Does a strong right hand lead to an inside takeaway/flat backswing?

[PapaMatt]

Hi all - I posted a swing in the forums about a month ago and then an update two weeks ago. I have the same problem now that I know I have had for at least 2+ years. Too flat going back, too steep coming down. I have tried various drills and feels but even when I feel like I am taking it almost in front of me, when I draw a line down the shaft, still outside the ball.

A few years ago, I had the typical beginner's slice and got away from it by really strengthening my grip. Was still flat, but not a slicer. But then I developed a hook...anyway, I have weakened the left hand a bit but the right hand has a tendency to creep under. I was playing around with my grip last night and although i felt quite awkward, a very traditional looking right hand grip seemed to cure the flat backswing problem. I didn't feel like I needed to "try" to anything special to achieve a better position. I am working on the centered pivot Mike suggested, but I wonder if what I am seeing makes sense with this grip change??

[SavvySwede]

I do believe there is a tendency to get flatter with a grip that is too strong but there are plenty of golfers out there that have strong grips without this issue. Looking at your My Swing thread you do seem to have an overly strong grip but I'd work on fixing your flip first because a weaker grip will make you feel you need to flip it more to square the face.

[PapaMatt]

But I think I flip because I get stuck without enough room and part of that's the flat swing....I think :)

[iacas]

But I think I flip because I get stuck without enough room and part of that's the flat swing....I think :)

That's likely well down on the list of reasons why you flip.

[PapaMatt]

That's likely well down on the list of reasons why you flip.

I see. Well, after reviewing Monte's causes and cures of flips I would guess I flip due to getting ahead with my body and having to throw/flip to catch up....maybe. :)

[billchao]

I see. Well, after reviewing Monte's causes and cures of flips I would guess I flip due to getting ahead with my body and having to throw/flip to catch up....maybe. :)

Not necessarily, no. I have a tendency for my lower body to "outrace" my upper body and flipping has never been a problem for me.

You should stick with the stuff that's been pointed out to you in your swing thread and not worry about the extra stuff. Flipping is more of a symptom of a problem than the cause of a problem. Fixing the pivot stuff may clean up your impact conditions, without actually having to work on the impact condition itself.

[PapaMatt]

Not necessarily, no. I have a tendency for my lower body to "outrace" my upper body and flipping has never been a problem for me.

You should stick with the stuff that's been pointed out to you in your swing thread and not worry about the extra stuff. Flipping is more of a symptom of a problem than the cause of a problem. Fixing the pivot stuff may clean up your impact conditions, without actually having to work on the impact condition itself.

I'm sure you're right, it seems I just get distracted when I look at the video and see I am still very flat. I have been working on what Mike suggested re: the pivot but it did not seem to clear up the flatness, yet. Will keep working.

[mvmac]

A few years ago, I had the typical beginner's slice and got away from it by really strengthening my grip. Was still flat, but not a slicer. But then I developed a hook...anyway, I have weakened the left hand a bit but the right hand has a tendency to creep under. I was playing around with my grip last night and although i felt quite awkward, a very traditional looking right hand grip seemed to cure the flat backswing problem. I didn't feel like I needed to "try" to anything special to achieve a better position. I am working on the centered pivot Mike suggested, but I wonder if what I am seeing makes sense with this grip change??

Generally a weaker grip (left and right hand) can encourage the club to load low and in from 1-2.

Also your takeaway isn't inside.

So I don't get OT, more about your swing.

http://thesandtrap.com/t/82055/my-swing-papamatt#post_1156450

[PapaMatt]

Thanks for keeping me on track Mike. Will work on the swing things you mentioned and if I do anything with my grip it will be just trying to get it a little more like the "How to Grip a Golf Club" thread. I