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Waggle All clubs Intermediate ⏱ 8 min 🇬🇧 Video in English, summarized

Ben Hogan's waggle and that of the pros, by Jim McLean

Ben Hogan wrote extensively about the waggle in *Five Lessons*, and Jim McLean has been teaching it for as long as anyone can remember. He demonstrates the waggle he was taught as a teenager, as well as those used by several players on the tour. The message: a wrist movement before the swing that relaxes the body and sets it up for the shot.

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Jim McLean
Jim McLean · 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 problemWhy Do We Do the "Waggle" in Golf? Les GolfiteursMa Chun Teng Chan · Intermediate3 minFrom the same proSenior Golf Swing: Jim McLean's Keys to Turn FreelyJim McLean · Seniors

What the lesson shows

Jim McLean learned from Al Mengert on Ben Hogan and Sam Snead's waggle: above the ball, in front of it, then behind it, bringing the club back up each time. Hogan adapted his swing to the shot: further inward for a draw, further outward, with the body turned to the left, for a fade. McLean also notes that Hogan’s left arm moves toward the target during the waggle, which positions his hands in front of the club, the desired position at impact.

The waggle is done especially around the wrists, without freezing their feet. Players with high handicaps often remain motionless and tense as they stand over the ball; however, according to McLean, Tension kills the swing. He mentions Jason Dufner and his nine to twelve quick waggles with the driver, Lexi Thompson, Justin Thomas, and Rickie Fowler, who check the club’s position, and Johnny Miller, who pulled his elbows back to relax his arms. Everyone can have their own waggle, as long as it flows seamlessly into the swing.

The Exercise, Step by Step

  1. At address, swing the club up over the ball, forward, and then back, using your wrists.
  2. Let your left arm move slightly toward the target so you can feel your hands in front of the club.
  3. Keep your feet moving a little so you don't stiffen up.
  4. For a draw, aim the waggle a little more toward the inside; for a fade, a little more toward the outside.
  5. If your backswing starts too far out, use the waggle to get a feel for a more inside start, like Rickie Fowler.
  6. Follow up the waggle directly with the start of the swing.

Key Takeaways

The waggle is used to loosen up the hands before the swing.
It also gives an indication of the move you're going to make.
Ben Hogan would waggle his club inward for a draw and outward for a fade.
The movement comes mainly from the wrists, without keeping the feet still.
Players with high handicaps often remain tense as they stand over the ball.
Each player can have their own waggle as long as it flows naturally into the swing.

Mistakes to Avoid

  • Standing motionless and tense over the ball.
  • Waggle with your whole body instead of just your wrists.
  • Keep your feet planted on the ground during the waggle.
  • Perform a waggle that has nothing to do with the shot you want to play.

Driving Range Mode

Keep it in plain sight, on the rug.

  1. Hogan's waggle before each shot
  2. Waggle—first draw-oriented, then fade-oriented
  3. A series of quick waggles with the driver, Dufner-style

Your Questions

What is the waggle used for?

According to Jim McLean, relaxing your hands before the swing already signals the type of shot you're going to play. It also helps you get the club off the ground more effectively.

How do you do Ben Hogan's waggle?

Swing the club up over the ball, in front of it, then back, and repeat. Hogan would swing it inward for a draw and outward for a fade.

How many waggles should you do?

There's no set rule. Jason Dufner told McLean that he usually hits nine to twelve with the driver and three or four with an iron.

Can you move your feet during the waggle?

Yes. McLean points out that you shouldn't stay completely still; a little movement in your feet is normal.

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. 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. Why Do We Do the "Waggle" in Golf? Les GolfiteursGood golfers never stand completely still in front of the ball: waggles, shuffling, and subtle movements get the body moving before the swing. Jim McLeanAll of his lessons

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

* Amateur competitions with guidance from the pros