Mastering Golf Lag: Drills to Crush Your Irons with Shift Golf
Introduction:
One of the greatest secrets to hitting longer, more accurate iron shots lies in mastering the elusive concept of lag. Lag refers to the angle between your club and lead wrist during the downswing. Maintaining this angle until just before impact allows you to store energy and unleash it at the perfect moment, increasing your clubhead speed and improving ball striking.
At Shift Golf, we focus on giving players the tools and techniques they need to develop powerful, controlled swings. Whether you're an experienced golfer or a beginner, understanding and implementing lag in your swing will give you a tremendous edge over the competition.
In this blog, we’ll break down three drills that will help you feel and create lag, stop bad habits like casting, and ultimately crush your irons. These drills are designed to be simple yet highly effective in improving your ball-striking ability. Additionally, we'll discuss how using a golf swing trainer like the Lag Shot from Shift Golf can accelerate your progress and guarantee results.
What Is Lag and Why Does It Matter?
Before diving into the drills, it’s important to understand what lag is and why it’s crucial for better ball-striking. Lag refers to the angle between your lead wrist and the shaft of the club during the downswing. The more you can hold this angle and delay the release, the faster your club will be moving when it strikes the ball, giving you more power, distance, and accuracy.
Many golfers, especially amateurs, tend to lose this angle early in their downswing, a motion commonly referred to as “casting.” Casting occurs when the wrists unhinge too soon, causing a loss of power and weak, inconsistent shots. The key to better iron shots is maintaining that wrist hinge for as long as possible, then releasing it at just the right moment.
Lag creates speed, and speed creates power. It’s as simple as that. When you master lag, you’ll not only hit longer shots but also achieve better control, crisp ball strikes, and improved accuracy. Now, let’s dive into the drills that will help you feel and maintain lag throughout your swing.
Drill #1: Exaggerate the Feel with Shift Golf
This first drill is designed to help you exaggerate the feel of lag at the bottom of your swing. The goal is to give you a heightened sense of maintaining the wrist angle while dragging the club through the hitting zone. For this drill, you’ll need an alignment stick or another club.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Address the golf ball as you normally would. Lay the alignment stick on the ground to your left, aligned with your heel line and pointing straight down the range.
For this drill, you won’t be taking full swings. Instead, take your arms back only to waist height, ensuring that your lead wrist is hinged and creating a decent angle between your wrist and the club shaft.
From this position, drag the handle of the club down through the hitting area while holding the wrist angle. The objective is to maintain the lag until the club shaft aligns with the stick on the ground.
Repeat this movement, focusing on maintaining the wrist hinge and resisting the urge to release the club too early.
While performing this drill, expect your shots to be low and possibly pull to the left. This is because of the extreme forward press at impact, which is perfectly normal during this exaggerated movement. The point of this drill is to feel the lag and create muscle memory, which will eventually translate into a less exaggerated, more fluid swing on the course.
Why This Drill Works:
The alignment stick serves as a visual guide to help you hold your lag through the hitting area. By dragging the handle of the club and keeping the wrist hinge intact, you train your body to maintain lag longer, which translates into a more powerful and consistent impact position.
Drill #2: Stop Casting and Create Lag in the Downswing
Casting is one of the most common problems among amateur golfers. It refers to the premature release of the club, which causes the wrists to unhinge too early in the downswing. As a result, golfers lose lag and miss out on the stored energy that leads to powerful, crisp shots. This drill is designed to help you stop casting and create lag at the start of your downswing.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Start by holding your golf club directly in front of you with your arms fully extended. The club should be parallel to the ground.
From this position, move your hands back while keeping your arms extended, then pull your hands forward.
Notice how, if your wrists are loose, the clubhead trails behind your hands, creating a small angle between your hands and the shaft. This is lag.
Repeat this motion several times, focusing on the feeling of the club trailing behind your hands as you pull forward.
