Benefits of a strong grip

[@jareroken9127]

I used be great at ball striking, I looked forward to hitting my shots, especially irons. Even got a reputation among my friends for puring it. Then somehow, I sort of "forgot" and it's been a good couple of years since I've hit that strike. Thought it was lost forever. I've been experimenting with Eureka and nearly getting it but just something missing.. saw this vid yesterday, changed to a strong grip.. unbelievable results. I can't wait to get on the course. I haven't found the middle of the face like that for years. Even tried it with the driver and absolutely smashed it. Very grateful.

[@playumbrellasports]

Forgetting about grip before shots? Give us a try 😎

[@neilh4729]

Shawn Clement is another advocate of this type of grip, and other ways that we can use how the body works naturally to improve the golf swing. He has many videos on the subject that are well worth watching. They've certainly helped improve my game.

[@Solitonyc]

Excellent anatomical argument for utilizing a strong grip. I'm glad I found this video. For years, I've been a "neutral" grip player but that tended to make me flip the club and balloon the ball. Strong grip naturally helped me to lead with my hands into impact without flipping.

[@ianscott5266]

Hammer time is back! Thanks I had gotten away from this.

[@johnyates3382]

Best golf tip I've had in years, it really works.

[@tinytoons2517]

finally someone with the gumption to speak the truth, I take my hat off too you sir, well done, bravo.

[@paulmorphy6638]

This grip proves the theory of Delayed Strike Technology relating to having positive lag tension at impact. The swing in this video is exactly what DST is all about.

[@evilmastersgameroom8106]

My ball striking was never better than when I played with a strong grip. Low, powerful ball flights, great distance, breaking through wind. I encountered issues with my driver with my strong grip and spent a season trying to change it. Well... a loss of distance, strike quality and control followed. I could now hit my driver high enough, but lost the ability to hit my irons. After the last few weeks of trying to get comfortable with my old strong grip, the feeling is coming back and my early release that popped up with a weaker grip is a thing of the past. What I took from all this? Keep that strong grip, but make sure the bottom hand is sitting on top, or else you will start hooking or over-drawing the ball. Otherwise strong is natural, and will automatically bring the club path inside too. Don't fall into the trap of being told your grip is too strong, chances are its not.

[@gensyed]

tru that!

[@evilmastersgameroom8106]

Update: Finished season off with strong grip, driver speed is back up to my old 105mp/h 1.40+ smash. Hitting my irons solid, taking turf, great ball flight. Keeping the grip, the guys at my course chirp me for the strong grip, but can't deny the results. Playing back to mid to high 80's again, will break 80 and get back on track.

[@edhenick4012]

Could you detail what ‘bottom hand sitting on top’ means ? TY

[@nastynate9529]

@@edhenick4012 dont let the palm of the lower hand face outward to much. Strong grip players tend to let the lower hand turn around too far under the grip.

[@johnnyhicks2386]

I was a carpenter and yes this makes total scene and I used this tip on the golf course and the power and distance went way up. Great tip.

[@playumbrellasports]

Need a reminder on the course? Give us a try 😎

[@aidanmcgale533]

great tip I played few holes today with this tip ball went long and straight with easy

[@bobmatrix1706]

Completely agree with this. I've been playing with both my thumbs on the right-side of the club, and have never sliced a ball. Just feels natural.

[@badger012009]

Exactly! Been playing that way for years... left thumb slightly right of center... right thumb strong/right of center!! It wasn't my 'grip' that gave me problems... it was my freaking set-up! Can now shape/fade/draw with a proper set-up... grip hasn't changed in 40 years!!!

[@joshuawhittemore1283]

The following happens typically with my classic swing. Anytime I have my right thumb on top of the club or on the right side of my club, I can almost guarantee a slice will occur. If I place my right thumb on the left side, with a strong grip, I can almost guarantee a snap hook. If I have right thumb on left side with a neutral grip, I can almost guarantee a draw. Having said that, you have had success with this. Out of curiosity, do you employ a more modern swing method? I am curious as some of my students do and if this will help, I would like to use it.

