This week we look at three swing faults synonymous with wrist angle – Casting, Early Release and Scooping, and how they affect your power and consistency.
Casting, Early Release and Scooping refer to a premature release of the wrist angles during the different stages of the downswing. Other terms associated with wrist angle may include: wrist cock and wrist lag. Each of these faults corresponds to a different stage of the downswing. Casting (think of a fishing rod) occurs during the initial stage of the downswing when a player loses their wrist angle. Early Release occurs around the middle of the downswing, when the club head and forearm are in a straight line prior to striking the ball. Scooping occurs in the late stages of the downswing, before impact when the hands get behind the club head and a player attempts to lift the ball into the air instead of compressing it. An integral part of having consistency and power in your golf swing can be attributed to when you “release the club”. Generally speaking, later is better. One need only look at Rory McIlroy for an illustration.
Early Release
No Early Release
Casting/Early Release/Scooping can often be attributed to lack of mobility in the wrist, lack of grip strength, or a prior injury to the wrist, forearm or hand. During the golf swing, the wrists of the right and left hands are undergoing a series of opposing movements. During the backswing of a right handed golfer: the right wrist must flex and the left wrist extend; the right wrist must supinate, and the left wrist pronate (palm up, palm down); and both wrists undergo radial deviation (hinging). On the downswing the first two movements are reversed and both wrists undergo ulnar deviation (unhinging). If any of these movements are limited, you may possess one of the three swing faults. Lack of grip strength refers to the strength of the wrist and forearm, and should not be confused with how hard a golfer squeezes the club, or if they have a “weak” or a “strong” grip. Increased grip strength can be achieved with exercise.
It is estimated that 56% of players Cast, Early Release or Scoop in their golf swing.
Below is a list of other factors which may also lead to Casting, Early Release or Scooping.
• Over-the-Top swing fault
• Reverse Spine Angle swing fault
• Lack of understanding of proper impact position
• Upper body too much toward target on downswing
Click on the link(s) below to find out how you can prevent a Casting/Early Release or Scooping in your golf swing by improving the mobility and strength of your wrists.
Wrist Mobility/Strength
Triceps Chop
Next week:
A proper warm up for golf – how to prevent injury and increase performance on the course
To book your physical assessment with a certified golf fitness instructor, contact Cyril at 519.284.2569 or email stonetownphysio@quadro.net. More information about the Golf Fitness Academy may be found at www.stonetownphysiotherapy.ca.
