Early Release
Also known as: flipping, hitting from the top
An early release is when the wrists unhinge and the forearms fire before the hands reach the hitting zone, costing lag, speed, and compression.
It is the same as casting in cause and consequence: the clubhead overtakes the hands, face loft is added, and the strike loses compression. The ball launches too high with too much spin and weak total distance. Early releasers typically flip the hands through impact to avoid hitting behind the ball. The fix requires holding the angles through the downswing — achieved by correct sequencing, not by artificially "scooping" with the wrists.
Example
A golfer who consistently hits high, short irons that lack compression and feel "hollow" is releasing early.
Related terms
- CastingCasting is releasing the wrist angles too early in the downswing — like a fisherman throwing a line — which destroys lag, reduces speed, and adds loft at impact.
- LagLag is the acute angle between the lead arm and the shaft in the downswing — the loaded position that releases into club speed at impact when timed correctly.
- ScoopingScooping is the instinct to "help the ball up" by flipping the wrists upward at impact — it adds loft, reduces compression, and produces weak, high, short contact.
- Shaft LeanShaft lean is when the grip end of the club is ahead of the clubhead at impact — the hands in front of the ball. It reduces dynamic loft, compresses the ball, and is the signature of good iron contact.
Related guides & benchmarks
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