Related Concepts
Early Extension
A movement pattern where the hips thrust toward the ball during the downswing, causing the pelvis to move closer to the target line than it was at address. This is one of the most common compensatory patterns in amateur golf.
Why It Matters
Early extension alters the swing plane and forces the hands to manipulate the club to make contact. It reduces consistency, limits power transfer, and often leads to blocks and hooks as the body runs out of room to rotate through impact.
Common Misconceptions
Early extension is caused by weak glutes.
While physical limitations can contribute, early extension is most often a compensation for another issue upstream in the swing — typically grip, setup, or backswing problems. Fixing the root cause often resolves the extension without any physical training.
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