[@bruiser4638]

This works folks , i tried this on my own at the driving range and started looking for videos about strong grips

[@mmh1197]

Great advice, Steve!! I am hitting the ball solid again! This advice plus keeping the weight inside the foot during the back swing is all needed by weekend golfers! Keep up the good work! 👍👍👍

[@kbkesq]

You should get athalon golf shoes. Gives you the stability of a golf ball under the right foot. A little odd walking the course but great for solid shots.

[@chrismcmenamy7366]

Just watched this over the weekend and the hammer explanation really resonated with me. Went out on Sunday and it really made a difference. +3 off my personal best is a score I’ll take everyday. Thank you.

[@stevejohnstongolf]

Glad it helped Chris, well done!

[@johnmalarkey4908]

So Tommy Armour was correct. Following this excellent video I would recommend watching the Tommy Armour instructional video on KZbin. Indeed I would welcome Steve's comment on Tommey's video if he has the time to watch it. Cheers

[@gooddeedsbeatbad2625]

Your Good. A good teacher keeps it simple and your channel is excellente!

[@arnoldhorton3635]

Sounds great! Can’t wait to try it

[@rickm1255]

For myself I still maintain my left hand grip in a neutral position with my right hand about 45 degrees strong. My ball striking has always been the best part of my game this way but I fight the occasional hooks. I went from a single plane, inside back-inside down, swing to a 2 plane swing where I go back outside about 10 degrees off the ball and then just let it rip on the downswing. I've never hit it better!! Hopefully someday this helps someone else that is fighting those damn hooks. Hitting a low fade is still the hardest shot for me to hit and I know it's because of the grip but I can live with that cause it allows the rest of my game to be very consistent.

[@justinwallace872]

Works for me, it's the only way I've found that all but eliminates my tendency to push/fade/slice, still get the odd pure shank though...

[@bjnwright]

Fully agree and the hammer example is a good one to emphasize your point. A strong grip has always felt more natural to me. Very rarely is it employed in the professional ranks however, I can only think of a few players (Moe Norman, Paul Azinger, David Duval) who used it to good effect. Pro's are typically weak with their trailing arm hand if anything.

[@larrymasterspowerbuildingc4477]

no they are not. they all have a sidearm release of the club. pretty much all of them have a strong grip. No pro is typically weak from their mind to their grip.

[@kylebrooks1033]

So glad I’ve watched this video , have tried to manufacture a weaker grip with dire consequences, this video has explained everything I felt naturally as a stronger grip player, many thanks for sharing this knowledge Steve

[@kbkesq]

Delightful Scottish brough! The hammer feeling is amazing. I get to use my left tricep and not flip my right hand. Wonderful thank you.

[@Ken-wc7po]

I think you're right ✅..I went to a weak grip and have been slicing..when generally I play a draw / hook...back to a strong grip now..

[@ermanbriks]

great video :), this is how ive always gripped the clup but i have always been told its wrong, overdrawing and hooking is common,. i think this grip doesnt necesserily give you more swing speed but what it does is that it gives you superior clubheadcontrol since you are in that superstrong position. anyway, that is my thought, thank you for this video, its so hard to find this sort of information.. thank you

[@maselbac]

I think if there is one thing we can take from Steve's videos... it's the fact he's telling us to do what works for you. I don't see any contradictions from one video to the next. If it works, use it. If you struggle with something, try this. That's real coaching.

[@rhize797]

I get comments about my strong grip almost every time I play now. I am self-taught but hit it very solid and straight and always baffles me why people are so surprised and annoying/distracting as well. I think it's the way the forearm marries up but also the way the two thumbs line up to the wrists the same way as opposed to one down the shaft and the another over the top. Also the right wrist is already in the turn and I feel impact in the right palm(most sensetive part to your body) as opposed to the back of my lead wrist and I know where I'd rather feel it.

