Lag in a golf swing is the expression of our submission to technique. Not every golfer can do it. Usually, people who equate distance with backswing length are some of the shortest hitters. It’s not because they lack speed, but solid contact. Again, usually, contact is a path issue.

Our belief that “a turn” is the key to distance makes us do some silly things. For example, we flare out our back foot, swing our arms up, cup our leading wrist, etc. For some reason, in an effort to gain a backswing that has nothing to do with speed production… we destroy our swing.

Lag is evidence of efficiency. Efficiency is economy of motion. Not surprisingly, both effects are an outcome of an Open Stance. Moreover, if you’ve read my book, you know how these things fit into a more perfect hole (sic).

I was watching Moe Norman videos, and stumbled onto Graves’ Moe videos. He and another Moe profiteer were talking about Moe’s sand-game prowess, saying Moe used his Sandy Andy sand wedge so he didn’t have to open his stance. I took special notice, so I scrolled back the video.

Graves and friend said Moe wasn’t comfortable opening his stance. I watched three minutes later and ten minutes later that Moe arranged himself drastically open on EVERY sand shot he hit. Not coincidentally, the two opportunists recommended focusing on the “Motion” in Moe’s swing. Strange, huh?

Lag is a change in plane. Therefore, Graves’ “One-Plane-Swing” is a distinction without a difference. We only have one plane to obey to hit a golf ball, and we need only meet our plane at impact. Furthermore, we can employ the goofiest move on earth to get to impact and be no different than Magic Moe’s “Unique” swing. With enough practice, ANY motion will work From ANY set-up orientation.

However, efficient swings mean less stress on our body to generate powerful, repeatable motion. Certain movement stresses our body and must, therefore, thrown into the failure-ridden, golf-swing-idea dumpster. For example, stressing our hips by torquing into impact to generate power, and posting on our front knee and hip are first among our most egregious stressors.

I fear I’ve rambled away from Lag, but suffice it to say lag requires a trailing elbow inside the trailing hip prior to impact. The next time you get a chance, watch this video. I’ll give Todd some views.

John Wright – Founder
The Open Stance Academy

https://www.openstanceacademy.com/golf/create-lag/

https://www.openstanceacademy.com/golf/moe-norman-quietly-pursued-answers/

https://www.openstanceacademy.com/golf/first-ill-show-you-are-athletic/

https://www.openstanceacademy.com/golf/second-youre-a-genius/