Master the Swing Movement Fundamentals

I. Fundamental 1: The Grip (Lead Hand Focus)

Goal: Establish a finger-based grip that allows for proper wrist hinge and keeps the clubface square.

Action Plan (Grip):

Placement: The club must sit in the fingers of the lead hand (left hand for righties), not the palm.

Thumb Position: The lead thumb must be on the side of the shaft, not on top.

Wrist Hinge Test: Practice easily hinging the wrist without bending the elbow; this movement confirms correct placement.

Visual Check: The “V” formed by the thumb and forefinger should point toward your right shoulder/right side of your face.

II. Fundamental 2: Posture and Hip Hinge

Goal: Achieve an athletic setup by hinging from the hips, not by rounding the back.

Action Plan (Posture):

The Fault: Avoid rounding the back, locking the hips, or setting up with too much weight on your back heels.

The Fix (Club on Back Drill): Hold a club against your spine (head to tailbone). Practice hinging from your hips (pressing hips back) while keeping the club flat.

Tension: Feel tension in the hamstrings/glutes. Weight should be balanced in the balls of your feet with slight knee flex.

III. Fundamental 3: The Pivot and Rotation

Goal: Execute a coordinated body pivot and improve shoulder internal rotation for an efficient swing path.

Action Plan (Pivot & Rotation):

Shoulder Mobility Drill: Use a club placed behind your trail elbow to gently tug and practice the internal rotation needed for the transition and release.

Backswing Pivot: Wind your upper body over a stable lower body, internally rotating the trail hip (turn your back to the target).

Downswing Sequence: Shift weight to the lead side first. Initiate rotation with the lead hip, allowing the shoulders to unwind last.