What is a Golf Swing Release?
Some say its the club swing through impact of the ball with complete rotation. Some say it is the downward swing of the club as the wrists unhinge and the combination of the rotation of the club head to the square of the ball on impact to a 1 foot past the strike of the golf ball as the club face rotates past square naturally. There is no one correct definition.
Another definition of the Golf Swing Release
The release happens on the downswing of the club as the wrists unhinge and square of the club to the ball on impact. When do we unhinge the wrists so your release is not to early which could cause a slice or too late and cause a hook. A great drill is too place the golf club bag in front of the ball one foot.
Then do some practice swings along side the ball (not hitting the ball). When the swing is executed properly the toe of the club should hit the bag. You know you are doing this drill correct when the left (lead shoulder) is in a straight with with the club. Do this drill in slow motion and medium speed.
A sign of an early release will be your left(lead) shoulder is bent at an angle and not straight. So practice this drill . You get the feel of the correct club face position should be when you hit the golf bag. Do several swings. Then hit three practice golf balls. Do it again. several drills with your swing allowing the club face to go into the bag with the toe. You will sure to see improvement in your swing with this drill.
Having a consistent swing is probably the top priority for every golfer. Fortunately, even beginners can achieve this by working on their golf swing release position, which means to release the club correctly at the impact zone. No matter what is your backswing or grip, how the clubface works will determine your results on the course. Keep reading to learn more about this aspect of the game.
Why does a proper golf swing release matter?
Releasing a club is probably the most important part of a golf swing because it is the moment when you actually strike the ball. When you don’t perform it correctly, it would result in an inconsistent clubface at impact, thus leading to inconsistent results. Apart from using the right wrist action during a backswing, a grip typically has a significant impact on the kind of release to work best for your golf game. That’s why it is important to focus on your posture before releasing. This means you need to square to the targeted ball, as well as ensure proper alignment, grip, and stance.
3 techniques to release a golf club
Basically, there are three basic ways to release your golf club:
1. Slap hinge release
This is the best option for beginners as it is very simple to perform. When you are at the impact posture, your hands should be flat and your wrists should lead the clubhead. Once you have contacted with the ball, your left and right wrist would release up and under, respectively. This will enable the wrists to unhinge and un-cock at impact, thus making the clubhead go in a vertical plane. The loft is also adjusted at impact to produce a higher flight.
Who does it work for?
This technique is a good fit for those golfers who can’t produce a ton of speed in the clubhead. Thus, it is ideal for senior players and beginners. Also, the slap hinge release can work well for those with a strong and neutral grip position.
Why isn’t it consistent?
The main cause of an inconsistent slap hinge release is that it will depend on perfect timing during impact. This can be especially challenging in pressure situations during a tournament or competition.
2. Crossover release
With a crossover release, you will make an impact with the ball by your right hand way over your left hand. The wrists should rotate at impact to make the club go in a horizontal plane. The clubhead needs to open at the start of the impact zone and close during impact. This will lead to a draw.
Who does it work for?
The crossover release is ideal for more skilled amateur golfers who have weak or neutral grips.
Why isn’t it consistent?
Just the slap hinge, this technique heavily depends on timing. You can cause many misses when your right hand rolls over.
3. Push release
Unlike both techniques mentioned above, the push golf swing release depends less on timing, making it a consistent method to release a golf club during impact. Basically, your clubface should open slightly at impact, while your hand should catch up and square up your face.
Keep in mind that your wrists won’t do anything. In addition, the loft should not change throughout impact. This technique does not add speed, but it can generate the most consistent flight and greatest distance.
More importantly, it allows you to generate much power due to the lag effect.
Who does it work for?
The push release typically works best for those players with a strong grip. So if you are just starting and can’t generate much swing speed, this is not the right choice for you yet. This technique produces a more boring and flatter flight which doesn’t benefit beginners. But, if you have played golf for a long time and have some experiences, this is probably the most efficient release for your golf club. Decrease your golf handicap using tips in this article.
Another Tip to Try
Many Golfers unhinge their wrists too early in the swing. Before unhinging your wrist start your body moving forward. The wrists should unhinge once the body is in front of the ball. You can find further information on improving your golf swing at how to break80 golf Instruction program.
The bottom line
As you can see, the golf swing release plays an essential role in your overall performance and score on the course. Thus, make sure you understand the basics and practice regularly to achieve the best and most consistent results. We know you will be much more confident and release properly after reading this post.
