Forward Press
The forward press is a small forward movement of the hands toward the target immediately before the swing.
With the forward press you push your hands minimally toward the target in the address position before the club is taken back. As a result the shaft sits slightly tilted forward, the hands leading the clubhead. The movement serves two purposes: it releases the stiffness in the set-up and gives the swing a flowing start, and it changes the effective loft of the club. The technique is especially widespread in the short game and with the putt, because it promotes a controlled, slightly downward-directed impact.
In practice it looks like this: you are facing a chip over ten metres onto a slightly elevated hole position. Before you take the wedge back, you press your hands a hand's width toward the target and let the swing flow directly out of it. The ball starts lower, rolls earlier and stays controllable. It works similarly on the green: a subtle press before the putt helps many players start the first movement of the putter calmly and without a jerk.
The typical mistake is overdoing it. Whoever presses the hands far forward changes the clubface so much that the ball starts too flat or the leading edge gets stuck in the ground. The press should stay noticeable, not visibly dominant. Another misconception: the forward press is not a must but a tool. If your takeaway starts calmly anyway, you do not need it. Test it on the chipping area before it moves onto the course.
FAQ
How strong may the forward press be?
So subtle that it is felt more than seen — about a hand's width toward the target. If you press your hands too far forward, the ball starts too flat or the leading edge of the club gets stuck in the ground. The press is meant only to release the stiffness and smooth the start of the swing, not to alter the clubface.
Do I absolutely need the forward press?
No, it is a tool, not a must. If your first movement in the backswing starts calmly and without a jerk anyway, you do not need it. Test it on the chipping area and when putting before you take it onto the course with you.
For which shots does the forward press pay off most?
Above all in the short game: on a chip with the wedge it promotes a controlled, slightly downward-directed impact, so the ball starts lower and rolls earlier. Many players also use it before the putt to start the club calmly. In the long game it is a matter of taste and can rather get in the way there.