[@gensyed]

Strong grip is the way. How do you execute the follow through? i am believer of strong grip concept.

[@omarkhan9515]

Im a 2 handicaper and just love a strong grip but when i do use it on my driver goes way left i have a wrist injury and i have to use a strong grip these days only issue is lleft and fat shots that i am getting.

[@jcjohnson8611]

I have strong right hand weak left hand cup at top and square at impact...works for me haha and hit long straight, draw, fade so gave up on 20 year kid swings this fits my body type and skeletal movement

[@gordenscottfan3107]

Failed to mention wrist set can be on same plane as swing with a really strong grip....no need to release, turn club over to square club face...hooded club face all the way back and through...many pros use the hooded or square to path club face now as they are getting so strong.

[@steverobinson8656]

This has been and still is my grip. I struggled for many months trying to change my grip to neutral and it was a complete waste of time, I only tried to change because so many pros say this is the only way to grip a golf club...RUBBISH! With my strong grip I hit long, straight and consistent, I feel i have complete control over the club face and can promote a fade or draw...if I can do these things CONSISTENTLY then why change? I have also spent many months researching on line and there are actually a load of pros who use a strong grip. I think that the grip is an individual thing and if it works for you and your body go with it. In general strong grip amateurs hit far longer too...but only if that grip is also well suited to them and their swing and body type. Also check out Dan Whittaker you tube vid on strong grip.

[@pres3962]

If I don’t use a strong grip I feel like the club is slipping out of my hand plus I don’t slice so I mean it works for me

[@jakepadgett5569]

Yes without the strong grip it feels like the club is moving around and it feels like i have no control of the clubface at all.

[@gensyed]

spot on, tnxs for posting.

[@keffg]

Makes perfect sense 👍

[@jimdwyer4706]

My first shot with this grip was a 5 iron missile with just an easy swing!

[@ChildoftheMostHigh1]

The Force is strong in this one

[@Galaxieman]

Your description of the "Bone on Bone" grip is the world's best description ever, of WHY the strong grip works. A great teaching pro (Bob Eikstadt) at Miami Lakes (Fla) Country Club showed me this grip in 1975. That was the most important lesson of my golfing life. I use Steve's "Bone on Bone Grip" to make the ball moan!

[@haywardwilson614]

You have good content. Just keep publishing and it will pick up. It has to.

[@andythomas2796]

And tips on using this grip and avoiding hooks, especially with driver?

[@turneracosta3999]

Sounds like your body is shutting down its rotation and your hands may be dominating in respect to rotation. Work with someone in instruction on optimizing your pivot and turn through the ball so that you don’t stall out and flip your wrists

[@andythomas2796]

@@turneracosta3999 cheers mate 👍

[@ewanmacfarlane9195]

What about your drill on taking the left hand off the club and trying to chap a tee peg into ground with your right hand.If the grips too strong you cant do it so have to adjust to a more neutral grip.Thats what you said

[@snbailes1]

hi Steve, I just watched your instruction on using a strong grip. I spent 30 years as a joiner so I have hit a lot of nails with a hammer in my time, so understand very well your explanation. I have been using a strong grip as you explained and found it advantageous. Great vid as usual. cheers, Neil.

[@stevejohnstongolf]

Cheers Neil

[@stueyreynolds]

@@stevejohnstongolf I do love it when opinions are backed up with logic as you have showed.! Top man

[@parttroll1]

I have a strong grip that's probably down to being left hand dominant yet I play golf right handed so my left hand has more strength than the right. I do have to be careful not to close the face and snap hook it if I'm having an off day.

[@specialjeffreyke]

It's good if you have good control over your swing. Otherwise you have a very high risk of hooking or draw hooking it or pushing it by overcompensating. I agree a strong grip can have benefits but I would NOT recommend it to the average hcp player.

