04 February 14  |  Golf   |  

Where is Your Left Wrist at the Top of Your Backswing?

Written by Mike Cooney, Director of Golf.

In golf, there are many possible angles and wrist positions in your swing, but a few of them can hold you back from swinging at your full potential. A square left wrist at the top of your backswing is the technique you should aim to master as you work to perfect your golf swing.

How NOT to Hold Your Left Wrist

Cupped Wrist

A cupped left wrist at the top of your swing will cause the clubface to be open at impact, resulting in what’s called a “slice”. A slice is when the ball curves dramatically from left to right for the right handed golfer.

Cupped Wrist

Cupped Wrist

Bowed Wrist

A bowed left wrist will cause the clubface to be closed at impact, resulting in a “hook”. A hook is when a ball curves severely from right to left.

Bowed Wrist

Bowed Wrist

How TO Hold Your Left Wrist

A square left wrist at the top of your backswing will promote a straight shot. If you have a square left wrist and the clubhead is relatively square at the top of your swing, you can accelerate through the ball with greater clubhead speed. The end result of your swing will be straighter shots with increased distance.

Square Wrist

Square Wrist

Where is Your Left Wrist at the Top of Your Backswing?

Use a mirror to check the angle created by your left wrist at the top of your backswing to ensure you are holding your wrists correctly. Also, keep in mind that a good grip will allow you to get the club and your left wrist in a square (more neutral) position at the top of your backswing.

Take these tips into consideration during your next golf game and keep checking back on our blog for more golf tips!

Note: The above is written for the right handed golfer.