Grip question

[Walt]

Hi all, I have tried NSA and Soft Draw. I get more distance with NSA but better accuracy with Soft Draw. Should I or can I use a slightly stronger grip with NSA? How do you decide who should use a stronger or weaker grip than neutral? Thanks, Walt

 

[detonum]

Well, I think the reason you should use a neutral grip with the NSA pattern is so that you learn to really square the clubface by rotating the whole left arm - if you can't do that, a stronger grip isn't going to help much in the longer run.

If you can square the clubface well with a neutral grip, then the grip is propably more of a personal preference thing. What works best for you.

 

[Walt]

I know the reason for neutral grip and NSA. I guess I worded the question wrong. I know Brian does not suggest a neutral grip for everyone. My question would be how do you decide if someone is better off with a weaker, neutral, or strongish grip?

 

[fronesis]

Not to be obstinate, but I think detonum's answer is still valid.

A. If you can NOT rotate the left forearm to square the clubface, then it helps to switch to a neutral grip in order to LEARN this.

B. If you CAN already rotate the clubface and square it up, then there are a variety of grip options, and you might want to try out what works best for you.

I don't want to speak for Brian, but when you say "I know Brian does not suggest a neutral grip for everyone," I don't think this is because he has a bunch of secret reasons for suggesting grips. That is, I think a lot of times Brian will leave someone's grip alone, if there's not a good reason to change it.

Thus, unless YOU have a good reason to change it, then you might not want to. But if you are searching for the best grip for your best pattern, then you can always experiment.

My personal preference...if you are going to be picking a grip...is Manzella neutral. It forces you to rotate properly, it makes clubface control easier, it makes it easy to work the ball...

 

[Walt]

Not to be obstinate, but in the NSA video one of Brian's prize pupils, Adam, uses a stronger than neutral grip. Why?

 

[fronesis]

Because Adam does not NEED a neutral grip in order to square the clubface.

And because a stronger grip works for Adam's swing.