First Aid Get Connected! Pick the training aid that best suits your needs Dr. Gary Wiren, PGA Master Instructor and George Robins One thing that is common to all good golf swings is the rhythmic flowing action that seems to start with the body turn, gradually extending out through the arms, down the clubshaft, and eventually whipping the clubhead through the ball in a seemingly effortless manner. This image of graceful power is, in large part, the result of body, arms, and club all moving together in the proper sequence, maintaining their relationship to one another throughout the swing. This connection of parts is essential in producing a swinging motion which can consistently and powerfully return the clubface squarely down the line through the ball. "Connecting" An important connection is maintaining the shoulder and arm "triangle. While the term "connection" has been around golf since the early 1900's, it has been popularized in recent years by many successful teachers, notably among others, Jimmy Ballard. This in-swing principle is defined in the PGA Teaching Manual as "...establishing and maintaining the various body parts in their appropriate relation to one another in the setup and during the swing. The opposite of separation." Note that these relationships are defined as starting at address, and not limited only to the actual swing. Another helpful image in understanding connection is that of maintaining the shoulder and arm "triangle" relative to the swing center. What happens when we lose connection in the swing? The outcome is manifested in two very important ways: loss of power (when the arms get separated from the power-producing trunk), and loss of accuracy (when body, arms, and hands release at different times, resulting in an open or closed clubface). Such an important element of the swing should not be left to chance, and fortunately, there are many training aids available to help reconnect a disconnected swing. Reconnecting a Disconnected Swing One of the simplest, yet most effective of these training aids is the Figure 8 Strap. This elastic arm band helps to keep the elbows relatively close together throughout the swing, thus helping to maintain the important arm to body relationship. The Arm Master is a similar device, but it does not have the elasticity of the Figure 8. Its advantage is that the arm bands can be adjusted for extremely large or extremely small arms. The Figure 8, in turn, comes in three sizes in order to accommodate all players. A third device which accomplishes the same thing as the two straps is the Pro Wedge Angel (not shown). By fitting between the forearms, it keeps the arms in a consistent, connected relationship to each other. All of these products can be used during practice, while actually hitting balls. Training Aids That Bind Arm and Body The Swing Link The Swing Strap Release Right While one of the aforementioned three training aids is usually sufficient for most golfers, some people need a more restrictive device in order to get the real feeling of connection. For them the Swing Link, the Swing Strap, or the Release Right might be more effective. These tools actually bind one or both arms to the body, literally forcing the player to make a coordinated, sequential swing which is driven by the torso. Which-ever device you use, it is essential that you get connection in your swing, and the best way to do so is through proper practice, with the proper training aid. Check with your golf professional to find out which would be best for you Gary Wiren is a PGA Master Instructor and a Ph.D. He operates "Golf Around the World" in Lake Park, Florida. The company conducts golf seminars, schools and personal visits, and sells golf teaching aids, books and videotapes. Visit his website at www.golfaroundtheworld.com or for more information, call 561-848-8896 or 800-824-4279.