If you’re releasing the club too early and adding unwanted loft on your downswing, you might be suffering from early extension — and it’s killing your distance and accuracy. This week, Darren deMaille from QuickFixGolf.com brings a clever (and cheap) visual to help fix it: a bottle of soda.
The Soda Bottle Drill
Imagine holding a bottle of soda. At the top of your backswing, all the liquid should be at the bottom of the bottle — that’s your lag. The key is to maintain that “full” bottom of the bottle until you reach the bottom of the swing arc. Most early extenders throw the soda too soon — dumping the energy before impact.
Only when you get to the bottom of your swing should that soda transfer — mimicking a proper release and helping avoid flipping the hands too early.
Watch the drill here:
The Chain Pull Cue
Darren also highlights a classic Sergio Garcia tip — imagine pulling down on a chain from the top of the swing. This cue encourages lag and prevents early extension by helping your hands and arms move correctly through the transition.
Try it on the range with a club in hand. You’ll start striking it cleaner and more powerfully — and save your soda for the clubhouse.