[@stueyreynolds]

Great video. I have tried Eureka with some success, however, it does feel odd to have your feet aiming left with shoulders online. I am presently adopting the similar stack and tilt after reading the book that's raved about.Ive got to say with a little adjustment to my right hand grip and push my hands slightly further forward I am now experiencing amazing ball/turf ball striking.One key thing to get the best strike is to rotate the shoulders without any swaying and keeping the right elbow connected to my rhs of my waist.It would be really helpful to have your comments Steve as to whether I have found a compromise or whether this is correct. Perhaps I will send you a video.Many thanks

[@per_growth]

I use an ultra strong grip - 4 knuckles seen on the lead hand - it works really well, you just have to realize that releasing witht he strong grip is far different from the conventional release we've all been taught.

[@method341]

How do you release with the strong grip? Body release?

[@tmc3980]

Correct. I tend to have a sawn off finish. Don’t need the extra power.

[@johnwalsh1737]

Bit confused, this seems the opposite to the video where the drill is of banging a tee into the mat with the right grip in a neutral position? Have I missed something?

[@haywardwilson614]

I was experimenting with a strong grip and always pulled the ball left. But it was a powerful shot and a really comfortable swing even through impact. How do I straighten that out?? I really love that swing path even though it is in the wrong direction. I really “feel” like the contact was solid and secure and centered. It was effortless. What must I do??

[@abigroman]

I would have to disagree with your anatomy lesson. Which flexion is stronger? There is definitely weaker musculature support for lateral wrist movement leading to stronger chance of injury and less stability.

[@myleschilton3473]

The problem for keen amateurs who change from a neutral to strong grip is hitting everything left as they are used to requiring some hand action to square up. Get on the range a practice hitting a fade with a strong grip. It completes the puzzle.

[@f111eld]

I'm at a loss. I've tried this and works well but I get the same result with a neutral grip and a bowed left wrist at impact .

[@rodneymounsey4168]

Very interesting, I think that for me it would produce a snappy hook? Might try just to see what happens?

[@evilmastersgameroom8106]

that would depend on how you release this club, if you use the weak or neutral grip swing release it will snap hook like crazy, but if you use a strong grip release, you won't.

[@theamaturegolfer7798]

You need a swing that accommodates a strong grip. Not for everyone.

[@bwinms1]

I wonder how long sharpie lines on his arm? Weeks? I discovered this by accident. It's hard to get distance yet straight. No slice. Maybe more time, become more comfortable

[@timothycarry]

The left arm is nicely stacked. More so than the right. Do not roll your right hand through impact you will not like it. I wish I did not know why ;)

[@edwardmckallen98]

Same for the driver ?

[@any1younger]

BLOODY NORA! I can’t believe how much difference this has made to my ball striking. I’ve been labouring on an 8hcap for years because, after a back injury inhibited my body rotation. Strong grip has changed everything for me. Very well described too. Thank you.

[@playumbrellasports]

This is exactly why SmartGrip was created 😎 share with your friends and let's all play better golf!

[@patrickwheeler7107]

neutral lead and strong trail, it's the only way I can get it done consistently.

[@robertkrangle958]

Steve....what makes me either hook or slice the ball in this strong grip position?

[@keith3970]

Tell that to Seve(R.I.P.) and Johnny Miller.

[@JohnMcGeown-s4h]

Interesting tuition 🤔🤔

[@GaryM67-71]

Strong grip prevents wrist hinging, and also prevents a natural flowing release through the ball. Neutral is a far better approach. Also, obviously, we don't get our power from our bones, but from our muscles. Weight lifters do not develop bigger bones, but bigger muscles.

[@TheCount0212]

A strong right hand actually presets the wrist cock and promotes a "knuckles down" release.. which perfectly mimics a sidearm throwing motion.

[@bobbylindeman6463]

I just figured this out on the range and have never hit my irons better

[@gensyed]

Continue

[@michaelkent1134]

Great video Steve. Nice to see 'real world' theories instead the same old text book stuff. Quick question though, do you believe that with that grip it would be more beneficial to predominately play with a hold off fade? Surely if you were to completely 'release' with that grip you be closing the face to any path and hook? Keep the videos coming. Cheers.

