Anti-Roll Method: What Is It? Does It Help?

There is an ongoing debate among golfers, including elite players, instructors, and analysts, about whether rolling the forearms during the follow-through helps or hinders a player's swing and overall performance. This debate is largely centered around the clubface control and consistency of the shot.

 

 

The Anti-Roll Method is an effective strategy for golfers looking to improve accuracy, consistency, and overall performance. By minimizing excessive wrist roll, maintaining a square clubface, and focusing on body rotation, golfers can experience more controlled shots and predictable ball flight. Through dedicated practice and a mindful approach to wrist positioning, golfers can integrate the Anti-Roll Method into their game, reaping the benefits both on and off the course.

Golfers such as Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka, Jon Rahm, Justin Rose, and Collin Morikawa have successfully implemented this technique into their swings, allowing them to maintain a square clubface and deliver powerful, controlled shots.

By emphasizing body rotation over wrist action, these golfers have fine-tuned their swings to reduce variability, especially under pressure, helping them achieve success on the PGA Tour.

• Dustin Johnson is famous for his "bowed left wrist" at the top of his backswing, which minimizes the need for forearm and wrist roll through impact. His lead wrist remains flat, and he uses his body rotation to square the clubface, rather than relying on excessive wrist movement.
• Brooks Koepka emphasizes a quiet wrist action during his swing. He keeps his lead wrist relatively flat through impact, relying on body rotation to control the clubface rather than rolling his wrists excessively.
• Jon Rahm is well-known for his compact backswing and minimal wrist movement, especially at the top of the swing. His clubface remains square through the hitting zone due to reduced wrist roll, which enhances control and consistency.
• Collin Morikawa is known for his precise ball-striking, using minimal wrist rotation through impact, relying on a square clubface and body rotation for control. His anti-roll approach is particularly evident in his iron play, which is among the best on tour.
• Justin Rose employs a steady wrist position throughout his swing, limiting excessive rolling of the forearms or wrists. His focus is on body rotation and timing to square the clubface at impact, rather than relying on wrist roll. His use of the Anti-Roll Technique has helped him maintain consistent ball-striking and accuracy, leading to success in major championships and a career marked by consistent play.

Why Is Wrist Roll a Problem?

Wrist roll is an essential part of the golf swing, but when overdone, it can become problematic. Wrist rolling refers to the natural rotation of the wrists and forearms as a golfer swings through the ball. Ideally, this rotation helps square the clubface at impact, ensuring solid contact with the ball.

However, when the wrists over-rotate or rotate too early or late, it can lead to errant shots. A clubface that is too open will produce a slice, while a closed clubface will cause a hook. The timing of wrist roll is crucial, and the Anti-Roll Method helps to ensure the proper timing and reduces the risk of rolling too much or too soon.

Anti-Roll Method or Anti-Roll Technique: Are They Different?

The Anti-Roll Method and Anti-Roll Technique in golf essentially refer to the same concept: preventing excessive wrist rolling during the golf swing to maintain a square clubface for more consistent, accurate shots.

However, some subtle differences may arise based on how individuals or instructors interpret the terms.

Some golf instructors or golfers may use these terms interchangeably, while others may emphasize that the Anti-Roll Method is a holistic approach and the Anti-Roll Technique refers to the specific actions or drills that make up the method.

Key Differences

Anti-Roll Method:

Typically refers to an overarching approach or philosophy toward controlling wrist movement throughout the swing. The term "method" may be used to describe a structured system or set of principles aimed at preventing wrist over-rotation.Involves a more comprehensive focus on the entire swing sequence, including posture, body rotation, grip pressure, and wrist control.

Anti-Roll Technique:

Focuses more on the specific actions or drills used to reduce wrist roll, like keeping the lead wrist flat at impact or practicing with an impact bag to keep the clubface square.

