The short game can be considered a miniature version of the full swing.
However, there are some nuances to wrist action in the short game that you should explore to take your game to the next level.
In this HackMotion short game unit, you will find information and data to help with the following:
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Contents
Wrist Action in Pitching using the HackMotion
A pitch shot is a higher lofted shot that lands on the green and stops rather quickly. Most pitch shots require a higher lofted club, like a sand wedge or gap wedge.
The goal here is to create high loft and higher spin so the ball stops quickly and you maintain control.
Lead Wrist Extension in Pitching
While pitching, maintaining a stable lead wrist with slight extension at the top helps control loft and produce spin. This is essential for achieving a consistent, high launch and precise landing.
Typically, extra extension in the lead wrist in the golf swing isn’t always considered a great thing because it opens the clubface. In pitching, this opening of the clubface helps to increase loft and create a softer shot.
Clubface Control
Proper wrist mechanics in pitching involves maintaining a stable lead wrist with minimal flexion through impact. From this position, you’ll achieve better accuracy and consistency.
Practice with the HackMotion to determine if you maintain flexion or extension in your chipping and how that changes from the backswing through impact. Also, look for consistency in this motion.
Remember that the more extension of the lead wrist, the more the clubface opens.
Consistency in Wrist Angles to Control Distance
Use HackMotion to track your pitching practice sessions. The better you maintain these wrist angles, the more flight control you will have.
In addition, many golfers struggle with distance control in the short game. Again, a stable and slightly extended lead wrist through impact will help make it easier to narrow down your distances.
Wrist Action in Chipping Using HackMotion
The chip shot is a lower lofted shot that will fly for a short period of time and then roll the rest of the way to the hole.
Unlike pitch shots, where a high ball flight is important, chipping requires minimal time in the air and a straight and direct roll toward the cup.
Lead Wrist Flexion in Chipping
For chipping, achieving flexion in the lead wrist during the backswing and maintaining it through impact promotes a delofted clubface.
This results in a lower flight and more roll. The goal with these shorter chip shots is to emulate that same impact position you see in full swing.
The more wrist flexion you have, the more it delofts the clubface, and you’ll see less spin and more roll. This can be done with any short game club, but many players prefer to use a pitching wedge or even a 9 iron for their chip shots.
With less loft on the chips (due to flexion in the lead wrist), you may want to use this shot from clean lies when there are no hazards or barriers between you and the hole.
Importance of Clubface Control
Proper wrist mechanics are vital for controlling the clubface during chip shots. Consistent lead wrist flexion helps ensure a clean strike and precise roll.
Challenge yourself to hit 10 shots and see how many of them you can get your lead wrist to a flexed position.
Analyzing Wrist Movements
Use HackMotion to monitor wrist movements and make necessary adjustments. Consistent wrist positions lead to better control over the shot. You’ll need to make sure that the lead wrist is flexed and the trail wrist is extended through the impact zone.
Wear the HackMotion for your practice sessions and compare them to that of your pitching practice sessions. There should be a noticeable difference in the amount of flexion and extension in the lead wrist.
Why Wrists Matter in Short Game
You’ve likely heard a lot of information about the wrists in golf and how they impact your game. In the short game, there are three specific reasons why wrists matter and how you should be using them:
- Control Over Clubface: Wrist angles directly influence the clubface position at impact, which is crucial for accuracy and consistency in the short game.
- Adjusting Loft and Spin: Proper wrist mechanics help in adjusting the loft and spin of the ball, essential for effective chipping and pitching.
- Consistency and Precision: Consistent wrist positions lead to more precise shots, reducing errors and improving overall short game performance.
Drills to Help Improve Your Chipping and Pitching
Now that you know how wrist action changes in pitching and chipping, here are some drills you can work on throughout the short game.
1. Short Game Triangle Drill
This drill visualizes a triangle formed by the ball, your hands, and the clubhead to address path and shaft lean issues. It helps golfers achieve the right amount of shaft lean for better control around the greens.
2. Flip the Handle Drill
The Flip The Handle drill emphasizes allowing the club head to drop naturally through impact rather than leading too much with the handle, which can cause compensations.
It aids in achieving consistent contact with the ball.
3. Leave the Clubhead in the Sand Drill
Designed for bunker shots, this drill uses the arms and wrists rather than the body. By “throwing” the club head and leaving it in the sand, you can better utilize the bounce of the club for more effective sand shots.
4. Split Grip Club Throw Drill
By placing hands in a split grip, this drill helps golfers feel the correct club movement independent of the body.
It encourages dropping the club into place through impact, promoting consistent contact and control.
5. Brushing the Bounce Drill
This drill teaches how to properly use the bounce on wedges to avoid digging or thin shots. It involves sliding the club along the ground to increase interaction time with the ball, improving contact, spin, and overall feel.