Cupped Wrist
Also known as: extended wrist, open face at the top
A cupped wrist at the top of the backswing means the lead wrist bends backward (away from the palm), opening the clubface and commonly contributing to slices or weak fades.
Many amateur slicers have a cupped lead wrist at the top of the backswing, which opens the face significantly above plane. The face is then already so open that even an out-to-in path cannot square it in time, producing a weak, left-to-right shot. The fix is to reduce the extension in the lead wrist at the top — moving toward neutral or bowed — usually accompanied by a grip adjustment. It is one of the fastest ways to close the face pattern for a chronic slicer.
Example
A golfer at the top of the backswing where the lead wrist bends backward (thumb points at the sky) has a cupped wrist and an open face.
Related terms
- Bowed WristA bowed wrist at the top of the backswing means the lead wrist flexes toward the palm (like a bow), closing the clubface and storing power for a powerful, face-controlled delivery.
- Lead WristThe lead wrist is the wrist of the top hand (left for right-handers). Its position throughout the swing — particularly at the top of the backswing and at impact — directly controls clubface angle and low point.
- SliceA slice is a shot that curves sharply away from the target — to the right for a right-handed golfer. It happens when the clubface is open relative to the swing path at impact.
- Face AngleFace angle is where the clubface points at impact, relative to the target line, in degrees. It determines roughly 75–85% of the ball’s starting direction.
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