DEAD Drill Step 1 - The Backswing
DEAD Drill Step 1 - The Backswing

Here's the first step in building your perfect golf swing using the DEAD Drill. It's criti ...

DEAD Drill Step 2 - The Transition
DEAD Drill Step 2 - The Transition

The DEAD Drill transition is DEAD simple. One move to have a powerful and dynamic transiti ...

DEAD Drill Step 3 - The Post-Up
DEAD Drill Step 3 - The Post-Up

The Post Up move is where all the magic happens in the golf downswing. If you've never rel ...

Flip vs. Release in Golf
Flip vs. Release in Golf

What is the difference between a proper golf club release and a flip in the golf swing? To ...

How to Get Perfect Shaft Lean at Impact
How to Get Perfect Shaft Lean at Impact

You want to hit those boring, hissing shots that scream off the face like a rocket? This g ...

Golf Impact Position Face On
Golf Impact Position Face On

After all your hard work on the backswing, it's time for the big payoff! Getting into the ...

Golf Impact Position Down the Line
Golf Impact Position Down the Line

As I discussed in the video on Impact Alignments Face On, impact is everything in RST. All ...

Cure Chicken Wing in the Golf Swing
Cure Chicken Wing in the Golf Swing

You now have a 3-step drill to help you cure your chicken wing golf swing once and for all ...

Left Elbow Position at Impact
Left Elbow Position at Impact

Find out a simple trick to hit straighter shots while also virtually eliminating your chan ...

3 Steps to better impact position in golf
3 Steps to better impact position in golf

Golf is a sport that can leave you frustrated round after round, but WHY? What exactly are ...

Golf Impact - Part 2 of 7
Golf Impact - Part 2 of 7

In part 2 of this new 7 part video series, I'll discuss one of the most important parts th ...

Perfect your golf impact - 1 of 4
Perfect your golf impact - 1 of 4

Compressing the golf ball like a tour pro can be very hard to do. In this new video series ...

Perfect your golf impact - 2 of 4
Perfect your golf impact - 2 of 4

Effortless power in the golf swing is a difficult concept for many amateur golfers. In vid ...

Perfect your golf impact - 3 of 4
Perfect your golf impact - 3 of 4

Learn how to add more speed to your golf swing by leveraging the ground like a tour pro.

Perfect your golf impact - 4 of 4
Perfect your golf impact - 4 of 4

Lag in the golf swing is key for clubhead speed. In this video, I'll show you how to add m ...

Perfecting your golf impact - Bonus
Perfecting your golf impact - Bonus

Perfecting your golf impact video series. Special bonus video that will help you correct s ...

Overview of the Push Release
Overview of the Push Release

An overview to the push release for those who want to use the right side to help power the ...

Fix Your Swing Sway w/ the Wall Drill
Fix Your Swing Sway w/ the Wall Drill

Fix your golf swing sway with this awesome and simple drill! Swaying off the ball in the b ...

Intro to Weight Shift in the Golf Swing
Intro to Weight Shift in the Golf Swing

Weight shift in the golf swing is the FIRST thing you must master before worrying about an ...

Weight Shift in the Golf Swing - Pt. 1
Weight Shift in the Golf Swing - Pt. 1

Using our Science and Motion (SAM) Balance Lab, we can pin point weight shift and weight d ...

Weight Shift Part 2 - Right Hip Line
Weight Shift Part 2 - Right Hip Line

In this second video on understanding weight shift in the golf swing, I discuss specifical ...

Weight Shift Part 3 - To the Left
Weight Shift Part 3 - To the Left

The culmination in the three part series on correct weight shift in the golf swing gets us ...

Step 1 - Weight Shift
Step 1 - Weight Shift

Step 1 of the RST 5 Step System - Mastering Weight Shift

Step 1 - Weight Shift - Drill Only
Step 1 - Weight Shift - Drill Only

Step 1 - Weight shift drills

Weight Shift Sweep Drills
Weight Shift Sweep Drills

The best golf swing drill for weight shift right before you play or when you're just on th ...

5 Minute Golf Setup w/ Weight Shift
5 Minute Golf Setup w/ Weight Shift

Once you've mastered the setup, you can add weight shift to your program to begin developi ...

Fixing Your Weight Transfer in the Golf Swing
Fixing Your Weight Transfer in the Golf Swing

In this video, I will show you 2 of the most common faults in downswing transition by not ...

Learn Perfect Weight Shift in Your Socks
Learn Perfect Weight Shift in Your Socks

Struggling with your weight shift? I'm going to show you how to diagnose your mistakes by ...

