Back to Basics: Use this easy drill to eliminate the dreaded ‘chicken wing’ finish

A common fault that amateur players have in their swing is a so-called “chicken wing” finish, when the lead elbow flares out through impact. This is actually a notable element of Jordan Spieth’s swing (and has also been picked up by Bryson DeChambeau), but just because pros incorporate it does not make it right for you.

The chicken wing move comes into play when players are trying to guide the ball and keep it from bounding to the left. Instructor Nathalie Filler explains that the fault is caused by not rotating through the ball enough at impact. Players often get stuck at the bottom of the swing and don’t finish their move after making contact.

A good drill to fix this fault involves setting up normally with the ball in the middle of your stance and placing the clubhead on the ground several inches behind the ball in line with your back foot.

“What I want you to do from here is just start turning your hips and your chest and dragging that club through all the way up after the ball until the club is parallel again,” Filler says.

You should get the feeling of extension as there is a lot of space between your chest and your hands. It should also feel as if you have made a nice, full turn through the ball at the conclusion of the swing.

“What you’ll typically see with the chicken wing is the hands kind of pull up and in because there’s a lack of rotation,” Filler says. “This simple drill will help you fix that.”

Next time your playing partners mistake your swing for domesticated fowl, remember to finish your rotation and those chickens will soon turn into birdies.

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