If your swing is on the right path there is no need for the hands to work hard, centrifugal force will automatically control the release. But on a swing that is on the wrong line your hands have to manipulate the club head to direct the ball. The more educated they are, the easier it is to keep the ball in play.
Train your Hands to Release and Hook
If your swing is too much from the inside, the only way of stopping the ball from ending up right of target is to make your hands square up, or turn over, the blade at impact imparting hook spin on the ball.
- If the club is too far from the inside, a hookers swing path, it is mainly your right hand that is responsible for closing the clubface down. For a hooker, it is the right hand that needs training
- Go to the driving range, use a seven iron and hit gentle shots only holding the club with your right hand. Aim at a target thirty yards away and learn to hit alternate shots to the left and right from the same square stance. This will educate your right hand to manipulate the clubface at will
- When you grip the club with two hands make sure the ‘v’, created between the thumb and index finger of your right hand, is pointing to the right of your right shoulder – a strong grip.
- At address, make the grip pressure in your right hand more than your left hand. This will give it greater dominance in the impact area.
- Finally, if you ever have your clubs re gripped, get the pro to put new grips on but a few degrees to the right of a neutral position. This will help your right hand feel comfortable in a stronger position.
Hand Action to stop Wayward Slices
If your swing is too much from the outside, it is your hands that will have to save the ball from ending up left of target. But holding the club open through the ball is more difficult to master than closing it. Rather than making a positive move to release, a slicer has to stop the release from happening.
- Use the same one hand drill to educate the left hand as the right. Hit some small shots at a target first left, then right, with just your left hand. Although this might seem simplistic it is the quickest way to train your hands.
- Although it is possible to train the hands to hold the club open at impact, it is also imperative to have the right body action. Make sure you swing to a full finish to stop getting trapped on the back foot and having to use the hands too much.
The more your hands learn to control the club head the easier you will find it to keep the ball in play when you make a bad swing. If there is anything that defines the difference between a club golfer and a professional it is the talent and ability to adjust the clubface at will.
Keep practising, every shot will count.
Related Article - Best Golf Shaft for Your Swing - PGA Tip
If you have friends who need help perhaps you would like to read How to Teach Golf to a Beginner and please leave a comment if you've enjoyed this lesson, with any suggestions you have for future articles.
John Hoskison - John is a class 'A' member of the British PGA and author of the acclaimed book 'Inside - One Man's Experience of Prison'.
