The wrist release is one of the most important aspects of the golf swing when it comes to making contact with the ball properly. When you think about the fact that the golfer has to swing the golf club around the body and bring the club back to the precise spot it left, it's amazing that anyone can even make contact with the ball let alone hit the ball properly.
The shoulder turn and the movement of the lower body provide the power to the golf swing, but it is the wrists that place the clubface directly on the ball at the proper angle. The only way that this can happen is if the golfer releases the wrists properly and the same way each time the golf swing is performed.
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A very important part of the golf swing that is many times ignored by many golfers is the "plane" that is formed between the back of the left forearm (for right-handed golfers) and the back of the left hand. The "plane" should be maintained throughout the swing. When the wrists are released properly, they direct the clubface into the ball at the proper angle. This can make the difference (and much of the time does) between hitting a poor shot and a well struck ball. The clubface not only has to hit the ball at the proper angle, but it must come back to the ball at a precise point on the ball. If the golfer doesn't release the wrist the same way (and the proper way) during each golf swing, errant shots, fat shots, muffed shots, etc. will be the result.
When initiating the shoulder turn, there is a tendency to alter the plane formed between the back of the left forearm and the back of the left hand. When beginning the shoulder turn think as though you are folding your left shoulder slightly down and forward as well as rotating toward the rear while maintaining that forearm/hand plane. Keep in mind that the clubface should be kept on the line of flight as you are going back. The sensation is one of "twisting" the shoulder unit around the spine. While you are doing this, don't forget to maintain the "plane" illustrated above. A proper shoulder turn won't make up for a failed proper wrist release so practice these moves in slow motion. Keep making practice swings until you begin to feel comfortable incorporating the proper wrist release and shoulder turn together.
The proper wrist release has been compared to the casting of a fishing pole. If you have ever made casts with a fishing pole then you know the action necessary and the resulting feeling of the wrists release. It's important to realize that the wrists are not in a similar position during a golf swing as they are when casting a fishing pole. Generally, when you cast a fishing pole you extend your wrists over your head. However, when you make a golf swing just before impact with the ball your right wrist is upside down with the palm of your right hand facing up and the left palm facing down.
Greg Norman has endorsed a product that attaches to your wrist and can help any golfer become more familiar with the proper function of the wrists during the golf swing. This product can be used for all golf swings. It helps the golfer understand the proper feeling in the wrists during sand shots, chipping, and full swings.
How the Wrists Release in the Golf Swing
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