Releasing Early

Releasing Early is when a player starts to release the golf club early in the downswing by uncocking their wrists too soon. Their swing arc widens and the club shaft is pushed away from their body. The wrists will uncock and the rear arm will straighten before impact causing a huge loss of power and accuracy. Some also call this an "casting" which is used when the error starts at the top of the downswing. It is one of the most common swing errors among higher handicappers world wide.
Releasing Early Lessons
Releasing Early Drills
Releasing Early Tips
(Click on Title or Image to View Larger Photos)
-
Your Pivot is Your Engine
Allow your hips to keep pivoting towards the target. Think of your pivot as the engine for your swing. It's where you get your power and acceleration. The faster you pivot, the faster the clubhead will come through the ball. If your pivot stops or slows too soon, your hands will take over. This forces an early release of the clubhead. Loss of power and control result.
-
Keep Your Weight Equal
Check to make sure your weight is even between your feet. If you lean left like some people promote, you will have to get wristy and use your hands to add loft back on the face. If you lean to the right you are going to swing up on the ball too much. There is really no reason not to stand neutral with your weight.
-
The Bigger Your Grip, the Less Wrists You Use
To eliminate excessive wrist action try a fatter grip. You can by bigger grips and even huge ones like you may have seen KJ Choi use. You can also use tennis tape to build up your own grip. The more of your palm it takes to hold the grip, the quieter your wrists will be. The more you hold a grip down in your fingers, the more active your wrists will be.
-
Hold the Putter in Your Palms
To prevent excessive movement of the face, make sure you are holding the grip in your palm with your thumbs pointing straight down the shaft. Keeping your palms facing each other ensures a neutral grip. When one hand is turned inward or outward your forearm position is altered. This encourages rotation of your arms and wrists during the stroke which would alter the clubface.
-
Keep Your Hands in the Lead
To store your energy and unleash it into the ball, make sure your hands stay in the lead well in front of the club head on the way down. Allowing the clubhead to pass your hands before impact throws all the energy out of the golf club and causes deceleration. When the clubhead passes your hands you are no longer in control of it either. This can cause shots to spray left and right or come out thin or fat.