The key to this drill is keeping your wrists loose. If your wrists are tight, you’ll cast the club, losing the lag. By training yourself to hold the wrist hinge and letting the clubhead trail behind your hands, you’ll develop the proper downswing mechanics and maintain lag all the way through impact.
Why This Drill Works:
This drill emphasizes the correct wrist mechanics needed to maintain lag. By focusing on the trailing clubhead and loose wrists, you’ll stop casting and learn how to hold your lag throughout the downswing. This is essential for increasing clubhead speed and hitting longer, straighter iron shots.
Drill #3: Stop Helping the Ball into the Air with the Towel Drill
One of the most common misconceptions among golfers is that you need to help the ball into the air by lifting it with your swing. In reality, the opposite is true. To create lag and hit solid, powerful shots, you need to hit down on the golf ball. The Towel Drill helps train you to strike down on the ball and maintain lag at impact.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Fold a golf towel a few times so it’s about an inch thick. Lay the towel on the ground about one clubhead’s distance behind your ball.
Set up to the ball as you normally would, but focus on hitting down on the ball without touching the towel. This will require you to shift your weight to your lead side and maintain your forward shaft lean.
If you hit the towel, it means you’re releasing the club too early or trying to lift the ball into the air. Continue practicing the drill until you can make solid contact with the ball without hitting the towel.
An alternative method is to place a tee a few inches in front of the ball. Focus on hitting the tee rather than the ball, which will help you shift your weight forward and maintain lag through impact.
Why This Drill Works:
The Towel Drill provides instant feedback on your swing. If you hit the towel, you know you’re not maintaining lag. This drill forces you to keep your hands in front of the ball at impact, which helps you create lag and hit down on the ball. Over time, this will lead to more powerful and accurate iron shots.
The Lag Shot Swing Trainer: Fast-Track Your Progress
If you want to take your lag development to the next level, consider using the Lag Shot Swing Trainer. This innovative training tool is designed to help golfers of all skill levels create more lag, improve ball-striking, and ultimately hit longer, straighter shots. Thousands of golfers are already benefiting from the Lag Shot, and it’s the perfect complement to the drills we’ve discussed.
The Lag Shot has a flexible shaft that encourages you to maintain lag and delay the release of the club. It also helps improve your tempo, rhythm, and sequencing, which are essential components of a successful swing. By practicing with the Lag Shot, you’ll develop the muscle memory needed to create lag and experience dramatic improvements in your iron play.
Conclusion: Unlock Your Power with Lag
Mastering lag is the key to unlocking more power, speed, and control in your golf game. By implementing the drills outlined in this blog and using tools like the Lag Shot Swing Trainer, you’ll develop the feel for lag and start crushing your irons in no time. Remember, lag is what creates speed, and speed is what generates power.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, developing lag will improve your ball-striking, increase your distance, and help you shoot lower scores. So head to the range, practice these drills, and watch your golf game transform!
At Shift Golf, we believe every player has the ability to make small adjustments that lead to big improvements. With these drills and the right training tools, YOUR time is NOW to make the SHIFT in your game!
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-->And then I went and bought a bunch of photography “stand here” markers from Build/Buy for the front walk in the hopes that I could line up at least Smiler, Victor, and Marm for a good picture in front of the front steps! Because I really wanted that shot, damn it. Unfortunately, getting them to stand on the marks proved harder than anticipated, as Victor got distracted cheering Rory's existence as a werewolf (I enjoy having my "Occult Likes/Dislikes" mod, yes, but that bit tends to get old fast) – and when Smiler DID stand on one, I found that I’d placed them the wrong way around. *facepalm* Figures. I then tried to have Alice just set up a photoshoot the old-fashioned way, but while Victor, Smiler, and Marm all came to stand in front of the camera – the action of taking a picture never actually completed. They just all stood there until I got frustrated and canceled it out. *heavy sigh* Between this and Rory kicking over the gang’s trash bin for no good reason, Family Reunions are starting to feel a little bit like Weenie Roasts.
