Build A Better Game From The Head To Toe Week Two

According to some of golfs greatest teachers such as Jim Flick and Hank Haney, speed and power are generated from action in the hands, wrists and forearms. My good friend and client, Sean (The Beast) Fister, International Long Drive champion, describes the importance of the power he generates from cocking and un-cocking his wrists, similar to the action created when skipping rocks over water. In addition to generating distance, strength in the hands, wrists and forearms give you the power required to blast the ball out of deep rough or heavy sand.
 
Considering your hands are the only connection to the club it is not surprising that injuries to the hands and wrists rank number three. The following exercises will stretch and strengthen the hands and wrists, reducing the risk of injury.
 
For this series of exercises you need the Golf Gym Squeasy ball. The ball is a FREE offer from Golf Gym! Simply go to www.GolfGym.com and order your FREE Squeasy.
 
Lets get started!
 
Flexibility in the wrists and fingers:
 
Begin in all fours with the hands placed directly under the shoulders. Spread the fingers as wide as possible, pressing your fore fingers into the floor. Hold for five deep breaths; flip the hands over with the back of the hands on the floor, palms facing you, fingers pointed towards your knees. Hold for five more breaths.
 
Hand and wrist strengthening sequence with the Squeasy ball:
 
Exercise #1:
Move the Squeasy to the palm of your hand. Squeeze the Squeasy with all the fingers as tightly as you can. As with all the exercises, hold for the count of 2 and release.
 

 
Exercise #2:
Holding the Squeasy in your extended fingers, squeeze only the finger tips into the Squeasy. Conditioning even these small muscles will make a big difference.
 

 
Exercise #3:
With the Squeasy in your palm, squeeze with the last three fingers on your hand (pinky, fourth and middle). Extend your index finger and thumb completely, isolating the three fingers. After a while, you wont even have to think about how you should be gripping the club, you will just 'feel' it.
 

 
Exercise #4:
Holding the Squeasy in your palm, slowly articulate the fingers, beginning with the pinky and moving to the forefinger. Repeat in the opposite direction.
 

 
Exercise #5:
This is a very effective isometric strengthening exercise for the chest, forearms, hands and wrists. Place the Squeasy between the hands, fingers spread wide and facing your chin. Lower your shoulders and elbows. Press the hands together. Maintain the pressure in the hands and roll the fingers away from you as you extend your arms. Hold for five breaths in each position.
 

 
Video tip: This fitness tip is called the 30 second drill, designed to increase strength in the forearms.
 
Next week we tackle the shoulders and upper back.
 
See you on The Turn!
 
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    Editor's Note: Katherine Roberts, founder of Yoga for Golfers, has over 20 years of experience in fitness training, yoga studies, professional coaching and motivation. Katherine welcomes your email questions and comments, contact her at Katherine@YogaForGolfers.com or visit www.YogaForGolfers.com.