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Warm-up and MobilityBody Rotation Driver Intermediate ⏱ 6 min 🇬🇧 Video in English, summarized

Rory McIlroy's Hip Rotation: The Right Side Key

A GolfPass subscriber asks Rory McIlroy for an exercise to improve hip rotation, protect his hip, and gain distance. His answer comes down to a reference point on the right side and a warm-up tip for those who spend their days sitting.

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Rory McIlroy
Rory McIlroy · his YouTube channelFree lesson selected by Fred P.

To be continued

8 minSame problemCéline Boutier's Warm-up Before a TournamentCéline Boutier · Intermediate7 minSame problemSenior Golf Rotation: Natalie LowePro-Fit Golf Natalie Lowe · Seniors1 minFrom the same proThe Bump and Run Chip: Rory McIlroyRory McIlroy · Beginner / Intermediate

What the lesson shows

Rory admits that his quick hips came naturally to him. What he's looking for is, on the backswing, enter the right hip and make a full turn; on the downswing, your hips don't necessarily have to be wide open at impact, but a good sequence, so that the upper and lower body reach the ball at the same time. His stance is that of a “right-sided” player: right arm, right elbow, right hip, and right knee move together through the ball, which automatically aligns the hips in the right direction. He demonstrates this with his driver using just that thought.

Part Two: Mobility. Sitting at a desk all day makes your hips stiff. Before playing, Rory does some dynamic stretches: moving the body through a variety of motions, or simply swinging a heavy club. He advises against passive stretching or yoga before a round, which he believes “shut down” the muscles; he saves those for afterward, as a recovery tool.

The Exercise, Step by Step

  1. Warm up with some dynamic movements, such as a few swings with a heavy club.
  2. During the backswing, shift your weight to your right hip and complete a full turn.
  3. As you lower yourself, move your right arm, right elbow, right hip, and right knee together.
  4. Hit a few balls with your driver, keeping only that thought in mind.
  5. After your workout, stick to passive stretching to help you recover.

Key Takeaways

During the backswing, you rotate your right hip through a full circle.
Upon impact, your hips don't need to be wide open.
The upper and lower body reach the ball at the same time.
Key point: The right elbow, hip, and knee move together.
Before playing, do dynamic stretches; after playing, do passive stretches.

Mistakes to Avoid

  • Aim at all costs to keep your hips wide open at impact.
  • Let the upper and lower body rotate in opposite directions.
  • Do some passive stretching, like yoga, right before playing.
  • Arriving at the steep start after a day of sitting.

Driving Range Mode

Keep it in plain sight, on the rug.

  1. A few swings with a heavy club before hitting the ball
  2. Hits with the driver while focusing on “straight elbow, hip, and knee together”
  3. Passive Stretching After the Workout

Your Questions

Does Rory have an exercise for hip rotation?

Not really an exercise—more of a guide. Move your straight elbow, hip, and knee together through the ball, which helps orient your hips in the right direction.

Do you need to have your hips very open at impact?

Not according to Rory. Above all, they need to coordinate their movements so that their upper and lower bodies reach the ball at the same time.

Why is there a mark on the right side?

Rory has always considered himself very “right-footed,” even in the way he strikes the ball. He has always found it harder to get used to the feel of his left foot.

What stretches should you do before a ride?

Dynamic stretches, moving the body in different directions or swinging a heavy club. He saves passive stretches and yoga for after the round.

Learn More

All “Warm-up and Mobility” videos →Find the lesson that's right for youAll “Body Rotation” videos →Find the lesson that's right for you Xander Schauffele and His Father's Side-Step DrillTogether with his father, Stefan, Schauffele demonstrates the track-and-field drills that shaped his swing: side step, back foot, heel strike. Scottie Scheffler's Backswing: The Pencil-in-the-Grip DrillAn extension rod—or even just a pencil—placed at the end of the grip shows you at the top of the backswing whether the club is crossing the line and helps you maintain your stance. Golf Swing Follow-Through: Translation, Rotation, ExtensionSequential hip support recovery (lateral translation, rotation, extension): club on the shoulders; a stick is used to correct those who turn and stand up too early. Rory McIlroyAll of his lessons

Video posted on YouTube by its creator (Rory McIlroy). Best Golf Tips selects and summarizes the best free lessons, without hosting them.

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