Unlock Real Lag in Your Golf Swing for Maximum Speed

Discover the secret to building real lag in your golf swing and increase your clubhead speed by nearly 60%.

Watch the full 10-minute video lesson

Understanding Lag in Your Golf Swing

Welcome to RotarySwing.com, where we delve into one of the most crucial components of achieving greater clubhead speed: lag. If you've been struggling with developing lag or finding that forward shaft lean that so many golfers aspire to, this guide is for you.

So, what exactly is lag in the context of a golf swing? Simply put, lag refers to the angle formed between the club shaft and your forearms during the downswing. As you initiate your downswing, the clubhead lags behind your hands and arms, creating potential energy that can be released for increased clubhead speed. This single movement can enhance your swing speed by as much as 60%. It's a remarkable boost that stems from understanding and applying the concept of lag.

Moving Through Positions, Not Hitting Them

One of the most significant insights to grasp is that in golf instruction, we don't simply 'hit' positions; rather, we move through them. This might sound counterintuitive, but consider this: during a golf swing, we transition through various movements—from weight shift to rotation to the sequence of the downswing—culminating in a balanced finish.

Many golf instructors emphasize aiming the club in specific directions or positioning the wrists at certain angles. However, true lag is a byproduct of proper swing sequencing. If you focus on sequencing your movements correctly, you’ll find that you can achieve more lag than you previously thought possible.

Common Causes of Losing Lag

Now, let’s explore the three main reasons golfers often lose lag in their swings:

Hard Body Rotation: When you rotate your body too aggressively at the top of your swing, it creates centrifugal force that pushes the club away from your body. This can lead to an early release of lag.
Pushing with the Right Hand: At the top of your swing, pushing against the shaft with your right hand feels powerful but can lead to a loss of lag. This is a common mistake that many amateur golfers make.
Thumb Position: If your lead hand’s thumb is positioned to push against the shaft at the top of your swing, this can also cause premature release of lag.

Drills to Develop Lag

To cultivate lag in your swing, we’ll focus on a specific drill that emphasizes the use of your left arm only. This approach helps eliminate the right side of your body, which tends to contribute to the loss of lag.

Left Arm Lag Drill

1. Begin in your stance with your left arm extended and the right hand either tucked in your pocket or behind your back. This will help you focus solely on the left arm's movement.

2. As you take your backswing to approximately a 9:00 position, avoid excessive wrist set. Your body should rotate, keeping your left arm wide and straight.

3. Shift your weight to your left heel, feeling about 90% of your weight there before the downswing. This weight shift is crucial for maintaining lag.

4. Allow your left arm to swing down and under your shoulder while rotating your wrist as you descend. This will help you preserve the lag created during your backswing.

5. Repeat this drill for 100-150 repetitions. Pay attention to the feel of your arm falling and your wrist rotating without tension.

Releasing Lag

As you gain comfort with the left arm drill, gradually incorporate your right hand back into the swing. Focus on maintaining the same movements while allowing your right hand to come off the club through the hitting area. This will help you avoid pushing against the shaft, ensuring that you can pull your arms down with your lower body instead.

Correcting Common Issues

While practicing this drill, if you find yourself digging the club into the ground, it may indicate:

You’re not shifting your weight early enough.
You’re pulling your arms down too fast.
You’re not allowing the clubface to rotate properly.

To remedy these issues, ensure that you feel your weight shift to your left heel before the clubhead passes in front of you. This will help you achieve the correct bottom of your swing arc.

Conclusion

By focusing on these techniques and drills, you'll be well on your way to mastering lag and achieving a more powerful golf swing. Remember, it all starts from the ground up, utilizing your legs to generate speed and efficiency in your swing.

Key Takeaways

Lag is the angle between the club shaft and forearms that creates potential energy.
Focus on moving through positions in your swing rather than hitting them.
Common causes of lost lag include hard body rotation, pushing with the right hand, and thumb position.
Practice the left arm lag drill to develop lag effectively.
Shift your weight correctly to maintain lag and achieve better swing dynamics.

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