Wipe move and forearm rotation

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Wipe move and forearm rotation  

  By: Don B on Aug. 1, 2023, 5:38 a.m.

I’m one of those golfers that struggles with not rotating the forearms enough and am working on this (handcuff drill, lead elbow down (Jim Ballard drill) etc). In particular my lead arm doesn’t rotate naturally. I tend to be very trail arm (right arm) dominant.

I struggle with connecting the wipe move/ shot put movements while maintaining forearm rotation, it seems like the move to drive the trail elbow foreword in a throwing motion caused the rotation to stop, the only rotation I get is if I aggressively throw at the bottom of the swing and then brace, then the rotation happens all at once through the ball versus gradually rotating throughout the swing. If I actively rotate the forearms I lose the sensation of being able to wipe across on the downswing. My natural swing is a held off position that causes a flip.

Is there a drill or posting on how to combine the wipe move with forearm rotation?

Thanks!

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Re: Wipe move and forearm rotation  

  By: Tyler F on Aug. 6, 2023, 3:08 p.m.

Hi Don,

I always prefer to see the swing, because it really helps clarify the description and illuminates what timing or movement issues happen first.

I haven't done a specific video on connecting those two, but it's a good idea, so I'll add it to my list and film it next week. But so you don't have to wait that long, there are a few things to consider when combining the wipe and the supination.

First, just looking at the supination aspect:
- One key to the lead wrist supination is that it happens at the forearm, not the shoulder. That alone can be a tricky sticking point for students but provides a great breakthrough when overcome.
- In order to supinate, the lead shoulder has to not pull aggressively
- The supination is more gradual. If you try to do it with maximum tension, it usually causes the body to stop it's rotation

Secondly, connecting it to the wipe
- to add the wipe, the trail arm has to work more in front of the body (or some feel it as out to right field). And the wipe moves aids in the body continuing to rotate (by connecting the scapula to the spine rotation). So your comment, "it seems like the move to drive the trail elbow foreword in a throwing motion caused the rotation to stop" is part of where the disconnect is. The wipe/shot put should create rotation, not cause it to stop.

If you have a face on video of your swing, I'll be able to help prescribe a drill better. But one general drill that helps someone use more forearms and less shoulders is the old towel under the arms drill. It can really help the follow through and release.

Happy Golfing,
Tyler

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Re: Wipe move and forearm rotation  

  By: Don B on Aug. 6, 2023, 5 p.m.

Thanks Tyler, that makes sense. I think part of the issue is I’m very trail hand dominant and need to work on the motorcycle movement with my lead forearm, tension is something I battle and if I use my trail wrist to rotate the trail arm just takes over completely and my arm structure breaks down. I also thought bracing/using the ground more may help and it seems like it did.
The previous videos I took were too large and wouldn’t post, I took one from today that uploaded successfully. Thanks again and would appreciate any insights you have from the video.

Love the sight, your instruction has helped my game immensely.

Don

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Re: Wipe move and forearm rotation  

  By: Tyler F on Aug. 10, 2023, 8:23 p.m.

Hi Don,

When posting the videos, it's helpful to trim them to just the swing, especially if doing a slow motion clip. Long slow motion clips can get really big size wise and our server has an upload limit. It's usually not a problem, but does get in the way occasionally. Glad you were able to upload one.

Looking at your motion, it looks to me like you lose your side bend through impact. That loss of side bend requires the trail arm to straighten, which stalls out the rotation. I think the key move for your is likely going to be something related to the follow through. If this picture, you'll see that your trail shoulder passes your trail hip early and your shoulder gets high. I'd try to work on that position and see what happens to the wipe.

https://www.golfsmartacademy.com/golf-instruction/combo-supination-and-right-tilt/

Happy Golfing,
Tyler

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Re: Wipe move and forearm rotation  

  By: Don B on Aug. 10, 2023, 8:45 p.m.

That makes a ton of sense, I’ll work on that .Thank you!

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Re: Wipe move and forearm rotation  

  By: Don B on Aug. 6, 2023, 7:06 p.m.

I should clarify as well that I meant to say when I drive the trail elbow forward during the wipe move it’s my forearms that stop rotating, body rotation still seems okay.

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