Early Wrist Hinge? Here's What's Actually Happening
PGA instructor Erika Larkin explains why an early wrist hinge narrows the swing radius and robs golfers of clubhead speed. She demonstrates how maintaining a wide Y-shape position during the takeaway creates natural momentum, allowing the wrists to hinge effortlessly near the top of the swing. The video includes four practical drills—the Knock Away, Rope Swing, Free Finger, and Belly drills—to reset your backswing takeaway for maximum power and consistency.
Maintain a wide Y-shape in the first 3 to 4 feet of the backswing to keep a wide arc, which creates speed.
Avoid forcing an early wrist L-shape; wrist hinge should happen naturally near the top of the backswing via momentum.
An early wrist hinge collapses your swing radius, trapping the arms low and forcing late casting or fat contact.
Practice drills like the Knock Away and Belly drills to train passive hands and synchronized torso turn.