-->Fortunately for my sanity, at this point the party was nearly over, and the NAP inspector, Jaclyn, and Thomas had all fucked off. So I just said “fuck it,” sent Marm to watch the cooking channel on the TV as he desperately needed fun (and given his starting aspiration, I figured he'd enjoy it), had Alice clean up the trash outside after scavenging it for parts (though she had to catch some stinkbugs first as they weren’t letting me click on the trash), had Victor relieve himself, and let everyone else basically do their own thing (mainly more dancing to Smiler’s radio) until the timer finally completed a few Sim-minutes later. At least Smiler got another Gold on the party! Even if it didn’t count toward completing their “Party Animal” aspiration. *grumbles* That damn thing needs to be updated soooo bad…
-->Anyway – with the party FINALLY over, and everyone FINALLY leaving, I allowed Victor to go to bed, then (with a LOT of coaxing, because for some reason the damn interaction wouldn’t complete – not to mention Alice tried to shower in the rain AGAIN in the middle of it) got Alice to wash poor filthy Shadow. Smiler, meanwhile, went and sat with Marm (who was finally happy again now that they were away from all those strangers). They had a good chat, fortunately, and Smiler even got Marm to take a selfie or five with them. Which, I wish I could have pulled that off DURING the family reunion, but… At least I got SOME pictures of the robot happy! I finally left things with a tired Alice joining Victor in bed and Marm and Smiler watching the Romance channel together and getting flirty. No, I do not know what that means for the polycule. XD
Whew – that was SOMETHING, wasn’t it? I love my Sims but they are truly exhausting sometimes. XD But at least the party went well, despite, everything, and Marm is starting to settle in as a new member of the family! Next time, we'll be heading off to the store to see how Marm does helping the trio run THAT whole thing! Hope to see you then!
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Mastering Your Drive: A Comprehensive Review of the Lag Shot Driver
Introduction:
Every golfer dreams of consistently hitting long, straight drives down the fairway. However, achieving this dream can often feel elusive, particularly if you struggle with tempo, timing, and consistent contact. Enter the Lag Shot Driver—a training aid designed to address these common issues and transform your driving game. In this detailed review, I’ll share my experience with the Lag Shot Driver, highlight its unique features and benefits, and explore why it could be the game-changer your swing needs.
Why Consider the Lag Shot Driver?
Many golfers face challenges with their driver, whether it’s poor tempo, inconsistent timing, or difficulty making solid contact. These issues can turn a potentially great round into a frustrating experience. The Lag Shot Driver is designed to address these problems by helping golfers develop a smoother, more consistent swing. By improving your swing mechanics, the Lag Shot Driver can lead to more accurate and powerful drives.
Common Driving Challenges:
Tempo and Timing: Struggling to find the right rhythm in your swing can result in mishits and inconsistent ball flight.
Inconsistent Contact: Making solid contact with the ball is crucial for distance and accuracy, but it can be difficult to achieve without the right mechanics.
Over-the-Top Swings: Many golfers battle an over-the-top swing, leading to slices and loss of distance.
The Lag Shot Solution:
The Lag Shot Driver addresses these challenges by forcing you to take the club back slowly, in one piece, and on the correct plane. This promotes a smooth transition from the backswing to the downswing, helping you find your unique swing tempo and rhythm. With the Lag Shot, you’ll develop a better feel for the clubhead and improve your timing, resulting in more consistent, powerful drives.
Features & Benefits of the Lag Shot Driver:
The Lag Shot Driver is packed with features designed to help you build a better swing. Here’s a closer look at what makes this training aid so effective.
1. Heavy, Whippy Blue Shaft:
The standout feature of the Lag Shot Driver is its heavy, whippy blue shaft. This unique design forces you to develop better tempo and timing, as you need to coordinate your body and arms to keep the shaft under control. The flexible shaft also enhances your awareness of the clubhead, helping you build lag and stay on the correct swing plane.
