Illustration by Jim McQueen

You need to minimize tension in all parts of your body at address, but particularly in your arms. That's impossible unless your shoulders are fully relaxed.

Here's a very simple image, along with a drill, that will produce the desired effect.

When a soldier standing stiffly at attention is given the at-ease order, the first thing that happens is a slumping of the shoulders.

"See" and feel your shoulders behaving just like the soldier's as you set up to each shot, both in practice and in play.

Let them really relax and you'll feel your arms go limp right along with the slumping, which is just the way they should be to make a full, fluid golf swing.

Next week's topic: Take a Lesson Before Restarting the Game.