Downswing and TransitionImpact PositionSwing and Swing Plane All clubs Intermediate ⏱ 9 min 🇬🇧 Video in English, summarized

The Role of the Hands in the Swing: Point, Then Snap

Name: The Role of the Hands in the Swing: Point, Then Snap
Uploaded: 2024-03-16T12:00:00+00:00
Duration: 9 min 16 s
Channel: Danny Maude
Description: Your hands and arms have two roles: generating effortless power and controlling direction. Danny Maude demonstrates this with Paul, a student who was swinging down too steeply. In three steps, he teaches him how to position the club, swing it toward the ball, and keep his upper body back.

Your hands and arms have two roles: generating effortless power and controlling direction. Danny Maude demonstrates this with Paul, a student who was swinging down too steeply. In three steps, he teaches him how to position the club, swing it toward the ball, and keep his upper body back.

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Danny Maude · his YouTube channelFree lesson selected by Fred P.

To be continued

7 minSame problemA Stretch Feeling at the Start of the DownswingPadraig Harrington · Intermediate / Expert 10 minSame problemPressure on the inside of the lead foot in the downswingSimon Camirand · Intermediate 9 minFrom the same proPlaying from Slopes Made Simple: Danny MaudeDanny Maude · Beginner / Intermediate

What the lesson shows

Paul does what many golfers do: on a downhill slope, The handle straightens out and becomes too stiff. The club passes in front of the hands; there’s no longer any room to swing it, which is why the wrist snaps, the elbow flares out, and the shot goes off course. First step: on the downswing, Point the tip of the grip toward the ball, then along the line of play. Another possible image: point your right elbow toward the target. The clubface is positioned at about 45°—this is the power position. At first, the clubface remains open and the ball goes to the right: this is normal.

Step 2: Don't bring the club back with your wrists, but pull the end of the grip (or your elbow) toward you. This motion whips the club around the turn and closes the clubface. Danny sets the rhythm like this: “One, two, and swing through.” Step three: Don’t lean your upper body toward the target, or you’ll pull the grip and leave the club behind. Plant your right foot, turn your hips toward the target, and stretches his back. The same principle applies to the driver.

The Exercise, Step by Step

Set up the club as usual.
On the downswing, point the tip of the grip toward the ball, then along the line of play (or point your right elbow toward the target).
Hit a few balls focusing solely on that feeling, even if they go to the right.
Add the second motion: pull the end of the grip toward you to whip the club toward the ball.
Set the rhythm: “One, two, and clap.”.
Plant your right foot, turn your hips toward the target, and straighten your back as the ball passes by.
Do the same thing with the driver, with the ball positioned forward.

Key Takeaways

The hands and arms generate speed and control direction.

A shaft that's too stiff on the downswing prevents you from swinging the club.

Tip: The end of the grip—or the right elbow—points along the line of play.

Next, pull the grip toward you to whip the club and close the clubface.

Keep your upper body still: right foot planted, hips facing the target, back straight.

The method is the same for both the iron and the driver.

Mistakes to Avoid

Let the club shaft straighten out on the downswing, with the clubhead in front of your hands.
Use your wrists to bring the club back toward the ball.
Pointing the tip of the grip toward your body too early.
Lean your upper body toward the target: the club stays behind, and the speed disappears.
When using a driver, lean forward and drive the clubhead into the ground.

Driving Range Mode

Keep it in plain sight, on the rug.

Slow swings: grip aligned along the line
Rhythmic exercise: “One, two, and clap”
A feeling of the back stretching, right foot firmly planted
One sensation at a time, then we move on

Your Questions

Is it better to focus on the end of the grip or on the right elbow?

Both images lead to the same result. Danny Maude offers them as options: some students prefer to point the grip along the line, while others prefer to point their right elbow toward the target.

My shots go to the right when I point the grip: is that normal?

Yes, at this point the clubface is still open. It’s the second movement—pulling the grip toward you—that closes the clubface and brings the ball back on line.

Why shouldn't you lean your upper body forward upon impact?

Because it pulls the grip forward and leaves the club behind: you lose speed. Instead, you need to plant your right foot, rotate your hips, and straighten your back.

Is this job suitable for a golfer with limited mobility?

Danny says he uses it with older golfers who aren't as mobile. His student Paul has injuries and limited mobility; he's looking for a stretch that's comfortable for him.

Learn More

All “Downhill and Transition” videos →Find the lesson that's right for you All “Impact Position” videos →Find the lesson that's right for you All “Swing and Swing Plane” videos →Find the lesson that's right for you Danny MaudeAll of his lessons

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