Wrist Cock

[egprogram]

New to the board -- looks great! I have a quick question about wrist cock. I've read posts that describe it as one of two actions, back-and-forth (slapping) or an up-and-down motion. Is the latter the accepted "right" method, or does slapping have its proponents as well? It seems the traditional waggle may be closer to the back-and-forth motion than the up-and-down. Also, is the correct feel one of "dropping" the club with the wrists as the body whips the club (hips then shoulders then arms) through the impact zone? So, the conscious hand action is one of releasing the up-and-down wrist cock rather than trying to add any zip to the swing?

[Ian Hancock]

Re: Wrist Cock

Hi and Welcome to the forum.

Up and Down is the correct wrist cock. You are correct that when you waggle you are performing the wrong wrist action.

However once you turn your shoulders on the backswing you can only go up and down or you would drop inside and below the plane line with the club head.



Hope this helps

Ian.

[GregJWillis]

Re: Wrist Cock

You bring up a great point...the waggle. Is it a real swing in miniture? Is it a way to keep relaxed and let your mind focus? Or is it just something we all do because we think we are supposed to do it because we see others do it and you don't want to look foolish? I've seen some interesting things before the ball is hit. I've counted to 15 on someone while they just stood there at address and did absoutly nothing - a stone statue. I asked him later, respectfully, after the round, what he was thinking during that time. He said, "Nothing." I said, "Nothing?!?" and he explained that it relaxed him. I've seen someone take their club in a little circle, round and round and round (kind of like Ray Floyd). I couldn't imagine trying to hit the ball like that, so it has to be (for him) a way to just let the tension out of the hands.

Addressing the ball is as unique as the swing itsself, and sometimes, even more interesing.

To talk about the wrists now, the hands add plenty of "zip" the the shot. You have it right about the turning of the hips and shoulders, then allowing the hands to drop down on the ball. The harder you drop the club down, the higher the ball will go with more spin. Errors happen when all you do is release the hands and do not turn fully prior to impact....this causes the pushes and slices.