No Wrist Cock, PERIOD!

Sun, 01/13/2013 - 12:00 -- Don Trahan

I received two emails from a gentleman named Walt who is convinced that I cock my wrists during the swing. I got these emails awhile ago, but wanted to wait until the right time to release the video. Well, that day has come. Walt insists that my wrists break, so today I'm going to try and put this issue to bed, once and for all!

Good wrist action is no wrist action. This is something I have been saying for years and years. It's one of my Surgisms. Yet, every so often I get a critic who is adamant that I actually cock my wrists. Well Surgites, today I'm going to let the video do the talking!

Be sure to pay close attention as I go into greater detail than ever before about the position of the wrists throughout the swing. I devoted about twice as much time to today's video because I really want you all to understand what I mean when I say, "No wrist cock, PERIOD!" I even enlisted the help of my mentor, Dr. Ned Armstrong, to help better describe the message that I'm trying to get across

Keep it vertical!

The Surge

If you can't view the YouTube video above try CLICKING HERE. You must allow popups from this site for the link to work.

Comments

Cowboy in a kilt's picture

Submitted by Cowboy in a kilt on

Surge, you are the man. Any one who can find a way to work duct tape into a golf lesson is at the top of the food chain. I have said, for my whole life, if it can't be fixed with duct tape, it ain't worth fixing.

You rock,
Dick

Steve Smith's picture

Submitted by Steve Smith on

That duct tape is also a great hair remover as Surge will demonstrate on the next video. LOL

Cowboy in a kilt's picture

Submitted by Cowboy in a kilt on

Steve

You know how much Surge likes doing follow up videos. I think you are on to something, or maybe even on something.

He could kind of morph into a training video about "waxing and hair removal. I think that would be of great interest in the Surge Nation. Especially for some of our more furry brothers. That might make it easier for those folks with hairy knuckles to tell if there are 2 knuckles or 3 knuckles showing on their left hand at address.

I think you might have just found a way to make the Surge Nation look better, and at the same time improve our golf game.

You are a true inspiration.

Keeping it vertical, with no hair on the back of my left hand, in Oklahoma,
Dick

Terry Medley's picture

Submitted by Terry Medley on

About 25yrs back, I made the mistake of duct taping my cigarettes to my chest, under a white hazmat suit while doing some industrial repairs inside a steel mill bag house. WE used duct tape to tape our sleeves and leg cuffs on the suits, so it was handy and reasonable, so I would have my cigs handy for a smoke break. Worked real well until the job was over and I had to take the tape off. As Steve says it is a good hair remover. Ouch!!!!

Steve Smith's picture

Submitted by Steve Smith on

We used to burn holes in our clothes on a daily basis and always kept a roll of duct tape handy to patch the holes. Any remaining hair that was left after the clothes caught on fire in the first place was usually removed by the tape covering the holes.

It created a very nice look around the swimming pool with all of those 2 or 3 inch patches of removed hair.

Terry Medley's picture

Submitted by Terry Medley on

One of the reasons I always hated over head welding and burning. Even on a hot day, for anything other than a quick job, I wore my heavy welding jacket and hat. The sweat was easier to handle than the burns.

Dragonhead's picture

Submitted by Dragonhead on

Sock it to them Surge! Firming up my grip recently, which also firmed up my writsts, made a big difference In 'CONSISTENCY', accuracy and length with ALL clubs! Thankyou Surge.
The doubting Thomas's among those who follow Surge is understandable, depending on the persons doing so. If it is to clarify points that they are having difficulties with performing themselves, fine. If it is carping criticism of the PPGS golf swing and it's 'rules', then, what is their point? Many, many of us have embraced the concepts of the PPGS concept and have seen it's amazing results. Nothing and no one is perfect. This angle is not exactly.....yadda, yadda,yadda, when Surge does it, or he says one thing and does another. At the end of the day all the nit-picking, analysis has to be transferred into bodily motions to achieve results. Thesse bodies are so varied as to be in line with the saying "no two golf shots are the same", giving gazillions of variables. Yet even that being so, the Peak Performance Golf Swing WORKS~! I for one am perhaps not as technical savvy as some who follow the Surge. A good thing for me. As said everyone is different. To those who are critical, what exactly is your point? At the end of the day, minute differences married to fat,thin,tall,short anatomies and all the scientific dots are joined up this swing, I personally LOVE, WORKS. I wish the critics all the luck in improving their game using whatever methods you use, just don't knock our Surge!
Dick on Duct tape, hahaha! Love the stuff! DH in sodden NZ where the heavens have opened again.Water shortage touted here? hahaha just like global warming hahaha! Hit them long and straight and check those wrists.

