Erika Larkin from True Swing explains why early wrist hinge in the backswing causes golfers to feel jammed, steep, and stuck in the downswing. By maintaining a wide 'Y' shape during the takeaway before forming the 'L' hinge, players create room for a proper release and solid contact. This adjustment eliminates fat shots and steep divots while restoring power and consistency.
Avoid hinging your wrists too early (early 'L') right off the ball.
Maintain a wide 'Y' shape with your arms and club shaft during the initial takeaway.
Creating a wide arc early gives your hands and wrists space to release through impact.
Fixing steep divots and fat shots often requires fixing the backswing takeaway rather than the downswing.
Go deeper
Fat contact — Causes, drills and coaches for this miss