Does bowing the left wrist affect the swing path?

[barnum1]

Hi,

I've been experimenting with bowing the left wrist at top of the backswing, and it would be nice to discuss what it really means for the shot.
I know it helps getting leading hands, and I guess also closing the clubface.
But I have the feeling it also affects the swing path. When I do this successfully I get a notable push (and a nice draw to match it).

So what is really the "mechanical" consequences of bowing the left wrist?

Thanks for any insight!

[Cubiedubie]

I too have recently made this tweak in my golf swing. Although, my swing thought is establishing RIGHT wrist bend in the backswing, reaching max wrist bend at the top and maintaining this in the downswing (same concept just different way of thinking). 

I have noticed considerable increase in middle strike consistency, compression with irons and wedges, a more boring flight and 3-5 yard gains throughout the iron game. I've also gained 10-15 yd gains in my long game and have brought my driver peak height down. 

As you can see, I have nothing but great things to say about the "bowed left wrist". I began implementing this concept after video analysis of my swing. I had a steep shaft in the downswing which resulted in early extension in order to even make contact with the ball. I then became obsessed with shallowing the shaft. I tried numerous other drills before I realized my secret was all in the right wrist bend. 

Mechanically, maintaining a bowed left wrist in the downsing will help the club shallow and ultimately deloft the face at impact. Without seeing your swing, I can only think the pushes you're experiencing could be from too much lateral movement and not enough rotation in the downswing. The draws would be a nice mesh of the two movements. 

 

[barnum1]

Thanks @Cubiedubie for your reply!

I certainly understand what you mean by focusing on the right wrist (I guess it's called cupping). What I do is trying to tuck my elbow in against my body (not completely though). That makes my left wrist bowed. 

And I also agree on the positve effects on the ball flight. Lower, longer and (in my case) push-draw. When I succeed that is; it's not that easy in the beginning 😊

[GolfLug]

It lays off the shaft at the top and allows a shallow angle of attack. Both good things generally. Although overdoing is a ticket to hook city.

[barnum1]

@GolfLug: would laying off the shaft result in coming more from the inside? 

[boogielicious]

4 minutes ago, barnum1 said:

@GolfLug: would laying off the shaft result in coming more from the inside? 

It could, but there are other factors. Do you have a My Swing thread? I would post a video there. It would help the discussion. 

[iacas]

16 minutes ago, GolfLug said:

It lays off the shaft at the top and allows a shallow angle of attack.

Not necessarily. Truly it just twists the shaft about itself, closing the face. Players may make other moves indirectly then.

11 minutes ago, barnum1 said:

@GolfLug: would laying off the shaft result in coming more from the inside? 

It could result in the need to roll it over the top more. It depends.

[GolfLug]

19 minutes ago, iacas said:

It could result in the need to roll it over the top more. It depends.

Yes, I forgot about the double cross! Sorry @barnum1, I spoke from my perspective only which is less than fully informed.

One thing I said is true that it promotes closing of the clubface.

Edited August 18, 2018 by GolfLug