[@markzola8142]

My daughters had a very strong grip for the last 6 years from the age of 3,she wins nearly every comp she enters

[@OrvinReyes]

So that’s why it’s called STRONG!!! I’ve been looking for a scientific explanation of why the grip is called such and this is the only video on youtube that does.

[@hocheye]

I use a normal grip, I was using a strong grip and slicing everything! Now straight or a slight draw. Now if it works for you thats great! It doesn't work for me.

[@eddiebro101]

I have been a carpenter my whole lifetime. I have to tell you that you couldn't be more wrong. The force of a hammer is not a brute force arm movement like what you described. The power or engine of the applied force is actually the subtle movement of the wrist releasing the lag (just like in golf, releasing the lag is a speed generator). The hammer can be rotated within your grasp just like in golf. The difference is a golf ball lies at ground level, and nails are set in every conceivable angle imaginable. Not all nails give you an angle like you're talking about. If you use the long bones to work a hammer, you will destroy your elbow. Also you'll end up with forearms like Popeye, because that is the work horse on the arm structure. The truth is that the arms does swing to give the attack angle being utilized, but the force is really the sudden full extension of the wrist to accelerate into impact. Whether a hammer or a golf club, both are class 3 levers. That means the fulcrum is on one end, and the load is on the other. This type of lever is a speed generator. As the lever pivots around the fulcrum point, the lever itself drags the load. This lever is not one to lift heavy objects (such as with a class 1 and 2 lever) but simply to accelerate a load in a movement (speed generation). With a hammer that is the hammer head. For a golf club it is the club head. Both represent the load being manipulated by the lever's movement. If a carpenter swung a hammer as you described, his arm would tire out very quickly. We just swing the arm and use that movement to start the hammer head onto a precise angle of attack. The wrist snapping in a timely fashion is what snaps that load into impact. So just as in golf, your arm being connected to your shoulder is one fulcrum point (a class 3 lever of the arm itself), that has another class 3 lever as its load (the wrist), and that second lever has the club head as its load. That class three lever releases the lag (stored kinetic energy) and the rule of the double class 3 lever is the head must instantly try to catch up (thus the speed generating aspect). This wrist action is created by relaxing the wrist and allowing it to respond to the forces that the class 3 levers generate. If you try to impose your strength on this movement, you simply interrupt the class 3 levers from functioning as designed, thus slowing down the speed being generated. There is no manipulation, but a very fluid motion that allows free movement of the lever system and its load. As both levers are in fact a class 3 lever, they both create acceleration, and as they are connected and rotate around the shoulder (primary fulcrum point) the two actually join in creating higher levels of speed being generated. So an easy swing with proper use of a double lever creates more than enough force to drive a 16d nail fully set in two blows. So, we set the nail with the first blow, then drive it home with the following blow. Neither blow is created with brute strength. Just as in golf, swinging a hammer has a proper technique. So knowing about it and utilizing that information is why carpenters can drive about 50 to 100 pounds of nails in a day, and not blow out their elbows. If they used their arms as the engine, they wouldn't last a day.

[@Libbyyyyyyyyyy]

If you were hammering a nail at the angle of a golf ball, your right hand would be equivalent to a strong grip or more under the grip. Thats all he meant. Your essay was unnecessary. I've never been a carpenter and I understood him completely, how did that happen?

[@markriley9012]

Have u also been a complete nob ur whole lifetime?

[@adamestavillo3288]

You’re probably a 20 handicap too

[@peterweir3966]

99% of carpenters use a nail gun the other 1% talk s&@$ on KZbin

[@stuarthowker8158]

Just learn to spell

[@nastynate9529]

after a couple seasons of playing with the strong grip I am back. (I am evilmastersgameroom below, 3 years ago). Things feel like they have gotten a lot stronger. I have taken some video of my swing on the range yesterday and have found my ball position has moved far back and I am struggling again with left hooks and toe strikes. Came back to review and see where things went wrong. This grip over the last couple of seasons has taken me to a single digit so I would like to fix it rather than change it. Any thoughts or help would be appreciated.