Benefits:
Improved Tempo: The shaft’s weight and flexibility encourage a smoother, more rhythmic swing.
Better Lag: Developing lag is essential for generating power, and the Lag Shot Driver helps you achieve it naturally.
Clubhead Awareness: Feeling the clubhead throughout your swing helps you make solid contact more consistently.
2. High-Quality Mid-Size Grip:
The Lag Shot Driver features a high-quality, mid-size grip designed to be comfortable and long-lasting. The grip’s design also helps reduce tension in your hands, which is crucial for maintaining a smooth swing and generating speed.
Benefits:
Durability: The grip is built to withstand regular use, making it a reliable training aid.
Reduced Tension: A relaxed grip promotes better swing mechanics and increased speed.
3. Comprehensive Training Videos:
While the Lag Shot Driver is intuitive to use, it also comes with training videos that provide detailed guidance on how to get the most out of your practice sessions. These videos cover everything from basic swing mechanics to advanced techniques, helping you improve faster.
Benefits:
Faster Improvement: The training videos provide expert tips and drills to help you progress more quickly.
Tailored Instruction: Videos specific to the driver ensure you’re getting targeted advice for this crucial part of your game.
Testing the Lag Shot Driver: My Experience
I spent about a month testing the Lag Shot Driver both at home and on the range. My goal was simple: to develop better swing sequence, rhythm, tempo, and timing. Here’s how it went.
Initial Impressions:
When I first started using the Lag Shot Driver, I made sure to warm up thoroughly, swinging the Lag Shot 7-iron to get a feel for the concept. Once I moved to the driver, I focused on taking the club back in one piece, keeping the clubhead outside my hands as much as possible during the backswing. I also made it a point to stay in my posture until momentum carried me into the follow-through.
Early Results:
My initial results were mixed—solid contact, but with a few flares to the right, some smother-hooks, and a lot of low drives down the middle. However, I could feel the improvement with each swing. The Lag Shot Driver forced me to swing on a better plane, and I noticed I was no longer coming over the top as often—a major breakthrough for me.
Continued Improvement:
As I continued using the Lag Shot Driver, I began to see more consistent results. My drives started landing in areas that would have been fairways on a course, and I even managed to hit a few medium-height draws—a significant achievement for me. When I took my regular driver out on the course, I found that my tempo and timing had improved, leading to more effortless swings and better drives.
Who Is the Lag Shot Driver For?
The Lag Shot Driver is ideal for any golfer looking to improve their swing, particularly with their driver. Whether you struggle with generating power, making consistent contact, or simply keeping the ball in the fairway, the Lag Shot Driver can help you find your unique tempo, rhythm, and timing. It’s especially beneficial for golfers who tend to come over the top or swing on an incorrect plane.
Is the Lag Shot Driver Worth It?
In my experience, the Lag Shot Driver is absolutely worth it. It’s a high-quality, durable training aid that does exactly what it promises. By forcing you to swing on a better plane and with better timing, it helps you develop the skills necessary to hit long, accurate drives. If you’re serious about improving your driving game, the Lag Shot Driver is an investment you won’t regret.
Key Takeaways:
Improves Tempo and Timing: The heavy, whippy shaft encourages a smoother, more rhythmic swing.
Enhances Lag and Clubhead Awareness: Develops lag naturally and helps you feel the clubhead throughout your swing.
Reduces Over-the-Top Swings: Helps correct common swing faults like coming over the top.
Comes with Expert Training: Comprehensive videos provide guidance to accelerate your improvement.
Conclusion:
The Lag Shot Driver is a game-changer for golfers struggling with their driver. By helping you develop better tempo, timing, and swing mechanics, it leads to more consistent, powerful drives. After just a few weeks of practice, I noticed significant improvements in my swing and overall driving performance. If you’re looking to take your driving game to the next level, the Lag Shot Driver is a must-have tool in your golf bag.
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