Shawn, you have a ton of GREAT videos but this one might be your crowning achievement! Explains so much of the “why” so I can just focus on releasing to my target 🎯 👍🏼
I love the strong grip, but I also started opening my club face a little and rolling my wrist down in the downswing. It appears to help me shallow out the club and forces my hands forward to de loft the clubs and compress the ball. It also helps me to release my wrist through impact which creates about 5 mph more clubhead speed plus. I am 68🙏🏻lol!!I don’t really understand this hybrid combo fully and it might be just a me thing??? It also some how help me to hit up on my driver to reduce spin. Anyway, that’s my version of what I think is happening in my swing now. lol Love your teaching!!!
Shawn thank you. I recently found a coach and he had me change my grip to neutral from a strong grip and I've been playing worst then when I first came to see him. I'm going to tell him to watch your videos. Thank you so much!!
Clay Ballard and Eric Cogorno (great coaches) both promote a bowed wrist through impact. I've tried that and I could never get it working consistently. Also, I never liked the feeling. I played around with this to see if i could add more yards. A strong grip proved to be the answer for me. I hit a slight draw to straight shot and have been doing so for the past 10 years. Shawn was spot on with this video. I take a few things from each of the coaches I mentioned but the strong grip is the correct grip....for me.
There you go man! It pays to understand how the human machine uses it’s anatomy to get the job done LONG TERM!! Also, Ballard should know better as he is a tennis instructor; must have a few holes to plug in there too if he doesn’t understand this basic human movement pattern!
This makes so much bloody sense to me. How has taken thismpong to find this video. I have been trying for to long to play with a flat or even bowed wrist and have struggled with it.
I feel you man! That is because everyone is trying to play with pretty neutral grips that are off the planet to the right dynamically and then you have to bow the wrist to square things up because you started with a freaking defective grip in the first place! They don’t want to try and explain why Brendan Steel, Bubba Watson, Webb Simpson, Matt Kuchar Zack Johnson and dozens of other top PGA pros do so well with a very strong grip because it makes them look bad.
I am a senior petite woman rather new to golf. I had some lessons where the whole focus was my wrist should be flat or bowed at the top. Resulted in poor play, discomfort, and snap hooks. So glad I found this video. I am going to check my grip again. It used to be stronger than it is now.
Mary, I am so sorry for the incredible ignorance out there; it is so freaking easy to get my students to smoke the ball with ease when the arm-club unit gets loaded properly; so see “loaded arms shawn clement” and “be savy with your grip shawn clement” “best video on grip shawn clement” and “most important video on grip shawn clement” then get yourself onto our premium website at www.wisdomingolfpremium.com
All of the videos I've seen prior to this made me think I was swinging all wrong. Thank you soooooo much Shawn. Finally someone who understand MY swing (and so many others!!)
Good video. One concept I want to add, that I think is interesting - Our grip is based on something called the length tension relationship. When you extend (or cup) the wrist, you are placing more tension on the muscles that grasp (your flexors) which maximizes ones ability to grip. The more you bow the wrist (wrist flexion) the weaker your grasp becomes. Need proof, squeeze two of your fingers with a natural slightly extended wrist position. Now do the same with your wrist fully bent in (flexed). You'll barely be able to grab your fingers. A wrist bow can cause a great sense of not being able to really hold on to the club - which leads to a lot more tension and a very sore forearm.
@@golflessons Thanks for the love. I'm a former golf instructor turned occupational therapist with a bit of experience specializing in hand therapy. So this is right up my alley.
Yes sir! You need a solid feel of that release to stay locked in to the task of delivering your action snap release through the ball and into your picture!
Extraordinary explanation of a very complex subject. Honestly... A master class on hand action. My question to you is this: It seems to me that bowing the wrist at the beginning of the down swing is a great way to avoid coming over the top and letting the club to fall in the slot. So the "natural capped looking top" and "hammering in the natural position" may produce a rupture in the perfect arch of the swing reducing club speed (just my opinion) As much as I like natural release (and everything natural in the golf swing) I find that bowing the wrist produces speed (when rotating the hips properly) and allows for a "natural squared faced release". A capped release instead, would kind of force me into a more aggressive grip and possibly a bit of timing manipulation to produce a square face contact. Also... Anatomically, I find that a cupped release is easier on the tendons and muscles of the forearms but a bit tougher on the wrists whether a bow wrist may demand more from the forearms (being less natural) but less from the wrist at impact (because the clubface is already squared and there is less manipulation and less force applied by the wrist itself. I am not sure if I make sense but, if I do, Can you comment on this? Tx!
Very well thought out Max; here is how your machine works though: the weaker the grip, the more the brain will need to bow the left wrist before impact-IF YOU ARE TRYING TO DELIVER THE BALL TO THE TARGET WITH A PRE-DETERMINED FLIGHT. Of course, a draw requires more-fade less. When you ask the brain to deliver the highest possible velocity with the least amount of effort towards the target, and you “goldie locks” the grip-club relationship, you will find the right combination eventually for yourself. The bowed wrist stuff, in my very extensive experience, is much more for the athletic player. I have always found that the vast majority of my students perform more powerfully and efficiently with the hinged wrists. Bottom line, if you choose the shape of shot to a specific target and in your delivery, you feel the need to save it by aggressively bowing or rotating the club face closed, your grip and club face relationship is way too open to begin with.
Finally someone who can explain and show simply how to correct and train my body to have a natural swing i have just changed to lefty after a year playing right so savvy has also helped with this recent frustrating transition thanks so much keep up the good work guys.
Great video! So many instructors insist against minor cupping, but they never account for the fact that if you’re not strong enough in those areas it can be very painful!
Thanks Shawn. I’ve been trying to do the flat left wrist as that’s the teaching lately, but I don’t have the strength to overcome the weight of the golf club. I’m excited to give this a try.
Shawn, I have been a neutral grip player for 40 years. As I have gotten older, going to a stronger grip has helped me maintain my distance. It took lots of practice to feel comfortable, but well worth it. Thank you for clarifying the difference and affirming my change. Sam in South Carolina
Shaun, thank you so much for this video about the wrist positions. It's so simple when you explain it like you do. I've been fading/slicing for years but hinging my wrists slightly with a stronger grip has made a huge difference. To set my grip I now take my natural back swing, check my club face position and turn my club to a slightly closed face at the top then come back to the start of my swing. It works for me. Keep up the good work. Love your videos. Ken (Scarborough, UK)
I used to start with a closed face but instructors told me that was all wrong so I switched. I liked that you mentioning that not everyone can swing with bowed wrists, one size does not fit all.
This is a timely video for me, as I was struggling with contact this month (mostly thin and topped). Before this video came out, I greatly improved contact by weaking the strong grip (one to two knuckles) and adding feeling of a bowed wrist in the backswing. I don't know if I actually am bowing it, but the feeling allowed for much better contact.
Really appreciated the explanation of the club face at the top (Open, closed and square) and how it affects the swing. I know WIG doesn't look at positions but it sure helps me understand the dynamics of the swing. Great video that takes us deeper into the into the rabbit hole!
Great video to explain proper wrist position at the top~! How long I suffer from the wrong conception for scooping. I can clearly understand the proper position. Thanks~!!
Whew!!!! You just saved me cause I just hit 56 balls bowing the wrist at setup. I probably hit 3 balls really really good. Was gonna hit 100 tomorrow morning doing the same thing. Thanks
You sir are the perfect balance for my swing and how I understand what’s being explained to me. My swing was great but everyone kept saying BOWED WRIST BOWED WRIST BOWED WRIST. As I would study my film my wrist was never bowing yet it was never cupped more of a firm backhand and I threw my whole swing out of whack trying to get that wrist bowed which lead to snap hooks to slices to pushed shots to pulled shots... so I emptied my cup after I got my muscle memory out of whack and went to my basic swing thought of “hang back until the show, hammer to and through target” I don’t think about my backswing at all, The only thing I think about is my target and my moment of impact. If my target is set my brain will do the rest as long as I stay in posture.
