The grip and how it effects your release

[JackieTreehorn]

I enjoyed this thread, but I wonder how this relates to the notion that the thumb should be pressed into the pointer finger on both hands. That is how I have been swinging for a bit. But I notice 1) a hole in my glove where my thumb rests on the grip and 2) my thumb is centered or diagonally going left (wrong way) on top of the grip.

I think it may make sense for me to keep the same neutral L hand position but just unglue the L thumb and pointer finger a bit near the thumb tip to get it to the R side of the shaft. Just doing it in my living room right now feels great.

[jambalaya]

Yes, this is a great thread. Goes to show you that there are so many maddening influences on the golf swing and it's no wonder why we struggle to find that perfect swing.

[traviswise]

Yes, this is a great thread. Goes to show you that there are so many maddening influences on the golf swing and it's no wonder why we struggle to find that perfect swing.

Exactly. I have only been playing for six or seven months and I have learned only one thing.

Everyone else has the answer apparently. But seriously, best advice is educate yourself with principles of the swing and then go figure it out based on your own personal swing. This thumb adjustment might work for some but I guarantee you it will hurt as many as it helps.

[ItsAllRelative]

thanks a lot to the op.

i've never really given consideration to the idea that i may have a poor grip. tried moving my left thumb today on my driver, and it has almost completely cured my release timing. i've always had a problem fighting a fade. my drives are anywhere from straight to fade to slice, depending on my release. today i was either straight, small draw, or small fade. much more consistent.

[shortstop20]

I found this out through experimentation a couple months ago but just figured it was something that fit my swing. I agree that the improper position of the thumb encourages a cupped wrist.

[future pga 2b]

uhh man let people do what feels natural for people

[enduro]

uhh man let people do what feels natural for people

Sometimes you have to change what feels natural and make that feel natural.

[shortstop20]

uhh man let people do what feels natural for people

Coming over the top feels natural for many but I still wouldn't suggest they do it on that basis.

[Brakkus]

This one was of the few times I decided based on the advice in a forum that I made a swing change.It felt great from the off because before I had started a grip and regrip routine trying to get my hands connected and comfortable,although it didn't reach Garcia proportions.
My grip became longer on the club and my right hand slips beautifully over the top of my thumb now.Before I used to hook quite regularly but that only happens occasionally now,due to my hands being connected better,they used to look totally seperate at times never together.
So thanks to the OP.

[ScottyCameron]

Ok, let me get this straight- a strong grip has the left thumb more to the right, but what about the right hand thumb? Does that go more left? does it go down the middle?

Great advise here. I've heard alot about the strong grip with the left thumb more to the right but not quite sure where the right thumb should go. Thanks

[iacas]

Strong in either hand is more to the right. Strong = "promotes the clubhead to be closed at impact."

[Adumb]

I would definitely agree that something as simple as grip can determine a slice or hook. I fixed my slice by changing my grip to a tighter grip.

[Snakehousehawk]

Good God. I tweaked my grip today by moving my left thumb as the OP described. I shot my best score ever, a 75. It was like all of the sudden I was hitting ever single shot straight. It also allowed me to release the club which in turn allowed me to swing with such ease and still hit the ball with the same if not more distance. I just can't believe how a change of 2 cm can change your game so much. Best golf tip I have used since I started playing 15 years ago. Much thanks.

[Elvisliveson]

Ok, let me get this straight- a strong grip has the left thumb more to the right, but what about the right hand thumb? Does that go more left? does it go down the middle?

Forget about the right thumb. You put your left hand on the club in whichever position you prefer, strong or weak, and then just fit the pocket formed by your right palm over your left thumb. Your right thumb can either rest against your right forefinger or be slightly separated from it, that's a matter of personal preference.

[jambalaya]

I think this thread is calling for me. My right hand has completely taken over my swing. I struggle to get the clubhead square to the ball lately. I am hitting off the heel a lot and widly inconsistent. I feel I have no control of the club with my hands for some reason. Your idea is worth a shot for me Ringer. When I was coming into work today, went to the range last night to work on my problem, I was thinking I need to weaken my right hand. Maybe I just need to do what you suggest because I just cannot get my left arm involved enough in the shot. At least that is what I think. Never thought about moving the left thumb away from the index finger. Mine are tight together I think.

Something that I had been doing that may be a hint to my problem is keeping my right arm glued to my side. It worked well for a while but seems to have taken my swing to a place that does not work any more.

[hostage46]

So could someone point me towards a definition of a cupped wrist? I presume it's breaking the wrist in the wrong plane. His cupping different from hinging>

[ninetwothree]

uhh man let people do what feels natural for people

natural? what the hell is natural with golf? you stand like almost no other sport, swing in a circle like no other motion, and hit a stationary object to the side !?!? golf is not natural and it never will be. So therefore you must hold the club appropriately, stand appropriately, and have a swing style that follows science. i for one am tired of people coming up with excuses as to why they cant do something with golf because its not natural. most of the players on this site probably have motions that resemble an octopus falling from a tree, so the feelings they get of swinging on plane are 'awkward, weird, crazy' so they don't do it and refer back to their Shank N Crank swings and tell people that their swing instructor was awful and wonder why they aren't getting better. Read a book. do some homework. golf isn't easy, but once you set up in a way that falls into correct parameters, you'll be better able to follow some science. Good luck to all those "it feels bad so its wrong" players... i wish you luck and when i show up with a half set of 40 year old clubs and one golf ball, you best pay up

[Zeph]

So could someone point me towards a definition of a cupped wrist? I presume it's breaking the wrist in the wrong plane. His cupping different from hinging>

Hold your left arm straight out in front of you, flip either hand up and down. Flipping it up will cup it, flipping it down will bow it.