Frisbee Drill for Downswing Sequencing and Lag

Learn how to create lag in your downswing with the Frisbee drill for better golf performance.

Watch the full 9-minute video lesson

Understanding Lag in the Downswing

If you're like the typical golfer, you may find yourself losing lag during your downswing. This common issue is often characterized by casting the club, which can lead to a loss of leverage and an inefficient swing. Most amateurs experience this problem, and it can be a significant factor in why they struggle to hit the ball effectively.

The good news is that this problem is straightforward to fix. With the right drills and understanding of the mechanics behind a proper golf swing, you can create a tremendous amount of lag. In this article, I will guide you through some drills and key concepts that will help you regain control and power in your swing.

Common Issues with Lag

Let’s examine a few examples of golfers who struggle with lag in their swings. In the first example, a golfer comes down from the top of their swing, but their weight shift is lazy, and they are pushing against the shaft with their right arm and left thumb. This action leads to a scooping motion at impact, where they lose all lag and leverage.

By eliminating the push from the right arm and softening the left wrist, the golfer can retain more lag. By taking the right hand off the club, we can see a noticeable difference: the angle of the club increases significantly, demonstrating that more lag is achievable simply by avoiding dominant arm actions.

In another example, a former collegiate golfer is scooping the club into impact, relying too much on their right side. When we remove the right arm and focus on weight transfer, they can create a significant amount of lag. This demonstrates that even former high-level players can revert to common mistakes, but with the right guidance, they can regain that lost lag.

The Importance of a Proper Sequence

To achieve a successful downswing, it’s crucial to understand the sequence of movements. Many golfers try to generate power from their upper body, resulting in a ‘chicken wing’ effect and loss of lag. Instead, we want to focus on a lead arm dominant swing. When weight is shifted correctly, and the wrists remain soft, you can generate impressive lag without excessive effort.

The Frisbee Drill: A Simple Solution

One effective method to illustrate the proper sequence of movements is the Frisbee drill. Start by taking a Frisbee and throw it back and forth with your dominant hand. As you do this, pay attention to how you naturally sequence the movements: starting with weight on your back foot, externally rotating your leg, and then transferring your weight and hip rotation to release the Frisbee with soft wrists.

This natural movement is essential for your golf swing. After mastering the throw with your dominant hand, switch to your less coordinated hand. This simulates the lead arm’s role in the swing, which requires the same weight transfer and hip pivot. As you throw the Frisbee with your left hand, focus on keeping your wrist soft and transferring your weight properly.

Translating the Drill to Golf

Now, take the concepts from the Frisbee drill and apply them to your golf swing. When you set up for a shot, remember: your release point is lower than in the Frisbee throw. As you shift your weight to your right foot and then back to your left, you should post up on your left leg and release down towards where the ball would be. This motion aligns your body and creates the necessary lag.

Notice how your shoulders and body should be positioned when you release. Keep your shoulders pointing toward the target while your belt buckle remains slightly open. This positioning helps avoid the ‘chicken wing’ and allows your arms to extend fully, creating a wider swing radius and generating more speed with less effort.

Practical Tips for Improvement

To enhance your practice with the Frisbee drill, remember to:

Keep your wrist soft and avoid pushing against the Frisbee with your thumb.
Focus on weight transfer as the primary driver of your movement.
Practice releasing the Frisbee down towards the ground to simulate the golf swing’s release point.
Be patient with your less coordinated hand; it may take time to get comfortable with the motion.
Incorporate this drill regularly to reinforce the biomechanics of an efficient golf swing.

Key Takeaways

Lag is crucial for an effective downswing; avoid casting the club.
Use lead arm dominance to maintain leverage during the swing.
The Frisbee drill helps illustrate proper weight transfer and wrist softness.
Practice releasing the Frisbee down to simulate the golf swing.
Consistent practice with these concepts will lead to improved performance.

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