Full Swing & TempoIntermediateFixes: Chicken wing

Chest-Turn Release Through Impact

Focus Area

Connection

Rep Guidance

3 sets of 10 slow rehearsal reps

Equipment

Golf club, alignment stick (optional)

Skill Level

Intermediate

Why This Drill Works (Kinetic Mechanics)

A chicken wing is the arms stalling while the body keeps rotating, so the lead elbow buckles to make room. Rehearsing the post-impact checkpoint teaches the chest to keep supplying rotation, which removes the reason the arm folds in the first place.

How to Perform the Drill

Follow these step-by-step instructions. Rehearse slowly to build proper motor patterns before adding full swing speed.

  1. 1

    Step 1

    Set up with a mid-iron and make slow swings that stop at a waist-high follow-through.

  2. 2

    Step 2

    Through impact, feel the lead arm still lying across the chest rather than separating from it.

  3. 3

    Step 3

    Past impact, keep turning the chest and let both arms extend together toward the target.

  4. 4

    Step 4

    Freeze at waist high and check: the lead arm and the chest should point the same direction.

  5. 5

    Step 5

    Add speed a third at a time, keeping that checkpoint on every swing.

What Good Feels Like

Focus on smooth tempo and maintaining body connection through impact. Your body and club should move as a single synchronized unit.

Common Mistake to Avoid

Rushing transition before completing backswing or lunging upper body forward towards ball at impact. Keep movement controlled.

Swing Faults & Ball Flights Addressed

Chicken wingLoss of connectionArm disconnectionEarly ExtensionRelease Timing

Comprehensive Guides Featuring This Drill

How to Stay Connected in the Golf Swing

Connection means the arms stay in front of the chest so the body powers the club rather than the hands. You lose it when the arms lift independently in the takeaway, when the trail elbow flies out at the top, or when the body stalls through impact and the arms have to take over. Fix it by making the chest start and finish the swing, using a headcover or towel under the arm as feedback rather than trying to hold the arms in place by feel.

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