When I first started swinging the mace, there was one simple cue that instantly changed the way I moved: keep your elbows tied together.
It might sound small, but this mental image completely reshaped my swing mechanics and it helped me tap into the real strength and rhythm of heavier mace training.
The Cue: Elbows Tied Together
Imagine the shoulder harness on a rollercoaster or amusement park ride. It doesn’t come down in two separate pieces...it comes down in one solid, connected unit. That’s exactly what your elbows should feel like when you cast the mace back behind you.
Your arms shouldn’t be flaring out or moving independently. Instead, think of your elbows as being locked together, moving in unison through the swing path. This keeps the motion tight, controlled, and powerful.
Why It Works
When your elbows stay tight and move as one unit:
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You stay in the backswing longer
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You load into your lats instead of just pulling with your arms
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You maintain a tighter arc and more efficient swing
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You build the right kind of tension and coordination to handle heavier loads
This cue makes it easier to “feel” the torque and use the lever effectively, especially with longer handle maces like our Cadi V2.
A Drill to Groove It: The Devil Swing
If you’re having trouble locking this in, try devil swings.
This drill emphasizes the transition from front to back while reinforcing elbow connection. It gives you immediate feedback. If your elbows come apart, the swing falls apart.
Practice a few slow, intentional devil swings. Focus on that harness-like feeling in your elbows and how the mace flows more naturally when everything is synced.
Not Just a Cue, A Performance Upgrade
The biggest benefit? You stop muscling every swing.
When you use your lats, torso, and timing instead of just your arms, you open the door to real progression: smoother swings, less fatigue, and more weight on the mace.
It’s not just about looking better—it’s about moving better.
Want to Dial In Your Technique?
Every CK Maceworks tool is designed to grow with you...from lightweight control work to max effort heavy swings. The better your technique, the more you’ll get out of your training and your gear.
Check out our handcrafted, American Made maces and clubs:
👉 ckmaceworks.com
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