jgiles44@gmail.com's picture

Submitted by jgiles44@gmail.com on

Great response from you and Dr. Armstrong to Walt and his observations(criticisms) about the wrist cock, or lack thereof. I took your theory about the flat left wrist to the driving range and, once I felt comfortable with the new swing, to the course. The difference was amazing to say the least. I was hitting through the ball with more consistency and the difference in distance and accuracy was like night and day. Walt, if you're reading this, pay closer attention. Surge will not steer you wrong. Think "left wrist flat" and you can't go wrong. Thanks Surge, you're the man.

Robert Meade's picture

Submitted by Robert Meade on

Here's my take on the wrist cock (or not) and personal results.

I think that until a golfer experiences a clean, pure, center struck golf ball using a 3/4 swing with not only no PURPOSEFUL wrist cock but actually resisting any wrist action, they may continue to scoff and disbelieve in what Surge has repeatedly said and shown. The other day I rediscovered this fact (and feeling). There is a certain feeling I get in my set up and grip that leads to great drives off the tee and better strikes from tee to green. It results when I set my hands and wrist firmly (as prescribed by Surge) and actually resist any flexation through out the swing. The best way to describe it is: "Set it and forget it". Once I have the grip and wrists locked in position it seems the rest is easy. Shots are solid, straight and long (most). As soon as I try to hit it further by allowing my back swing to get loose and past 3/4's(and my grip and wrist to loose that pre-set firm feel) I get the opposite-wild shots, inconsistency and frustration. Strange thing is I have had a lack of consistency from round to round making my hands and body remember the simplicity of what works. No wrist cock. In fact, when I get that going I don't even need to focus on rotating my forearms through the hitting area (from 5 to 7 on the clock when facing the golfer). It just happens. How did someone put it? 'Impact happens'.
I think why it is hard to ingrain is because it is so compact and simple it seems illogical. Golf is often a game of opposites. When we hit it solid and long and pure it seems like butter, almost effortless. So this is becoming major golf goal for 2013: 3/4's, no wrist cocking or (wrist action at all). Maybe if I can just embrace the great results I see with a compact swing and the 'set it and forget it' grip, I will truly own it.
I hope this made sense. It is my honest take after 4 years of applying the PPGS swing (and knowing when I'm not). Smaller swing, no extra angles and bigger results.
Better golf success through simplicity.

Dragonhead's picture

Submitted by Dragonhead on

Robert,
Agree entirely. Your words are probably more descriptive than mine. My goal is to continue with the firmer grip and no wrist cock. I liked your comment about 'getting loose and past 3/4's and wrists to lose that pre-set feel'particularly. On one of the few so-so shots last round, it was one where the grip became loosened on the grip during the swing, which caused a less than perfect shot! A great video and timely as usual.
KISS indeed, Keep It Simple Stupid! Good luck on the piste. DH

Robert Meade's picture

Submitted by Robert Meade on

I will pull for little Timmy Clark today. At 104 mph (with the driver) they say he has the slowest club head speed on tour. Still gets it out there about 285 most of the time. I'd take it:) He is just so unlikely that like Tim 'Lumpy' Herron you just feel like pulling for those guys. With all the athletic bodies out there now these two break the mold. It is cool to see the two rookies leading the way. how about Daly with the two triples a double on the back nine shooting a 45. Nuts.
Fun stuff any way. We'll see how the new young guns hold up.

Tee On 13 Golf's picture

Submitted by Tee On 13 Golf on

Well stated RM!

I will remember your "Set it and forget it" analogy!

Phillip

Robert Meade's picture

Submitted by Robert Meade on

Hi Philip, yes I hope that idea helps you. I am convinced that it makes all the difference for me. "SIFI" ( hmmnnn............. like sci-fi )

BTW, how is that Enlow grip for you now? Sounded like you like them. Did you order the rest of the set for your clubs? In line with today's subject, I feel they really aid the no wrist action. I think you'll have a great golf season this year with those grips. Keep us posted Philip.
Keep 'em down the middle!!

