The Definition Casting (or "scooping") occurs when a golfer prematurely releases the angle between their lead forearm and the club shaft during the downswing. Just like casting a fishing rod, the wrists unhinge too early.

This early release destroys "lag," robbing the swing of its primary speed source. Furthermore, it causes the clubhead to flip past the hands before impact. This adds massive amounts of loft and exposes the leading edge of the club, resulting in weak, ballooning shots, heavy chunks, or thin blades.

The Amateur: The Early Release

Watch the video below to see what Casting looks like in a position-by-position 3D breakdown.

The Data Check: We measure this fault by looking at the Lead Wrist Angle when the lead arm is parallel to the ground in the downswing (P5). Note: A 180° measurement would mean a perfectly straight line with zero wrist hinge, so a higher number means less angle.

At P5, this amateur’s lead wrist angle has already expanded to 102°. They have "thrown" the clubhead down toward the ball entirely too early. By dumping this angle halfway through the downswing, they have completely run out of speed by the time the club actually reaches the golf ball.

Stop Guessing. Start Measuring.

Do you cast the club? Feeling like you have "lag" is a common illusion, especially if your arms are just pulling tightly against your chest while your wrists are actually flipping.

Upload your swing video for a Digital Analysis. We will use 3D motion tracking to measure your exact wrist angles during the downswing to tell you definitively if you are storing power or throwing it away. [Button: Start My Swing Analysis]

The Professional: Storing the Power (Lag)

For comparison, watch how a Tour Professional retains their wrist angle deep into the downswing.

The Data Check: At the exact same position (P5), this professional’s lead wrist angle is an incredibly sharp 80°.

Look at the Professional Acceptable Range:

• Lead Wrist Angle (at P5): 73° to 89°

Because the Pro holds this sharp angle (80°) so late into the downswing, they store all of their rotational energy until the very last millisecond. This allows them to whip the clubhead through the impact zone with forward shaft lean, compressing the golf ball for a powerful, penetrating trajectory.

The Body-Swing Connection

Casting is rarely done on purpose. It is usually a subconscious survival reaction triggered by a physical limitation or a severely open clubface. There are 13 physical limitations that can impact your golf swing.

If your lower body stops rotating, your arms must throw the clubhead to reach the ball. The physical limitations that directly cause a golfer to cast include:

• Limited Wrist Mobility: Inability to hinge (radial deviation) or bow (flexion) the lead wrist.

• Poor Lower Body Sequencing: If your hips don't clear, your hands have no room to drag the handle, forcing an early throw.

• Weak Forearm and Grip Strength: An inability to physically support the weight and force of the club during transition.

A simple screening process can identify these limitations and provide a straightforward exercise routine to unlock your swing.

Find out more about mobility in the golf swing: [Insert Link]