One of the most misunderstood components of the takeaway is the role of the trail arm and, specifically, the trail wrist.
As you learned in the Move 1 lesson, it really does not do much of anything during the takeaway. However, many golfers need a more detailed explanation of why that is and what it means in practice. Today we are going to get specific about exactly what that trail wrist does and does not do.
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Don't Hinge That Wrist!
Right wrist hinged, left cocked
There is a lot of golf instruction out there that contradicts what we are saying, but we will demonstrate what happens and why we maintain that the trail wrist should not do much during the takeaway.
Many golf instructors teach that the trail wrist should hinge during the takeaway. We completely disagree. It is an entirely unnecessary movement that introduces complications.
In the photo to the left, you can see what it looks like when the trail wrist is hinged and the lead wrist starts to cock as you begin to bring the club back.
We are talking about that backward bend in the trail wrist.
Look what happens to the club face as that trail wrist hinges — it is dead shut. Unless you do something to manipulate your grip, when you hinge that wrist the club face is not only going to be shut, it is going to have a tendency to get inside and steep.
A shut club face inherently wants to steepen the .
Do This Instead
All you need to do with your trail wrist is maintain the neutral position that it is in at address.
Square position at the top
Your trail wrist should stay very flat during the takeaway move. Do not let it hinge and end up on top of the club. You never want your hand positioned on top of the club.
Your trail wrist stays neutral as you turn back. That is going to make it very easy to reach a square position at the top. It will hinge back a small amount — you cannot completely prevent that from happening — but you certainly do not want to actively add to it.
The trail wrist stays neutral as it goes back. The lead wrist is going to cock naturally.
Technically, the trail wrist cocks slightly — it is almost on an angle between a hinge and a cock — but mainly you want to concentrate on the feeling that it is remaining neutral throughout the takeaway. To see how your own takeaway and wrist positions compare to an elite benchmark, try a free AI swing analysis.
Check Your Watch
If you were wearing a watch on your trail hand, somebody standing behind you during the takeaway could read your watch.
You do not want to be able to read it yourself, and someone standing down the line should not be able to read it either. It needs to stay positioned so that someone behind you, or almost underneath you, could read the face.
Then you maintain it in that neutral position all the way to the top.
If you find that you are getting the club face very shut, or you are getting overly handsy during the takeaway, check to make sure your trail wrist remains neutral and flat. Make sure it does not start to hinge, and you will achieve a much better position going back. For real-time coaching on your takeaway mechanics, try a free AI golf lesson.
How to Maintain a Neutral Trail Wrist in the Takeaway
Learn how to keep your trail wrist neutral during the takeaway for better swing mechanics.
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1
Understand the Trail Wrist's Role
Recognize that the trail wrist does not need to hinge during the takeaway. Its primary role is to remain neutral, which helps maintain a proper club face position.
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2
Maintain a Neutral Position
At address, ensure your trail wrist is in a neutral position. As you begin the takeaway, focus on keeping it flat and not allowing it to hinge or bend backward.
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3
Check Your Wrist Position
Imagine wearing a watch on your trail hand. During the takeaway, someone standing behind you should be able to read your watch, indicating that your wrist is in the correct position.
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4
Avoid Hinging the Wrist
Prevent your trail wrist from hinging at the start of your swing. A hinged wrist can lead to a closed club face and a steep swing plane, which can negatively impact your shot.
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5
Focus on the Lead Wrist
While your trail wrist should remain neutral, allow your lead wrist to naturally cock as you take the club back. This will help you achieve a better overall position at the top of your swing.
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6
Practice Regularly
Incorporate drills that emphasize maintaining a neutral trail wrist during your practice sessions. Consistent practice will help reinforce this important aspect of your takeaway.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the role of the right arm in the takeaway?
The right arm, or trail arm, plays a minimal role during the takeaway. It should primarily maintain a neutral position rather than hinge, which can complicate the swing and lead to an undesirable club face angle. Focusing on keeping the trail wrist flat allows for a more effective and consistent takeaway.
Why is it important to keep the trail wrist neutral during the takeaway?
Keeping the trail wrist neutral is crucial because hinging it can cause the club face to close, leading to a steep swing plane. A neutral wrist position helps maintain control over the club face, promoting a square position at the top of the swing. This simple adjustment can significantly enhance overall swing mechanics.
How can I check if my trail wrist is in the correct position during the takeaway?
A practical way to check your trail wrist position is to imagine wearing a watch on that hand. If someone standing behind you can read your watch during the takeaway, your wrist is positioned correctly. This ensures that your trail wrist remains neutral and flat, contributing to a better swing path.
What common mistakes do golfers make with their trail wrist during the takeaway?
Many golfers mistakenly hinge their trail wrist during the takeaway, which can lead to a closed club face and a steep swing plane. This unnecessary movement complicates the swing and can negatively impact performance. Instead, golfers should focus on keeping the trail wrist flat and neutral to achieve a more effective takeaway.
Watch part 2 now to see how you're moving your body in the opposite direction of the pros!
