Fix Your Takeaway Forever || The Wrist Hinge Move EVERY Golfer Needs

Improve your golf swing with our comprehensive guide on mastering the wrist hinge move. Achieve consistent, powerful shots by ensuring your takeaway is on point with our step-by-step instructions and expert tips.

The difference between crisp, consistent contact and thin or fat shots often comes down to the very first move: the takeaway. If your club gets too low, too inside, or the face opens and closes unpredictably, the entire swing struggles. The solution is simple, repeatable, and built around one feel — the wrist hinge move. Learn how to set up, hinge correctly, and rehearse a powerful drill that trains your body to start the backswing on plane every time.

Steps to Master the Wrist Hinge Move

• Step 1: See the Ball from Your Waist
• Step 2: Create the Right Hinge
• Step 3: Push Down and Away
• Step 4: Link the Hinge and the Turn
• Step 5: The Set, Turn, Go Drill
• Step 6: Ball Position, Loft, and Stance Width
• Step 7: Troubleshooting Common Issues
• Step 8: Practice Plan
• Summary Recipe
• Frequently Asked Questions

Step 1: See the Ball from Your Waist — Prepare for the Wrist Hinge Move

A crucial setup cue alters your takeaway path right from the start. Visualize the ball from your waist to maintain proper posture and prevent collapsing. This strategy preserves the forward tilt necessary for a proper wrist hinge.

• How to practice: Stand over the ball and imagine your sternum facing it. Envision a hovering tennis ball to maintain posture.
• Watch out for: Avoid letting your chin drop toward the ball; this can cause low takeaways and delayed hinge.

Step 2: Create the Right Hinge — The 45-Degree Rule

For a proper takeaway, the wrist hinge should occur at around a 45-degree angle. This ensures the club travels on its intended plane. Focus on creating key sensations:

• Hinge slightly up and out — Prevent the club from dropping low, placing the club on a better plane.
• Keep hands low with club leverage — Let the club head rise while keeping your hands at chest level.
• Preserve width — Maintain the distance between your hands and body naturally.

Step 3: Push Down and Away — The Hammer the Nail Technique

The “hammer the nail” sensation is key for face stability. Picture using the club butt as a hammer on the ball-nail, exerting a push down and outwards.

• Leverage creation — Push to create a strong lever that stabilizes the club face.
• Stabilized club face — Maintain consistent face alignment to improve strike accuracy.
• Proper angle of attack — Ensure the swing hits down on the ball rather than scooping it.

Step 4: Link the Hinge and the Turn — Avoid Early Separation

Synchronize the hinge with the shoulder turn for a smooth takeaway. Begin with the left shoulder and follow the natural motion. Drill this rhythm through slow swing repetitions.

• Initiate with the left shoulder — Use it to drive the movement, maintaining width.
• Avoid low takeaway — Ensure the hinge direction is correct to prevent path issues.

Step 5: The Set, Turn, Go Drill

Rehearse hinge direction and rhythm through the Set, Turn, Go drill, essential for muscle memory development.

1. Address position with the ball.
2. Set the club with a 45-degree hinge.
3. Memorize the set position’s feel.
4. Turn shoulders slowly, let club leverage naturally.
5. Complete the swing smoothly.

Step 6: Equipment and Setup to Support the Wrist Hinge Move

Your setup significantly affects the takeaway and overall shot. Consider these elements for optimal takeaway:

• Rely on loft — Trust your club’s loft for trajectory.
• Ball position — Position ball more forward for longer clubs.
• Stand wider for stability — A wider stance aids with longer clubs.

Step 7: Troubleshooting Common Takeaway Problems

Quick solutions for typical takeaway issues:

• Club too low — Enhance the hinge to lift the club head.
• Face instability — Reinforce the hammer feel for stability.
• Lost separation — Start with left shoulder and maintain hand width.
• Inside path — Correct the hinge path to align the takeaway.

Step 8: Practice Plan — Build Muscle Memory

Develop consistency with structured practice:

1. Warm-up with set-turn rehearsals.
2. Perform the Set, Turn, Go drill for 10-15 minutes.
3. Integrate with full swings, maintaining focus on sensations.
4. Record swings, review parallel club position, face stability.
5. Practice three times a week for four weeks.

Summary Recipe — The Exact Feel for a Reliable Takeaway

Condense your routine into these directives:

• Visualize from the waist — Maintain forward tilt.
• 45-degree hinge — Keep hands low as the club rises.
• Apply the hammer feel — Stabilize the club face and refine the swing angle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Practice consistently, focusing on these core strategies until the wrist hinge move feels inherent, enhancing your overall golf game dramatically.