How Attack Angle Affects Compression
How Attack Angle Affects Compression

Ever notice how the PGA Tour pros take razor thin divots? That's exactly what you want. Th ...

Taking a Divot in Front of the Ball
Taking a Divot in Front of the Ball

Taking a proper divot is something that is critical to crisp and consistent iron play, but ...

Angle of Attack
Angle of Attack

Taking deep divots? Are you supposed to? What do the pros do? This video tells you how ste ...

Swing Faults When Your Stance is Too Wide
Swing Faults When Your Stance is Too Wide

One of the most common problems with the setup, here's what happens when your stance is to ...

Fix Your Release - Trail Shoulder Back
Fix Your Release - Trail Shoulder Back

This golf instruction video is for those who struggle to stop spinning their shoulders ope ...

Moving the Fulcrum & Hitting Shots off the Toe
Moving the Fulcrum & Hitting Shots off the Toe

It's one of my most important golf instruction videos ever, this will completely transform ...

How to Cure the Shanks in 3 Steps
How to Cure the Shanks in 3 Steps

The golf shank is the ugliest, nastiest, rottenest, and most frightening shot in golf. If ...

Getting Stuck on the Downswing
Getting Stuck on the Downswing

Tiger Woods used to always complain about getting "stuck" in the downswing; a position tha ...

Blocked Golf Shots | Fwd Shaft Lean
Blocked Golf Shots | Fwd Shaft Lean

If you want to compress the ball for explosive distance, then you need to be working on st ...

How to Fix the Two Way Miss in Golf
How to Fix the Two Way Miss in Golf

Struggle with the dreaded two-way miss in golf? One shot goes right and the next goes left ...

2 Finger Release Drill
2 Finger Release Drill

This awesome drill forces you to release the golf club like a tour pro! You're going to lo ...

Stop Coming Over the Top in the Golf Swing and Slicing
Stop Coming Over the Top in the Golf Swing and Slicing

You're well aware that slicing destroys your distance and your scorecard. What you may not ...

Stop Slicing and Start Releasing the Golf Club
Stop Slicing and Start Releasing the Golf Club

In this video, I’ll show you how to release your club to stop slicing and get better com ...

Square the Clubface Early
Square the Clubface Early

Learning how to properly square the club face at impact is something that most amateur gol ...

Hitting a Fade
Hitting a Fade

Learning how to hit a fade is all about learning to control the release of the golf club. ...

How to Stop Hooking the Golf Ball
How to Stop Hooking the Golf Ball

How to stop hooking the golf ball once and for all! If you struggle with hitting hook shot ...

Hitting a Draw
Hitting a Draw

Once you've mastered the RST swing method, you realize that, due to the simplicity of the ...

How to Hit the 3 Yard Draw
How to Hit the 3 Yard Draw

Learn how to hit the delicate little three yard draw and why you're struggling with gettin ...

Cure Reverse Pivot w/ the Necktie Drill
Cure Reverse Pivot w/ the Necktie Drill

Axis tilt is a necessary fundamental of the golf swing that many golfers ignore or fail to ...

How to Fix Golf Reverse Pivot
How to Fix Golf Reverse Pivot

A reverse pivot golf swing can cause a whole lot of bad shots, from hitting it thin to hit ...

Fix Your Swing Sway w/ the Wall Drill
Fix Your Swing Sway w/ the Wall Drill

Fix your golf swing sway with this awesome and simple drill! Swaying off the ball in the b ...

Fix Reverse Pivot - Trail Side Dominant Setup
Fix Reverse Pivot - Trail Side Dominant Setup

This golf setup check is critical to getting rid of a reverse pivot and over the top downs ...

5 Minutes to Master Rotation
5 Minutes to Master Rotation

This video holds the 5 step pathway to mastering rotation in the golf swing. At the end of ...

Keep the Right Arm Straight to Turn
Keep the Right Arm Straight to Turn

One of the most common faults that destroys a powerful turn in the golf swing is how the r ...

How to Fix a Flat Shoulder Turn
How to Fix a Flat Shoulder Turn

Fix a flat shoulder turn in your golf backswing with this simple and easy to do drill.

Simple Fix to Make a Full Shoulder Turn
Simple Fix to Make a Full Shoulder Turn

Struggle with making a full turn, even though your fit and flexible? Lacking the distance ...

Using the Core
Using the Core

Using a side by side face on view of Tiger Woods with a driver and a recent swing of mine ...

The Bucket Drill - Golf Shoulder Turn
The Bucket Drill - Golf Shoulder Turn

The Bucket Drill is one that provides a very simple and clear picture on how to rotate cor ...

Intro to Core Rotation in Golf Swing
Intro to Core Rotation in Golf Swing

The rotating core is the "engine" of the golf swing and the primary mover of the entire sw ...

