Release
Also known as: club release, firing through
The release is the natural unhinging of the wrists and rotation of the forearms through impact that squares the clubface and delivers maximum speed.
A proper release is not something you consciously "do" — it is the natural consequence of good sequencing and retained lag. The wrist angles unload and the forearms rotate to bring the face square at the right moment. Over-releasing (too early) closes the face and produces hooks; under-releasing (blocking or holding off) leaves the face open and produces pushes or fades. The feel of a good release is described as "letting go" rather than manipulating the face.
Example
A player who feels their hands "fire" through the ball naturally without forcing them is experiencing a correct release.
Related terms
- 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.
- 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.
- Early ReleaseAn early release is when the wrists unhinge and the forearms fire before the hands reach the hitting zone, costing lag, speed, and compression.
- BlockingBlocking is when the arms and club fail to fully release through impact — the face is held open and the ball flies straight right (for a right-hander) with no draw curve.
- FlipA flip is when the hands flick or scoop under the ball at impact rather than the shaft leaning forward — it adds loft, kills compression, and is a defensive reaction to poor sequencing.
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