Lag

Lag is a critical component of the golf swing that involves maintaining an angle between the club shaft and the lead arm during the transition from the backswing to the downswing. This angle allows for the efficient transfer of energy and maximizes clubhead speed at impact, which is essential for achieving distance and accuracy in a golf shot.

Elite players effectively create and maintain lag by utilizing their body’s biomechanics, particularly through the proper sequencing of their hips, torso, and arms. As they initiate the downswing, they focus on shifting their weight to their lead side while allowing their hands and arms to remain behind the body. This creates a coiled effect, where the stored energy is released as the clubhead accelerates through impact, resulting in a powerful shot.

Common mistakes among amateur golfers include releasing the lag too early or failing to create it altogether. This often occurs due to a lack of understanding of the proper sequencing in the downswing, leading to an early extension of the arms and a loss of stored energy. As a result, the golfer may experience reduced clubhead speed and inconsistent ball striking.

To develop a better feel for lag, golfers can practice the 'pump drill.' In this drill, players take the club to the top of their backswing and then start the downswing by pushing their hips forward while keeping their arms and hands behind their body. This helps reinforce the feeling of maintaining the angle between the club and lead arm until the last possible moment before impact.