The Flip and Stable Release

The zone used to analyze the release type has a starting point called the pre-impact point and an ending point called the post-impact point. The pre-impact point is located mid way between impact and the clubshaft being parallel to the ground in the downswing. The post-impact point is located mid way between impact and the clubshaft being parallel to the ground in the follow-through.

The Flip Release:

At impact, the flip release has the following attributes: Dorsi flexion (extension, bending, cupping) in the left wrist Flexion (bowing, arching) in the right wrist

The flip release can cause the following ball-flights: Fat shots the clubhead reaches the bottom of the swing arc prior to impact. Thin shots you get tired of the fat shot and pull up and thin the ball. Skull shots you pull up way too soon and skull the ball. Far left and far right shots the flip releases creates a fast rotation of the clubface angle thought impact. If not timed correctly (too early or too late), you will get far left or far right ball-flights.

To compensate for the fat shot, a flipper will often move their upper body toward the target. Also, they often compensate by extending their right arm and shoulder past impact.

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In addition to the above, the flip release adds loft to the club (and spin to the ball) and you will hit the ball shorter. The flip release has little to no left forearm supination and no left or right wrist ulnar deviation. The flip release typically has the club passing the left forearm at the post impact point. Not having the correct amount of lateral bend in the downswing can cause the body to stall and lead to a flip release. Lateral bend (lateral flexion, side bending) is the bending of the thoracic and lumbar spine in the downswing. The picture below shows Louis Oosthuizen using a flip release.

The Stable Release:

At impact, the stable release has the following attributes: Ulnar deviation (uncocked wrist, moving the thumb away from the forearm) in both the left and right wrist Supination of the left forearm (rotating the left forearm counter-clockwise in a direction that would turn the palm up) Pronation of the right forearm (rotating the right forearm counter-clockwise in a direction that would turn the right palm down)

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The stable release type has the clubface square to the swing arc at the beginning of the zone and remains steady through to the end of the zone. With the stable release, the body provides the rotational force through the impact zone to keep the clubface square. The left wrist position at the pre-impact position, impact position, and postimpact position vary (some golfers have cupped, some flat, and some bowed). Regardless of left wrist position, the golfer is able to hold the clubface square to the arc through the zone. Ulnar deviation is then used (in both wrists) to impede anymore forearm rotation or rolling over through the impact zone. Golfers that use a flat left wrist have supinated their left forearm about one-half as much as those with a bowed left wrist. These golfers release their lag earlier to get the clubface square at the pre-impact position. Golfers that use a cupped left wrist have a stronger grip that requires very little wrist rotation (left wrist supination) to square the clubface at the pre impact point.

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The picture below shows Matt Kuchar using a cupped left wrist with his stable release.

Crossover Release:
The crossover release rolls the left forearm, hands, and wrists through the impact zone. At the pre-impact position, the clubface is more open than the clubface of a stable release. Golfers with a crossover release have their right hand rolling over their left hand in the impact zone. The crossover release is timing dependent and requires good tempo and rhythm.

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