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Unlocking Power: The Tiny Grip Detail That's Costing You Yards
"A simple check of your heel pad could unlock explosive power and fix your slice for good."
Did you know a tiny tweak to your golf grip could be the secret to unlocking effortless power and hitting straighter shots? As a coach, I see so many golfers struggle with their swings, but the real issue isn't what they're doing during the swing—it's what they're doing before they even start. The foundation of a great golf swing is a great grip, and one of the most overlooked details is where your heel pad sits.
Why Your Heel Pad is the Secret to a Powerful Grip
The heel pad is that meaty part of your palm, just below your thumb. It's the unsung hero of a proper golf grip. When you grip the club correctly, your lead hand's heel pad should sit directly on top of the handle. This simple position is your key to unlocking a world of benefits:
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Effortless Power: When your heel pad is on top, it creates a direct connection between your arm and the clubface. This allows for a proper wrist hinge on the backswing, a crucial move for generating speed. Think of it like a lever—you're using the club's weight to create momentum, not trying to muscle the ball. This leverage translates to more distance and less effort.
Perfect Clubface Control: An on-top heel pad naturally positions the clubface for square impact. It allows the club to set correctly on the backswing and release powerfully and consistently on the downswing. You'll find yourself hitting the ball more solidly and with less of a slice or hook.
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The All-Too-Common Mistake
So, what does the wrong grip look like? It's a mistake I see every day on the range. The heel pad slides underneath the handle. This seemingly small error has massive consequences for your swing:
Distance Robber: When your heel pad is underneath, your grip weakens. This makes it incredibly difficult to hinge your wrists correctly, robbing you of crucial power and speed. You'll feel like you're fighting the club, not swinging it, and your drives will fall short.
The Flipping Fiasco: A weak, heel-pad-under grip often leads to a common fault called "flipping" at impact. To get the clubface square, your hands have to make a last-second, desperate attempt to flip the club over, leading to inconsistent contact, topped shots, and a serious loss of control.
Your Next Step: A Simple Drill for a Better Grip
This is the kind of detail that can change your entire golf game. The next time you're at the range or even just holding a club at home, take a moment to check your grip.
Look down at your lead hand (your left hand for a right-handed golfer).
Make sure that fleshy heel pad is sitting squarely on top of the handle.
Feel the sense of stability and connection this position gives you.
This small adjustment can have a ripple effect, improving your swing mechanics from start to finish. It's the anchor that connects you to the club, and when you get it right, everything else—from your backswing to your downswing—starts to fall into place. Take control of your grip, and you'll take control of your game.
This is Golf as You've Always Imagined!
Daniel is a Top 100 Golf Coach, The #1 Golf Instructor in PA, PXG Staff Pro, World Long Drive Coach and the Head of Golf Instruction at IMAGEN Golf the area's leading golf instruction and advisory firm, host of the IMAGEN Golf podcast and Best-Selling Author of "Unleash The Golfer Within".
For more information visit www.ImagenGolf.com or call 215-595-6299 Reach out to Daniel directly at:Daniel@ImagenGolf.com
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