I know I’m a few years late to this video but thank you soo much. I was trying to correct this “cupping” of the wrist and it felt so awkward to me. You video explained how it’s a natural hinge position for me and that I should work with this natural anatomical movement. I just need to work on not snatching the club away during the backswing.
Shawn Clement I know that my right hand doesn’t fold over or collapse like you talk about but the left wrist is very bent in the backswing. How much cupping is too much? I tend to fade but have closed the face at a dress to mitigate this problem.
@@brittanyroessler7156 the key is for Both wrists to hinge together in the backswing and then release through the ball and re-hinge together to bring the swing to a smooth stop without injury. When both wrists hinge together, there is no possibility of too much or too little. See “loaded arms shawnclement” and “how to load the backswing shawn clement” (along those lines) and see “best video on grip ever shawn clement” and keep your eyes peeled for Monday’s video which will be a 30 minute epic historic video on grip.
Cheers Shawn, appreciate you taking time to get back to me! :) I will most certainly check out video, as I have with many of your vids.. BTW, have been watching your vids for some time now, gone from 34 down to 24 this year, and it's due to watching your videos, esp the early ones!! GOLD!
I'm 16 and my coach has gotten be to a bowed position and the results are phenomenal. With a little extra shoulder rotation and extension I can hit cuts all day long as well. I play every day so I can afford to bow the wrist and really bow it through impact. For older armatures, stronger grip at setup and allowing it to hinge is the way to to.
So after seeing your definition of a curved left wrist and what is "acceptable" I've been ok with how my wrist has been. Ive been trying to get the flat wrist for a couple weeks now and all it has done is shortened my back swing and just felt awkward. My next thing was going to try and have my backswing be flatter to produce more turn of my body to increase my backswing. Thanks to you i see i don't have a curved left wrist at all. Thanks for breaking this down in simple terms. I see i need to just use more of a stronger grip at address and this should help my slice out alot.
Thanks Shawn, it seem so much of releasing to the target depends on keeping youe right elbow going forward and letting the club release. I've found swinging with one arm and only thinking about keeping that elbow moving helps prevent a default back to hitting the ball. Wonderful instruction! Tom
Shawn at 9:11 you say that “inward rotation is supination.” I think you mean pronation. Also a question. I have recently discovered the benefits of bowing the wrist. I have always brought the club to the top of my backswing with a cupped wrist (probably actually a natural position according to your teaching). Video of my swing at point of impact showed a very open club face. The result was a weak high fade or a pull (trying to correct it with wrist rotation and over the top path). So then I see DJ with an extreme bow at the top. I try it. MAGIC! As long as my hips rotated fully in the follow through I hit straight and consistently. I was able to eliminate the over the top swing pattern that has plagued me forever. The question...Does it matter if you bow the wrist at the top or doing the downswing (so you are in a proper position by the time you get to impact)? I find it easier to bow at the top because then I don’t have to catch up with rotation during the downswing.
This is brillaint. For months i've been rolling my wrist at the end of the downswing to get the club square. 2 sessions on the range closing the club face at address (with a stronger grip) and I don't have to think about squaring the face at all, it just happens. One less thing to think about and guess what - its drawing and going further!!! Thank you for sharing Shawn.
Great video. I was very new to golf and watching Collin / DJ I felt like I needed to bow my wrist but it felt like such a weak position for me. My position at the top is exactly as you described.
It is a very weak position for human anatomy; unless you have learned this as a 6 year old, it will be so difficult to do! We don’t bow in baseball, fishing, tennis, and we certainly don’t want to do this in golf! many can function with it but many have paid the price of wrist surgeries as well! See a great video called “most important video on grip ever shawn clement” for more on this!
This could not be more correct. I also advocate for a stronger grip vs. a bowing action. That's one less move you have to make to square the club, and you can feel that sensation of chopping the tree so much more naturally. You'll be surprised at how much more control you have over your dispersion as well, as your need to turn your hands over all but disappears (if all other parts of your swing are functioning correctly).
shawn if the snuff box for the leadhand is on top can you explain the position of the snuff box for the trail hand , i realise there is weak and strong but do you have a video on that and the differences how it affectsd the back swing
Essentially you're taking, depending on your grip, your address wrist position to the top of the swing then letting the left wrist flatten naturally through impact with lag. Close? I can bow the left wrist at the top and compress the ball nicely but I'm an advanced player. That said, you mentioned in the studio version of this that being flat at the top of the swing is a manipulation (provided you didn't start there at address). That was a bit of an eye-opener. I'd prefer to keep my compensations to a minimum and if I can bow on the start down, Hogan said supinate gradually into impact, I should be able to, with the feeling of the left wrist being in the same position as address at the top, then more readily feel a gradual supination due to lag at impact...in essence a gradual manipulation through the ball that will prevent a flip and be short in duration. I like it. (if my synopsis is correct that is lol)
I can't swing with a flat wrist like I keep getting told. I was taught to swing with a bowed wrist when I was in my teens and it caused me pain. It also made me afraid of my natural shot - the fade. The natural wrist cock at the top with a strong grip will give me a high 3-4 yd fade with my irons. I've embraced it. If I cup too much it turns into a slice. If I don't cup enough, it'll hook. I'm learning to feel it and watch the ball flight. But for now I have to swap grips on the clubs. The new clubs came with Crosslines and they aggravated my tendonitis and arthritis. More money.
Greetings Shawn. I have a few questions as I go through the process of finding a repeatable swing, and I am hoping you have time to clarify a few points. First, you should know what I am working on at this point in time. I am working on hip rotation to the left and a active forearm rotation with my left forearm, which promotes a backhand left wrist position at impact in the downswing. Do not hear a flip when I say this, I just mean that if you were going to smack someone in the face with the back of your left hand, you would rotate your left forearm and in-turn you left wrist so that you would hit flush to the target with not flipping your hand completely over so that your thumb would be pointing to the ground. Hopefully that helps to give you a good visual. The reason I am working on these integrated moves is because previously, I had been trying only body rotation generated by hip turn to pull the club through the impact zone. It would seem like every 1 out of 4 shots would be stuck well and I was trying to time and factor the exact amount of hip turn I would need to be able to get my desired distance and trajectory. Not to mention, with a fairly strong left hand grip it was still damn hard to not have a little fade most of the time. I have filmed myself and I am on plane in the backswing and not coming over the top on the downswing, so those variables are not in play. So my questions: 1. Are you saying that the golf swing philosophy is completely pivot driven with passive arms and hands? 2. Should you suppenate your left forearm/wrist so that you have a predictable impact alignment? Keep in mind that I am starting the downswing with a shift to the left driven by hip rotation and when the club handles feel like it is waist level, I actively rotate my wrist as if I was going to hit the ball with the back of my left wrist, which always promotes a downward and ball first strike. Also, with this motion it just feels like I have all day to hit the ball because I know exactly where my club face is relative to the back on my left hand. Thank you very much for your valuable time. Jp
Thanks for all of your insightful videos--thoughtful and enthusiastic. However, I think the hammer metaphor is flawed. I've hammered many thousands of nails, and the motion uses two kinds of releases--not just the snuff box release but also a lateral wrist motion with the first knuckle of the grip more on top of the hammer. Though I think you're right in saying that hammering is like releasing a golf club. One of the reasons this confuses me is that moving the left hand into a snuff box position for release tends to restrict rather than complement the release motion of the right hand. The two hands should not be in competition, and using the snuff motion from the left side shoulder places it in competition with the right side. However, the motion you show with a golf club does, in effect, take out the left hand as hammer at the moment of impact, I think because you've trained it to supinate at the last minute. There may be more Hogan in the swing than you acknowledge.
its like all your videos are talking directly to me, i often slice the ball when i try to give it power and lead with my arms, which creates the open face and causes the slice. and will happen to a greater or less degree depending on the club length.
