Collin Morikawa taught amateur golfers a simple fix for dead‑weight wedge shots in a video released in early July 2026, stressing that stopping at the ball destroys spin and that a fluid, through‑the‑ball motion is the key to crisp, controllable spin.

What habit is ruining wedge spin?

Morikawa pointed out that many players try to “trap” the ball by hitting down hard and then halting their body at impact. He called this the worst habit for spin because the club face ends up riding up the ball, launching it too high and leaving it short of the target. The result is a soft‑sounding strike that lacks the bite needed for a tight roll.

Why keeping the body moving matters

When the body stops, the hands can freeze and the club face may open too much, causing the ball to pop up and lose spin. Morikawa explained that a continuous motion lets the club cut across the ball, creating a clean, low‑trajectory shot that spins out sharply. He likened the feel to a “cut wedge” where the club works slightly across the ball at impact.

How Morikawa creates spin on his wedges

In the session with swing coach Grant Horvat, Morikawa demonstrated a shorter backswing and a steady turn through the ball. He let his wrists naturally shut the face, starting it a bit open but closing it through impact. This motion, combined with a through‑the‑ball feel, produces the crisp “click” sound of solid contact and maximizes spin without a high, floaty flight.

Practical steps for amateurs

  • Stay moving through impact. Don’t try to stop; let your hips and shoulders continue the swing path.
  • Listen for the crisp sound. A clean strike rings out; a soft thud means the ball is riding up the face.
  • Shorten the motion. A compact backswing with a full turn produces more control than a long, accelerating swing.
  • Feel the cut. Imagine the club slicing across the ball rather than stabbing straight down.

These cues, taken from Morikawa’s own routine, give everyday players a concrete way to add spin without sacrificing distance or accuracy.

What does this mean for the broader game?

By debunking the “stop at the ball” myth, Morikawa offers a universal lesson that can raise the overall quality of short‑game play. Coaches can incorporate his through‑the‑ball principle into drills, and club fitters may emphasize loft and face angle that support a natural closing motion. As more amateurs adopt the technique, tournaments could see tighter scoring around the greens.

How to start practicing today

Set up a short‑range session with a wedge and a target line. Hit a few balls focusing solely on maintaining body rotation after impact. Record the sound; aim for a clean click. Gradually adjust the backswing length until the ball launches low with a tight spin. Morikawa’s tip is simple: keep moving, cut across, and listen for the crisp contact.