Thumbs Off — Golf Drill

Thumbs-off golf drills are specialized training techniques where a golfer intentionally removes their thumbs from the grip during the swing to prevent 'casting' and manual manipulation of the clubhead. Designed for everyone from high-handicaps battling a slice to single-digit players seeking more [lag](/learn/lag), these drills solve the common problem of over-active hands 'pushing' the club away from the body during the transition. If you’ve ever felt like you’re strangling the club only to wat

Will I lose control of the club if I take my thumbs off?

Initially, it will feel unstable, which is exactly why it's a great drill. It highlights how much you rely on your thumbs to 'steer' the club. Start with slow, 50% speed swings to build trust in your palm and finger grip.

How long does it take to see results with the Thumbs-Off drill?

Most golfers feel a change in [lag](/learn/lag) and compression within 10-15 reps. However, to make this 'quiet hand' feel permanent, you should incorporate it into every warm-up session for at least two weeks.

Can I use this drill for my driver?

It is better to start with a 7-iron or 8-iron. The shorter shaft and higher loft make it easier to manage the clubhead's momentum without the thumbs. Once you can hit straight shots with an iron, you can try it with a wood.

How each of them teaches it

Coaches who demonstrate the thumbs off drill, each linked at the second they start.

  1. Golf Monthly: We Asked Dan Grieve For His 5 Best Chipping Drills (from 0:12). Releasing thumb pressure off the grip helps eliminate tension, allowing the player to feel the clubhead weight and create better spin and feel.
  2. Dan Grieve: PGA trainee of the year Ben comes for a lesson with Dan (from 5:28). Perform short game practice swings with the thumbs lifted completely off the grip to soften hand tension and feel the clubhead release naturally.
  3. Dan Grieve: Football legend Harry Kane improves his short game with Dan! (from 14:59). Practicing chipping with the thumbs off the grip to soften grip pressure and feel the weight of the clubhead and the utility of the bounce.
  4. Alistair Davies Golf: These Golf Tips Will Save You HOURS of Practice – Seriously (from 4:20). Lifting the thumbs off the grip during the swing to prevent them from pushing the shaft away, forcing the use of fingers to maintain lag.
  5. Seb On Golf: The BEST Short Game Lesson EVER Given! MUST WATCH! (Dan Grieve) (from 40:51). Remove your thumbs from the grip and rest them loosely to prevent over-squeezing, allowing the weight of the clubhead to swing and release naturally.
  6. Alistair Davies Golf: Stop POOR Ball Striking In Golf Forever (from 5:10). Swing with your thumbs off the grip to feel the natural lag of the club and prevent early 'casting' or 'dumping' of the wrist angles.
  7. AlexElliottGolf: I FOUND The Biggest Putting Cheat Code To Stop 3 Putting. How is this legal? (from 10:42). Gripping the putter without thumbs to feel the natural forces and prevent over-manipulating the acceleration.

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