Tee On 13 Golf's picture

Submitted by Tee On 13 Golf on

Robert/ Cindy:

Hope you both are well!

I'm catching up on my dailys...

Love your analogy of no wrist cock and 5-7 o'clock hitting area!

As a follow up, how do you like the Enlow grips?

Per Brad, he said to hold club in hands vs fingers. How do you hold them? What type of grip? Standard or baseball?

Grips definitely stopped my snap hook on drives. Tried them with graphite iron shafts, but felt better with steel shafts for irons. Driver and hybrids are graphite.

I am getting used to them and will never go back to standard grips. Recently tried Jumbomax large grip on one iron. Now torn between the two.

Appreciate your input,

Phillip

Robert Meade's picture

Submitted by Robert Meade on

Hi Philip,

Good to hear from you. So you've been playing the Enlow but have tried the JM?

"Torn between to lovers, feeling like a fool" eh, lol? Of course I say you'll have to go with your intuiton and what feels good. I'm an old 70's guy and our motto was "if it feels good do it". We also need to compare results using either. Personally I was torn too. Because I have the means to quickly change out my grips in a few seconds with my air compressor it has been easy to switch out grips and try both. Here's what I have found. I prefer the Jumbo max for my driver through 6 iron and then Golfpride jumbo tour wraps for my scoring irons. Two different grips on the same set of clubs? Yes. Why? On the mid to longest clubs I am looking for stable, straight and long normally. On my shorter irons (scoring clubs 7-58*) I want a bit more feel and ability to 'work' the ball - I do want my grip in the fingers. As you said the larger grips help take 'snap' (over-flexation) out of our wrists and puts the grip a bit more in the hands. That aids in stabilizing the hands and wrists. So the Enlows are currently at rest in my tool chest. It does not mean I may not go back to them at some point.

Grip style? I use a normal standard grip that hopefully resembles Don's and is based on the training grip that you can buy at a golf store or get on the 'swingrite' training aid (I got through Doc's site). Again, see what feels and works best for you. Not to encourage Spending but you may need to get a full set of JM's to make a fair comparison.

Like you, I don't think I'll ever go back to 'normal' grips. Most grips feels so tiny to me now. The Enlows and Jumbo Max have redefined what "Jumbo" really is:)

Tee On 13 Golf's picture

Submitted by Tee On 13 Golf on

Thanks RM. I have same issue with my clubs as well.

Driver thru 7 hybrid I am comfortable with Enlows.

Eight thru LW need more "feel".

Installed JM on nine iron....So far like it. But like Enlows as well.

Just need to practice and play more to determine what works best and keeps my "gray matter" happy!

Take care,

Phillip

Hal's picture

Submitted by Hal on

Surgites
DJ is in the field for the Humana chalenge in California nest week.
Hal

MikefromKy's picture

Submitted by MikefromKy on

Thanks Hal.

Any word on how DJ'S back is doing.

Mike

Hal's picture

Submitted by Hal on

Mike, DJ's back is OK. Acording to Don ,DJ did not pull out of the Qualifying for a bad back, He was at a point he knew he could not shoot scores low enough to make the Q school qualifing. He has conditional Qualifing for this year. plus other options that can get him into about 10 to 12 tournaments this year.
Hal

MikefromKy's picture

Submitted by MikefromKy on

That is good news on the back. When looking at the Q school web page at the time they listed withdrew because of back issues. Hopefully he will get off to a fast start this year.

Robert Meade's picture

Submitted by Robert Meade on

Thanks for the update Harold. Good news that Deej will have opportunities this year. who knows, with a few good finishes and top 10's he may get his card back too by years end.