Key Components of the Anti-Roll Method

The Anti-Roll Method emphasizes a series of key techniques that help golfers maintain a square clubface throughout the swing. Let's look at the essential components:

Grip Pressure

Grip pressure plays a significant role in the Anti-Roll Method. A light but firm grip allows for better control of the clubhead and minimizes the tendency to over-rotate the wrists. Over-gripping can lead to tension in the hands and arms, which increases the likelihood of improper wrist movement. By maintaining proper grip pressure, golfers can better manage the clubface and prevent it from rolling open or closed prematurely.

Wrist Position at Impact

One of the primary focuses of the Anti-Roll Method is to maintain a flat lead wrist (left wrist for right-handed players) at the moment of impact. The lead wrist should stay flat and firm as it moves through the hitting zone. A bent or over-rotated wrist can lead to a loss of power and errant shots. The goal is to keep the clubface square to the target line through impact.

Body Rotation

Proper body rotation helps reduce the need for excessive wrist rolling. By relying more on the body's natural rotation through the swing, the wrists can remain quieter. As the body rotates through impact, the arms and hands follow the natural motion, reducing the risk of wrist manipulation. Golfers who focus on rotating their hips and torso rather than relying on their wrists for power will find their shots to be more accurate and consistent.

Posture and Setup

Proper posture and setup are crucial for maintaining a square clubface during the swing. The Anti-Roll Method encourages players to ensure their shoulders, hips, and feet are aligned with the target. A solid setup allows for a smoother swing plane and reduces the need for wrist adjustments to square the clubface. Standing too open or closed to the target line increases the likelihood of over-compensating with wrist roll, leading to less consistency in ball flight.

Clubface Awareness

A key element of the Anti-Roll Method is developing an awareness of the clubface throughout the swing. Golfers should practice feeling where the clubface is pointing during the backswing, downswing, and follow-through. Drills that encourage golfers to maintain a square clubface at various points in the swing will reduce the reliance on wrist rolling and improve shot accuracy.

Anti-Roll Strategies and Techniques

 

In addition to the core components of the Anti-Roll Method, specific strategies and techniques can be implemented to enhance performance. These techniques are designed to help golfers of all levels apply the Anti-Roll Method to their swings.

The Anti-Roll Drill

One of the most effective drills to incorporate into your practice routine is the Anti-Roll Drill. To perform this drill, take a normal stance with your club and focus on making short half-swings while maintaining a flat lead wrist through impact. The key is to focus on the rotation of your body rather than your wrists. As you swing through the ball, keep the lead wrist firm and avoid any excessive rotation of the hands or clubface.

Impact Bag Drill

Another excellent drill to promote proper wrist control is the Impact Bag Drill. Place an impact bag (or any safe target) in front of your stance. Practice hitting the bag with a square clubface while keeping your wrists steady. This drill helps you feel the proper impact position without the ball, encouraging a square clubface and proper wrist action.

Slow Motion Swings

Practicing slow-motion swings is a great way to improve muscle memory and eliminate unwanted wrist roll. During these swings, focus on feeling the proper wrist position and body rotation. By practicing slowly, you can better analyze your swing mechanics and pinpoint areas where wrist roll may be occurring.

Video Analysis

Using video analysis to study your swing can provide valuable insights into wrist movement. Recording your swing and reviewing it in slow motion allows you to identify when and where your wrists may be over-rotating. From there, you can adjust your technique accordingly to reduce unnecessary roll and improve your overall performance.

 

Arguments for Rolling Forearms in the Follow-Through

Natural Rotation and Release:

• Many golf instructors argue that a natural rolling of the forearms is part of the body's natural movement and can aid in a smoother release of the clubhead. When done correctly, this rolling motion helps square the clubface at impact and creates a flowing follow-through.
• Proponents believe that it helps generate power and ensure that the clubface returns to square at impact, especially for longer shots where distance is a priority.
• For players like Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, a natural forearm roll is part of their swing rhythm and allows them to hit high-speed, controlled shots.