Work on your release where you let the weight of the club release you! See my latest video on my newsletter. You can register for my free weekly newsletter on www.wisdomingolf.com
Ben Hogan in one of his books promoted bowing , he used a really weak grip and bowed at impact but hr was a golfer that suffered hooking. Shawn is correct, strong grip and release to the target.
Great video. What I find is that not only does the bowing close the face, but it also moves the lie to a relative toe down position. How does one negate this lie angle effect?
On the top of the backswing, if your club is pointing more behind you or to the left of the flag, it's very easy to swing over the top when pulling down on the club. If you point the club more at the flag, then that promotes a more inside to out attack.
You have your right palm up coming through impact and release down after when you demonstrate with the hammer how does that not leave face wide open. Because when you hit the ball your right palm is facing the target or even down at impact. What am I missing?
This is classic release abandon which is a brilliant self preserving anatomical marvel built right into your body! the 2 worst ennemies of the golf swing are control and effort! see “fencing for power shawn clement” and feel that drill for yourself! on our premium channel, we go into full detail on this with “lead hand release, “trail hand release”, release fine tuning”, turbo charge lead hand release and turbo charge trail hand release” , and snap release polish….amazing machine we have!
Hey Shawn, great video! Thanks for sharing. I've got a question, if you don't mind giving me a tip. I have a big slicing problem with my irons. Now, I've just found out that at the end of my backswing my left wrist is veeery cupped. I cup it like that because it makes me feel much stronger in the follow through. Now, do you think that's the problem? Shoud I bow it or should I just close the grip? Thank you :) Keep it up!
Close the face yes! But you want both wrists to hinge together on both snuff boxes! You do not want a collapse; bowed wrist is collapse and a cupped left and bowed right is collapsed. See "weak grip vs strong grip shawn clement" and "grip and wrist hinge shawn clement"
A PGA professional, formally from Cog Hill in Chicago gave me a brief swing lesson today because I work at the golf course he now works at. He noticed my cupped left wrist at the top of the back swing and told me to bow it slightly. He said it's the only way to play really well. He said the cupped wrist works well in chip shots but not the full swing. I tried it a few holes but can't do it, doesn't feel comfortable to me at all. But he claimed it was the only way to achieve your maximum power. Guess I'll just continue to suck at golf....lol I don't know why PGA instructors are so focused on how they play, and if you don't play THEIR way you're wrong, bums me out.
Eddie, have a look at my latest "arm motion" video in my new series called "golf lifeguards" and get the real facts in Anatomy 101 which is not a class offered in the PGA and should be the first class offered!
He's one of the only ones who preaches a natural hinging of the wrists. Most all others preach flat wrist at top which is forced and unnatural. Great teaching!
Thanks very much! The only time I will not touch the bowed wrists is if I have a solid athlete who has been doing it since being a kid in either golf or tennis.
Supination and pronation can be confusing terms. You mixed it up at 9:12 when you said supination and also at the end of the video which might confuse people, especially if they haven’t heard these terms before
It’s like right and left; can easily confuse both and I am not immune to it as I am thinking about my next sentence before I complete my next one: SUPINATION=OUTWARD ROTATION. PRONATION=INWARD ROTATION. When delivering your shot, as a right handed person, the right hand pronates through as the left hand supinates in a yielding action.
Recently, I tried to get an ideal impact position which hands are well ahead of ball. But with neutral grip, I should manipulate my right hand cupped position during downswing or turn my body faster to get square. I saw this video today and strong grip makes sense! I do not need to make additional move! Just natural. But What if beginner just flipping club in front of the ball? Then strong grip could be a problem.
That is a good revelation for you; good stuff! As for the beginner, the first thing they need to do is know the difference in feel between hitting AT THE BALL and swinging THROUGH THE BALL TO A TARGET. Then they will realize themselves what degree the face should be closed as they continue to deliver to a target
Shawn would love your opinion on Bobby Jones position at the top. Also considering he retired at 28 years old and often went months between touching a club and then wins a major I don't think there is even a consideration of who is the greatest of them all. Also with his swing arc and today's equipment and ball just how far could he have hit the Ball. 400 450?
Yes, 'love Bobby Jones' swing! Undoubtedly would have been one of the greatest on the Tour. In context of this video; he did actually cup (or as Mr Clement says here 'collapse') his left wrist so he had to turn his wrist out even more through the downswing to close the clubface. In modern times good examples of this are Fred Couples and John Daly.
I'm revisiting this video because I'm getting a lot of conflicting information regarding grip strength and position of the wrists at the top of the swing. For the past few years I've been advised to use a neutral grip with a flat left wrist and a very bent-back right wrist at the top. It works, but I feel like I'm losing yardage because I can only do a 3/4 swing. You seem to have a cupped left wrist with a straight right wrist at the top while using a strong grip. This seems like a more comfortable and powerful way to swing the club. Is this a fair assessment of what you're advocating?
This is such an important comment and where there is the most DISINFORMATION in the industry. The human anatomy understanding to the rescue: the anatomical snuff box is where the wrists load to throw footballs, cast fishing poles and hammer nails; it is A VERY POWERFUL LEVER. There are way more players on the tour with a strong grips than a weak or neutral ones. See “best video on grip ever shawn clement” and “most important video on grip ever shawn clement” and then see “weak grip vs strong grip shawn clement golf wrx”
At last. I thought the bowed wrist at impact was rediculous, because it felt incredibly weak when you start with a strong grip and was completely unnatural to me. I can say goodbye to the bowed wrist theory for good. Thank you
You bet! And for the golfers who have been doing this since youth; like Brooks Koepka and Dustin Johnson, they are mostly right handed golfers who have the strength to perform this move that was built from when they were very young. So instead of going back in time, which of course we can’t, it is MUCH BETTER to listen to the anatomy and go with what is stronger naturally for the task of golf.
I found "consistent" hand pressure through the swing keeps the wrists loose. Don't change the hand pressure at all. It keeps you relaxed as if you were doing a warm-up swing.
Hi SHAWN. I been playing more consistent golf by closing the club face 20 degrees At address. Is that a bad idea? But 1 in 5 swing it goes 20 degrees to the left. Any advise?
Shawn, I know that I saw on one of your videos that at address the toe of the club is slightly off the ground. This to me indicates that there must be about a 45 degree angle between the club shaft and my arms at address. My question is, am I to retain that angle through impact then is that what I release at the target Thanks Patrick D, Miller
Gosh, none of the above Patrick! You cannot have your focus on that! All you have is a target, a flight to that target, a set up that allows you to cut through grass to that target then a feel of full release out to that target. Your anatomy, wrists, hand strength, body core strength, limb length and flexibility etc etc etc...endless combinations of bodies out there, they will determine those angles, not your opinion or anyone elses opinions.
Shawn, I'm sorry but I do not agree that Dustin Johnson has a strong grip. Having spoken with him several years ago at Myrtle Beach regarding his grip, he uses a neutral grip because he does not want to hook the ball. At that time he detested (and I would even say, feared) the hook, because he was gambling and believed the hook tended to take over the swing under pressure. He had seen the hook cost players a lot of money. I think something else to consider regarding the cause of the bowed wrist is that everyone I've seen who bows it at the top of the swing uses a long thumb, as DJ & JS do. I know players who've recently put the bow into their swings, because of DJ & JS. They are hitting it longer, I must concede, though I wouldn't do it on purpose. I believe that anytime you get away from square in your swing, you have to break a physical law to get back to square at impact, and that move back to square would be an inefficiency in the swing. Thanks for you teachings! I generally agree 100% with you.