Terry Medley's picture

Submitted by Terry Medley on

For those who wish to experience the feeling of a bus and contact with a firm left wrist, without the danger that scissors and duct tape present, you might want to give one of these a try during your range or practice time. I remember 3-4yrs back when starting this method having great difficulty keeping my left wrist firm from takeaway to contact. One of these was a big help in getting down that right movement and feeling. I still use it from time to time at the range.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/230888862047?_trksid=p5197.c0.m619

Dragonhead's picture

Submitted by Dragonhead on

Terry Medley,
Brilliant aid for a firm wrist. I have a similar wrist support with velcro fastner from the time I pirouetted getting out of the shower in China[funny but painful ; - ] As the weather is being naughty again, I will go and look it out. Thanks for that. The reason I love this site and the Surge Clan.
Keep on hitting them longer and straighter.
Reminds me, nearly out of duct tape ; - ) DH

Robert Meade's picture

Submitted by Robert Meade on

That is a good practice tool Terry. It always amazes me that even though I think I am keeping the left flat during the swing it really shows up when you put that deal on. often the hands still want to over flex during the swing. Great reminder. I may crack it out for a bit of practice down the line.
You finally feeling better?

Terry Medley's picture

Submitted by Terry Medley on

Yes, feeling much better. I believe the bug is retreating and my strength returning. This was a nasty bout, so I'm happy to see it going. Probably could have shortened it up with a Dr visit, but kept thinking it would turn around in another day or so, ending up being about 2 1/2 wks or so from onset. Usually my colds only last a week at most, so I'm thinking this was something else. Just glad to be rid of it. Now, hurry up Spring.

Dragonhead's picture

Submitted by Dragonhead on

Glad to hear that you are on the mend. Whatever it was,hope it stays away for good. Found the wrist support and will try it when I next get the opportunity. Summer here, gale force winds and rain. Go figure! DH

Sip's picture

Submitted by Sip on

Of all the segments of this swing the "no wrist cock" has to be the one part that you should not have a problem performing. I've been working with this simple swing for two years and continue to have a problem with solid contact. But I have no plans to quit and will continue to try and master this simple swing.

Terry Medley's picture

Submitted by Terry Medley on

That's rather easy to say, IF, you've never had a problem with keeping a flat left wrist. I guess we're all a little different in the things we have problems with. I'm willing to bet, you have some problem areas that I and others find rather simple to perform. It's a little judgmental to say what someone else should or should not have problems with. I am glad you find it so simple to maintain a flat left wrist, As for me, I have trouble with a flat left wrist, among many other areas as well.

PS: If you want to be sure you're not just fooling yourself. Here's a little device which will tell the truth about YOUR wrist cocking or not cocking.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Tac-Tic-Wrist-Golf-Swing-Training-Aid-/230866862042?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item35c0bcbfda

rice999@cox.net's picture

Submitted by rice999@cox.net on

I never could trust an instructor who could explain something without using a little duct tape. My belief in the Surge is now unequivocal.

Cowboy in a kilt's picture

Submitted by Cowboy in a kilt on

I completely agree with your comment.

It sealed the deal for me too. Every instructor should understand and be able to demonstrate the proper application of duct tape in any setting.

It is yet another example of why the Surge Nation is what it is.

As I ask frequently, where else could you get what we have here. I have watched a lot of golf training videos in my life. I don't think I have ever seen any of those so called instructors use duct tape. Surge has great hands, and great feel. Did you see how he handled that tape. It tried to get wrapped up, as duct tape always does. But Surge, with the hands of a surgeon, flipped it back and went right on.

The Surge has skills,
Dick

Cowboy in a kilt's picture

Submitted by Cowboy in a kilt on

Mike

Yes my friend, duct tape does it all.

My grandkids got me a duct tape wallet for Christmas a couple of years ago.

I have not had to take it apart to fix anything yet. If it starts to come apart, just add another layer of tape. How easy is that?

Dick

Steve Smith's picture

Submitted by Steve Smith on

I can't help but wonder what Surge thinks about the comments. He spent most of the video describing how he uses no wrist cock and in a brief instant (almost an afterthought) he mentioned the unintentional flex that occurs at the transition.

It seems reading the comments that many latched onto that one reference to flex and are taking it as a green light from Surge to go beyond unintentional flex and to purposefully flex the wrists.

Robert Meade's picture

Submitted by Robert Meade on

It always amazes me when a troll will try and say that the PPGS is for all practical purposes the same as most other swing taught except for being more vertical and perhaps shorter (3/4's). That little bit of flex has nothing to do with what the vast majority still teach as a necessary, purposeful wrist set in order to have power. All this does make for interesting conversation. It definitely helps us see who are the trolls just hopping from site to site and who are the ones that truly understand and are working to learn the PPGS vrs the rest.

