Identifying Power Leaks in the Golf Swing

Every golfer has strengths in their swing—but even small flaws can drain distance and accuracy. In this swing evaluation, we look at Nick, an amateur golfer, and identify where his power is being lost. By comparing his swing with tour pro Justin Rose, we can see key differences and learn practical fixes that apply to many golfers.

Common Setup Mistakes That Cause Power Leaks

Nick sets up a little too upright, with his weight back in his heels and too much tilt behind the ball. This creates balance issues and forces his body to compensate later in the swing. Tour players like Justin Rose, by contrast, stay more centered and maintain better posture, which allows for efficient rotation and stored energy.

A small adjustment in posture—bending slightly more forward and keeping the body centered—can instantly improve balance and prepare the swing for more consistent power.

The Role of the Takeaway and Pivot

Another area where Nick loses efficiency is in the takeaway. His left arm separates from his body, lifting the club too flat and causing his swing to get behind him. In contrast, Justin Rose pivots around his body with a better connection between his arms and torso.

This difference highlights one of the key golf swing mechanics: a proper pivot. A good pivot keeps the swing on plane, prevents excess lifting, and allows the wrists to hinge naturally. Without it, golfers often get stuck behind the ball, leading to weak contact and inconsistent direction.

Why Wrist Action Matters

A closer look shows Nick’s wrists are too rigid, which robs him of clubhead speed. Elite players use soft, responsive wrists to store and release energy. When Nick drives too much with his upper body and fails to hinge properly, he’s forced to “thrust” at the ball with his chest—a move that leads to steep angles and weak impact.

If you’ve struggled with slicing or pulling across the ball, chances are your wrists aren’t working with your body the way they should. This is where structured golf swing lessons can make a major difference.

Drills to Fix Power Leaks

Nick can benefit from a few simple drills that apply to any golfer:

1. Centered Pivot Drill – Stand slightly more forward, keep your weight centered, and pivot around your spine without excessive tilt.
2. Soft Wrist Drill – Make slow practice swings without a ball, focusing on letting your wrists react naturally instead of forcing them.
3. Stork Drill – Place your back foot behind you to limit over-rotation. Swing with shorter arms and feel the clubhead release naturally.

These drills encourage better balance, stored energy, and smoother release.

If you’d like to see these moves demonstrated, check out this section on wrist action during golf swing—a key move that golfers often overlook.

Building Efficiency in the Downswing

Justin Rose shows how the downswing should look: a small hip bump to the left, stable head position, and gradual release of energy through the club. Nick, on the other hand, thrusts too much with his chest, loses his angle, and has to stand up to avoid hitting behind the ball.

The takeaway? If you want more power and consistency, you need to store energy in the backswing and release it through the wrists—not burn it all early with your body.

Bringing It All Together

Nick’s swing, like many amateurs, shows the importance of balance, pivot, and wrist mobility. His main power leaks come from leaning too far behind the ball, lifting his takeaway, and driving with his chest instead of letting the club do the work. By focusing on posture, centered pivots, and responsive wrists, golfers can unlock effortless power without extra effort.

Golf improvement isn’t just about small tips—it’s about following a clear action plan. That’s why at Scratch Golf Academy, we offer structured programs and courses designed to fix flaws like these. Ready to take the next step?