Step 2 - Core Rotation
Step 2 - Core Rotation

Step 2- Adding body rotation

Step 2 - Core Rotation - Drill Only
Step 2 - Core Rotation - Drill Only

The drill only for Step 2 - Body Rotation

Clamshell Drill - How to Cure Early Extension
Clamshell Drill - How to Cure Early Extension

The Clamshell Drill is the key to the golf swing, no seriously! If you want to see how the ...

Eliminate Early Extension in Golf Swing
Eliminate Early Extension in Golf Swing

The REAL causes of early extension in the golf swing and the only TRUE way to fix it.

Closed Hip Slide
Closed Hip Slide

A closed hip slide is detrimental to your golf swing when learning how to shift your weigh ...

Live Lesson - How to Stop Losing Tush Line & Boost Consistency
Live Lesson - How to Stop Losing Tush Line & Boost Consistency

Struggling with a 2 way miss and lack of consistency? Watch this Live Lesson to learn a si ...

Losing the Tush Line
Losing the Tush Line

One of the most common questions I get regularly is how to stop losing the tush line, or s ...

Squat to Square in the Golf Downswing
Squat to Square in the Golf Downswing

If you watch golf on TV, it seems that you can't turn your hips fast enough or far enough ...

Squeeze the Cheeks for Consistency
Squeeze the Cheeks for Consistency

The glute muscles (your butt cheeks) are some of the most important muscles in the golf sw ...

Role of the Right Foot in Downswing
Role of the Right Foot in Downswing

Footwork is a bit of a misnomer in the golf swing but you hear it every week on TV. What i ...

Fix Your Over the Top Swing by Fixing Your Hand Path
Fix Your Over the Top Swing by Fixing Your Hand Path

Learn how to fix your over the top golf swing by simply being able to read a clock. If you ...

Stop Coming Over the Top in the Golf Swing and Slicing
Stop Coming Over the Top in the Golf Swing and Slicing

You're well aware that slicing destroys your distance and your scorecard. What you may not ...

How to Shallow Your Golf Swing Fast and Easy - Live Lesson
How to Shallow Your Golf Swing Fast and Easy - Live Lesson

Do you struggle with shallowing the club in the downswing and keep hitting a pull cut or e ...

How to Shallow Your Hands During Transition
How to Shallow Your Hands During Transition

Do your hands go straight out toward the golf ball and don't shallow out during the transi ...

Over the Top Stick Drill
Over the Top Stick Drill

Are you tired of yelling “Fore!” when you hit big, nasty slices off the tee? If so, he ...

Drill to Learn Inside Path to Golf Ball
Drill to Learn Inside Path to Golf Ball

Tired of the over the top slice? This drill and training aid will teach you how to approac ...

How to Fix Your Over the Top Move - Live Lesson
How to Fix Your Over the Top Move - Live Lesson

Do you have a steep, over the top golf swing? No matter what you try and do, you can't sto ...

9 to 3 Lag Building Drills
9 to 3 Lag Building Drills

Learn how to build lag in your golf swing with these 9 to 3 lag building drills. You'll le ...

AXIOM Lag in the Golf Swing
AXIOM Lag in the Golf Swing

Producing incredible lag has never been this easy - or fast

Increase Lag - Impact Cube Drill
Increase Lag - Impact Cube Drill

This awesome drill will teach you to not cast the club and maintain lag into impact.

Speed vs. Power in the Golf Swing
Speed vs. Power in the Golf Swing

Speed vs. Power - Which is it that you want in the golf swing? Many golfers think they nee ...

Reshaping Your Golf Swing for Lag
Reshaping Your Golf Swing for Lag

It's no secret that you want more lag in your swing. In this incredible video, I give you ...

RST Student Success - Building More Lag
RST Student Success - Building More Lag

RST student uses a simple 3 step process to shallow his golf swing and build in a ton of l ...

Intro to Fix Losing Lag and Weak Release
Intro to Fix Losing Lag and Weak Release

Find out how to work through this section on how to cure your golf casting / loss of lag o ...

Sklz Gold Flex Lag Trainer
Sklz Gold Flex Lag Trainer

This KILLER training aid will help you master a smooth, one-piece takeaway and help you bu ...

Rickie Fowler - How to preserve Lag
Rickie Fowler - How to preserve Lag

Lag is the most efficient way to increase clubhead speed. In this video, RST Instructor Ch ...

Lag and Speed Drills
Lag and Speed Drills

To get more distance in golf, you've got to get maximum speed from your arms and not let y ...

Key to Creating Lag
Key to Creating Lag

The secret key to creating lag has been an elusive thing for most amateur golfers. In this ...

