Experimenting with angle retention in the downswing

[senorchipotle]

last couple times at the range, i've tried to hold my angle longer like i used to a few years back when i was younger. i haven't taped it so i don't really know what it looks like. i'm taking better divots, getting better contact and more spin on my iron shots. however, it does require more precise timing because the window of having a square clubface in the impact area is greatly decreased, and can potentially become handsy.

i've heard that retaining a greater angle produces a faster clubhead speed and more distance. then again i've also heard that it does not. which is true?

[Gioguy21]

I tried doing this myself at the range a few weeks ago...and it does get handsy, but try using the note/business card trick on the back of your left wrist...it does help to keep you from getting handsy and hit with a flat left wrist pointing at the target.

[jamo]

Are you talking about lag? If you have lag, you will have more distance, because the club will more easily whip through the ball, nut if you try to force it you can get more handsy.

[Shanks A Million]

last couple times at the range, i've tried to hold my angle longer like i used to a few years back when i was younger. i haven't taped it so i don't really know what it looks like. i'm taking better divots, getting better contact and more spin on my iron shots. however, it does require more precise timing because the window of having a square clubface in the impact area is greatly decreased, and can potentially become handsy.

No, no, no, never force lag! Iacas posted a thread a while back about this, and he has some strong opinions on the issue. Forcing lag creates huge timing dependent elements in the swing, and decreases the repeatability by a huge margin.

[Fatphil]

this is a good thread as I think it address' one of the all time fundementals of the swing. iacas also posted a thread on a snap vs sweep release. What I took away from that is u can have a good golf swing with decent distance even if your lag isn't 90*. Mine is 70-75* at best, however the trick it to hold that angle thru transition regardless of what your wrists are physically capable of doing...If u come into the ball on plane, shallow and hit the ball reasonably close to the sweet spot you should be able to get a SS into the mid 90mph & with a good smash will get you 240 yds carry at sea level.

I know some folks disagree however I get back to the strenght issue...I think a lot of us weekend players just don't have the strength in our hands and forearms to hold the wrist angle...the club is still a $400 hunk of metal on the end of a long stick so even if it appears lite a few milimeters of negative drop has a corresponding greater degree of drop in lag at the end of the shaft.

[senorchipotle]

No, no, no, never force lag! Iacas posted a thread a while back about this, and he has some strong opinions on the issue. Forcing lag creates huge timing dependent elements in the swing, and decreases the repeatability by a huge margin.

i'm not necessarily ''forcing lag,'' well at least i don't think i am. what i'm doing is dropping my hands on plane to the golfball, and it's just doing it naturally. before my swing felt like more of a stricker, now it feels more like a sergio. but i don't think lag can actually be forced, just more of it retained.