Lag
Also known as: wrist lag, trailing the shaft
Lag 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.
A large, retained lag angle is a hallmark of efficient, powerful swings. The angle is created by an effective backswing and maintained by a correct transition (lower body leading). It releases naturally as the hands approach the impact zone, snapping the clubhead through. Trying to "hold" lag artificially often leads to blocked or pulled shots; it is better thought of as the result of good sequencing rather than an active position to maintain. Lag is destroyed by casting.
Example
A tour player's shaft lags 90° behind the lead arm at mid-downswing, then fires through to produce maximum clubhead speed at impact.
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.
- TransitionThe transition is the moment the swing changes direction from backswing to downswing. How the body initiates this moment determines sequencing, lag, and the resulting club path.
- Club SpeedClub speed is how fast the clubhead is moving just before impact, in mph. It sets the ceiling for ball speed and distance — but only if contact is clean.
- 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.
- Kinematic SequenceThe kinematic sequence is the order in which body segments accelerate and decelerate during the downswing: pelvis → torso → lead arm → clubhead. Each segment slingshots the next for maximum speed.
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