Downcock Pump Lag Drill
Downcock Pump Lag Drill

Every golfer wants to know how to create more lag in their swing to hit the ball further. ...

Golf Grip's Effect on Lag
Golf Grip's Effect on Lag

As you've no doubt seen, my golf students have been picking up some serious distance throu ...

Become a Golf Swing Lag Monster: Shocking Success Story
Become a Golf Swing Lag Monster: Shocking Success Story

In this video, I’ll show you how RST student David became a "lag monster" with RST swing ...

4 Step Golf Swing Lag Builder
4 Step Golf Swing Lag Builder

The 4 steps to building INSANE lag in your golf swing - and you can do it TODAY!

Golf Left Thumb: Fix Pain, Soreness, Casting
Golf Left Thumb: Fix Pain, Soreness, Casting

Casting the club in the downswing is a sure way to destroy club head speed. Check out this ...

Right Arm in Downswing: Stop Casting
Right Arm in Downswing: Stop Casting

In this video, you’ll find out: 1) How Tiger Woods builds lag for power, 2) What to feel ...

Sequencing the Downswing - Dump Truck and Drag Racer
Sequencing the Downswing - Dump Truck and Drag Racer

Sequencing the downswing is the HARDEST overall part of the golf swing - and also the MOST ...

The Post Up Move - How to Use Lead Leg for Power and Maintain Posture
The Post Up Move - How to Use Lead Leg for Power and Maintain Posture

Have you ever wondered how the pros use their legs for power in the golf swing? This video ...

My Golf Power Secret
My Golf Power Secret

How do the pros hit the ball so darn far? I tell all inside with this power secret!

Using your wrists for speed in golf swing - 5 of 7
Using your wrists for speed in golf swing - 5 of 7

Your body uses tension as its primary mechanism to sequence the golf swing. In general, th ...

Vertical Ground Force and Double Peaks
Vertical Ground Force and Double Peaks

Should you be trying to increase vertical ground force in your swing and if so, how should ...

Throw the Club Head at the Golf Ball
Throw the Club Head at the Golf Ball

Unlock the leverage, speed and power of your golf swing by understanding the physics behin ...

Throw for More Natural Golf Swing
Throw for More Natural Golf Swing

Do you want a more natural golf swing with much more speed? Then you need to focus on how ...

Using the Wrists in the Golf Swing
Using the Wrists in the Golf Swing

The wrists play a very dynamic role in your golf swing. In this video, I'll cover the term ...

The Tour Pro Downswing Sequence Drill
The Tour Pro Downswing Sequence Drill

If you are looking for a golf swing drill that can INSTANTLY improve your ball striking po ...

Trail Arm Release - Throw the Ball Drill Pt 1
Trail Arm Release - Throw the Ball Drill Pt 1

This is THE key drill for really understanding how the downswing sequencing works. This 20 ...

Trail Arm Release - Throw the Ball Drill Pt 2
Trail Arm Release - Throw the Ball Drill Pt 2

Are you ready to maximize your club head speed at impact? If so, you need this missing pie ...

Tim Burke - Kinetic Chain
Tim Burke - Kinetic Chain

Tim Burke wins his 2nd World Long Drive Championship. In this video, I'll show you the key ...

Golf Takeaway | Overview
Golf Takeaway | Overview

An overview of the RST takeaway by RST Founder, Chuck Quinton. This video walks you throug ...

AXIOM Refine Your Takeaway
AXIOM Refine Your Takeaway

Simplify your takeaway with a simple 2" movement that moves the club 6 feet!

Learn a Perfect Golf Takeaway with Just a 2 Inch Movement!
Learn a Perfect Golf Takeaway with Just a 2 Inch Movement!

Learn how to pull in this video: Pushing vs Pulling in the Golf Swing Learn the simplest ...

Fix Inside Takeaway - 4 Square Drill
Fix Inside Takeaway - 4 Square Drill

You probably overuse your hands during the first half of the backswing, like most golfers, ...

Understanding Shoulder Blade Glide
Understanding Shoulder Blade Glide

If you have questions about exactly what the shoulder blade glide is or what it should fee ...

Golf Takeaway, 5 Minutes to the Perfect Golf Takeaway
Golf Takeaway, 5 Minutes to the Perfect Golf Takeaway

This 30 minute long golf instruction video is key to setting you on the right path for the ...

Right Wrist in the Takeaway
Right Wrist in the Takeaway

The role of right wrist in the takeaway is often misunderstood and has been the source of ...

Fix Inside Takeaway - Pushing with the Lead Side
Fix Inside Takeaway - Pushing with the Lead Side

An extremely common swing fault, so common that many golf instructors actually teach the s ...

