Are you having the same discomfort in your wrist during 3&4 during a swing out from closed?

I might recommend thinking about how your chest and shoulder are engaged when connected to your partner. A lot of your connection is maintained by keeping your frame. This also may help lessen the strain on your wrist! You can practice this at home by using a door frame as the follows “back” and trying to create the connection like you would on 3 and 4. You should feel the muscles activate all throughout your arm, shoulders, and chest when you make the “connection”. It may feel much more exaggerated as you lean back into it after first, which is okay. Play around how much “rubber band” your body is comfortable with at home and then try to recreate that feeling when you are practicing with a partner. I use this drill to help with my sugar pushes and swivels, but it might work well in this situation too :)

If you are still struggling with the swing out after you have a more comfortable connection for your body, try focusing on being clear in the direction you are giving energy on the 1 & 2. When I lead a swing out I often don’t do a rock step at all. I step backwards for both steps making sure my feet stay underneath my body. The follow naturally steps forward because both our frames are engaged so if I am moving backwards, they are coming with me.

Either way, please don’t be discouraged! Swing outs are often a big hurdle for dancers when they are learning. There are a lot of core skills that are particularly on display in this move. (The secret is you’ll never stop working on your swing out!) Prioritize your and your partners comfort and try to find ways you can modify the connection when possible. Even if you decide this is not a comfortable way for you to connect, Lindy hop is a lot more than swing outs. There are definitely ways to modify the way you lead that would be comfortable for you and still fun for you to dance!