Promotes Proper Swing Path:

• Advocates of this technique suggest that rolling the forearms can promote a proper swing path and help avoid a "stuck" swing, where the arms and club lag behind the body during the downswing.
• When executed well, forearm rotation can help the player naturally extend their arms and ensure proper clubhead release, preventing "chicken wing" arms or an overly stiff follow-through. 

Arguments Against Rolling Forearms in the Follow-Through

Loss of Control and Inconsistency:

• Opponents argue that excessive forearm roll can lead to a loss of clubface control, especially if the timing is off. Too much rolling too early or too late in the swing can cause inconsistent ball flight, such as hooks or slices.
• For many professionals, the Anti-Roll Method or maintaining a more neutral wrist and forearm position is preferable, as it minimizes the risk of mis-hitting the ball. Elite golfers like Dustin Johnson, for example, often rely on a "quiet hands" approach, reducing forearm rotation and emphasizing a stable clubface through impact.

Over-Rotation and Clubface Issues:

• Some believe that excessive rolling of the forearms can cause over-rotation of the clubface, leading to misaligned shots and increased difficulty in managing ball trajectory, especially in windy conditions or on longer shots.
• Golfers who over-rotate their forearms may experience more inconsistency in both accuracy and distance, especially when pressure builds during competitive play.

Benefits of the Anti-Roll Method

Improved Accuracy

One of the primary benefits of the Anti-Roll Method is enhanced accuracy. By keeping the clubface square throughout the swing, golfers are less likely to experience hooks, slices, or other errant shots. This method leads to a more predictable ball flight, allowing players to hit their intended target more frequently.

Consistency in Ball Striking

Reducing wrist roll results in more consistent contact with the ball. By maintaining proper wrist control and body rotation, golfers are more likely to strike the ball solidly, even in challenging situations. This consistency is key to lowering scores and improving overall performance.

Increased Confidence

Golfers who struggle with wrist roll often find themselves second-guessing their swings. The Anti-Roll Method builds confidence by providing a clear and structured approach to improving wrist mechanics. As golfers see the positive results from this technique, their confidence grows, leading to better performance on the course.

 

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While the Anti-Roll Method can greatly improve a golfer's game, certain pitfalls should be avoided:

Over-correction

 Some golfers might become overly conscious of wrist position and under-rotate the wrists, causing the clubface to remain too open. This can lead to weak shots and lack of distance.

Tension in the wrists

Trying too hard to keep the wrists firm can result in tension, which hinders fluid motion. Golfers should aim for a balance between control and freedom in the wrists.

Neglecting body rotation

Focusing solely on the wrists and ignoring proper body rotation can lead to a disconnected swing, where the arms and hands do too much work

Does The Anti-Roll Method Add Distance To Your Hit?

For regular beginner to intermediate golfers who are struggling to increase their yardage, the anti-roll method is a complete life changer. Straight from the master Clay Ballard, this golf swing can transform your playing style.

The trick is to roll your nondominant wrist forward at the top of the swing. For right-handers, that means rolling your left wrist forward, so the back of your hand faces the sky at the top of your backswing.

This can add anywhere between 20 to 30 yards to your swing.

Anti Roll Method Golf Basics

The biggest problem golfers face while trying to learn the anti-roll method is over-correction!

Some degree of rotation is necessary not only to hit the shot but also to prevent injury. That’s why we’ve broken down each step of this method so our readers can learn how to practice their shots the right way.

Should You Roll Your Wrists?

To start off, when you are hitting straight golf shots, you will roll your wrists to some degree. This is both natural and inevitable, so keep that in mind while you practice this technique.

If you’re a right-handed player, you’ll notice your left wrist rolling as you follow through on your shot with your lead arm. Similarly, left-handed players will notice their right wrist rolling as they move through the golf swing. Your lead wrist will not rotate.

The issue many golfers face is when they roll their wrists with too much force, which hooks the ball toward the left. On the other extreme, golfers who do not roll their wrists end up pushing the ball toward the right.

To conclude, don’t waste time trying to keep your wrists from rolling through the shot. It is impossible and also won’t help your game.

