Why do the pros do this?

[muddcat]

Why do you see alot of pros do a mock swing with their hands? I know you have seen it, they hold their arm out stiff and do a mock swing as if their arm is the club? what does this do?

[lolzzlolzz]

It's a form of the waggle. The waggle plays a role in the shot.

[MPS67]

A golf waggle movement can serve a few purposes.

1) It can help the golfer relieve tension in their wrists and lower arms.

2) It can act as a trigger to start the golf swing, if the waggle is a small forward press movement, for example.

3) It can help the golfer set their tempo so that their full swing is more in rhythm.

4) It can help relax, settle, and keep the golfer loose.

5) It can help them adjust and fine tune their grip and address position.

So it's kind of similar to how a basketball player will dribble the ball, spin it in their hands, and exhale before taking a shot from the follow line. Or how a baseball players pump their bats before they take a pitch.

[Mr.Wedge]

I think Muddcat is asking about something other than a waggle, like doing a mock swing without a club in the hands? Not sure.

[Jamboboy]

Yeah I think I have seen this before where they kind of imitate the blade with the back of there hands, can't remember who i've seen do it though. Probably just an idiosynchrasy like the different forms of waggle.

I find myself taking mini steps on the spot before my swing like i'm getting them comfortable or something.

[ks8829]

I believe the pros are working on a swing thought and the practice swing without the club helps them rehearse before they actually swing.

It could be keeping a certain line or angle on the take away.

[justinmill14]

I find myself taking mini steps on the spot before my swing like i'm getting them comfortable or something.

I find myself doing that too. Lol.

[bflat450]

They are visualizing hitting the shot before they select their club. It helps sometimes I'll do it if I'm not sure how I want to play it yet.

[Jarno]

The way I see it is that it's a movement that simulates what a player wants to see/feel the club face do.

I do this same movement on practically all my shots. So as well as "feeling" the club head coming through, I like to make sure I feel my left forearm rotating. This is just part of a routine to make sure when I set up I am confident on my swing.

But I am certainly no pro....