Sip's picture

Submitted by Sip on

You're absolutely right. I do have problems mastering this swing. That's why I've been on and off with this "simple" swing. One day I'm hoping that I can consistently connect all the dots. Thanks.

dcameron35's picture

Submitted by dcameron35 on

I think the confusion on cocking the wrist comes from the definition that the Surge and Dr. Armstrong use. Seemingly they define a left wrist cock as the wrist leaving the flat wrist position and bending back on itself with the back of the left hand now closer to the forearm. This is usually called a "cupped" position or dorsal flexion. Almost all instructors agree this is not usually a good thing and that the left wrist should remain flat throughout the swing. No arguement with the Surge here. However, throughout the golf instruction world this action is not the definition of wrist cock but rather wrist cock is considered the Vertical hinging of the wrist while still maintaining the flat wrist position. This is how the angle at address between the left arm and clubshaft gets to around 90 degrees near the top of the swing. All the arm lifting (without bending the left elbow) will never get you to the 90 degree angle without some vertical wrist hinging. Try it and prove it to yourself. Surge does admit to a small amount of vertical hinging as he starts down from the top. It is still wrist cocking (as defined above and most of the instructional world) whether it occurs during the backswing as you start down. It also happens automatically for most without thought but it is still wrist cock whether it is deliberate or not.

Robert Meade's picture

Submitted by Robert Meade on

Surge has demonstrated several times how the wrist can hinge in one of two directions either 'cupping' which closes the club(visualize Dustin Johnson) and or arching (bending it in the opposite direction). As one can test for themselves or see in the video I will attach the wrist has very little flex in the other directions (up or down). But with this swing we keep our left wrist flat which both shortens the swing (unless you bend your elbow) to 3/4's, and that's what we want. So I say what you are seeing in Don's swing is that flexion and NOT wrist cock. . Not Automatically or other wise Dcameron35. No confusion and NO WRIST COCK!

https://www.swingsurgeon.com/major-golf-mistakes-amateurs-make/second-lesson-keeping-straight-wrist

MikefromKy's picture

Submitted by MikefromKy on

This is a verbiage issue.
Don calls the up and down of the wrist flexing which is fine no problem. The rest of the teachers out their call this wrist cock up and down these same teachers call the left to right movement of the wrist cupping and bowing.

I really do not think it matters but a lot of people get confused because of verbiage.
I am not nocking anyone just saying it is what you are use to hearing.

dcameron35's picture

Submitted by dcameron35 on

Again - ambiguous definitions and semantics. If you and the Surge want to call the vertical bending or hinging of his left wrist (known as radial deviation) in his swing as "flexion", then ok, but the rest of the golfing world defines that as wrist cock, and that is a totally separate observation than whether the left wrist is flat or not.

p.s. "cupping" the left wrist opens the clubface, not closing it.

Doc Griffin's picture

Submitted by Doc Griffin on

So if the rest of the golf world is wrong then does that make it right? Actually what Dustin j does is a great example of wrist cock. For a clear resolve to this issue would be to look up the definition of wrist cock in the PGA glossary. It becomes quite clear that Surge is correct and "the rest" of the golfing community is incorrect. If you correlate the movement to "cocking" the hammer of a gun then it's perfectly clear that wrist cock is tha backward bend of the right hand towards the forearm with left wrist in a bowed position. You may also want to take a look at a club head with a bowed wrist. It surely isn't open.

MikefromKy's picture

Submitted by MikefromKy on

I looked earlier and did not see it in there.

EDIT

Cupped wrist was here is the definition.

Cupped Wrist: A position in which the left or top hand is hinged outward at the top of the backswing. (Her cupped wrist caused the club to be pointed to the left of the target at the top of her swing.)

Doc Griffin's picture

Submitted by Doc Griffin on

Cocked Wrists: A description of the hinging motion of the wrists during the backswing in which the hands are turned clockwise. Ideally, the wrists are fully cocked at the beginning of the downswing. (He cocked his wrists early in the backswing to hit a high, soft shot over the bunker).

This is what is currently in the glossary. Ambiguous at best and certainly different that it was 3 years ago.

