In this post, we will look at wrist data from U.S. Open champion Bryson DeChambeau from his driver swing.
His swing is a great example of a lot of wrist rotation through impact, which allows him to maintain clubface control while maintaining a high clubhead speed. Check out the images and data showing the rotation of the lead forearm into a palm up position.
Below we will take a look at Bryson’s lead wrist data gathered by HackMotion Wrist Sensor.
All of our information is based on carefully analyzed pro player data, developed together with leading golf instructors.
First of all, let’s quickly review wrist and hand motion terms.
Rotation Clockwise (-) /Counter-clockwise (+).
Supination (palm up move) increases positive graph value (+)/ Pronation negative (-)
Flexion (-)/ Extension (+)
Radial (+)/ Ulnar (-) Deviation
wrist FLEXION (-) / EXTENSION (+)
1. Bryson is actually in flexion at address (-13 degrees). He tries to match his impact position. The jumbo grips and extremely weak left hand grip likely the cause this phenomenon.
2. Bryson adds extension very late in his backswing. He has a bit of extension at the top (+11 degrees) and adds very little additional extension in transition (max 14 degrees extended). Overall, he does not have excessive extension at the top.
3. At impact, Bryson is flexed (bowed) -20 degrees. He has taken out all extension and added more flexion than he had at address. Bryson does not add additional flexion through impact. After impact, Bryson is slowly adding extension, but smaller amounts compared to other players.
Bryson DeChambeau has relatively stable lead wrist extension throughout the swing. He does not release his clubhead speed with massive extension after impact. So how does he release the speed? The answer is ROTATION of the lead wrist.
That’s why I get into what I call an “impact fix position” at address. It’s not a drill. On every swing, I press my hands forward and shift some weight to my front foot in a mock impact position before I start back. I learned about this move while reading Homer Kelley’s book The Golfing Machine as a kid, and it really clicked."
Source: Golf.com article, link below
wrist ROTATION
CLOCKWISE(-) / COUNTER-clockwise(+)
RADIAL (+) / ULNAR(-) DEVIATION
2. Bryson adds a small amount of radial during transition (only 4 degrees). This was not Bryson’s “full rip” swing, during which he adds more wrist hinge. However, his normal controlled driver swing still produces very long drives.
Bryson is able to hit long distances by not adding much radial deviation. He generates speed with body rotation and wrist supination, allowing him to have clubface control.
Mark Crossfield's Analysis
For additional analysis on Bryson DeChambeau’s wrist angles, watch a video (11 min) by golf professional Mark Crossfield.