Every golfer wants more consistency, best ball shot and a swing that just feels smooth. But one of the biggest reasons you might not be hitting it consistently has nothing to do with your reversal or continuation. It has to do with how your hands are positioned at address.
or common configuration error many golfers do is have their hands too high or too low. It seems like a small detail, but it directly affects the first key lever in your swing: the angle between the forearms and the shaft. Get this wrong and you will struggle to build a proper swing sequence.
When your hands are positioned correctly, there is a natural angle between your forearms and the club. This is known as the first lever and sets the stage for the second lever – when your leading arm is parallel to the ground and the club is pointing skyward on the backswing.
But if your arms and axle form a straight line in the setup – as seen with outliers like Bryson DeChambeau or Moe Norman – it becomes extremely difficult to create that second lever. For most golfers, this leads to poor mechanics and weak, inconsistent contact.
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How to position the hands correctly at address
Here’s how to choose your hand height and create a better setup:
Use your belt buckle as a checkpoint
— The butt end of the glove should point directly from your belt buckle.
–Too high? It will point towards your sternum.
–Too low? It will show below your waistline, buried under your body.
Adapt to your inclinations
—If your hands tend to start too high, place them just below the belt buckle.
—If they are usually too low, place them slightly above the buckle – closer to the navel.
Add a touch of forward axle tilt
— This helps promote better contact and proper alignment.
— For right-handers, the handle should lean slightly to the left of the belt buckle.
– For left-handers, it must lean to the right.
Next time you’re on the range, stop before your first swing and check your hand position. Are your hands forming a natural angle with the shaft – or are you fighting your setup before you start the backswing?
By placing your hands at the right height—with the club directed by the belt tension and a hint of forward tilt—you’ll create a stronger base for your swing and a better chance of building proper leverage for more power and endurance.
Try it during your next practice session – your contact may instantly feel more connected, strong and light.
