Learning the waggle: Paul Wilson
Do you find yourself frozen in place for several seconds over the ball? Paul Wilson, creator of the Body Swing method, addresses golfers who don’t know how to waggle: he describes the motion and the three reasons behind it, to help you start your swing in a relaxed manner.
To be continued
What the lesson shows
Paul Wilson starts with a student who would stay frozen for about thirty seconds over the ball before starting his swing, without even knowing he was supposed to waggle. The motion is simple: with the club raised slightly, he turns the back of his lead hand forward (the glove's logo facing the camera, which is filming him head-on) and raises the club until it is roughly parallel to the ground, without moving his arms. He does this two or three times, sets the club back down, holds one thought, and hits.
There are three reasons for the waggle. First, feel the weight of the club: when you relax, the club feels heavy—which is what you want; if you're stiff, it feels light. Next, keeping the wrists supple, without releasing the club. Finally, previewing the takeaway: his waggle starts very slightly inside the line. If your takeaway goes too far outside, waggling more to the inside can help; if it goes too far inside, waggle more along the line. There’s no single right way to do it: everyone develops their own with experience, but it must remain a very slight movement, to incorporate into your pre-shot routine.
The Exercise, Step by Step
- Take your grip and lift the club slightly.
- Turn the back of your lead hand forward, facing you in a mirror.
- Raise the club until it is horizontal, without moving your arms.
- Repeat two or three times, feeling the weight of the club.
- Watch the club's path out of the corner of your eye.
- Set the club back down, stay in motion, and start your swing.
Key Takeaways
Mistakes to Avoid
- Staying frozen over the ball for several seconds.
- Making the waggle too big, using your arms.
- Keeping your wrists locked and the club feeling light in your hands.
- Waggling on a path opposite to the takeaway you want.
Driving Range Mode
Keep it in plain sight, on the rug.
- Waggles at home, with the back of the lead hand turned forward
- Two or three waggles before each ball at the driving range
- Waggle more to the inside or more along the line, depending on your takeaway
Your Questions
What is the waggle?
A small movement before the swing: according to Paul Wilson, you turn the back of your lead hand to face forward and lift the club up to horizontal, two or three times.
Why should the club feel heavy?
This is a sign that your arms are relaxed. If you're stiff, the club feels light.
Can the waggle correct the takeaway?
It previews it: if your takeaway goes outside, waggling a little more to the inside can help, and vice versa.
Is there just one right way to do a waggle?
No, everyone develops their own through experience, but it should remain a very small movement that’s part of the pre-shot routine.
Learn More
Video posted on YouTube by its creator (Paul Wilson). Best Golf Tips selects and summarizes the best free lessons, without hosting them.