Driving Driver Expert ⏱ 7 min 🇬🇧 Video in English, summarized

Wide-Grip Driver Drill: Rory's Drill

Name: Wide-Grip Driver Drill: Rory's Drill
Uploaded: 2022-01-28T12:00:00+00:00
Duration: 7 min 3 s
Channel: Rory McIlroy
Description: What drill does Rory McIlroy do almost every day? He places his hands wide apart on the grip, with his right hand under his left, moves them all the way up, and then back to the release position. He explains what this drill corrects for him and how he uses it, with or without a ball.

What drill does Rory McIlroy do almost every day? He places his hands wide apart on the grip, with his right hand under his left, moves them all the way up, and then back to the release position. He explains what this drill corrects for him and how he uses it, with or without a ball.

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

To be continued

9 minSame problemViktor Hovland's Driver Swing: A Stable ClubfaceViktor Hovland · Expert 9 minSame problemBryson DeChambeau's Drive: Unweight, Load, PushBryson DeChambeau · Expert 1 minFrom the same proThe Bump and Run Chip: Rory McIlroyRory McIlroy · Beginner / Intermediate

What the lesson shows

Rory McIlroy uses this Wide-Grip Drill with the driver and all the clubs. The left hand is higher, the right hand lower, and below of the shaft. This grip puts the club in the right position at every stage without having to adjust it, and, most importantly, positions the right-hand man. At the top of the swing, the right elbow doesn't go too far behind him; on the downswing, it remains in front of the body. When his elbow gets stuck behind him, Rory hits the ball way to the right, or he “freaks out” and hooks it.

He does two or three practice swings before taking a swing, moving all the way up, then through to the follow-through, before replicating that feeling on an actual swing. He also does a lot of them without a ball: For him, swing drills are about getting a feel for a movement. He mentions another one: indoors, twisting a towel in opposite directions to feel the upward motion and the position of the right arm. His advice: it’s better to do a drill 100 times than to hit a bucket of balls, and to note down your sensations, as he has done since childhood.

The Exercise, Step by Step

Spread your hands on the grip: left hand on top, right hand lower down, below the shaft.
Swing all the way up, keeping your right arm in front of you.
Lower yourself into the delivery position, with your right elbow in front of your body.
Continue through the impact zone.
Repeat two or three times.
Go back to your normal grip and hit the ball, aiming for the same feel.

Key Takeaways

Left hand on top, right hand lower down and under the neck.

The drill positions the right arm without conscious effort.

At the top of the movement, the right elbow should not extend too far behind the body.

When swinging down, keep your right elbow in front of your body.

Two or three practice swings, then a real swing with the same feel.

Lots of drills without a ball, every day.

Mistakes to Avoid

Let your right elbow tuck behind your body as you lower yourself.
Compensate by doing a “flip” with your hands that causes the ball to hook.
Do the drill only with a ball in front of you.
Do it just once instead of repeating it every day.

Driving Range Mode

Keep it in plain sight, on the rug.

Two or three practice swings with your hands spread apart before each drive
Series without the ball, up to the delivery position
Towel twisted in opposite directions for the backswing
Record how you feel after the session

Your Questions

How should you position your hands for this exercise?

His left hand is at the top of the grip, and his right hand is lower down, below the shaft. Rory McIlroy uses this grip with his driver just as he does with all his other clubs.

What flaw does this drill correct in Rory?

A straight elbow that gets stuck behind the body on the downswing. This results in either a ball that is pushed far to the right or a “flip” of the hands that causes a hook.

How many repetitions should you do before typing?

No specific number: two or three to get the feel back, then one swing. Rory also takes a lot of swings far from the ball every day.

Can you work on the same feel without a club?

Rory twists a towel in opposite directions in the gym to feel the upward motion and the position of his right arm at the top of the swing.

Learn More

All “Driving” videos →Find the lesson that's right for you Pete Cowen's Push-Pull Driver DrillPeter Cowen helps Danny Maude feel the “push-pull” action in his legs—pushing off the ground to pull with his hips—for a smooth body rotation with the driver. Increasing Your Clubhead Speed: Adjustments and ExercisesGain speed without straining: adjust your loft, tee, and ball position; swing with a relaxed hip motion; and feel the acceleration after contact. Seniors: Lift Your Left Heel to Drive FurtherFor senior golfers, keeping the left heel planted on the ground shortens the takeaway and causes you to tense up; letting it lift allows for a full shoulder turn and a relaxed swing. 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.