Role of the Right Arm - Takeaway
Role of the Right Arm - Takeaway

Collapsing the right arm early is something that at least 90% of amateur golfers struggle ...

Pull for a perfect takeaway - 6 of 7
Pull for a perfect takeaway - 6 of 7

So many golfers try to perfect the takeaway in the swing and they constantly fight an uphi ...

Thorbjorn Olesen - Perfect your takeaway
Thorbjorn Olesen - Perfect your takeaway

See 2 key moves that Thorbjorn Olesen uses to build a picture perfect takeaway position ev ...

One Simple Key to Fix Your Takeaway
One Simple Key to Fix Your Takeaway

In this video, I’ll show you the one swing change that’ll fix your takeaway once and f ...

Posture's Effect on the Takeaway
Posture's Effect on the Takeaway

Posture at address is something that Tiger Woods always does right and it's something that ...

How to Fix an Inside Takeaway
How to Fix an Inside Takeaway

This one simple trick will fix an inside takeaway instantly, I guarantee it!

Fix Inside Takeaway - Shake Hands Drill
Fix Inside Takeaway - Shake Hands Drill

This is the best golf swing drill to teach you exactly how your hands should work during t ...

Golf Swing Takeaway & Drills
Golf Swing Takeaway & Drills

The golf takeaway has been described by golf instructors countless ways, so many ways that ...

Fix Inside Takeaway - Belly Button Drill
Fix Inside Takeaway - Belly Button Drill

This simple takeaway drill will give you that one piece takeaway you've been looking for o ...

Fix Inside Takeaway - Forward Press
Fix Inside Takeaway - Forward Press

If you've ever wondered whether or not you should have a forward press at setup, this golf ...

Wrist Cock vs. Wrist Hinge in the Golf Swing
Wrist Cock vs. Wrist Hinge in the Golf Swing

Do you know the difference between wrist cock and wrist hinge in the golf swing? The diffe ...

AXIOM Body Backswing
AXIOM Body Backswing

Eliminate your reverse pivot, handsy inside takeaway, your head swaying off the ball and y ...

AXIOM Refine Your Backswing
AXIOM Refine Your Backswing

Dial in your arms during the backswing to start easily shaping the ball, changing trajecto ...

Body Rotation in Golf Backswing - Chair Drill
Body Rotation in Golf Backswing - Chair Drill

If you want to power up your swing in golf, body rotation in the backswing is crucial. Unf ...

Left Shoulder Push in Backswing
Left Shoulder Push in Backswing

This "Left Shoulder Push in the Backswing" video is for you ONLY if you already pull perfe ...

5 Minutes to the Perfect Golf Backswing
5 Minutes to the Perfect Golf Backswing

Once you've mastered the takeaway using our "5 Minutes to the Perfect Takeaway" video, you ...

My Golf Backswing Secrets
My Golf Backswing Secrets

My keys to success for a perfect golf backswing - how to make the backswing simple and rep ...

How Much Shoulder Elevation
How Much Shoulder Elevation

It's time to help you decide how to power your golf swing. And it all starts with how you ...

Right Elbow Pit in Golf Backswing
Right Elbow Pit in Golf Backswing

Do you struggle, like most golfers, with a flying right elbow at the top of the backswing? ...

Understanding Arm Elevation
Understanding Arm Elevation

In this video, Ill show you what arm elevation is, why you need it, and exactly how much y ...

Fix Overswing/Across the Line - Flying Right Elbow
Fix Overswing/Across the Line - Flying Right Elbow

If you want to cure your overswing/across-the-line swing, you first need to diagnose the c ...

Live Lesson - How to Fix Your Arms by Fixing Your Legs in the Backswing
Live Lesson - How to Fix Your Arms by Fixing Your Legs in the Backswing

Do you struggle with your arms getting too deep or too disconnected during the backswing? ...

Right Arm Backswing Drill
Right Arm Backswing Drill

This is an excellent drill to train your mind to use your torso rotation to move the club ...

Should You Restrict Your Hip Turn in the Backswing?
Should You Restrict Your Hip Turn in the Backswing?

For years, you've been taught to restrict the hips in the backswing. Is that what's best f ...

Simplify Your Backswing with Shallow Arms
Simplify Your Backswing with Shallow Arms

Make this one simple change to reduce tension in your backswing to start hitting more EFFO ...

Stop Overswinging | Get Your Backswing Under Control
Stop Overswinging | Get Your Backswing Under Control

A powerful, compact backswing is essential for creating good contact with the ball. If ...