Tomato, tomato- as long as we realize that the only motion of the wrist is the slight hinge caused by force of club head still going back as we enter transition, we're all good.

SimplyGolf's picture

Submitted by SimplyGolf on

Thx, Doc, for the online house call. Good to hear from you. The Nation has had this conversation before. My 2 cents...

I think the term "nominal hinging" was kicked around last time we had this chat. Ok, so it is nominal hinging. Yawn. There. I hope the wrist-hinge posters are happy. But wait... a reminder here that this is just a by-product, and not an intentional & pronounced flexation element.

I underscore the word "nominal". You get someone that really loads that shaft (DJ) , and yes, it can and does go beyond nominal. Ok, so it does. So what? He is a pro. He can do that.

And for those who think that intentional, significant hinging/cocked wrists are a key element to a good, consistent swing.... GO FOR IT. Use your full wristcock and let it rip. Let us know how that goes-good or bad. Really. Otherwise, for myself, I choose to just let it be and allow myself a nominal hinge.

"A man convinced against his will is of the same opinion still."

Let's make a deal here and now: be truthful with our outcomes. It's about results.

Kevin McGarrahan's picture

Submitted by Kevin McGarrahan on

Thanks, Doc. I never thought to look that up.

Cocked Wrists: A description of the hinging motion of the wrists during the backswing in which the hands are turned clockwise. Ideally, the wrists are fully cocked at the beginning of the downswing. (He cocked his wrists early in the backswing to hit a high, soft shot over the bunker).

Robert Meade's picture

Submitted by Robert Meade on

Hello 'Doc'!! Glad you jumped in. We've missed you although we know you are checking the blog and hopefully getting a kick out of our conversations and golf speak:) Nice to hear from a top 100 fitter and someone who clearly knows what he is talking about. Hope you and yours are well Doc. Thanks for stopping by and we always are glad to hear your comments and look forward to your next
"Doctors House call."

Cowboy in a kilt's picture

Submitted by Cowboy in a kilt on

Doc

Some folks just don't get it. When in Rome, do as the Romans do. This is the Surge Nation. Here, we do as the Surge does. That is good enough for all of us. If only we could, do as Surge does.

Yet another troll makes a strafing run, and gets shot down. Go back under your bridge little troll.

Doc, I hope you are having a great start to the new year.

Dick

Robert Meade's picture

Submitted by Robert Meade on

Thank you. Yes radial deviation. However there is a point that some are not getting regardless of the verbage.
The radial deviation that occurs is nearly always accompanied by either cupping or bowing. (Unless we fight to keep the wrists and grip firm and the left wrist flat). Why? Because as Surge demonstrates and any one can experiment with their own wrists, the radial deviation up is only an inch or so without cupping or bowing. Again look at Dustin Johnson. So regardless of what the terms are that various teachers are using, unless we bow or cup (which Don totally discourages) there will be very little hinging up down or otherwise.
Again it's not just verbage.The act of cocking or hinging that most encourage and teach is only physically possible if there is cupping, arching or bowing.
So yes, if the left wrist is kept flat and grip is firmed up there will be very little angle changed other than that set at address. BTW, Surge admitted only that there was a flex that happens when he starts the FUS. That is not the same or anywhere close to cocking the wrists.

Terry Medley's picture

Submitted by Terry Medley on

It would seem to me, those wishing to learn the PPGS properly, would be best helped by accepting the definitions of it's developer and instructor and let other so called ambiguous definitions and semantics be dammed. Why on earth would I care what anyone in the rotation philosophy of teaching calls something. It is not their systems I desire to learn.
A wise man once said, The sheep know the voice of their master, and heed his call. We in the Surge Nation know the voice of our instructor, and it is to his advice we heed. Let the others pay heed to their own instructors, and please allow us to do likewise.

PPGS,

Steve Smith's picture

Submitted by Steve Smith on

There it is Terry.

It doesn't matter what any of those things are called anyway because Surge isn't recommending to do any of them intentionally anyway.

Not a thing wrong with his old maxim "The best wrist action is no wrist action".

The minute I decide I am going to "flex" my wrists (even if I fully intend to keep a flat left wrist) sooner or later that "flex" is going to turn into a bow or a cup. If it's a bow I can live with it but if it's a cup I am done and probably on the road to shank city.

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