[@sco3putt]

Doesn't a strong grip take away the ability to deliver a flat left wrist at impact?

[@jacobr4558]

I'm confused by this video! I can do the slapping Motion and carry a 7-iron 195 yards? I'm just curious as to what is your premise as to the slapping motion being weaker?

[@balisongjihad4108]

Slapping motion is a text book release lol are you high?

[@jacobr4558]

@@balisongjihad4108 that's what I thought too. He makes it sound like its weaker in this video. As if the "stronger" grip gives you more leverage and power.

[@DrWatcher1958]

@@jacobr4558 I think hand strength has a great deal to do with this. I can't argue the physics about hinging the wrists being essential for power and coming at it with a more horizontal component to unhinge makes sense. However, I doubt we are of the exact same characteristics physically which changes angles of planes and all that jargon. Bottom line, yes it can give you more power if you deliver the club a certain way--90 degrees to the stacked position of the radius and ulna. If your release has a different path,(hand rotation arm length, leg length, spine angle, head position, do you move your head-if so how much etc etc etc) a strong grip would probably kill fellow golfers on your left-assuming you are rt handed. I think perhaps it could have been better described as an alternative for people to try. It doesn't make anyone wrong, there is no wrong or right-just results.

[@Andybro30]

Did the sharpie wash off, that’s the question

[@jlar1984]

i'm currently using this type of grip and i love how much power i can apply behind the ball. When it works i'm hitting a nice draw. However i'm unable to hit high iron shots. How can i use a strong grip and hit higher iron shots that stay on the green? Hope you can answer. Thank you!

[@adamlincoln1203]

The golf pro I have taken lessons with had me switch from neutral to strong and gave me the same draw you get and much farther distance than my neutral grip. To account for lower trajectory of long irons that is even lower with strong grip I will either slightly open face, somewhere between my old neutral grip and my strong grip. This does lessen the distance a little but you still get some roll. Other option is to try using a fairway wood or hybrid for the longer distances onto the green. It will give you similar distance with the height. I'll typically go with my long iron if I have lot of headwind and a wood/hybrid if there isn't any wind or little tailwind.

[@jefferymarks7344]

You don't hit it high with a strong grip actually you can't. It creates a very delofted club face at impact.

[@thatwilldonicely1314]

good vid, Brendel Chambllee Anatomy of Greatness shows the vast majority of the greatest players used a strong grip, must be something right about it!

[@gensyed]

concur!

[@sunwong0]

I cannot agree with this. First, how much force you need to drive out a few oz golf ball ? What I mean is , to hit the ball far we don't need brutal force, we only club head speed and hit it on the sweet spot. Second, how do you swing a bamboo stick to create speed ? This theory looks right but I don't think it is. The professional carpenter gentleman here made en excellent comment to explain this.

[@stevedickson3037]

sunny wong Are you a PGA teaching pro?

[@f111eld]

? This contradicts your right hand on club video from an earlier upload which I just watched ?

[@Brian-wg9wk]

Hit the shot bro

[@jacobr4558]

That's not the point of the video.

[@mattb.6057]

Bet it took at least 2 beers to wash that permanent marker off!

[@stephencallaghan6620]

If your telling me your packing golf in and you are going to be a joiner ill give you my hammer. l can't hit a stright drive with it but ive never broken a bone in my arm please

[@korny19989]

Take a drink every time he says "bone"

[@forever_golfer1981]

A strong grip has too many moving parts. You have to be more consistent to hit good shots.

[@jerrybishop2352]

Steve, good stuff. But did you just copy and paste from Sean Clement? Come on, Man. You’re better than that.

[@stevejohnstongolf]

?

[@bobbyc3076]

Your left hand has to be a strong grip. This instructor is a sneaky shill.

[@John-wg1jh]

Isn't it ever warm there?