Early Extension

Do you have a swing problem or a physical problem?

Early extension is a swing flaw many golfers struggle with. All you have to do is look online to understand fixing early extension is somewhat of a cottage industry. There are myriad drills available on YouTube addressing how to correct early extension from swing instructors and golf fitness instructors. While most of what is found online is good information, if you don’t understand what is causing your early extension, it becomes trial and error.

What is early extension?

First off, it is not lifting your head. I cringe every time I hear someone say it. Yes, the head will rise up because it is attached to the torso which straightens in response to what is really happening. In its simplest terms, early extension occurs on the downswing with the hips moving towards the ball which, in turn, moves the player closer to the ball. This causes a chain reaction of physical manipulation of the club and body causing all kinds of problems. It can lead to shanks as the club is now closer to the ball. Often times, golfers who early extend have two-way misses as the club gets too far inside or stuck. And, of course, the, “you lifted your head,” topped shot.

From a physical standpoint, early extension often leads to back soreness or pain. The lower back muscles are meant to be stabilizing muscles. With early extension, they are forced to try and create power. To create power, the lower back muscles drive the hips toward the golf ball.

Is early extension swing related or a physical issue?

If you struggle with early extension, this is really an important question. It can be either, but it is generally more of a physical problem. Getting a lesson to fix the problem will not help very much if there is an underlying physical limitation(s) causing the early extension. Your body often reacts in different ways based on what it can do rather than trying to do what it can’t do. Lessons and drills may be enough to get rid of the physical limitation(s) causing the early extension, but, more often than not, the physical limitation(s) need to be identified and addressed to attain permanent, long-term improvement.

Does that mean I shouldn’t get a lesson?

Absolutely not. Getting a lesson is vital to the process. What you need to understand is it is just that, a process. Just as the lesson by itself may not fix early extension issues, neither will working on your physical limitations. Both are equally important.

What physical limitations cause early extension?

In today’s society, we sit a lot. I’m sitting right now as I write. We sit in the car driving to and from work. We sit at a desk at work. We sit to eat. We sit to watch TV or read a book. Many of you sit in a cart while you play golf. Sitting takes its toll on the muscles, ligaments and joints of the lower body. Even more so as we age. Lack of strength and mobility in the lower body will generally lead to early extension as the lower back muscles try to make up for the lack of strength and mobility. Studies have shown golfers who can’t perform a full deep squat or full hip bend will have a strong tendency to early extend.

There is a lot more to the lower body issues which lead to early extension. The hips, pelvis, glutes, ankles (yes, ankles), tendons etc., can be the culprit in early extension. It’s important to work on improving the strength and mobility in the lower body not just for your golf swing but for overall, general good health.

If you would like to learn more, subscribe to the paid portion. There you will find more details and some good exercises to help you move in the right direction to eliminate early extension.

As always, be grateful when you play. Remember, it is a privilege to play this amazing game. Now, go golf!