Have you ever wondered why some golfers can’t stop regripping the club before hitting? Unfortunately, it’s a big concern with a lot of golfers.
As a general rule regripping the golf club is caused by the inability to swing at the golf ball quickly. It shows that the golfer has an inconsistent or poor pre-swing routine. To solve this issue, once you are over the ball, you shouldn’t take more than 20 seconds to hit the shot.
Flaws in golf and the golf swing are usually chain reactions. Regripping the club excessively is no exception. However, the root of the problem is quite simple to fix once you realize it.
Keep reading this article to know how to: stop regripping the golf swing, stop outside to inside the golf swing, and if there is a pause in the golf swing.
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How to Stop Regripping During the Golf Swing
Regripping the club excessively before hitting is a very common problem among golfers. However, the real problem is an inefficient pre-shot routine. To fix the issue, we first need to understand the two separate parts of the pre-shot act.
As a general rule, there are two separate parts in a pre-shot routine: the discovery zone and the action zone. The discovery zone happens behind the ball. It’s where you gather information about distance, wind, lie, target, etc., and then pick the appropriate club.
Then you step into the action zone. It happens when you address the ball. The key to the action zone is to be brief and have simple thoughts. You have assessed the shot. Now it’s time to let go and make a free swing.
How to Stop Regripping DURING the Swing:
The root of this problem is a poor grip. The purpose of the grip is to hold the club firmly yet with mobility to allow the wrists to hinge. An improper grip causes the golfer to feel like the club will fall out of their hands which then causes them to shift and constantly regrip the club.
A solid grip is the foundation of a solid swing. It is one of the few things that golfers can control. There are several simple checkpoints that you can follow to increase your chances of a better swing and finally stop regripping the club so much.
Four Checkpoints of a Good Golf Grip
- The “V” created by the thumb and index finger on the lead hand points towards the right shoulder (for a right-handed player).
- The thumb of the lead hand is firmly but comfortably on the right side of the grip (without overextending).
- The “V” on the trail hand also points at the right shoulder.
- The thumb of the trail hand rests on the left side of the grip.
You won’t need to regrip the club with this grip since it will be secure and efficient.
Some people will feel more comfortable with a “weaker” grip (hands rotated a little more “anti-clockwise,”) and others will feel more comfortable with a “stronger” grip (hands rotated clockwise).
If you struggle with a slice, try a stronger grip. If you stumble with a hook, try a weaker grip.
Apart from a weak grip, one big issue is that golfers lack strength in their major muscle groups to swing a golf club with power and precision. If you want to swing stronger, I highly recommend you read my article that explains how to strengthen the six major muscle groups used in golf.
How to Stop Outside to Inside Golf Swing
Generally, every golfer that slices the ball will have a negative club path. The club path is the direction the club moves concerning the target. It can be right (positive) and left (negative). Imagine that the golf ball is a clock; if you have a negative swing path (out to in), the club moves from 2 o’clock to 8 o’clock. It’s where compensations start.
Did you know that about 70 to 80% of all golfers slice the ball? If you belong to this infamous group, you have an outside-to-in swing. Keep reading to find out how to fix this.
Now that we know the technical terms, it is time to put them into practice. Several key points will immediately impact your swing. First, remember, quality is always better than quality when practicing.
How to Fix It Outside to Inside Golf Swing
The golf swing is an extremely individual movement. However, two factors can significantly help to stop swinging outside to in.
Alignment Drill
The body reacts to the way we set it up. For example, if we aim our shoulders and feet way right, our body knows that and will compensate by swinging out to in.
You need an alignment stick for this drill which you can pick up for a bargain on Amazon.
- For this drill, aim a club or alignment stick on the ground at the target.
- Then tee up a ball and grab your seven-iron.
- Next is to aim your feet and shoulders left of the club on the ground.
- The goal is to have the ball straight at the target and not to the left.
It takes time and patience, but once you accomplish this, it means you are swinging more from the inside.
The Pivot Drill
As a general rule, slicers have an incorrect pivot (i.e., body turn) which causes the out-to-in swing. This drill will teach you how to make a proper backswing. In addition, it will help you feel how to load properly on the backswing so that you can unload more efficiently on the downswing.
You won’t be hitting a golf ball for this drill but will need a club.
- Place an iron horizontally on the base of your shoulders and hold it in place with your hands.
- Now make a backswing, stop, and make sure to cover these two checkpoints: a. the part of the club pointing at the ground should be pointing right over your right foot; b. your hips have turned but NOT swayed back a single inch (key).
Apart from technique, nothing will benefit your game more than getting your clubs correctly fitted for your unique body type. Please read my article for more information on why it’s so important for your game.
Is There a Pause in the Golf Swing?
Biomechanical readings show no pause during the golf swing for 99% of professional players. As golfers reach the top of the backswing with their arms, their lower bodies start shifting toward the target simultaneously. This move creates effortless power because it is the most efficient kinetic sequence.
Understanding the kinematic sequence in the golf swing is important. It measures the velocity of the four key parts in the golf swing: clubhead, arms, upper body, and lower body.
The most efficient kinematic sequence/chain found by K-Motion (the leader in reading human motion for sports) is the following:
Backswing:
- Clubhead
- Arms
- Torso
- Lower body
Downswing (opposite to backswing)
- Lower body
- Torso
- Arms
- Clubhead