Hip Hinge
The hip hinge is bending forward from the hip joints (not the waist) to establish the correct spine angle at address. It is the foundation of athletic posture in golf.
Hinging at the hips maintains a neutral spine and allows the glutes to engage as the primary stabilizers. Bending from the waist instead rounds the lower back, restricts rotation, and predisposes to lower back pain. The hip hinge is identical to the athletic ready position used in most sports and can be trained away from the course with deadlift-pattern exercises. A player with a good hip hinge holds their posture throughout the swing without early extension.
Example
Placing a club along the spine while bending forward should show the spine staying straight, the hips pushing backward, and the knees flexing slightly — the hip hinge pattern.
Related terms
- PosturePosture in golf is the spine angle at address — bending forward from the hips with a straight back so the arms hang freely under the shoulders and the body can rotate athletically.
- Knee FlexKnee flex at address is the slight bend in the knees that creates an athletic, ready posture — enough to feel springy and stable, not so much that it restricts hip rotation.
- Early ExtensionEarly extension is thrusting the hips toward the ball during the downswing, which causes the golfer to stand up out of posture and forces compensations at impact.
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