Irons
Intermediate

Glove Under Lead Arm Drill

Prevents the lead arm from 'chicken-winging' and promotes a connected swing through impact. Keeping a glove under the lead armpit encourages proper extension and body rotation in iron shots.

Equipment Needed

Iron
Golf balls
Golf glove or headcover

Step-by-Step Instructions

1

Tuck a folded glove (or headcover) under your lead armpit (left armpit for right-handed golfers). It should stay there by pinching your upper arm against your chest lightly.

2

Take some practice swings with an iron, focusing on keeping the glove in place. This means your arms and body are moving in unison rather than separately.

3

Hit balls with the glove under your arm. If your lead arm separates (flaps) through impact or on the follow-through, the glove will fall, indicating a loss of connection.

4

Aim to strike a series of iron shots without the glove falling. This will ensure you're keeping your lead arm extended and your upper body rotating properly through impact.

Professional Endorsement

Many players like Rickie Fowler have been seen practicing with a glove under their lead arm to stay connected. Rory McIlroy also uses a similar drill to maintain his swing structure and prevent his left arm from lifting away.