Many golfers just want to get up and hit the ball, but what they don't realize is that the grip is the foundation for golf swing basics. Every successful shot on the course, including tee shots, fairway shots, chips and even putts, starts with the right grip. Not only is the technique important, but also the firmness of the grip. An incorrect grip can create many flaws, including sliced or hooked tee shots, fat fairway chunks, bladed chips and pushed or pulled putts. This is due to the club head not being square at impact with a poor grip. There are three common, acceptable grips in golf; overlapping, interlocking and the baseball grip. Once a player chooses a grip that feels comfortable, then and only then, they should step up to the tee to hit their first shot.
Each of the three grips has the same foundation. Lay the club handle diagonally across the palm of your left hand (for right-handers) and wrap your four fingers around the back of the club to form a "V" shape between your thumb and index finger. The right hand, facing the target, goes lower onto the club grip and wraps around. Your left thumb should now be inside your right palm with both hands gripping the club. Now this is where preference comes into play. There are three different ways to place the fingers on the backside of the club grip.
Overlapping- The most common of the three is the overlapping grip, which involves the little finger of the right hand coming over the top of the index finger on the left hand. This creates a firm closed grip to make sure the club won't shift in your hands during the swing and the club face will stay square at impact. If you're adopting this grip for the first time, it may feel uncomfortable at first, but after time players get used to it. After you first assume any grip, make sure to waggle the club around and take some practice swings to get the feel of the style of grip.
Interlocking- This grip, the second most common, is similar to the overlapping, with the only difference being that the little finger of the right hand and the index finger of the left actually hook together. This helps people with smaller hands gain more control, as they are able to create a firm seal with their hands and the club grip. Consequently, this is a very popular grip among women golfers.
Baseball - Also known as the ten finger grip, this style has all the fingers wrap around the club shaft, with the fingers of the right hand on top of the left, just like you would grip a baseball bat. This grip is used often by children, or by players with very small hands and whose fingers are not long enough to interlock or overlap with the fingers of the other hand.
Using the incorrect grip style is one way players can miss shots out on the course, but some players also have a hard time finding the right amount of pressure to apply to their grips. Part of golf swing basics is applying a firm, but comfortable grip on the club. Squeezing it too tight can create a restriction of motion during the swing, not to mention tense up your forearms. However, gripping the club too loosely may cause your hands to slip and you could lose control during the swing. An exercise players can do to find the perfect balance is to grip the club as hard as they can and then as soft as they can. Then find a pressure exactly in the middle between the two, about fifty percent pressure. This will create a firm grip that will allow for free range of motion. You can also use the example of a handshake; firm and assertive, but not overpoweringly aggressive.
Find the grip that's comfortable and make sure your hands fit in whatever position the grip requires. You will discover an improved game, with more accurate shots as the club face will be square at impact.
John Stricker is a writer who specializes sports. You can check out his latest website at Golf Swing Instruction, where he will provide you expertise knowledge of the golf swing, including golf swing basics, the golf swing plane and much more.
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