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Waggle All clubs Beginner / Intermediate ⏱ 4 min 🇬🇧 Video in English, summarized

The Waggle: A Miniature Swing — Mike Malaska

Does your waggle really resemble your swing? Mike Malaska of Malaska Golf notes that many amateurs move the club around randomly before taking their shot. He explains how to make your waggle a miniature version of your full swing, just like on the tour.

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Mike Malaska
Mike Malaska · his YouTube channelFree lesson selected by Fred P.

To be continued

5 minSame problemThe 4 Common Mistakes in the Pre-Shot Routine That Cause TensionPaul Lambersens · Beginner / Intermediate11 minNext Level UpXander Schauffele's Stress-Free Driver Pre-Shot RoutineXander Schauffele · Intermediate9 minFrom the same proA Gradual Warm-Up Before Playing: Mike MalaskaMike Malaska · Seniors

What the lesson shows

For Mike Malaska, the waggle is a prelude to the swing and all the players on the tour work on it. However, for many amateurs, the club's movement at address has nothing to do with what they want to do afterward: they take the club very far inside, whereas good players definitely don’t want that takeaway. The problem: wherever the club goes during the waggle, that’s where it will go at the start of the backswing. So you first need to know what you want to do with your swing.

For most good players, the club starts along the line, breaks upward, and then comes back down slightly inside its upward path. His waggle reproduces this: the club starts on the target line or slightly outside it, then makes a small loop to the inside, with his right hand moving as if to throw a ball. By pushing the grip down, the clubhead rises, and then the arms trace a small circle. By enlarging this motion, you get the full swing: the waggle is a miniature version of the swing. He points out two common mistakes: lifting the club without rotating, or bringing it too far inside. He also mentions a body waggle, without going into detail.

The Exercise, Step by Step

  1. First, decide on the takeaway you want.
  2. At address, push the grip down slightly.
  3. Let the clubhead travel along the line or slightly outside it.
  4. Bring it back in a small loop toward the inside.
  5. Move your right hand as if throwing a ball.
  6. Gradually expand this movement until you reach a full swing.

Key Takeaways

The waggle is a prelude to the swing, practiced by players on the tour.
Wherever the club goes during the waggle, it will go at the start of the backswing.
Club on the line or slightly outside, then a small loop to the inside.
Pushing the grip down raises the clubhead.
When expanded, the waggle becomes a full swing.

Mistakes to Avoid

  • Moving the club randomly at address.
  • Waggling with the club taken far to the inside.
  • Lifting the club without turning.
  • Performing a waggle that has nothing to do with the intended swing.

Driving Range Mode

Keep it in plain sight, on the rug.

  1. Waggles in front of a mirror, club in line, then an inside loop
  2. A waggle gradually expanded into a full swing
  3. The same waggle as part of the pre-shot routine before each shot

Your Questions

What makes a good waggle?

For Mike Malaska, it's a miniature version of the full swing: the club starts on the line or slightly outside it, then comes back with a slight inside loop.

Why does the waggle affect the backswing?

Wherever the club goes during the waggle, it will go at the start of the backswing. A waggle far to the inside sets up a takeaway far to the inside.

What flaws does he see in amateurs?

Mainly two: lifting the club without turning, or taking it way too far inside.

How do you get the clubhead to rise?

By pushing the grip down: the clubhead rises, and then the arms make a small circle.

Learn More

All “Waggle” videos →Find the lesson that's right for you Xander Schauffele's Stress-Free Driver Pre-Shot RoutineSchauffele's driver pre-shot routine: aiming point, square shoulders, anti-tension waggle; to hit it farther, keep your left shoulder high and your heel off the ground. Ben Hogan's waggle and that of the pros, by Jim McLeanThe waggle isn't a tic: according to Jim McLean, it relaxes your hands, relieves tension, and gives a preview of the shot you're about to play. The 4 Common Mistakes in the Pre-Shot Routine That Cause TensionFour preparation mistakes: taking the practice swing off-target, taking the practice swing with just the arms, keeping your eyes fixed on the ball, and standing motionless at address. Mike MalaskaAll of his lessons

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

* Amateur competitions with guidance from the pros