Want to add distance and create more power with your golf swing? If so, you should focus on developing your lag. If you don’t know what lag is it’s basically a technique that turns your swing into a smooth and rhythmic movement. It all stems from the angle between the shaft and the left forearm in the downswing. Here are just a few tips to use to create more lag in your swing.
- The Grip
First and foremost make sure you are using the correct grip. A firm, yet gentle grip will help you generate the most power and distance. Keep your hands together and make sure the club moves with your shoulders and hips. But remember, even though you need to have a good grip you also need to make sure your relaxed. Having too strong a grip pressure and too much push from the right side is the main cause of a casting action in the golf downswing.
- Two-Plane Swings
A two-plane swing is when you swing your club back on one plane then drop to a lower plane. This technique creates lag because the hands move sideways—perpendicular to the original plane—when they move to the lower plane. This eliminates the problem of your wrists to unhinge too early. This technique is most popular when using shafts that are very flexible, but it can be used with any type of shaft.
- Weight Shift
A common error that reduces the ability to create a lag in your swing is incorrectly shifting your weight. When you take your swing most of your weight should move to your right leg. On the downswing you should shift most of it back to the left.
- Shoulder Turn
If you are not getting your shoulder turn in golf to around 90 degrees or more you are missing out on some serious power. Not only do you miss out on the extra speed and power a bigger shoulder turn creates, but you lose lag angle as well which helps with increasing golf swing speed.
Anything less than a 90 degree shoulder turn makes it difficult bring the golf club down on plane and often results in over the top and steep downswings in golf.
Photo courtesy of Golf.com