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Waggle All clubs Expert / Intermediate ⏱ 9 min 🇬🇧 Video in English, summarized

The Waggle, a Rehearsal for Impact: Zach Allen

Do you freeze up over the ball? Zach Allen, a golf coach on YouTube, wants to convince you to waggle before every shot. Drawing on the examples of Ben Hogan, Sam Snead, and Tiger Woods, he explains that it helps you rehearse the sensations of the downswing and impact.

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Zach Allen Golf · his YouTube channelFree lesson selected by Fred P.

To be continued

11 minSame problemXander Schauffele's Stress-Free Driver Pre-Shot RoutineXander Schauffele · Intermediate8 minSame problemBen Hogan's waggle and that of the pros, by Jim McLeanJim McLean · Intermediate8 minSame problemWhy Do We Do the "Waggle" in Golf? Les GolfiteursMa Chun Teng Chan · Intermediate

What the lesson shows

For Zach Allen, the waggle helps him hit the ball better and farther, and serves as a reference point under pressure. Ben Hogan and Sam Snead did it before every shot, and Tiger Woods describes his pre-shot routine: one last check, a waggle, then the swing—always with the same tempo. In his book, Ben Hogan devotes about three pages to it: it’s not a nervous tic, it serves a specific purpose. During the waggle, the hands move forward in front of the ball, the back elbow touches the ribs, and the front forearm rotates to bring the club into the plane.

In this position, Zach Allen feels all the right pressure points: the external rotation of the trail elbow, typical of the start of the downswing; the back of the lead hand, which ensures a square face; the lag angle between the shaft and the lead arm; and the trail wrist bent back, which takes loft off (“a 7-iron becomes a 6-iron”). Hogan felt the shot was already played, and played well. Key point: a waggle is not a takeaway, the hands never move back, or you lose the feel of the downswing. He also mentions the “secret handshake” from one of his former coaches, Greg, which helps you feel that trail wrist bent back.

The Exercise, Step by Step

  1. At address, push your hands slightly ahead of the ball.
  2. Let your back elbow move toward your ribs.
  3. Rotate your lead forearm to put the club on plane.
  4. Feel the trail wrist bent back and the back of your lead hand.
  5. Make one or two waggles in rhythm with your feet.
  6. Flow into your swing with the same tempo on every shot.

Key Takeaways

Ben Hogan, Sam Snead, and Tiger Woods waggle before every shot.
The waggle has a specific purpose: to replicate the feel of impact.
Hands forward, trail elbow toward the ribs, lead forearm rotating.
You feel the lag and the trail wrist bent back, which take loft off.
The hands never move backward: this is not the start of the swing.

Mistakes to Avoid

  • Treating the waggle as a mere nervous tic with no purpose.
  • Bringing your hands back as if starting the takeaway.
  • Freezing at address before starting the swing.
  • Changing tempo from one shot to the next.

Driving Range Mode

Keep it in plain sight, on the rug.

  1. Waggles without the ball, feeling the rear elbow toward the ribs
  2. “Secret handshake” to feel the trail wrist bent back
  3. The same waggle before every ball on the driving range

Your Questions

What is the waggle used for?

For Zach Allen, as for Ben Hogan, it previews the sensations of the downswing and impact: the position of the hands, arms, and wrists.

What should you feel during the waggle?

The rear elbow moving toward the ribs, the back of the front hand, the lag angle, and the rear wrist bent backward.

Is the waggle the start of the backswing?

No. The hands move forward, never back; otherwise you lose the feel of the downswing.

Do today's pros still do the waggle?

Yes, he quotes Tiger Woods, who describes a pre-shot routine that's the same for every shot: a glance, a waggle, then the swing.

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.

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

* Amateur competitions with guidance from the pros