Things got a bit confusing when you first grabbed the hammer using your right hand instead of the left. I always thought that cupping and bowing referred to position of the left wrist at the top of the backswing.
Depends on the design of the club, some need to more and some less and some about the same... You deliver a release to target and see how it flies! Then make your adjustments...
+Wisdom in Golf Premium just played around with a stronger grip again as im hitting it well but just not getting maximum compression..... i have seen your previous videos about taking grip then squaring behind ball.... this is good but sometimes I hook.....the real winner is actually addressing the ball with the 30' shut face.. this sub consciously makes me hold off the face longer and retain lag....compression is like a crack! and about 2 clubs longer! this is great.... what i find is as the clubs get longer the less shut i have them as its easier to work the ball. cheers shawn
that makes sense to me-also would it be better to adjust the lie angle from say standard to a few degrees upright to eliminate the need to toe in the club-or would that not be as effective. CF
I wish you were closer to me-ive tried just about everything-i have a bad low back disc-L4 L5 and s1 so my swing is kinda all over the place and it wont hold up over 18 holes
So, should we set clubface slightly closed at address for most clubs then for vast majority of shots???? I often hit shots wide from a neutral position regularly, and often wonder why??
See "weak grip vs strong grip shawn clement" and then " grip and compression shawn clement" and the answer is yes! More closed for draw and less closed for fade would equal dynamically to "collect slightly open and release slightly closed for draw" and "collect open and release slightly open for fade"
One thing that all great golfers have in common (no matter how they grip or swing the club) is the flat, to slightly bowed, lead wrist at impact. Some players prefer to "set" that position throughout the backswing and maintain it into impact. Those are the players who are flat or bowed at the top ala DJ, Spieth, Trevino etc. Others don't feel comfortable doing that , since it feels awkward and prevents the wrist from cocking fully. Those players "roll" the lead wrist open on the backswing or grip the club strong. Problem with that is the wrists have to be manipulated on the downswing back to a lead wrist flat/bowed position at impact. Good luck doing that under the gun, especially on a short chip shot over a bunker to a tight pin. Do flexibility exercises on the lead wrist that will allow you to be able to maintain a flat/bowed lead wrist while being able to fully cock the wrist . DJ wasn't born with that ability . He works on it. If you early release the club with this method you will get some ugly snap hooks. Hang with it and "feel" as though you never release the club. If you are a trail arm "pusher" of the club, never stop pushing on the downswing. Don't stop pushing until the club is wrapped around your neck. Use a "steady" not "jerky" pushing motion. If you are a "puller" of the shaft, never stop pulling. Use a steady, not jerky, pulling force and don't stop pulling on the downswing until the shaft is wrapped around your neck, or as Faldo says, "your Gregory Peck" :) .
Yeah, that's wrong. Go look at Fred Couples or Paul Azinger. Your wrist position at impact is a direct reflection of your starting grip position A strong grip with cupping at the top isn't going to give you the classic bowed wrist at impact. Why? Because the club face would be massively shut at that point. With a strong grip, there is actually LESS manipulation into impact.
It's easy to verify in a mirror. Take your backswing and verify that the bottom of the shaft is in the middle of the extension of your arm. Don't try to match this perfectly; do what feels natural to you.
HA! I gave the video a thumbs down because I was working on bowing the wrist for weeks and having good outcome (on the range). There is enough to do during the swing without having to remember to twist the wrist during the swing or at the top of the backswing? Sure it works if its something your focusing on and trying to do. Well I can say that After 3 buckets of balls today with the first 2 going terribly inconsistent, I tried the method I gave a thumbs down to. Boy was I wrong. After lining up over my ball with the neutral setup I typically take, I turned the face closed just a bit and took my normal swing. Wow! Straight as an arrow. I guess if you are making a good swing and leading the hands through the ball before the clubface like your supposed to, the clubface enters contact at a different angle then the one you set up with. It will be open at impact unless you make the effort to worry about that lead wrist. Thank you Shawn. I can work with this. Line up to the target with the clubface aiming at the target, then simply turn the face closed slightly in your hands, take the normal swing and see what happens.
hey Scott! I forgive you man! 😝❤️ See also an awesome couple videos to expand on what you have just said; see “predict perfect contact and direction shawn clement” and “how to put the ball in the way of your swing shawn clement golf wrx”
Shawn I love your explanations but if one is going to speak the language of anatomy and movement it is time to do away with terms such as cupping , bowing and hinging. If you are going to talk supination/pronation then you should speak the correct , universal and less confusing terminology for wrist range of motion. Wrist flex instead of cup and extend conversely. Speak of ulnar and radial deviation instead of hinging. Eventually we should speak the correct terminology with respect to hand surface anatomy to once and for all get rid of terms like " life lines and fleshy parts " . I have not found anyone yet in teaching circles who uses the correct nomenclature.
Good point Chris, but regarding "Wrist flex instead of cup and extend conversely", it's wrist flex instead of BOW and wrist extension for the converse (cup). See www.ergovancouver.net/wrist_movements.htm for more. Also, typically in the context of a golf swing, "hinging" usually refers to wrist extension and flexion, while "cocking" refers to ulnar and radial deviation. That said, a typical golf full wrist "cock" is a blend of extension and radial deviation.
Yes!! That is Moe! He told that to me in a wonderful 3 hour conversation we had under the big oak tree in front of the pro shop at Royal Oak Golf Club in Titusville FL! That os why he much prefered heavy clubs!
Thank you Jancen, yes, 50 pounds total since 2014..."grain Brain" is the title of the book that did this for me and it is very much the same as "primal blueprint" from Mark Sisson.
Shawn, you have a ton of GREAT videos but this one might be your crowning achievement! Explains so much of the “why” so I can just focus on releasing to my target 🎯 👍🏼
Very cool that you enjoyed this one and that it cleaned up your doubts so you can maintain focus on the important stuff! 😀👍🎯
I love the strong grip, but I also started opening my club face a little and rolling my wrist down in the downswing. It appears to help me shallow out the club and forces my hands forward to de loft the clubs and compress the ball. It also helps me to release my wrist through impact which creates about 5 mph more clubhead speed plus. I am 68🙏🏻lol!!I don’t really understand this hybrid combo fully and it might be just a me thing??? It also some how help me to hit up on my driver to reduce spin. Anyway, that’s my version of what I think is happening in my swing now. lol Love your teaching!!!
Shawn thank you. I recently found a coach and he had me change my grip to neutral from a strong grip and I've been playing worst then when I first came to see him. I'm going to tell him to watch your videos. Thank you so much!!
Clay Ballard and Eric Cogorno (great coaches) both promote a bowed wrist through impact. I've tried that and I could never get it working consistently. Also, I never liked the feeling. I played around with this to see if i could add more yards.
A strong grip proved to be the answer for me. I hit a slight draw to straight shot and have been doing so for the past 10 years. Shawn was spot on with this video.
I take a few things from each of the coaches I mentioned but the strong grip is the correct grip....for me.
There you go man! It pays to understand how the human machine uses it’s anatomy to get the job done LONG TERM!! Also, Ballard should know better as he is a tennis instructor; must have a few holes to plug in there too if he doesn’t understand this basic human movement pattern!
This makes so much bloody sense to me. How has taken thismpong to find this video. I have been trying for to long to play with a flat or even bowed wrist and have struggled with it.
I feel you man! That is because everyone is trying to play with pretty neutral grips that are off the planet to the right dynamically and then you have to bow the wrist to square things up because you started with a freaking defective grip in the first place! They don’t want to try and explain why Brendan Steel, Bubba Watson, Webb Simpson, Matt Kuchar Zack Johnson and dozens of other top PGA pros do so well with a very strong grip because it makes them look bad.
