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Body RotationSpeed, Power, and Distance All clubs Intermediate ⏱ 4 min 🇫🇷 Video in French

Golf Hip-to-Shoulder Separation: The Hip Twist

Do you feel like you’re only swinging with your arms? Charles Marchildon, a PGA of Canada professional, attributes it all to the “twist” of the hips—the separation between hip rotation and shoulder rotation—which he demonstrates through three exercises.

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Charles Marchildon
Charles Marchildon · his YouTube channelFree lesson selected by Fred P.

To be continued

2 minSame problemJustin Rose's ball drill: rotating without liftingJustin Rose · Intermediate6 minSame problemUse the Ground to Hit Harder: Pavon's DrillMatthieu Pavon · Intermediate / Expert2 minFrom the same proSleeve in front of the hip at impact: MarchildonCharles Marchildon · Intermediate / Expert

What the lesson shows

Charles Marchildon cites a biomechanical analysis conducted in the 1990s by a renowned American instructor on more than 100 PGA professionals: to generate speed, you need to a distinction between hip rotation and shoulder rotation; the more pronounced it is, the faster the clubhead speed becomes. Hence the “twist” of the hips. It addresses two common complaints: hitting the ball with just the arms, and return to the landing position in your starting stance instead of having your hips turned. In this case, the arms are held back, they slow down, and reaching toward the target becomes uncomfortable.

First exercise: the baseball swing in midair, so that the hips, pelvis, and legs rotate before the arms swing. He points out that the hips are the driving force behind the arm swing, which is why pros focus on Pilates and core strengthening. Next, with one's back to the wall, hands on the floor: rotate your hips without moving your shoulders or head. The more challenging variation is done perpendicular to the wall, in this position, with your shoulders turned and palms against the wall: shift your weight and pivot your hips, feeling a deep stretch.

The Exercise, Step by Step

  1. Take a baseball swing in the air: rotate your hips, pelvis, and legs before swinging.
  2. Repeat the same “twist and whip” sequence with a golf club.
  3. Stand facing a wall with your hands resting on it, and rotate your hips without moving your shoulders or head.
  4. Next, stand perpendicular to the wall in a golf stance, with your shoulders turned and your palms against the wall.
  5. Shift your weight and pivot your hips without moving your shoulders.
  6. Keep that feel and hit a few balls, letting your hips lead the way.

Key Takeaways

Speed comes from the separation between the rotation of the hips and the shoulders.
At the moment of impact, the hips should already have rotated.
Hips remain stationary upon impact: arms held back, deceleration, restricted extension.
The hips are the engine that drives the arms.
Many golfers still have trouble separating their hips, shoulders, and head.

Mistakes to Avoid

  • Strike only with your arms.
  • Return to impact with your hips at their setup position.
  • Let your shoulders and head move with your hips.
  • Swing your arms before your hips have rotated.

Driving Range Mode

Keep it in plain sight, on the rug.

  1. Baseball swings in the air, “twist and whip”
  2. Rotate your hips while facing the wall, keeping your shoulders and head still
  3. Variation perpendicular to the wall, with palms on the ground
  4. A few swings, letting your hips lead

Your Questions

What is a “hip twist”?

It refers to the separation, during the swing, between the rotation of the hips and that of the shoulders. According to Charles Marchildon, the more pronounced this separation is, the more clubhead speed is generated.

Why does it feel like I'm hitting the right spot with my arms?

This is often because the hips did not rotate at impact. As a result, the arms are held back, deceleration occurs, and extending toward the target becomes uncomfortable.

How can you work on hip-shoulder dissociation?

Stand facing a wall with your hands resting on it, and rotate your hips without moving your shoulders or head. The variation done perpendicular to the wall, in a golf stance, is more challenging.

What is the purpose of the baseball swing in this video?

Be mindful of the sequence: the hips, pelvis, and legs move first, then the arms whip out.

Learn More

All “Body Rotation” videos →Find the lesson that's right for youAll “Speed, Power, and Distance” videos →Find the lesson that's right for you "Head-Against-the-Wall" Golf Drill: Rotation and DownswingJust one reference point—a wall against your head—to practice shoulder rotation at home, strengthen the right muscles, and lower yourself along the inside. Justin Rose's ball drill: rotating without liftingHolding a ball between your forearms keeps your elbows together: your body rotates instead of raising your arms, your hands remain still, and the angle is maintained. Use the Ground to Hit Harder: Pavon's DrillPavon gains speed without changing his swing: he learns to push off the ground at the right moment using a weight-transfer exercise. Charles MarchildonAll of his lessons

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

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