How to Get Around the Corner and Prevent Early Extension: A Key Drill Explained
/One of the biggest swing killers to consistency is early extension. Michael Manavian and I often get asked for one drill to "get around the corner" and prevent this common issue.
In this blog, we address the problem by first defining what "getting around the corner" means. Clear definitions are critical because too often, ambiguity in golf instruction can hinder a player’s ability to learn and improve. By the end of the video accompanying this post, you’ll gain a clear understanding of this concept and a powerful drill that can help you overcome issues with balance, consistency, and power. Use this tip to take a big step forward in improving your golf swing!
What Does "Getting Around the Corner" Mean?
Let’s define this concept clearly! The golf swing has two “corners”:
The First Corner: Getting the clubhead back in front of your hands. This is the outward motion that happens from P6 (shaft parallel) to P7 (impact).
The Second Corner: The clubhead moving back inside your hands after impact, from P7 to P9.
In the video, we also discuss common faults and how to determine if this is your swing issue. Typically, errors stem from sequencing problems, such as overusing the hips or allowing the shaft to get too flat, with the trail elbow moving too far under the lead arm.
If this describes your swing, focus on feeling your hands lead the downswing. When this movement breaks down, it compromises swing power and makes it challenging to deliver the clubface squarely at impact, leading to inconsistent ball striking.
The Role of the Lead Leg
Understanding how the lead leg works is critical for maintaining hip depth. The rate and sequence of lead leg movement directly affect your ability to stay grounded and rotate effectively.
In the video, we explain this relationship in detail, but a key concept to practice is the “cat pounce” drill, which can improve your awareness of how your lead leg and hips interact during the swing.
Key Video Checkpoints
Analyzing your swing on video is one of the best ways to identify early extension. Here are three key checkpoints:
Pelvis Movement:
By the top of the backswing, your trail hip should have moved back and around the midline of your body.
Keep the trail hip back longer during the downswing to maintain depth.
Try this simple drill: Stand on a curb and make a few air swings to feel the correct movement.
Lead Leg Timing:
Watch the lead leg’s position at P6 (downswing). The lead knee should be about 3-5 inches outside the ankle.
From P8 to P9 (post-impact), focus on extending the lead leg naturally.
Turning out your lead foot slightly at setup can help improve this movement.
Upper Body Tilt:
Is your upper body maintaining its posture? If your chest rises through impact, early extension is likely contributing to the problem.
Tiger Woods' swing has evolved over the years, especially on the right side. Due to injuries and age, he no longer incorporates as much hip slide and side tilt. This adjustment forces him—or anyone in a similar position—to compensate to save shots. The reduced inclination toward the ground also decreases face stability, impacting overall consistency.
Tiger woods over the years
A Drill to Prevent Early Extension
At the end of the video, we share a simple yet powerful drill to help eliminate early extension and improve your swing mechanics. This drill trains your body to rotate properly while staying grounded, ultimately improving your ball-striking consistency and power.
Refine Your Swing with Professional Guidance
Early extension is a common swing fault, but it’s not impossible to fix. By understanding the mechanics of getting around the corner, analyzing your swing on video, and incorporating targeted drills like the one shared above, you can build a more powerful and consistent golf swing.
At the Dennis Sales Golf Academy, we specialize in identifying and correcting swing faults using advanced tools like GEARS Golf and TrackMan. These technologies allow us to analyze every aspect of your swing in incredible detail, while our personalized coaching programs help you achieve lasting improvements.
Schedule a lesson or new student assessment today!
Whether you’re just starting or aiming to refine your game for competition, we’re here to help you reach your goals. Let’s take your game to the next level!