I am a senior petite woman rather new to golf. I had some lessons where the whole focus was my wrist should be flat or bowed at the top. Resulted in poor play, discomfort, and snap hooks. So glad I found this video. I am going to check my grip again. It used to be stronger than it is now.
Mary, I am so sorry for the incredible ignorance out there; it is so freaking easy to get my students to smoke the ball with ease when the arm-club unit gets loaded properly; so see “loaded arms shawn clement” and “be savy with your grip shawn clement” “best video on grip shawn clement” and “most important video on grip shawn clement” then get yourself onto our premium website at www.wisdomingolfpremium.com
I will definitely check out the videos. I was so confused. It hurt to put my wrist in these unnatural positions before. Excited again.
All of the videos I've seen prior to this made me think I was swinging all wrong. Thank you soooooo much Shawn. Finally someone who understand MY swing (and so many others!!)
Right on TJ!
Good video. One concept I want to add, that I think is interesting - Our grip is based on something called the length tension relationship. When you extend (or cup) the wrist, you are placing more tension on the muscles that grasp (your flexors) which maximizes ones ability to grip. The more you bow the wrist (wrist flexion) the weaker your grasp becomes. Need proof, squeeze two of your fingers with a natural slightly extended wrist position. Now do the same with your wrist fully bent in (flexed). You'll barely be able to grab your fingers.
A wrist bow can cause a great sense of not being able to really hold on to the club - which leads to a lot more tension and a very sore forearm.
Absolutely fantastic comment and will use this for future videos! Thank you dear youtube critic! You know your stuff! Shawn
@@golflessons Thanks for the love. I'm a former golf instructor turned occupational therapist with a bit of experience specializing in hand therapy. So this is right up my alley.
You know your stuff and it shows; really appreciate you chiming in!!
You're awesome Shawn! You have many videos like this talking about RELEASE, those are fantastic! thank you very much!
Yes sir! You need a solid feel of that release to stay locked in to the task of delivering your action snap release through the ball and into your picture!
Extraordinary explanation of a very complex subject. Honestly... A master class on hand action.
My question to you is this: It seems to me that bowing the wrist at the beginning of the down swing is a great way to avoid coming over the top and letting the club to fall in the slot. So the "natural capped looking top" and "hammering in the natural position" may produce a rupture in the perfect arch of the swing reducing club speed (just my opinion) As much as I like natural release (and everything natural in the golf swing) I find that bowing the wrist produces speed (when rotating the hips properly) and allows for a "natural squared faced release". A capped release instead, would kind of force me into a more aggressive grip and possibly a bit of timing manipulation to produce a square face contact.
Also... Anatomically, I find that a cupped release is easier on the tendons and muscles of the forearms but a bit tougher on the wrists whether a bow wrist may demand more from the forearms (being less natural) but less from the wrist at impact (because the clubface is already squared and there is less manipulation and less force applied by the wrist itself.
I am not sure if I make sense but, if I do, Can you comment on this? Tx!
Very well thought out Max; here is how your machine works though: the weaker the grip, the more the brain will need to bow the left wrist before impact-IF YOU ARE TRYING TO DELIVER THE BALL TO THE TARGET WITH A PRE-DETERMINED FLIGHT. Of course, a draw requires more-fade less. When you ask the brain to deliver the highest possible velocity with the least amount of effort towards the target, and you “goldie locks” the grip-club relationship, you will find the right combination eventually for yourself. The bowed wrist stuff, in my very extensive experience, is much more for the athletic player. I have always found that the vast majority of my students perform more powerfully and efficiently with the hinged wrists.
Bottom line, if you choose the shape of shot to a specific target and in your delivery, you feel the need to save it by aggressively bowing or rotating the club face closed, your grip and club face relationship is way too open to begin with.
That is exactly what I am working on these days and you just saved a tons of my wasted time. Thanks much.
You are very welcome! We have an awesome machine and it is so worth knowing how it works so that we don’t go against the grain for nothing! 😀👍
This video is amazing. Suprination and pronation and why its important in the swing finally made sense to me.
Finally someone who can explain and show simply how to correct and train my body to have a natural swing i have just changed to lefty after a year playing right so savvy has also helped with this recent frustrating transition thanks so much keep up the good work guys.
+Chris Macaulay
Thank you Chris!!
Seen and tried so many videos . this is best for visualizing
the back swing..always been a mystery
Right on Chiwen! 👍😀
Great video! So many instructors insist against minor cupping, but they never account for the fact that if you’re not strong enough in those areas it can be very painful!
Human Anatomy wins everytime!
Thanks Shawn. I’ve been trying to do the flat left wrist as that’s the teaching lately, but I don’t have the strength to overcome the weight of the golf club. I’m excited to give this a try.
You were made for this! See “most powerful wrist position shawn clement” also
Shawn, I have been a neutral grip player for 40 years. As I have gotten older, going to a stronger grip has helped me maintain my distance. It took lots of practice to feel comfortable, but well worth it. Thank you for clarifying the difference and affirming my change. Sam in South Carolina
Right on Samuel!
Honestly, what an outstanding explanation of the anatomical impacts of cupping and bowing. Very nicely done.
Thank you so much Chuck! Much appreciated!
Shaun, thank you so much for this video about the wrist positions. It's so simple when you explain it like you do. I've been fading/slicing for years but hinging my wrists slightly with a stronger grip has made a huge difference.
To set my grip I now take my natural back swing, check my club face position and turn my club to a slightly closed face at the top then come back to the start of my swing. It works for me.
Keep up the good work. Love your videos.
Ken
(Scarborough, UK)
Right on Ken! Great way to show the brain the feel you need to have the club face angle that you need to get through the ball!
Thanks Shawn! Another great video clarifying a great swing for us normal weekend golfers :-)
I used to start with a closed face but instructors told me that was all wrong so I switched. I liked that you mentioning that not everyone can swing with bowed wrists, one size does not fit all.
This is a timely video for me, as I was struggling with contact this month (mostly thin and topped). Before this video came out, I greatly improved contact by weaking the strong grip (one to two knuckles) and adding feeling of a bowed wrist in the backswing. I don't know if I actually am bowing it, but the feeling allowed for much better contact.
Really appreciated the explanation of the club face at the top (Open, closed and square) and how it affects the swing. I know WIG doesn't look at positions but it sure helps me understand the dynamics of the swing. Great video that takes us deeper into the into the rabbit hole!
Thanks Ron!
Great video to explain proper wrist position at the top~! How long I suffer from the wrong conception for scooping. I can clearly understand the proper position. Thanks~!!
Whew!!!! You just saved me cause I just hit 56 balls bowing the wrist at setup. I probably hit 3 balls really really good. Was gonna hit 100 tomorrow morning doing the same thing. Thanks
Awesome video Shawn, thanks for clearing that up!
You sir are the perfect balance for my swing and how I understand what’s being explained to me. My swing was great but everyone kept saying BOWED WRIST BOWED WRIST BOWED WRIST. As I would study my film my wrist was never bowing yet it was never cupped more of a firm backhand and I threw my whole swing out of whack trying to get that wrist bowed which lead to snap hooks to slices to pushed shots to pulled shots... so I emptied my cup after I got my muscle memory out of whack and went to my basic swing thought of “hang back until the show, hammer to and through target” I don’t think about my backswing at all, The only thing I think about is my target and my moment of impact. If my target is set my brain will do the rest as long as I stay in posture.
I know I’m a few years late to this video but thank you soo much. I was trying to correct this “cupping” of the wrist and it felt so awkward to me. You video explained how it’s a natural hinge position for me and that I should work with this natural anatomical movement. I just need to work on not snatching the club away during the backswing.
