Hinge-First Wrist Set Drill
Curated PGA Drill by GolfNow
Takeaway
3 sets of 10 slow rehearsal reps
Golf club, alignment stick (optional)
Intermediate
Why This Drill Works (Kinetic Mechanics)
A laid-off position is often caused by stiff wrists that don't set the club early, letting it roll behind the body as the shoulders turn. Hinging the wrists first, before turning, forces the club into a neutral position early and prevents it rolling into a flat, laid-off shaft angle.
How to Perform the Drill
Follow these step-by-step instructions. Rehearse slowly to build proper motor patterns before adding full swing speed.
- 1
Step 1
Setup: take your normal address position to the ball.
- 2
Step 2
The Hinge: without turning your shoulders yet, hinge your wrists so the club shaft becomes parallel to the ground.
- 3
Step 3
The Turn: from that hinged position, turn your shoulders to complete the rest of the backswing.
- 4
Step 4
Hit practice shots using this hinge-then-turn sequence to train the feel, gradually blending it back into a single fluid motion.
What Good Feels Like
Focus on smooth tempo and maintaining body connection through impact. Your body and club should move as a single synchronized unit.
Common Mistake to Avoid
Rushing transition before completing backswing or lunging upper body forward towards ball at impact. Keep movement controlled.
