Trail Hand Strength

Weak, Neutral, Strong

Slicing or hooking? It could be your trail hand grip strength.

Remember, grip strength does not refer to how tightly you are holding onto the club or how “strong” or “weak” a shot is.

Weak is towards the target, and strong is away from the target. Let’s take a closer look!

Weak Trail Hand

A weak trail hand can cause the club face to be open, just like the lead hand.

This can result in slices and flippy hooks.

Neutral Trail Hand

The trail hand is influential on club face control, as in the lead hand.

Notice that the gloved lead thumb is not visible. It is under the lifeline of the trail hand.

Strong Trail Hand

This is a common error I see in golfers that hook the ball.

Notice that even though the thumb of the trail hand sits to the lead side of the grip, the lead thumb is visible.

Weak - Neutral - Strong

  • Weak Trail Hand

    1. Crease between thumb and index finger points at chin or up lead forearm.
    2-3. One or two knuckles visible.

  • Neutral Trail Hand

    1. Crease between thumb and index finger points towards trail ear.
    2. One knuckle barely visible.

  • Strong Trail Hand

    1. Crease between thumb and index finger points at or outside of trail shoulder.
    2. No knuckles visible.
    3. Trail thumb visible.

All Grip Sections

  • Trail Hand Strength

    Trail hand grip strength is just as influential on the club face as the lead hand. Let’s take a look!

    BACK TO TOP

  • Trail Hand Errors

    Common issues you will see that are a result of trail hand errors.

    UP NEXT

  • Face Issues - Slice

    Slice/open club face issues that are a result of grip errors.

    GO TO NOW

  • Face Issues - Hook

    Hook/closed club face issues that are a result of grip errors.

    GO TO NOW

  • Grip Strength Curve

    How changing your grip can create curve intentionally when needed.

    GO TO NOW

  • Grip Pressure

    Let’s look at how tight you should be holding onto the club.

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  • Three Grip Types

    These are the most common three grip types. They can all be done well, and all can have issues.

    GO TO NOW

  • Lead Hand Placement

    It’s crucial that the lead hand grip is positioned correctly in the fingers!

    GO TO NOW

  • Finger VS Plam "Grip Check"

    Use this “grip test” to see if you are gripping in the fingers or the palm of your lead hand.

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  • Lead Hand Strength

    You have most likely heard the term “weak,” “neutral,” and strong.” Let’s explore!

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  • Lead Hand Errors

    Let’s look at some of the issues related to lead hand errors.

    GO TO NOW

  • Trail Hand Placement

    Placing the trail hand correctly is crucial for club face control. This often is the culprit for misdirected shots!

    GO TO NOW

Quick links

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Trail Hand Placement
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Trail Hand Errors - Hook