far. They simply show the importance of connection, and what it feels like.
2. Only one drill: Follow through
Another great way to eliminate the chicken wing golf swing is to use the follow through. Instead of swinging backwards, you will start from your setup and then go through a full follow-through.
To do this, push your body slightly and force it into the right position. The follow through only drill ensures that you don’t take a chicken wing golf swing, as you will feel the arms rotate correctly up to the top of the swing.
Follow through only drill: Make sure you’re also shifting all your weight to the left side.
I would do this 4 to 5 times, then take full swings and hit a shot. You should feel muscle memory develop and push your body into the correct position.
3. Alignment Sticks can Help
We also discussed the larger problems with the chicken wing golf swing. You should not sway on your backswing or rotate your arms. There are other issues that can affect the swing, such as the stance and basic setup.
Practice at the range with some alignment sticks.
Callaway Alignment Stix (2-Pack)
The set includes two 48 inch alignment sticks that can all be used in different ways to straighten your swing and improve the quality of your golf game. This training aid will teach you the fundamentals of setting up and ball striking, including alignment and ball position.
To solve this problem, ensure that your stance does not become closed. For both your stance as well as the ball position, you will need alignment sticks.
You can also place your alignment sticks behind your right hip if you feel comfortable. The alignment stick should be fixed into the ground so the hips do not slip or bump into it.
Alignment sticks are versatile and can help with a variety swing issues. You will find it easier to play on the course if you have a chicken-wing golf swing.
Some players find that using an alignment stick holder when practicing on the mats is easier than others. This is true for the hip rotation drill. To make it effective, the alignment stick must be placed in the ground. This will allow you to create the support wall.
