3 Functions of Your Right Arm in the Golf Backswing

Published: October 5, 2025

In this video, I'll show you the 3 functions of the trail arm in creating the perfect backswing position.

towel under arm golf swing drillFind out why this drill hurts your swing!

You'll find out:

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Related: Golf backswing — the 3 AI-measured gates →

  • How to properly use your core muscles for an efficient and under-control backswing rotation,
  • How to eliminate a shallow arc in the backswing by freeing up your trail arm, and
  • Why the famous “towel under arm” drill can destroy your swing.

The trail arm plays a critical but often misunderstood role in shaping your golf backswing. When it’s properly freed up — rather than pinned to the body with a towel or similar constraint — it allows the club to set on plane naturally at the top, giving you a much steeper and more powerful downswing plane. Constraining the trail arm artificially prevents the shoulder turn from loading fully, costing you both width and depth in your swing arc. See exactly how your trail arm is moving at the top by running your swing through an AI swing analyzer, and ingrain the correct backswing mechanics with structured repetition in the GOAT Drill system.

Watch this video now to see how your trail arm is the key to an efficient and powerful backswing!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the three functions of the right arm in the golf backswing?

The trail arm has three primary jobs: it folds at the elbow to allow the club to set correctly, it maintains a connected position against the trail side of the body to prevent the club from lifting, and it positions the trail shoulder so the club can drop onto the correct plane in the downswing.

Should the right elbow fly out in the backswing?

No. A flying trail elbow causes the club to be laid across the line at the top and leads to over-the-top downswings, pulls, and pull-slices. Keeping the trail elbow pointing downward as it folds maintains the on-plane position the downswing depends on.

How does the trail arm affect swing plane?

The angle of the folding trail elbow directly influences where the club sits at the top of the backswing. When the elbow folds correctly and stays connected, the shaft tends to be on plane or slightly under plane. An elbow that collapses inward or flies outward throws the club off plane in opposite directions.

Is the right arm dominant or passive in the golf swing?

In an efficient swing the trail arm is largely supportive during the backswing and becomes a power contributor in the downswing. Golfers who let the trail arm dominate the backswing tend to lift the club rather than turn their body, costing them power and consistency. The lead arm and body rotation should control the swing structure going back.

Learn the 3 Tour Pro Consistency Secrets You've NEVER Heard!

Watch part 2 now to see how you're moving your body in the opposite direction of the pros!

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