THE
SPLIT GRIP DRILL
Just watch a good player strike iron shots. He swings so smoothly-in
total balance-and yet the ball just jumps off the clubface. Even the sound
at impact is different than that produced by a mid-handicapper's wing.
The difference? The good player understands the concept of releasing the
clubhead powerfully through the ball. He doesn't need to swing out of his
shoes; he swings smoothly back and through the transition at the top of
the swing.
All of the power is generated by the release (the rotation of the right
hand over the left that powers the clubface squarely into the ball)
through the hitting zone-from the point that the club is hip-high in the
forwardswing through the hip-high position in the follow-through.
The concept of releasing the clubhead is a slippery one for most
amateurs-it's difficult to understand until you actually feel it for the
first time. Here's a great drill to help you get the feel of a
fundamentally sound, powerful release action: The next time you're on the
practice tee, hit some balls with a 7-iron. Now, keeping your left hand
(for right-handed golfers) in the same position, drop your right hand down
on the club five or six inches.
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Take a few practice swings to get adjusted to this grip and then hit a
few balls.
As you hit balls with this split grip, note the feeling of your hands
and arms through the impact zone. Can you feel your right hand and arm
rolling over your left, with your left elbow remaining close to your side
through the ball? This is the feeling of that proper release you've heard
and read so much about.
Alternate practice shots with this split grip and your standard grip
until you begin incorporating some of this hand and wrist action into your
normal swing. You'll know you have it when that annoying weak fade turns
into a crisply struck draw.
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