Fix Hip Overturning in Your Backswing
Fix Hip Overturning in Your Backswing

If you're letting your hips over rotate in the backswing, you're costing yourself a ton of ...

Fix Loose Lower Body w/ Laser Beam Knee Drills
Fix Loose Lower Body w/ Laser Beam Knee Drills

Lower body stability is key for power and accuracy in the golf swing. This drill will help ...

Torso, Hips Over Rotating in Backswing
Torso, Hips Over Rotating in Backswing

How much shoulder turn is too much and how much is not enough? Depends on how it's measure ...

DEAD Drill Step 1 - The Backswing
DEAD Drill Step 1 - The Backswing

Here's the first step in building your perfect golf swing using the DEAD Drill. It's criti ...

Golf Backswing, Completing the Golf Backswing
Golf Backswing, Completing the Golf Backswing

Once you've mastered the setup, weight transfer and takeaway, it's time to progress to the ...

Winter Golf Training Program - Backswing
Winter Golf Training Program - Backswing

Snow on the ground? Too cold out? No problem! NOW is the BEST time to work on your golf sw ...

Upper vs. Lower Body Rotation in Backswing
Upper vs. Lower Body Rotation in Backswing

Confused about how your upper body rotates in the backswing compared to your lower body? T ...

How to Keep Your Left Arm Straight in the Backswing
How to Keep Your Left Arm Straight in the Backswing

The secret to why you can't keep your left arm straight at the top of the golf backswing.

How to Avoid a Cupped Left Wrist at the Top
How to Avoid a Cupped Left Wrist at the Top

Learn the cause of a cupped left wrist at the top of your golf backswing and how to fix it ...

How to Fix Trail Leg Straightening in Backswing
How to Fix Trail Leg Straightening in Backswing

Is your trail leg straightening in the backswing? Do you know what kind of issues this sim ...

Do You Start Backswing w/ Hips or Shoulders?
Do You Start Backswing w/ Hips or Shoulders?

To start the golf swing with the upper or lower body, that is the question! I think Shakes ...

Checkpoints - 5 Minutes Backswing
Checkpoints - 5 Minutes Backswing

If you who have already watched the complete 5 Minutes to the Perfect Backswing video, thi ...

5 Minutes to a Perfect Backswing Pitfalls
5 Minutes to a Perfect Backswing Pitfalls

In this premium video, I am going to cover some of the common mistakes that RST students m ...

3 Functions of Right Arm in Backswing
3 Functions of Right Arm in Backswing

In this video, I'll show you the 3 functions of the right arm in creating the perfect back ...

Henrik Stenson's Backswing Moves
Henrik Stenson's Backswing Moves

See how Henrik Stenson's idiosyncrasies work in his powerful golf swing. Check out these ...

Jason Day - Perfect Backswing
Jason Day - Perfect Backswing

Swing plane is a very common term used in golf and has become a primary focus point for a ...

What is a Perfect Golf Swing Plane?
What is a Perfect Golf Swing Plane?

Swing plane is NOT something you work on by swinging in a big PVC hoop or swinging around ...

How to Fix Swing Plane & Path
How to Fix Swing Plane & Path

If you want to truly, once and for all, fix your golf swing plane and path, you must heed ...

Creating a Swing Plane
Creating a Swing Plane

So many golfers struggle with their ball striking because they misunderstand the concept B ...

Fix Swing Plane - Lead Arm Two Club Drill
Fix Swing Plane - Lead Arm Two Club Drill

Here's a simple golf swing plane drill to get your swing back on track fast with a trainin ...

How Knee Flex Determines Swing Plane
How Knee Flex Determines Swing Plane

Do you struggle with swinging too far from the inside? Part of the problem could actually ...

Trace the Plane Line
Trace the Plane Line

Do you tend to get "stuck" in the downswing? Do you hit blocks and quick hooks? Do you wan ...

Golf Grip's Effect on Swing Plane
Golf Grip's Effect on Swing Plane

Having a proper grip is crucial for club face control and lag in the golf swing. In this v ...

Stop Coming Under the Plane in Golf
Stop Coming Under the Plane in Golf

Coming into impact under plane kills your consistency, often resulting in blocked shots, t ...

AXIOM Body Tour Impact
AXIOM Body Tour Impact

Learn the secret of how the pros are so consistent with this tour impact position.

AXIOM Body Downswing
AXIOM Body Downswing

Learn how to cure your flip, stop hitting fat and thin shots and how to get into the perfe ...

AXIOM Release Left vs. Right
AXIOM Release Left vs. Right

Discover the release that is best for you and your swing that will give you the fastest re ...

