B A S I C   S W I N G   F A U L T S

Contact: (07) 5437 5002 ... (07) 3139 1616 ... (07) 3114 2602 ... (04) 1556 2100 ... email

The 12 basic swing faults can all be traced back to physical limitations.

  

Ask for a TPI screening test to discover why you don't have the perfect swing. Book here.

11. Casting/Early Release/Scooping

  

55.9% of players Early Release or Scoop
Casting, Early Release and Scooping all refer to any premature release of the wrist angles during the downswing and through impact (like the casting of a fishing rod). The angle loss results in a weakened impact position with the lead wrist being cupped at ball strike. The angle loss adds loft to the face of the club and as a result we see a loss of power and consistency. It is termed casting or "early release" when the club head and left forearm are in a straight line prior to making contact with the ball. The term is scooping when the club head passes the hands through impact and the student is trying to lift the ball into the air. We should see the shaft leaning slightly toward the target (hands leading the club head). At impact this helps to compress the golf ball and creates a more powerful impact position.

Several physical characteristics must be developed in order to not cast or scoop during the downswing


   1. S-posture
   2. C-posture
   3. Loss of Posture
   4. Flat Shoulder Plane
   5. Early Extension
   6. Over-the-top
   7. Sway
   8. Slide
   9. Reverse Spine Angle
   10. Hanging Back
   12. Chicken Winging
  • Good wrist flexibility is essential for setting the club and maintaining that set during the downswing. The right wrist must have good extension for a right handed golfer, the left wrist must be able to flex, and both wrists must have ample radial deviation (hinge). These limitations are best evaluated using the Wrist Four Ways Test.
  • Great forearm and grip strength is important to set and hold the club properly. Grip and forearm strength is best evaluated using the Dynamometer Test.
  • As with most upper body swing characteristics, any dysfunction in the lower body can be the root cause. In other words, if the lower body is not initiating the sequence of power, the upper body will try to compensate to make up for the missing lower body. Lower body dysfunction includes:
    • Poor hip mobility - Lower Quarter Rotation Test, Pelvic Rotation Test
    • Poor ankle mobility - Overhead Deep Squat Test
    • Poor core/pelvic/lumbar spine stabilisation - Bridge w/ Leg Extension, Leg Lowering, Pelvic Tilt Test