MASTER SHAFT LEAN WITH THIS JAKE KNAPP DRILL

Jake Knapp’s use of an alignment rod through the end of his golf grip is a drill designed to help golfers maintain proper shaft lean through impact and prevent “flipping” of the hands.

Here’s how it works and what it aims to achieve:

The Drill: The golfer inserts an alignment rod or stick into the butt end of their club’s grip, so that it extends upwards along their lead side (left side for a right-handed golfer).

Preventing Flipping: As the golfer swings through the ball, the objective is to keep the alignment rod from hitting their lead side or stomach. If the hands “flip” at impact (where the clubhead passes the hands too early, resulting in a scooping motion), the alignment rod will likely make contact with the body.

Promoting Shaft Lean: By avoiding the alignment rod hitting the body, the drill encourages the hands to lead the clubhead through impact, which naturally promotes a slight forward shaft lean. This is a key element for solid contact and ball striking, allowing the club to deliver a downward strike on the ball, especially with irons and wedges.

Improving Connection: This drill can also help golfers maintain better connection between their arms and body throughout the swing, preventing the arms from getting disconnected and working independently.

In essence, the alignment rod drill used by Knapp provides instant feedback on a golfer’s hand action and shaft lean through the impact zone, guiding them towards a more controlled and effective strike.