Cupping Wrist in Backswing: Learn to Control it with HackMotion

“What is the ideal number of extension (cupping) throughout the swing?”

“Should the left wrist be flat at the top of the backswing?”

These questions are often asked to us and all HackMotion coaches. Truth is, there isn’t a perfect number…

The absolute numbers depend on your pattern and grip type (stronger grips have more lead wrist extension throughout the swing).

But there is a pattern of wrist extension most players can adapt to learn to control club face better. And it’s integrated into HackMotion.

Watch the video below (5 min) with PGA Tour instructor Jake Thurm to learn why should you care about developing a correct extension/flexion pattern and why HackMotion is the best training aid to achieve it.

Cupping Wrist in Backswing: Why it Matters and Why You Need to Control It

As a smart golfer, You already know that wrist cupping (extension) / bowing (flexion) is the key movement responsible for the opening/closing of the clubface.

Lead wrist cupping (extension) opens the clubface while wrist bowing (flexion) closes the clubface.

Excessive lead wrist cupping (extension) during transition and downswing is why the clubface stays open too long and players struggle with controlling ball flight.

Should You Correct Cupped Lead Wrist?

As Jake Thurm explains in the video, it depends on whether you are able to release it in the downswing. Many golfers tend to add too much cupping (extension) in the backswing and even in transition, ending up with an open clubface that needs last-moment corrections.

Based on HackMotion data and insights from the world’s leading golf coaches, we have been able to identify that pro players do 2 things to consistently control the clubface:

Maintain stable extension from address to top. Typically tour players keep their extension at the top similar to what they had at address or are a bit less extended. The average range is from -10 (less extended) to +5 (more extended). Note that Individual numbers might be different.
Consistently decrease wrist extension before reaching impact. On average, pros decrease extension by around 20-25 degrees from top to impact. By removing the extension, pros also get their hands ahead of the ball at impact.

A Shortcut to Improvements: Hackmotion Biofeedback

As Jake Thurm demonstrates in the video below (4min), Hackmotion’s audio biofeedback is a powerful tool to improve your wrist motion.

Jake shows an example of how to use biofeedback if you are adding too much extension (cupping) in the backswing:

Look at your extension at the address position.
Set maximum extension a couple of degrees below to what you are having at the address.
Set minimum extension at -80 (you won’t set limits for the flexion of the lead wrist).
The biofeedback should play a sound throughout the backswing and downswing.