AXIOM Release Overview
AXIOM Release Overview

Finally, understand what it means and feels like to fully release the club

AXIOM Compression Drill
AXIOM Compression Drill

THE drill that will give you the consistency you desire with effortless distance you didn' ...

AXIOM Unleash Your Inner Speed Demon!
AXIOM Unleash Your Inner Speed Demon!

Learn how three tiny changes can unleash 30+ more yards on your drives when you need it.

Golf Swing Sequence - How the Lower Body Works
Golf Swing Sequence - How the Lower Body Works

Struggle with coming over the top or don't know how to use your lower body in the golf swi ...

The Magic Box - How to Check Your Lower Body in the Transition
The Magic Box - How to Check Your Lower Body in the Transition

The "Magic Box" is a term created by Chuck Quinton to help golfers learn the proper transi ...

Start Downswing Before Completing Backswing
Start Downswing Before Completing Backswing

You need to start your downswing before completing your backswing. This pro-style transiti ...

Golf Swing Transition Drill
Golf Swing Transition Drill

Most instructors consider the transition in the golf swing the most difficult, if not impo ...

Which Muscles to Feel During Golf Swing Transition
Which Muscles to Feel During Golf Swing Transition

Learn exactly which muscles you should feel and in what sequence during the golf swing tra ...

You Hit the Golf Ball with Your LEGS!!
You Hit the Golf Ball with Your LEGS!!

You hit the ball with your legs, specifically your lead leg, not your hands in RST. Learn ...

Golf Downswing, Rotary Golf Downswing Overview
Golf Downswing, Rotary Golf Downswing Overview

Mastering the setup, weight transfer and takeaway are critical to a great golf swing. But ...

Right Arm Only Downswing Drill
Right Arm Only Downswing Drill

Once you've worked with the Throw the Ball Drill, you'll want to begin mastering this much ...

Drill for Golf Downswing Sequencing
Drill for Golf Downswing Sequencing

In this video, I'll show you where you're losing power and a simple drill that'll get it b ...

5 Minutes to the Perfect Golf Downswing
5 Minutes to the Perfect Golf Downswing

All the work you've done on your RST golf swing to this point has culminated in this next ...

Golf Swing Follow Through
Golf Swing Follow Through

The follow through is a result of all things you have done in your golf swing up until thi ...

Adam Scott Driver Swing Follow Through
Adam Scott Driver Swing Follow Through

In this Adam Scott follow through video, you'll find out: 1) How Adam Scott finishes his p ...

What You Should Think Over the Golf Ball
What You Should Think Over the Golf Ball

I get asked all the time what I'm thinking over the ball. This video finally answers it - ...

Taking Your Golf Swing Drills to the Course
Taking Your Golf Swing Drills to the Course

How to take what you're doing with your golf swing drills in front of the mirror to the go ...

3 Cable-Machine Core Exercises To Add To Your Routine
3 Cable-Machine Core Exercises To Add To Your Routine

We all know how important the core is to your golf swing. But which ones are the best for ...

Squat to Square in the Golf Downswing

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If you watch golf on TV, it seems that you can't turn your hips fast enough or far enough in the downswing. This video gives you a great drill that shows you exactly how far you actually need to focus on turning them.

  • You use your hips for stability more than just power
  • They don't need to be ripped open to produce power
  • Squat to square then push off the ground

One of the drills that I use often with my golf students is a drill I call squat to square. What this is going to do is it's going to help you do two things. It's going to help you learn to accelerate the hips, the right amount and at the right time in the downswing and it's going to teach you to decelerate the hips the right amount and at the right time. That's a tricky thing to get both of these things right. that's why this drill is such a powerful drill when done correctly. What we're talking about here, when we're saying squat to square, let's define what square is. This is my target line, straight down my toe line here. This would be square. My hips are now square or parallel to this [shaft 00:00:41] line.

                at the top of my backswing, they're going to be about 45 degrees closed in relationship to that target line. So how much should I try and rotate them in the downswing? Well, if you listen to the commentators on TV all the time, it's turn them as far as you humanly possibly can. Now of course, that's going to create tons of problems. We've got tons of hip spinners who push really hard off this right foot in the downswing. The right heel is way up in the air. They stand up out of their posture. The club starts going way to the right and we've got a whole nother slew of issues here.

                The reality is, a better way of thinking about it is squatting to square rather than just turning your hips as far as you humanly possibly can. As we get to the top of the swing my hips are now 45 degrees [shut 00:01:24]. As I start my downswing what I'm going to do is squat back to square rather than pushing hard off the right leg. As I do that, notice that my hands get brought basically down to the delivery area. From here all I've got to worry about, five minutes of perfect golf club release. I just need to release the snot out of that golf club and let it go.

