Release

Board breakers in marshal arts say that in order to break the wood prank effectively, the fist has to penetrate beyond the board. In simple understanding, the force is withheld and not fully released until it passes the board. It is then the arm is extended and straightened.

In order for maximum ball distance, it is said release in down swing should not happen prior to striking the ball. This is actually very confusing. It is also said keep the arms close to the body and hands should be ahead of club head. All these instructions actually narrow down to a simple principle, the hands should not be extended and straightened prior to ball impact.

If the hands are not extended, force is withheld, arms are close to body, hands will be ahead of ball and force will be transferred onto ball effectively. All it needs now is to find a synchronized timing where the head is square at impact during the downswing.

It is much easier to remember the principle then to memorize the methods and match it with the swing sequence.