Right on! See “sledge hammer axe drill shawn clement” and you will get both!! 😀👍
Shawn Clement I know that my right hand doesn’t fold over or collapse like you talk about but the left wrist is very bent in the backswing. How much cupping is too much? I tend to fade but have closed the face at a dress to mitigate this problem.
Shawn Clement and yes I will check your video out now!
@@brittanyroessler7156 the key is for Both wrists to hinge together in the backswing and then release through the ball and re-hinge together to bring the swing to a smooth stop without injury. When both wrists hinge together, there is no possibility of too much or too little. See “loaded arms shawnclement” and “how to load the backswing shawn clement” (along those lines) and see “best video on grip ever shawn clement” and keep your eyes peeled for Monday’s video which will be a 30 minute epic historic video on grip.
Shawn Clement thank you!!!
Cheers Shawn, appreciate you taking time to get back to me! :)
I will most certainly check out video, as I have with many of your vids..
BTW, have been watching your vids for some time now, gone from 34 down to 24 this year, and it's due to watching your videos, esp the early ones!! GOLD!
Right on!
I'm 16 and my coach has gotten be to a bowed position and the results are phenomenal. With a little extra shoulder rotation and extension I can hit cuts all day long as well. I play every day so I can afford to bow the wrist and really bow it through impact. For older armatures, stronger grip at setup and allowing it to hinge is the way to to.
Very good Matt! Stay with it! Great comment!
So after seeing your definition of a curved left wrist and what is "acceptable" I've been ok with how my wrist has been. Ive been trying to get the flat wrist for a couple weeks now and all it has done is shortened my back swing and just felt awkward. My next thing was going to try and have my backswing be flatter to produce more turn of my body to increase my backswing. Thanks to you i see i don't have a curved left wrist at all. Thanks for breaking this down in simple terms. I see i need to just use more of a stronger grip at address and this should help my slice out alot.
Ive now liked and subscribed. Thanks again
Thanks Shawn, it seem so much of releasing to the target depends on keeping youe right elbow going forward and letting the club release. I've found swinging with one arm and only thinking about keeping that elbow moving helps prevent a default back to hitting the ball. Wonderful instruction!
Tom
Are you talking about your left arm or right arm....... for a right handed golfer that is. This seems like a good drill
Shawn at 9:11 you say that “inward rotation is supination.” I think you mean pronation.
Also a question. I have recently discovered the benefits of bowing the wrist. I have always brought the club to the top of my backswing with a cupped wrist (probably actually a natural position according to your teaching). Video of my swing at point of impact showed a very open club face. The result was a weak high fade or a pull (trying to correct it with wrist rotation and over the top path). So then I see DJ with an extreme bow at the top. I try it. MAGIC! As long as my hips rotated fully in the follow through I hit straight and consistently. I was able to eliminate the over the top swing pattern that has plagued me forever. The question...Does it matter if you bow the wrist at the top or doing the downswing (so you are in a proper position by the time you get to impact)? I find it easier to bow at the top because then I don’t have to catch up with rotation during the downswing.
This is brillaint. For months i've been rolling my wrist at the end of the downswing to get the club square. 2 sessions on the range closing the club face at address (with a stronger grip) and I don't have to think about squaring the face at all, it just happens. One less thing to think about and guess what - its drawing and going further!!! Thank you for sharing Shawn.
Thanks for the great comment Daniel! Enjoy!
Great video. I was very new to golf and watching Collin / DJ I felt like I needed to bow my wrist but it felt like such a weak position for me. My position at the top is exactly as you described.
It is a very weak position for human anatomy; unless you have learned this as a 6 year old, it will be so difficult to do! We don’t bow in baseball, fishing, tennis, and we certainly don’t want to do this in golf! many can function with it but many have paid the price of wrist surgeries as well! See a great video called “most important video on grip ever shawn clement” for more on this!
This could not be more correct. I also advocate for a stronger grip vs. a bowing action. That's one less move you have to make to square the club, and you can feel that sensation of chopping the tree so much more naturally. You'll be surprised at how much more control you have over your dispersion as well, as your need to turn your hands over all but disappears (if all other parts of your swing are functioning correctly).
Awesome comment, thank you DsevenO!
shawn if the snuff box for the leadhand is on top can you explain the position of the snuff box for the trail hand , i realise there is weak and strong but do you have a video on that and the differences how it affectsd the back swing
My oldie but goodie called “grip and wrist hinge shawn clement” and the “best video on grip ever shawn clement”
Very good, thanks for posting. I'm not sure about a closed club face at address but there's lots of interesting things in this presentation.
Essentially you're taking, depending on your grip, your address wrist position to the top of the swing then letting the left wrist flatten naturally through impact with lag. Close? I can bow the left wrist at the top and compress the ball nicely but I'm an advanced player. That said, you mentioned in the studio version of this that being flat at the top of the swing is a manipulation (provided you didn't start there at address). That was a bit of an eye-opener. I'd prefer to keep my compensations to a minimum and if I can bow on the start down, Hogan said supinate gradually into impact, I should be able to, with the feeling of the left wrist being in the same position as address at the top, then more readily feel a gradual supination due to lag at impact...in essence a gradual manipulation through the ball that will prevent a flip and be short in duration. I like it. (if my synopsis is correct that is lol)
Great video and great explanation. Now if I can only perform what you've taught I'd be all set!
I can't swing with a flat wrist like I keep getting told. I was taught to swing with a bowed wrist when I was in my teens and it caused me pain. It also made me afraid of my natural shot - the fade. The natural wrist cock at the top with a strong grip will give me a high 3-4 yd fade with my irons. I've embraced it. If I cup too much it turns into a slice. If I don't cup enough, it'll hook. I'm learning to feel it and watch the ball flight. But for now I have to swap grips on the clubs. The new clubs came with Crosslines and they aggravated my tendonitis and arthritis. More money.
Greetings Shawn. I have a few questions as I go through the process of finding a repeatable swing, and I am hoping you have time to clarify a few points.
First, you should know what I am working on at this point in time. I am working on hip rotation to the left and a active forearm rotation with my left forearm, which promotes a backhand left wrist position at impact in the downswing. Do not hear a flip when I say this, I just mean that if you were going to smack someone in the face with the back of your left hand, you would rotate your left forearm and in-turn you left wrist so that you would hit flush to the target with not flipping your hand completely over so that your thumb would be pointing to the ground. Hopefully that helps to give you a good visual.
The reason I am working on these integrated moves is because previously, I had been trying only body rotation generated by hip turn to pull the club through the impact zone. It would seem like every 1 out of 4 shots would be stuck well and I was trying to time and factor the exact amount of hip turn I would need to be able to get my desired distance and trajectory. Not to mention, with a fairly strong left hand grip it was still damn hard to not have a little fade most of the time.
I have filmed myself and I am on plane in the backswing and not coming over the top on the downswing, so those variables are not in play.
So my questions:
1. Are you saying that the golf swing philosophy is completely pivot driven with passive arms and hands?
2. Should you suppenate your left forearm/wrist so that you have a predictable impact alignment? Keep in mind that I am starting the downswing with a shift to the left driven by hip rotation and when the club handles feel like it is waist level, I actively rotate my wrist as if I was going to hit the ball with the back of my left wrist, which always promotes a downward and ball first strike. Also, with this motion it just feels like I have all day to hit the ball because I know exactly where my club face is relative to the back on my left hand.
Thank you very much for your valuable time.
Jp
Thanks for all of your insightful videos--thoughtful and enthusiastic. However, I think the hammer metaphor is flawed. I've hammered many thousands of nails, and the motion uses two kinds of releases--not just the snuff box release but also a lateral wrist motion with the first knuckle of the grip more on top of the hammer. Though I think you're right in saying that hammering is like releasing a golf club. One of the reasons this confuses me is that moving the left hand into a snuff box position for release tends to restrict rather than complement the release motion of the right hand. The two hands should not be in competition, and using the snuff motion from the left side shoulder places it in competition with the right side. However, the motion you show with a golf club does, in effect, take out the left hand as hammer at the moment of impact, I think because you've trained it to supinate at the last minute. There may be more Hogan in the swing than you acknowledge.
