How to Create Golf Lag the Correct Way: Stop Pulling, Start Swinging

Why don't you look like Nelly Korda or other tour professionals as you approach impact? The answer lies in understanding true lag creation versus the pulling motions most golfers are taught. This comprehensive guide reveals the only way to create sustainable, powerful lag that works under pressure on the golf course.

The Lag Misconception That's Ruining Your Swing

Most golf instruction gets lag completely wrong. Students are taught to "pull down," "drop the arms," or "maintain angles" through impact. This approach creates more problems than it solves:

Why Pulling Methods Fail:

• Creates steep swing plane that forces early release
• Prevents proper club head release through impact
• Reduces power and distance potential
• Breaks down under pressure on the course
• Causes topped shots when executed "correctly"

The Truth About Lag:

Lag isn't about holding angles or pulling motions. It's about swinging the club on the correct plane while allowing natural release through impact.

Understanding Tour Player Lag Positions

When you see professional golfers like Nelly Korda with dramatic lag angles approaching impact, you're witnessing the result of two critical elements working together:

Element 1: Perfect Swing Plane

• Shaft points at target line throughout the swing
• Club approaches from inside the target line
• Maintains plane well past impact position
• Natural angle creation from proper sequencing

Element 2: Proper Release Pattern

• Club head acceleration through impact zone
• Natural angle maintenance until release point
• Complete follow-through to balanced finish
• Swinging motion rather than pulling action

Why Your Brain Prevents Tour-Like Lag

Your brain is protecting you from poor contact. Here's what actually happens:

The Steep Plane Problem:

1. Swing starts too steep on downswing approach
2. Brain recognizes club will go over ball if angles maintained
3. Early release triggered to make contact with ball
4. Lag angles lost before impact for survival

The Solution:

Fix the plane first, and lag happens naturally. Force lag on a steep plane, and you'll top every shot.

The Flashlight Drill: Your Path to Perfect Lag

The most effective way to understand proper swing plane and natural lag creation uses a simple flashlight attached to your club grip.

Setup and Execution:

Equipment Needed:

• Flashlight or laser pointer
• Tape or attachment mechanism
• Target line on wall (indoor practice)
• Clear understanding of target direction

The Movement Pattern:

1. Takeaway: Light points at target line going back
2. Top of swing: Light continues target line relationship
3. Downswing: Light points at target line past ball position
4. Impact zone: Light maintains target line, angles naturally present
5. Follow-through: Light finishes pointing down target line

Critical Understanding:

The lag angle between your lead arm and club shaft happens automatically when the club swings on the correct plane. You don't create it - you allow it.

Two Acceptable Swing Plane Patterns

Professional golfers use two different approaches to achieve on-plane impact:

Pattern 1: Consistent Plane (Recommended for Most Golfers)

Characteristics:

• Club points at target line throughout entire swing
• Most consistent for moderate swing speeds
• Easier to repeat under pressure
• Natural for most amateur golfers

Benefits:

• Highest consistency for recreational players
• Easier to maintain during round
• Less timing dependent than loop patterns
• Works well with modern equipment

Pattern 2: Loop Pattern (Advanced Players Only)

Characteristics:

• Club goes back steeper than target line
• Flattens to correct plane on downswing
• Requires excellent timing and athleticism
• Used by some tour professionals

Considerations:

• Higher skill requirement for consistency
• More timing dependent under pressure
• Can create power when executed properly
• Requires significant practice to master

The Physics of Proper Lag Creation

Understanding why the correct method works helps build confidence in the technique:

Swing Plane Benefits:

On-Plane Approach:

• Club naturally approaches ball from inside
• Allows maximum time for speed development
• Creates optimal angle of attack
• Permits natural release through impact

Steep Plane Problems:

• Forces outside-in swing path
• Requires early release to make contact
• Reduces power transfer efficiency
• Creates inconsistent ball striking

Release Requirements:

After achieving proper lag through correct plane, you must complete the swing:

• Swing the club head through impact
• Allow natural release of stored energy
• Finish in balanced position with club pointing down target line
• Avoid holding angles past their natural release point

Practice Progression for Lag Development

Stage 1: Indoor Flashlight Work (Week 1-2)

Daily Practice (15 minutes):

• Attach flashlight to club grip
• Practice pointing light at target line on wall
• Focus on maintaining target line relationship
• Build muscle memory for correct plane

Key Checkpoints:

• Light stays on target line throughout swing
• Natural lag angles appear automatically
• No conscious effort to create or hold angles
• Smooth, swinging motion feels natural

Stage 2: Range Integration (Week 3-4)

Practice Routine:

1. Setup target line with alignment sticks
2. Visualize flashlight drill before each swing
3. Focus on swing plane rather than lag positions
4. Allow natural release through impact

Common Errors to Avoid:

• Don't consciously try to create lag angles
• Avoid pulling or dropping arm motions
• Don't hold angles past natural release point
• Resist urge to help ball into air

