Casting—a term we use in golf to describe when the wrists release too early in the downswing—is one of the most common issues I see in my students at Irene Golf & Country Club. It usually happens because players are trying to help the ball into the air, which leads to scooping, loss of lag, and inconsistent contact. The result? Thin shots, weak ball flight, and a lack of compression that robs you of both distance and control. Ironically, most golfers don't even know they're doing it until they see it on video.
Casting: Notice the cupping in the lead wrist and open clubface after impact.
The key to fix casting isn’t overthinking your backswing—it’s learning how to control impact. Great ball strikers deliver the club with their hands leading and the clubhead trailing. That forward shaft lean at impact is what creates clean, ball first contact with the correct Angle of Attack. Instead of trying to “hold angles” or force positions, the goal is to develop the correct feel through impact with a simple, repeatable drill.
The Downswing: Notice the V-Shape angle when the lead arm is parallel.
One of the best ways to do that is with the punch shot drill. Using a 7-iron, make short, controlled swings and focus on keeping your hands ahead of the clubhead through impact. The feel you’re looking for is that the clubhead stays behind your hands, not flipping past them. Start with small waist-high swings, then gradually build up to fuller swings while maintaining that same impact position. If the clubhead passes your hands, you’re still casting—but if your hands lead the strike, you’re building the kind of compression you see in better players.
Impact: Notice the shaft leans toward the target with a flat, or slightly bowed, lead wrist.
If you want to fix your casting problem, stop rehearsing swing positions and start training your impact condition. Think of holding your wrists firm through impact. It's simple, but will completely change the way you strike the golf ball.
Not sure if you're casting or need help with your swing? Visit our Golf Lessons page and get your swing analyzed today!
Mark Rippy is a Golf Digest Certified Instructor located at Irene Golf & Country Club in Memphis, TN.