Great stuff Shawn ! Thank you pleasure to listen too 🏌️
Thanks for the great comment Vernon! Glad to have you on board!
its like all your videos are talking directly to me, i often slice the ball when i try to give it power and lead with my arms, which creates the open face and causes the slice. and will happen to a greater or less degree depending on the club length.
Work on your release where you let the weight of the club release you! See my latest video on my newsletter. You can register for my free weekly newsletter on www.wisdomingolf.com
Ben Hogan in one of his books promoted bowing , he used a really weak grip and bowed at impact but hr was a golfer that suffered hooking. Shawn is correct, strong grip and release to the target.
Great video. What I find is that not only does the bowing close the face, but it also moves the lie to a relative toe down position. How does one negate this lie angle effect?
On the top of the backswing, if your club is pointing more behind you or to the left of the flag, it's very easy to swing over the top when pulling down on the club. If you point the club more at the flag, then that promotes a more inside to out attack.
You have your right palm up coming through impact and release down after when you demonstrate with the hammer how does that not leave face wide open. Because when you hit the ball your right palm is facing the target or even down at impact. What am I missing?
This is classic release abandon which is a brilliant self preserving anatomical marvel built right into your body! the 2 worst ennemies of the golf swing are control and effort!
see “fencing for power shawn clement” and feel that drill for yourself! on our premium channel, we go into full detail on this with “lead hand release, “trail hand release”, release fine tuning”, turbo charge lead hand release and turbo charge trail hand release” , and snap release polish….amazing machine we have!
Another great video Shawn!
thank you for sharing your great knowledge of golf ...
Hey Shawn, great video! Thanks for sharing. I've got a question, if you don't mind giving me a tip. I have a big slicing problem with my irons. Now, I've just found out that at the end of my backswing my left wrist is veeery cupped. I cup it like that because it makes me feel much stronger in the follow through. Now, do you think that's the problem? Shoud I bow it or should I just close the grip? Thank you :) Keep it up!
Close the face yes! But you want both wrists to hinge together on both snuff boxes! You do not want a collapse; bowed wrist is collapse and a cupped left and bowed right is collapsed. See "weak grip vs strong grip shawn clement" and "grip and wrist hinge shawn clement"
+Wisdom in Golf Premium Thanks! I'll watch the videos! xD Thank you for the answer!
why is this video not more popular is beyond my understanding.
Give it a chance, it has only been out a week! :)
A PGA professional, formally from Cog Hill in Chicago gave me a brief swing lesson today because I work at the golf course he now works at. He noticed my cupped left wrist at the top of the back swing and told me to bow it slightly. He said it's the only way to play really well. He said the cupped wrist works well in chip shots but not the full swing. I tried it a few holes but can't do it, doesn't feel comfortable to me at all. But he claimed it was the only way to achieve your maximum power. Guess I'll just continue to suck at golf....lol I don't know why PGA instructors are so focused on how they play, and if you don't play THEIR way you're wrong, bums me out.
Eddie, have a look at my latest "arm motion" video in my new series called "golf lifeguards" and get the real facts in Anatomy 101 which is not a class offered in the PGA and should be the first class offered!
He's one of the only ones who preaches a natural hinging of the wrists. Most all others preach flat wrist at top which is forced and unnatural. Great teaching!
Thanks very much! The only time I will not touch the bowed wrists is if I have a solid athlete who has been doing it since being a kid in either golf or tennis.
Supination and pronation can be confusing terms. You mixed it up at 9:12 when you said supination and also at the end of the video which might confuse people, especially if they haven’t heard these terms before
It’s like right and left; can easily confuse both and I am not immune to it as I am thinking about my next sentence before I complete my next one:
SUPINATION=OUTWARD ROTATION.
PRONATION=INWARD ROTATION.
When delivering your shot, as a right handed person, the right hand pronates through as the left hand supinates in a yielding action.
SUPination like soup -- turn your wrists out like you're holding up a bowl of soup from the bottom. Hope that helps!
Great content!
Recently, I tried to get an ideal impact position which hands are well ahead of ball. But with neutral grip, I should manipulate my right hand cupped position during downswing or turn my body faster to get square.
I saw this video today and strong grip makes sense! I do not need to make additional move! Just natural.
But What if beginner just flipping club in front of the ball? Then strong grip could be a problem.
That is a good revelation for you; good stuff! As for the beginner, the first thing they need to do is know the difference in feel between hitting AT THE BALL and swinging THROUGH THE BALL TO A TARGET. Then they will realize themselves what degree the face should be closed as they continue to deliver to a target
Shawn would love your opinion on Bobby Jones position at the top. Also considering he retired at 28 years old and often went months between touching a club and then wins a major I don't think there is even a consideration of who is the greatest of them all. Also with his swing arc and today's equipment and ball just how far could he have hit the Ball. 400 450?
Yes, 'love Bobby Jones' swing! Undoubtedly would have been one of the greatest on the Tour. In context of this video; he did actually cup (or as Mr Clement says here 'collapse') his left wrist so he had to turn his wrist out even more through the downswing to close the clubface. In modern times good examples of this are Fred Couples and John Daly.
I'm revisiting this video because I'm getting a lot of conflicting information regarding grip strength and position of the wrists at the top of the swing. For the past few years I've been advised to use a neutral grip with a flat left wrist and a very bent-back right wrist at the top. It works, but I feel like I'm losing yardage because I can only do a 3/4 swing. You seem to have a cupped left wrist with a straight right wrist at the top while using a strong grip. This seems like a more comfortable and powerful way to swing the club. Is this a fair assessment of what you're advocating?
This is such an important comment and where there is the most DISINFORMATION in the industry. The human anatomy understanding to the rescue: the anatomical snuff box is where the wrists load to throw footballs, cast fishing poles and hammer nails; it is A VERY POWERFUL LEVER. There are way more players on the tour with a strong grips than a weak or neutral ones. See “best video on grip ever shawn clement” and “most important video on grip ever shawn clement” and then see “weak grip vs strong grip shawn clement golf wrx”
@@golflessons Will do, thanks for the direction!
At last. I thought the bowed wrist at impact was rediculous, because it felt incredibly weak when you start with a strong grip and was completely unnatural to me.
I can say goodbye to the bowed wrist theory for good.
Thank you
You bet! And for the golfers who have been doing this since youth; like Brooks Koepka and Dustin Johnson, they are mostly right handed golfers who have the strength to perform this move that was built from when they were very young. So instead of going back in time, which of course we can’t, it is MUCH BETTER to listen to the anatomy and go with what is stronger naturally for the task of golf.
Perfect explanation!
I found "consistent" hand pressure through the swing keeps the wrists loose. Don't change the hand pressure at all. It keeps you relaxed as if you were doing a warm-up swing.
Hi SHAWN. I been playing more consistent golf by closing the club face 20 degrees
At address. Is that a bad idea? But 1 in 5 swing it goes 20 degrees to the left. Any advise?
great lesson!
Shawn, I know that I saw on one of your videos that at address the toe of the club is slightly off the ground. This to me indicates that there must be about a 45 degree angle between the club shaft and my arms at address. My question is, am I to retain that angle through impact then is that what I release at the target Thanks Patrick D, Miller
Gosh, none of the above Patrick! You cannot have your focus on that! All you have is a target, a flight to that target, a set up that allows you to cut through grass to that target then a feel of full release out to that target. Your anatomy, wrists, hand strength, body core strength, limb length and flexibility etc etc etc...endless combinations of bodies out there, they will determine those angles, not your opinion or anyone elses opinions.
