Shaft Lean At Address (How Much to Have & Why it’s Important)

HackMotion

Jun 10, 2024 . 6 mins read

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Having your hands ahead of the clubface at address is a good position to be in. This helps you return to the position on the downswing. The problem, however, is that many gofers exaggerate this action.

They have their hands too far forward and it delofts the clubface and creates inconsistent strikes. In addition, players often have the incorrect wrist position making it difficult to return the clubface square.

We will show you how much shaft lean at address is necessary and why you want it, and we will give you some drills to work on this concept without overexaggerating it.

Shaft Lean at Address (Key Takeaways)

We certainly understand if you want to save this article and return when you have time to go to the driving range.

Here are the key points to take with you right now:

• To compress a golf ball, maximize distance and consistency, you need forward shaft lean at addres and then again at impact.
• Check your grip to make sure it’s strong enough and that your wrists are in more of a bowed position so that you can get better impact consistency.
• Wearing the HackMotion can help you get some consistency in your setup and start to get your shaft lean at address correct each time you swing.

What’s the Importance of Shaft Lean at Address?

Before we get into how to achieve the right amount of shaft lean at address, you may want to know why this is important.

Having the correct amount of shaft lean at address:

• Improves ball striking by promoting a downward strike.
• Promotes compression.
• Controls the clubface and keeps it square through impact.
• Increases distance by ensuring efficient energy transfer.
• Enhances consistency by reducing mishits and promoting proper alignment and impact position.

Certainly, there are enough reasons to consider how much shaft lean you have at the address and whether or not it’s enough.

How to Get the Right Amount of Shaft Lean at Address

You’ll want to focus on proper grip, correct wrist angles, and the right stance to get the right amount of shaft lean at address.

Proper Grip

To get shaft lean at address you’ll want a grip that is a bit closer to strong than it is weak. Ensure that the V of the thumb and index finger are pointing towards the right shoulder.

When your hands are a little weak on the club the forward shaft lean at address feels awkward and can really open the clubface in your setup. Neutral to strong is the way to go.

Pay Attention to the Wrist Angles

After studying well over 1,000,000 golf swings, one thing that we have seen a lot of is inconsistency in the wrist position of golfers at setup. Players tend to grip the club differently almost every time without realizing it.

While wearing the HackMotion, you can look at something like wrist extension or flexion in the lead wrist to get information about your consistency and the shaft lean you have at address.

The lead wrist should bow a bit as you are adding this shaft lean. This will help promote the forward shaft lean without changing the angle of the clubface.

Hand Position

Your hands will end up in front of your lead leg and the ball, with the shaft pointing towards your lead hip.

If you exaggerate this and get your hands out too far in front of your leg, you’ll be setting yourself up for more of a hockey slap shot than a well-compressed iron shot.

Hand position is something you can play around with until you feel comfortable. Start where you have your hands just in line with the ball, then push it a ball length forward and see which one promotes that better angle of attack.

Get the Ball Position Right

If your ball position is too far forward or back in the stance, it will throw off the positive benefits of your forward shaft lean at address. In addition, it could inhibit you from getting into the right position.

For your mid irons play the ball in the center of your stance, as you move to the short irons you can put the ball just slightly back and for the long irons just slightly forward.

If you have any exaggeration in these, expect some inconsistent golf shots.

Take Some Picture and Video

Finally, take some picture and video of your shaft lean at address. Make sure that it is not too far forward and that you are still getting enough of this shaft lean.

Also, wear your HackMotion as you practice to check the consistency of your wrist position.

Drills to Work on Shaft Lean at Address

Here are a few great drills to help you work on shaft lean at address. You will just have to practice and monitor it to get it right.

Alignment Stick Drill

Grip the club with an alignment stick in your hands as well. Setup and make sure that the alignment stick is pushing up toward your lead arm and not your trail arm. This is just used as a demonstration of the position of the shaft to help you see where you are.

You’ll also feel that extra bowing in the wrist to get the club in the right position.

Wrist Bowing Drill

Practice bowing your lead wrist during the takeaway and downswing to promote forward shaft lean.

You’ll find it’s much easier to create this bowing if you start in the correct position from the beginning of the swing.

Impact Bag Drill

Set up to the impact bag and feel that slight forward press of the shaft before you take the club back. You should notice the impact back move forward towards the target upon striking it.

This shows that your forward shaft lean at address has translated into the right position during the swing.

Final Thoughts

Now you should have a better understanding of how professionals are striking the ball so well time after time. A lot of it has to do with getting set the right way for each and every swing.

Use your HackMotion to measure your setup, make sure it’s accurate and then learn to repeat it. Shaft lean at address is a must, just remember to keep it within reason.