Downswing and TransitionImpact Position Irons Expert / Intermediate ⏱ 8 min 🇬🇧 Video in English, summarized

Releasing the Club at Impact: Wrists and Hit-and-Hold

Name: Releasing the Club at Impact: Wrists and Hit-and-Hold
Uploaded: 2025-05-19T12:00:00+00:00
Duration: 7 min 56 s
Channel: Dave Phillips
Description: “Relax the club,” “hold the club”… Dave Phillips, co-founder of TPI, sets the record straight. There isn’t just one right way to be at the top of the swing, but all good players do the same thing on the downswing. An exercise adapted from Padraig Harrington helps you get a feel for it.

“Relax the club,” “hold the club”… Dave Phillips, co-founder of TPI, sets the record straight. There isn’t just one right way to be at the top of the swing, but all good players do the same thing on the downswing. An exercise adapted from Padraig Harrington helps you get a feel for it.

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Dave Phillips · his YouTube channelFree lesson selected by Fred P.

To be continued

7 minSame problemA Stretch Feeling at the Start of the DownswingPadraig Harrington · Intermediate / Expert 12 minSame problemStart the Downswing with Your Legs: Unscrew the LidDanny Maude · Intermediate 10 minSame problemPressure on the inside of the lead foot in the downswingSimon Camirand · Intermediate

What the lesson shows

For Dave Phillips, relaxation is simply opening and closing the face. At the top of the swing, tour players adopt very different stances: a left wrist bent backward and an open clubface, or a flat—or even arched—wrist and a closed clubface. Both work. However, TPI’s 3D measurements reveal one thing they have in common: On the downhill, everyone bends their left wrist (or already are) to bring the clubface into the correct position at hip height. With the shaft tilted forward and the clubface closed like that, the ball would go to the left: that’s torso and hip rotation who keeps his body facing forward. That's why his hips and torso are open at impact.

It’s all about coordination. If you’re leaning to the left, your wrist might be in the right position but your rotation might not be enough: opening your front foot or stance a little can help. The worst thing is to come down with your wrist bent backward and your face wide open. And above all, Don't try to keep the corners. Padraig Harrington's “hit and stop” drill involves striking the ball and then stopping the club immediately after it: it forces you to release any tension and achieve true relaxation.

The Exercise, Step by Step

Watch your left wrist at the top of the swing: bent backward or flat—both are possible.
At the start of the downswing, bend your left wrist to bring the clubface back to a neutral position at hip height.
Push off with your front foot and let your torso and hips turn toward the target.
For this drill, take an iron and hit the ball, trying to stop the iron right after impact.
Check your position: left wrist extended, right wrist flexed—the opposite of the backswing.
Then return to a full swing, letting the club relax without holding it back.

Key Takeaways

To release means to open and then close the face.

There are several positions at the top of the swing that can work.

On the downswing, good players bend their left wrist.

The more the handle tilts forward, the more you have to turn to keep the board on course.

Never try to keep your wrists at an angle.

Exercise: Hit the ball, then stop the club immediately afterward.

Mistakes to Avoid

Believing that there is only one correct position at the top of the swing.
Lower yourself with your left wrist bent backward: face wide open.
Try to maintain the angles of your wrists until impact.
Block the spin with a closed face: the ball goes to the left.
Holding the club after impact puts strain on the shoulder, elbow, and wrist.

Driving Range Mode

Keep it in plain sight, on the rug.

Video assessment of the left wrist at the top and at hip level
“Strike and Stop” Exercise with an Iron
If the ball goes to the left: keep your front foot slightly turned out to turn more
Back to the full swing, relaxed and free

Your Questions

My left wrist bends backward at the top of the swing: is this a flaw?

Not necessarily. Dave Phillips points out that world No. 1 players swing this way. The key is to flex your wrist at the start of the downswing. The problem is staying bent backward all the way through impact.

Why do most good players have their hips open at impact?

Because with a bent wrist and a club shaft tilted forward, the clubface would be closed. Body rotation keeps it in line. Without rotation, the ball goes to the left.

How is the “strike and stop” drill performed?

You hit the ball while trying to stop the club immediately after impact. This forces you to release the angles in your wrists and achieve true relaxation, without holding the club back in the finish.

I hook the line even though my wrist is bent: what should I do?

According to him, your wrist position may be fine, but your rotation isn't sufficient. He suggests opening your front foot slightly or adjusting your stance at address so you can rotate more.

Learn More

All “Downhill and Transition” videos →Find the lesson that's right for you All “Impact Position” videos →Find the lesson that's right for you Dave PhillipsAll of his lessons

Video posted on YouTube by its creator (Dave Phillips). Best Golf Tips selects and summarizes the best free lessons, without hosting them.