Effects of grip pressure on off center strikes

The below high speed (1000 fps) video is fascinating because it shows us what happens when a ball is struck off the toe with a blade.

The first part of the clip shows a ball being hit with passive hands with very light grip pressure.

The second half of the clip shows us a similar ‘toe hit’, this time with a very firm grip pressure. The nice thing about the shot hit with a firmer grip pressure is that it will still travel in roughly the same direction as a center strike, only slightly less far.

To me this footage suggests that a firm grip is the better option. A good firm grip can also keep twisting of the club face to a minimum when you’re in the rough.

DISCLAIMER: Proceed with caution…
A firm grip has to be compatible with your type of swing! And even if that’s the case you’ll still need to train your wrists to stay ‘loose’ while maintaining a good firm grip with the fingers.

I won’t go into the details of the different swing types; I just wanted to show you this video.

For more information please visit lagpressure’s website here.

Grip Strength Exercises

Forearms and hands

Having strong hands and arms allows you to secure the club with less effort. This in turn keeps the wrists flexible.

Hogan showing us his grip.

When you have developed a good grip you can start focusing on increasing grip strength. For the left hand you want to be training the last three fingers (pinky, ring finger and middle finger) and for the right hand the ring and middle fingers.

Hogan explaining the grip and the pressure points.

Exercises

There are a couple of ways to train these muscles. You can use a grip strengthening device or a small rubber ball, and squeezing the steering wheel whilst driving to work will work too. Squeeze, hold it for 10 seconds and repeat. Don’t forget to switch hands after a while. Success guaranteed…