A Dynamic Impact Requires Dynamic Practice

Where the hands should be at impact is a common question many amateurs ask. While it’s understandable to think practicing getting the hands in the proper spot at impact would help achieve better contact, a couple points to consider:

1) In a real golf swing (not a drill) impact is dynamic- it’s a motion, not a stagnant moment in time.
2) Where the hands end up at impact is mostly determined by the motion of the player’s body at impact- if the body is out of position, the hands will be as well.

Great ball strikers’ hands can vary a bit at impact, but in general they tend to be forward of the ball (toward the target) some amount, and a bit higher than where they were at address (from DTL). A player’s grip type plays a factor in the exact positioning.

However, I recommend most amateurs direct their attention on learning what should be happening with their BODY and HANDS BEFORE, AT, and AFTER impact. This helps them coordinate the MOTION through impact, instead of just feeling a POSITION at impact.

Ideally, the pelvis is rotating toward the target while also pushing up, the torso is rotating open too, and the lead wrist is working from a flexed (bowed) position BEFORE impact toward an extended (cupped) position AFTER impact. This allows for maximum speed and a square clubface at impact, as well as a stable release post-impact. Dynamically practicing small swings to help feel and coordinate these motions will help any player learn to strike the ball more solidly more often.