Wrist Hinge
Also known as: hinging up, cocking the wrists
Wrist hinge is the upward cocking of the wrists during the backswing that creates the angle between the lead arm and shaft — storing energy to be released at impact.
Early, complete hinging sets up lag and width. Under-hinging (keeping the wrists straight throughout) is common among beginners and produces a flat, powerless swing. Too much early hinging can create an "over-cocked" position that narrows the arc and promotes casting. Most tour players hinge naturally as the club lifts in the backswing, without forcing it — it is a consequence of correct arm swing and takeaway rather than a deliberate position.
Example
At the three-quarter backswing point the shaft should be parallel to the ground, the result of proper wrist hinge setting the angle.
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.
- TakeawayThe takeaway is the first movement of the club away from the ball. Where and how the club moves in the first 18–24 inches often determines the rest of the backswing shape.
- BackswingThe backswing is the movement of the club from address to the top position. Its purpose is to create the width, shoulder turn, and wrist hinge needed to generate power on the way down.
- 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.
Related guides & benchmarks
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