Should You Roll Your Hands?

At no point should your hands roll during a golf swing. The rotation should come from your wrist. Getting this hand-to-wrist movement right is key if you want to hit consistent shots.

The only situation in which a player’s hands might roll is when they are not gripping their club securely. That means they’ll have poor control and won’t be able to find the fairway.

Players with weak hands will not be able to hit straight shots. In fact, if your balls are consistently flying left or right, it is likely an issue with your grip.

Should You Roll Your Forearms?

Similar to your wrists, forearm rotation is a normal reaction when you’re moving into a post-impact position.

Think about it. When you carry the momentum from a backswing into a follow-through, it makes sense for your forearms to roll in a forward direction. It becomes a problem when you’re rolling too much.

On occasion, golfers struggle to moderate their forearm rotation. This hooks their balls to the left. For players who are struggling to hit straight shots as a result of over-rotation, the anti-roll strategy may be helpful.

Correcting For Over-Rotation

For amateur golfers who are struggling with rolling their wrists or forearms too much, anti-roll strategies can help you get consistent results.

How To Stop Rolling Your Wrists

If rolling your wrists too much is negatively impacting your game, you can push your hands outwards after impact, similar to a baseball swing. Instead of rolling your forearms through the shot, keep your arm straight and aim in the direction of the target line.

Initially, this switch from a natural rolling stance to the square technique will feel awkward and uncomfortable. However, repeated practice on the green will help you overcome this hurdle.

Also, keep in mind not to overcorrect. If you push your wrist too far out, there’s a risk the ball will slice since the clubface is too open. Getting that balance just right is what separates expert golfers from amateurs.

How To Stop Rolling Your Forearms

Your follow-through may be hooking your balls to the left because you’re rolling your forearm too much. Resolve this issue by trying the anti-roll method.

By incorporating the Anti-Roll Method and its associated strategies, you can sharpen your golf game and enhance your overall enjoyment of the sport.

What Is Shallowing In Golf?

Shallowing in Golf is related to the Anti-Roll Method, but they address different aspects of the golf swing, and their relationship lies in helping achieve a more efficient, consistent swing.

Shallowing refers to the act of getting the golf club to approach the ball on a more horizontal or shallow plane during the downswing, as opposed to a steep angle. This shallow swing path helps generate more efficient clubhead speed, allows for better contact with the ball, and typically leads to a more accurate and powerful shot.

The shallow position is when you flatten your clubface on a downward stroke. Since many amateur golfers struggle with their downswing, shallowing helps avoid fat shots or slices. Use this strategy to moderate your speed and avoid coming down too steep.

Keep in mind that this strategy is only applicable when golfers are struggling with their downswing and lowering their club steeply. Most people tend to flatten their clubface naturally as they move through the stroke.

If you’re not sure whether you need to practice shallowing, have an experienced golfer watch you play on a court. Shallowing the club will help you make consistent shots and improve your play considerably.

Although it may feel uncomfortable at first, you’ll quickly adapt to the change in your playing style.

How To Shallow Your Club

Don’t know how to shallow your club? It’s really simple. Adjust your wrists so the clubface stays close to horizontal on the downswing.

You can do this in three easy steps. First, drop your trail arm. Second, hinge your wrist at the top of the swing. Make sure you’re not bowing or cupping your wrist because that will ruin your shot. Finally, practice your swing till you get it right.

An unintended side effect of shallowing the club is a loss in the distance. If that happens, it means you overcorrected and likely squared the club too much. Taking a step back should help you recover from any loss in yardage.

While Shallowing and the Anti-Roll Method address different aspects of the golf swing, they are related in the sense that both promote a more controlled, efficient, and consistent swing. Shallowing helps with the swing path, making it easier to approach the ball in a more neutral position, while the Anti-Roll Method minimizes wrist and forearm rotation, keeping the clubface square. Together, they can improve accuracy, reduce mishits, and lead to better overall ball-striking.