Shawn, I'm sorry but I do not agree that Dustin Johnson has a strong grip.
Having spoken with him several years ago at Myrtle Beach regarding his grip, he uses a neutral grip because he does not want to hook the ball. At that time he detested (and I would even say, feared) the hook, because he was gambling and believed the hook tended to take over the swing under pressure. He had seen the hook cost players a lot of money.
I think something else to consider regarding the cause of the bowed wrist is that everyone I've seen who bows it at the top of the swing uses a long thumb, as DJ & JS do. I know players who've recently put the bow into their swings, because of DJ & JS. They are hitting it longer, I must concede, though I wouldn't do it on purpose.
I believe that anytime you get away from square in your swing, you have to break a physical law to get back to square at impact, and that move back to square would be an inefficiency in the swing.
Thanks for you teachings! I generally agree 100% with you.
Things got a bit confusing when you first grabbed the hammer using your right hand instead of the left. I always thought that cupping and bowing referred to position of the left wrist at the top of the backswing.
Great video shawn.... do you also close hybrid woods and driver prior to grip?
Depends on the design of the club, some need to more and some less and some about the same...
You deliver a release to target and see how it flies! Then make your adjustments...
+Wisdom in Golf Premium thanks shawn
+Wisdom in Golf Premium just played around with a stronger grip again as im hitting it well but just not getting maximum compression..... i have seen your previous videos about taking grip then squaring behind ball.... this is good but sometimes I hook.....the real winner is actually addressing the ball with the 30' shut face.. this sub consciously makes me hold off the face longer and retain lag....compression is like a crack! and about 2 clubs longer! this is great.... what i find is as the clubs get longer the less shut i have them as its easier to work the ball.
cheers shawn
Right on Dave!! You got it man!
that makes sense to me-also would it be better to adjust the lie angle from say standard to a few degrees upright to eliminate the need to toe in the club-or would that not be as effective. CF
Not as effective as the sole of the club would not perform its cutting duties properly...
I wish you were closer to me-ive tried just about everything-i have a bad low back disc-L4 L5 and s1 so my swing is kinda all over the place and it wont hold up over 18 holes
So, should we set clubface slightly closed at address for most clubs then for vast majority of shots????
I often hit shots wide from a neutral position regularly, and often wonder why??
See "weak grip vs strong grip shawn clement" and then " grip and compression shawn clement" and the answer is yes! More closed for draw and less closed for fade would equal dynamically to "collect slightly open and release slightly closed for draw" and "collect open and release slightly open for fade"
One thing that all great golfers have in common (no matter how they grip or swing the club) is the flat, to slightly bowed, lead wrist at impact. Some players prefer to "set" that position throughout the backswing and maintain it into impact. Those are the players who are flat or bowed at the top ala DJ, Spieth, Trevino etc.
Others don't feel comfortable doing that , since it feels awkward and prevents the wrist from cocking fully. Those players "roll" the lead wrist open on the backswing or grip the club strong.
Problem with that is the wrists have to be manipulated on the downswing back to a lead wrist flat/bowed position at impact. Good luck doing that under the gun, especially on a short chip shot over a bunker to a tight pin.
Do flexibility exercises on the lead wrist that will allow you to be able to maintain a flat/bowed lead wrist while being able to fully cock the wrist . DJ wasn't born with that ability . He works on it.
If you early release the club with this method you will get some ugly snap hooks. Hang with it and "feel" as though you never release the club. If you are a trail arm "pusher" of the club, never stop pushing on the downswing. Don't stop pushing until the club is wrapped around your neck. Use a "steady" not "jerky" pushing motion.
If you are a "puller" of the shaft, never stop pulling. Use a steady, not jerky, pulling force and don't stop pulling on the downswing until the shaft is wrapped around your neck, or as Faldo says, "your Gregory Peck" :) .
Yeah, that's wrong. Go look at Fred Couples or Paul Azinger. Your wrist position at impact is a direct reflection of your starting grip position A strong grip with cupping at the top isn't going to give you the classic bowed wrist at impact. Why? Because the club face would be massively shut at that point. With a strong grip, there is actually LESS manipulation into impact.
Love the vídeo, wish i could send to everyone that says i have a cupped wrist...
It's easy to verify in a mirror. Take your backswing and verify that the bottom of the shaft is in the middle of the extension of your arm. Don't try to match this perfectly; do what feels natural to you.
And you shawn, do you close your club face at address or your forearms are strong enough ?
Yes, I close the face for sure! It is all about when you release to target, is the ball flying the way you want without any need to manipulate?
HA! I gave the video a thumbs down because I was working on bowing the wrist for weeks and having good outcome (on the range). There is enough to do during the swing without having to remember to twist the wrist during the swing or at the top of the backswing? Sure it works if its something your focusing on and trying to do. Well I can say that After 3 buckets of balls today with the first 2 going terribly inconsistent, I tried the method I gave a thumbs down to. Boy was I wrong. After lining up over my ball with the neutral setup I typically take, I turned the face closed just a bit and took my normal swing. Wow! Straight as an arrow. I guess if you are making a good swing and leading the hands through the ball before the clubface like your supposed to, the clubface enters contact at a different angle then the one you set up with. It will be open at impact unless you make the effort to worry about that lead wrist. Thank you Shawn. I can work with this. Line up to the target with the clubface aiming at the target, then simply turn the face closed slightly in your hands, take the normal swing and see what happens.
hey Scott! I forgive you man! 😝❤️
See also an awesome couple videos to expand on what you have just said; see “predict perfect contact and direction shawn clement” and “how to put the ball in the way of your swing shawn clement golf wrx”
great vid! +
ISnt that Peter Finchs intro music?
It is APPLE INTRO MUSIC; used by many as you have noticed; I don't know who that guy is?
Golf instructor on RUclips.
Hey Shawn, just to let you know, you misspoke at 9:10. That would actually be pronation.
6:00
thanks..
You bet!
with a weaker wrist (actually not neutral but very weak) what position do you recommend the right hand?
Shawn I love your explanations but if one is going to speak the language of anatomy and movement it is time to do away with terms such as cupping , bowing and hinging. If you are going to talk supination/pronation then you should speak the correct , universal and less confusing terminology for wrist range of motion. Wrist flex instead of cup and extend conversely. Speak of ulnar and radial deviation instead of hinging.
Eventually we should speak the correct terminology with respect to hand surface anatomy to once and for all get rid of terms like " life lines and fleshy parts " . I have not found anyone yet in teaching circles who uses the correct nomenclature.
I would love to have you over again Chris and let's have a coffee on that! Miss you buddy!! Great to hear from you!!
Good point Chris, but regarding "Wrist flex instead of cup and extend conversely", it's wrist flex instead of BOW and wrist extension for the converse (cup). See www.ergovancouver.net/wrist_movements.htm for more. Also, typically in the context of a golf swing, "hinging" usually refers to wrist extension and flexion, while "cocking" refers to ulnar and radial deviation. That said, a typical golf full wrist "cock" is a blend of extension and radial deviation.
I liked...relieve the anatomy...allow the weight of the sword to release me.
I think Moe Norman once said, "My swing balances me."
Yes!! That is Moe! He told that to me in a wonderful 3 hour conversation we had under the big oak tree in front of the pro shop at Royal Oak Golf Club in Titusville FL! That os why he much prefered heavy clubs!
Wisdom in Golf Premium That is why I moved my son Ben to steel 95g shafted irons sooner. The weight helps with rhythm!
Be the club
Did you lose some weight? You look very fit.
Thank you Jancen, yes, 50 pounds total since 2014..."grain Brain" is the title of the book that did this for me and it is very much the same as "primal blueprint" from Mark Sisson.