Get impact right, and all else follows

It’s crucial to learn the fundamentals of strong release

IMPACT is the most important moment of your swing. In the split second the clubface meets the ball, every launch characteristic — speed, face angle, swing path and strike location — is locked in. And all of that is shaped by the body position you achieve at impact.

Our main image highlights the essentials of a solid impact position. Improve yours by understanding what you’re trying to achieve and recognising the tendencies that create your bad shots.

1 Correct and efficient release

A strong impact position shows slight forward shaft lean, weight on the lead leg, and open hips. This combination allows you to deliver the club on the proper path and angle, creating a shallow, downward strike that maximises energy transfer. When these elements work together, you get cleaner compression, better control and more consistent ball flight.

2 Chicken wing release

This fault — elbows flaring out through impact — is common among slicers. The chicken wing stalls rotation, kills extension and leaves the clubface open, producing a weak left to right flight. It often appears when players try to “hold off” the shot to stop the ball going left, or when shoulder mobility is limited.

Fix: Focus on swinging the clubhead out to the right of the target to encourage full extension and a more powerful release.

3 Body leaning back release

Newer golfers often fall into this pattern, believing they need to “get under” the ball to help it launch. Leaning back shifts weight away from the target, causing thin strikes and a significant loss of energy.

Fix: Feel your weight moving forward in the downswing — like throwing a ball — keeping your sternum over the ball to promote a centred, descending strike.

4 Early release in the downswing

Players who release the club too early tend to hit the ball well off a tee but struggle with irons, producing high, weak shots. Early release often stems from insufficient lower body rotation — a slide instead of a turn — forcing the hands to compensate.

Fix: Improve lower body rotation and maintain wrist angles longer into the downswing to deliver a more powerful, stable strike.