Now it is true that I often mention the first position as the most crucial part of the swing however feeling the top of the swing can give you an extra feeling of connection when placed in the right position. There are several checkpoints that make up a great top position. Firstly the left arm and hands should form a 90 degree angle, secondly the arms should form a triangle shape with the right elbow pointing down and thirdly, the club should be positioned over the right shoulder.
One of the biggest culprits that I see in the swing particularly with beginners, is the left arm starts to bend at the top with the right elbow pointing more at the sky. This then causes the club to be positioned very low above the shoulder at the top of the swing causing a loss of control. One of the biggest reasons why the left arm collapses at the top of the swing is due to lack of correct wrist hinge. As soon as you take the club back on the backswing, you should start to turn the clubface as you gradually hinge your wrists. If you only hinge your wrists at the top of your swing you will more than likely break your left arm as the body is looking for leverage to create power.
Now when you hinge your wrists correctly it doesn't guarantee that your arm structure will be correct however it will position the clubface in the ideal position. To ensure you have the correct position, there is a couple of very good drills that guarantee perfect arm structure. The first one is where you go into your ideal set-up and then hinge your wrists straight up to 90 degrees. You then rotate your body while keeping the same wrist hinge right up until the top of your swing. You should start to feel the swing start to get shorter and the hands further away from you at the top of the swing.
The second drill is the bucket drill. This is where you place the bucket in between your armpits. You then swing back while gradually hinging your wrists until you reach the top of the swing. You want to also feel the bucket slightly away from your chest as this will ensure your arms have perfect structure. You will start to feel the right elbow point down as well the abs being very engaged as the arms stay in front of the chest. Lastly you want to feel the body turning on the backswing so that the arms finish over the right shoulder.
Therefore next time when you're at the range, try and not only feel the first position but try some swings to the top so that you can get a complete feel of the swing.
If you'd like any further help in establishing a perfect top position, just contact myself at David Waters Golf located at Emerald Lakes Golf Coaching Centre.
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