long Left Thumb
Long Left Thumb for Golfing Distance
Increase your distance by gripping with a long left thumb. While gripping your golf club extend the thumb on your left hand(right handed golfers) down the shaft. This will increase the lag angle during the swing and increase distance.
The thumb can bend upward 20 degrees,anatomically titled “radial abduction”.This maximum angle can be achieved with the long left thumb.A short thumb restricts bending.
The thumb will flex or bend during during the initial part the down swing. It is a passive reaction to the change of direction from back swing to downswing. If your hands are holding the club tightly or you are aggressively pushing with your wrists the thumb abduction will not take place. Relaxation is the key.
The upward bending of the wrist is known as radial deviation. It is the movement of bending the wrist to the thumb, or radial bone, side. The wrist can bend on average about 20 degrees. This wrist bend can take place during the back swing or the initial forward swing.
The combined bending of wrist and thumb is 40 degrees. Using this 40 degree angle at the bottom of the swing arc produces exceptional club head speed. This unleashing of energy is passive. It is the whip snapping. If you push at the ball with wrist or thumb the club will slow down.
Using the left wrist and thumb to produce high club head speeds when combined with swing faults magnifies directional problems. Particularly the raising (extension) or arching(flexion) of the back of the left hand should be avoided. Within the realm of golf, extension is known as cupping and flexion is known as arching. Both cupping and arching change the face angle away from square. Cupping or arching can misdirect shots left and right away from the target. Keep the back of the left hand flat to avoid directional problems.
Mike and Dave Cahill of Cahill Golf Schools can help you take advantage of the extra 40 degree lag angle from your wrist and thumb to hit the golf ball farther and straighter. You can play golf better and enjoy golf more. Visit us for a golf lesson at our Palm Springs golf school,Las Vegas golf school,or Minnesota golf school.