Trail-Hand Wedge Drill: Feel the Release.
One hand. A lighter touch.
This trail-hand wedge drill helps you explore a freer clubhead release and compare your contact.
A short pitch can attract a surprising amount of supervision from two hands. Give the lead hand a little holiday, then invite it back without letting it take over.
This is Wedge Play Card 5 in the Golf Practice Made Fun App: nine gentle shots with your trail hand, then nine with both hands. Tick every attempt and compare the feel.
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Your drill at a glance
| Drill detail | Your session |
|---|---|
| Category | Wedge play · Card 5 |
| Benefit | Explore a freer wedge release and cleaner contact. |
| Practice format | 9 trail-hand-only shots + 9 with both hands. |
| Practice record | Tick each attempt. Compare contact after the two groups. |
| Equipment | One wedge, practice balls and a short target from a good lie. |
Watch Danny Maude’s demonstration
Watch the video, then follow the steps below.
Step 1. Set Up with Your Trail Hand
What to do
| Action | What to do |
|---|---|
| Choose a short shot | Use a good lie, one wedge and a nearby target. |
| Grip down | Hold the wedge with your trail hand only. Let your free arm rest by your side. |
| Settle your pressure | Favour your lead side slightly and make a small rehearsal. |
Your trail hand is your right hand if you play right-handed, and your left hand if you play left-handed.
Step 2. Play Nine Gentle Shots
What to do
| Action | What to do |
|---|---|
| Let the head swing | Use a small, flowing motion and let the sole brush the grass. |
| Check the finish | Let the handle finish near your lead leg as your chest turns through. |
| Complete nine | Tick each attempt and notice the contact. Avoid chasing distance. |
Your cue: “Small swing. Brush the grass.”
Step 3. Add Your Lead Hand Lightly
What to do
| Action | What to do |
|---|---|
| Bring back the lead hand | Place it lightly on the grip and keep the same free-swinging feel. |
| Play nine more | Use the same wedge, lie and target for a useful comparison. |
| Record your practice | Tick all 18 attempts. Note any change in strike, rhythm or effort. |
The App records attempts completed for this drill. A mishit still counts as an attempt. Use the notes on your practice sheet to compare the two groups.
George’s Practice Tip
Keep the second group as gentle as the first. Adding a hand does not mean adding horsepower. Give yourself a fair comparison by keeping the wedge, lie and target the same.
FAQs
Which hand is the trail hand?
For a right-handed golfer it is the right hand. For a left-handed golfer it is the left hand.
How many shots do I play?
Nine with the trail hand only, followed by nine with both hands: 18 attempts in total.
How far should I hit these shots?
Choose a short target that suits a gentle, controlled motion. This Card 5 session has no fixed yardage.
Do mishits count?
Yes. Tick each completed attempt. Note what happened rather than repeating the shot until it looks tidy.
What should I compare?
After each group, write a short note about strike, rhythm and effort. Keep the club, target and lie consistent.
What drill do you recommend I do next?
Try the Three Swing Lengths Drill to learn your wedge carry. You can also explore the Four Wedge Flights Drill.
Give your next practice a purpose.
Find illustrated drills, save your favourites and record your practice in the Golf Practice Made Fun App.
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