Stage 3: Course Application (Week 5+)

On-Course Focus:

• Pre-shot visualization of correct plane
• Trust the swing rather than position thoughts
• Commit to release through every shot
• Build confidence in natural lag creation

Troubleshooting Common Lag Problems

Problem: No Visible Lag Angles

Likely Cause: Swing plane too steep, early release for contact Solution: Focus entirely on flashlight drill until plane improves

Problem: Topped Shots When Trying Lag

Likely Cause: Attempting to hold angles on steep plane Solution: Abandon lag thoughts, work on swing plane exclusively

Problem: Loss of Distance

Likely Cause: Holding angles too long, incomplete release Solution: Emphasize complete follow-through and natural release

Problem: Inconsistent Contact

Likely Cause: Mixing pulling motions with swinging motions Solution: Commit fully to swinging approach, eliminate pulling thoughts

Equipment Considerations for Lag Development

Club Specifications That Help:

Proper Shaft Flex:

• Allows natural loading and release
• Matches your swing speed and tempo
• Promotes smooth acceleration through impact

Correct Lie Angles:

• Ensures clean contact despite swing changes
• Allows natural swing plane development
• Prevents compensations that hurt lag

Training Aids That Work:

• Flashlight or laser: Essential for plane awareness
• Alignment sticks: Create target line reference
• Impact tape: Confirms strike quality improvement
• Video analysis: Shows actual vs. perceived positions

Mental Game: Trusting the Process

Mindset Shifts Required:

From Position-Based to Motion-Based:

• Stop thinking about static positions
• Focus on dynamic swinging motion
• Trust natural athletic movement patterns
• Allow lag to happen rather than force it

From Control to Flow:

• Release need to control every angle
• Develop confidence in swing plane
• Trust natural release timing
• Build faith in proper fundamentals

Advanced Concepts: Why This Method Works

Biomechanical Advantages:

Kinetic Chain Efficiency:

• Proper plane allows optimal energy transfer
• Natural lag maximizes club head speed
• Complete release delivers maximum power
• Reduced injury risk from natural motions

Neurological Benefits:

• Brain doesn't fight natural athletic motion
• Reduced conscious interference during swing
• Improved performance under pressure
• Faster skill acquisition and retention

Course Management with Improved Lag

Shot Selection Benefits:

Increased Distance:

• Proper lag adds 10-20 yards to all clubs
• More club options for approach shots
• Ability to play more aggressive lines
• Better scoring opportunities

Improved Accuracy:

• Consistent swing plane improves direction
• Natural release reduces timing issues
• Less compensation needed during swing
• More predictable ball flight patterns

Long-Term Development Strategy

Beginner Focus:

1. Master flashlight drill before anything else
2. Develop plane awareness through repetition
3. Build trust in natural lag creation
4. Avoid position-based instruction that creates confusion

Intermediate Advancement:

1. Refine plane consistency across all clubs
2. Develop release timing for maximum power
3. Apply to course situations with confidence
4. Integrate with overall swing improvements

Advanced Applications:

1. Experiment with plane variations for shot shaping
2. Optimize timing for maximum distance
3. Maintain technique under competitive pressure
4. Teach others the correct lag principles

Why Other Methods Don't Work Long-Term

The Pulling Approach Problems:

• Contradicts natural athletic motion patterns
• Breaks down under pressure when timing fails
• Reduces power potential through restricted release
• Creates injury risk from unnatural positions

Position-Based Instruction Issues:

• Focuses on static positions rather than dynamic motion
• Ignores cause-and-effect relationships in swing
• Creates conscious interference with natural movement
• Leads to mechanical, powerless swing patterns

Success Indicators: What to Look For

Immediate Feedback:

• Effortless power increase in all clubs
• Improved strike quality and ball compression
• Natural feel throughout the swing
• Reduced effort for same or better results

Long-Term Results:

• Consistent lag appearance in video analysis
• Increased distance across entire bag
• Better performance under pressure
• Reduced practice time needed for maintenance

Conclusion: Embrace Natural Lag Creation

Creating proper lag isn't about forcing positions or pulling motions - it's about allowing natural athletic movement on the correct swing plane. When you swing the club rather than pull it, and maintain proper plane throughout the motion, lag happens automatically.

The key insights to remember:

• Swing plane determines lag quality more than any conscious effort
• Natural release is essential for power and consistency
• Pulling motions prevent rather than create effective lag
• Trust the process of proper swing mechanics

Your Action Plan:

1. Start with flashlight drill to understand swing plane
2. Practice target line awareness until it becomes natural
3. Focus on swinging motion rather than position creation
4. Allow natural lag to develop through proper plane
5. Trust the release for maximum power and consistency

Remember: It's called the golf swing, not the golf pull. When you learn to swing the club correctly on plane, lag becomes a natural byproduct rather than a forced position. This is the only way to create sustainable, powerful lag that works when it matters most.