Exactly When and How To Create Lag in the Golf Swing

The Truth About Lag in Your Golf Swing

Lag is often misunderstood by golfers at all levels. Many believe it’s about dragging the club behind by tucking the trail elbow tightly into the body, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Real lag is the natural angle formed between the club shaft and your lead arm during the downswing, created primarily through wrist movement. This angle stores energy that, when released at impact, produces that coveted compression and explosive ball flight. The key lies not in forced manipulation but in allowing lag to develop organically through proper mechanics. By maintaining width in your swing and softening your wrists, you can achieve a powerful, athletic motion without risking common pitfalls like poor impact or loss of control.

Mastering the Components of Proper Lag

To build lag effectively, it’s essential to focus on a few critical elements of your swing. Here are the core principles to understand and apply:

1. Avoid the Fake Lag Trap: One of the biggest misconceptions is that lag comes from tucking your trail elbow into your body during the downswing. This often leads to a narrow swing arc, causing the club to approach the ball from an inconsistent path. The result? Shanks, topped shots, or a complete loss of power. Instead of forcing the elbow down, allow your arms to maintain space from your torso as you transition into the downswing. This width sets the stage for natural lag to form.

2. Focus on Wrist Movement: True lag is created through the wrists, not the elbows. As you move from the top of your backswing into the downswing, let your wrists soften and allow the weight of the club head to dictate the motion. Think of it as a whipping action, similar to snapping a towel. This softening releases tension and lets the club lag behind naturally, preserving energy for impact.

3. Maintain Width for Effortless Power: Width in your downswing is a critical but often overlooked factor. Keeping space between your arms and body prevents the swing from becoming cramped and ensures the club can release through impact with maximum speed. Combining this width with a relaxed wrist motion creates a seamless, powerful strike that feels athletic and repeatable.

Wrist Lag Drill for Natural Power

To help you internalize the feeling of proper lag, try this simple yet effective drill. It’s designed to train your wrists to move naturally while maintaining the width needed for a clean, powerful strike.

Setup: Grab a mid-iron and stand in your normal address position, but start with the club at hip or belt height rather than taking a full backswing. Grip the club primarily with your trail hand to emphasize its role in feeling the lag. Ensure your arms are relaxed and there’s space between your elbows and torso.

Execution: Make small, controlled swings using mostly your trail hand to guide the motion. Focus on letting the weight of the club head create the lag naturally as you swing toward an imaginary target. Avoid tucking your trail elbow into your body; instead, keep your arms extended and allow your wrists to soften as they transition forward. Your goal is to feel the club trailing behind slightly before it releases through the impact zone, mimicking the sensation of a whip cracking. Repeat this motion for 10-15 swings, gradually increasing speed as you grow comfortable with the feel.

Tips: Pay attention to the space between your arms and body—don’t let them collapse inward. If you feel tension in your wrists, relax your grip slightly to encourage fluidity. Practice this drill in front of a mirror to visually confirm that your elbow isn’t dragging and that your wrists are creating the lag angle. Over time, integrate this feeling into your full swing for lasting results.

Conclusion

Creating lag in your golf swing doesn’t require forced movements or complex adjustments. By focusing on natural wrist movement, maintaining width in your downswing, and avoiding the common trap of tucking your trail elbow, you can unlock effortless power and achieve true compression at impact. The Wrist Lag Drill is a fantastic starting point to develop this feel, helping you build a swing that’s both athletic and repeatable. Take the time to practice these principles on the range, paying close attention to the sensations in your wrists and the spacing in your arm position. With consistent effort, you’ll notice a cleaner strike and greater distance in no time. Get out there and start refining your lag today.