Why do I hit thin golf shots?
Strike
All golf questions
Movement
What is early extension in golf?
The short answer
Early extension describes the pelvis moving toward the ball or target line during the swing, often with a change in forward bend. It can reduce space for the arms, but it is a movement characteristic rather than proof of a bad swing. Some effective players show it too.
What to check first
01
Choose a dependable camera view
Use a steady down-the-line camera at a consistent height, pointing parallel to the target line and including your whole body. A camera placed differently can make the same motion look different. Compare swings only when the framing is sufficiently similar.
02
Use an address reference
Mark the back of the pelvis at address and compare it through the downswing and impact. A reference line helps describe movement; it is not a requirement to pin both glutes against an invisible wall. Rotation changes which side of the pelvis is visible.
03
Connect the movement to the strike
Compare a playable shot with a poor strike filmed from the same position. Does the movement differ, and does the miss repeat? If it is present in both, you need more evidence before treating it as your primary practice issue.
04
Separate observation from explanation
Video cannot establish that your hips are weak, a joint lacks mobility or pressure is moving incorrectly. Setup, club delivery, coordination and physical capability may interact. A coach can help determine which factors actually matter for you.
Try this in practice
Make slow, comfortable rehearsals while observing how the lead side of the pelvis moves during the downswing. Then test a few short shots. Do not force a fixed spine angle or exaggerated hip depth simply to stay on a drawn line; judge whether the motion gives you space and better contact.
What to measure
Keep the camera position fixed and compare several swings alongside their strike results. Improvement means a more dependable shot and workable motion, not a universal number of pixels or degrees.
Keep the conclusion proportionate
A single phone view is a two-dimensional projection, not a full biomechanical assessment. If a rehearsal causes pain, stop it rather than forcing the position.
Sources and further reading
The definitions and coaching principles above draw on these primary resources. Practice tasks and numerical examples are STROKES GPD educational illustrations.
Bring evidence to your next review.
Review your swing on video for a movement question, or use the free golf scorecard to identify a recurring on-course pattern.
Related questions
Why do I hook the golf ball?
Ball flight