Forward Press
A forward press is a small movement of the hands or right knee toward the target just before the takeaway — a trigger to start the swing in motion with consistent timing.
Many great players use a forward press as a "go" trigger to eliminate static starting and create a smooth, rhythmic beginning to the swing. Jack Nicklaus turned his chin; Gary Player kicked the right knee in; others simply press the hands a few inches toward the target. The press shifts a small amount of weight forward, then recoils naturally into the backswing. It also sets a small amount of forward shaft lean before the swing begins, which can be a useful cue for iron compression.
Example
A player who holds static at address then makes an abrupt takeaway benefits from adding a gentle forward press to trigger a smoother first move.
Related terms
- Setup RoutineA setup routine is the repeatable sequence of steps — aim the face, align the body, take the grip, waggle, go — that builds consistent, pressure-proof address positions.
- WaggleA waggle is a small, rhythmic movement of the club head before the swing — back and through the hitting area a few times. It relieves tension, previews the takeaway, and sets the swing in motion.
- TempoTempo is the overall timing and rhythm of your swing — the ratio of how long the backswing takes versus the downswing. A smooth, repeatable tempo is what makes contact consistent.
Related guides & benchmarks
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