                As long as I haven't turned too far and gotten away from the inside, I'm now in a position where I'm very stable. I'm anchored. My glutes, quads, hamstrings, everything are activated and I can [inaudible 00:01:54] start to push up off the ground and release the snot out of that club with my left hand to get a tremendous amount of speed. All you need to think about from the top of your backswing is squatting back to square and then just releasing the golf club. You don't need to try and turn any more than that. Once you squat to square and you start to release the club, you're just basically pushing off the ground with that left leg that's going to allow you to then more forcefully release the golf club.

                Squat to square is a great way to learn to accelerate your hips the right amount. It's the first thing that you're going to do in your downswing as you shifted your weight. Then from there basically push up off that left leg and that's going to force the club to release more. You'll have both the hip acceleration because as you squat in this square you're going to turn a certain amount and as you begin to push up off the ground, you've decelerated the hips. Those two movements together are going to help you start to build a very powerful downswing movement with your lower body and get the proper amount of hip rotation in the downswing.

 

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Dave
At the top of the backswing, there is a video that says we are sitting on the right. And this video, where we are sitting into the left. I think I am missing a transition between these two. Is there a video that helps us get from the top and down to the squat?
June 12, 2021
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Manny (Certified RST Instructor)
Hi Dave... First, the golf swing, like many other athletic movements, is largely rotational. But, a very important key to consistency and optimizing power, is understanding sequencing, i.e. kinetic and/or kinematic. I recommend doing some research in these areas, as it pertains to the golf swing. But, to help answer your question; go to Dead Drill 2 "Transition" .
June 13, 2021
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Lauren
When I try to come down to the squat during my full swing my front foot rotates to flare out the front foot. Not sure if I should flare it out at address or if my weight is in the wrong place.
May 29, 2021
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Kevin. I'm fine with a little splay in initial setup with lead foot (Should You Splay Your Feet Video). However, it looks like improper loading and rotation. You don't have a reverse pivot. But, the How to Fix Reverse Pivot Video will help with both aspects of the weight/rotation to the backswing.
May 29, 2021
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Zahid
Hi, I have been watching your videos for some time now and finally joined the membership. I am not able to keep my lead shoulder pointing down during squat to square. Any help on it is appreciated. Videos don’t show much on how to achieve it. Thanks
March 1, 2021
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Zahid. Take a look at Level Shoulders Drill and DEAD Drill 2. Most of the time you are just trying to move the shoulders too soon instead of letting them get pulled by the hips.
March 2, 2021
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Kevin
Top of my backswing - I think the arms look better (not as deep) but from here I’m coming off the tush - I don’t feel I’m pushing as I work to squat
January 13, 2021
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Kevin. Arms are less deep. Can see a tiny bit of lead push. But, I think the setup is contributing more to the tush issue.
January 13, 2021
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Kevin
Thanks Craig - I’ll try and take out some knee flex and get the hips more over the ankles - attached a setup picture from earlier as well. I hit it well other than some thin blocks missed
January 13, 2021
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Kevin. Great to hear good strikes. Hinge a couple more degrees from waist and focus hard on weight balance/position.
January 13, 2021
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Kevin
Hi Craig - I have been working on my lower body moves - Im making a good move into the right glute and maintain tush to the top but when I make my squat to square move I come off the line - should I focus on rotating the left hip and posting up sooner to help offset this? Also think I have a slightly too much knee bend at setup which is contributing
January 13, 2021
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Kevin. This looks more like the flexion at knee bend setup issue versus needing more lead hip. The SQ to SQ looks good.
January 13, 2021
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Joe
Is the squat to square the best way to shift the weight to the lead side? I am finally getting the movement down but just not sure my weight is shifting enough. I am a bit confused on how this relates to weight shift. The RST 5 step system says to externally rotate the lead leg and pull the hip back but the DEAD drill seems to be more about S-t-S. Maybe I have missed something somewhere?
November 20, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Joe. Both are exactly the same. Phrased a different way. You are comparing apples to apples. The lead knee will externally rotate first in both moves.
November 20, 2020
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Joe
OK...thanks for the information.
November 20, 2020
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Jeffrey
Squat to square seems a very small movement especially compared to the as-fast-as-I could-twist-my hips toward the ball move. Roughly how far down shall we squat. It seems that the more space the more power I'll have pushing down and up. Thoughts? Thanks!
November 7, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jeffrey. You will only have about an inch or two increase in knee flexion.
November 7, 2020
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Daniel
Confused about club's movement during squat-to-square. What I do understand--at least I think I understand--is when you squat into the left side the head stays back and the shoulders move only passively in response to hip movement. But I can do different versions of the squat-to-square, one where the club stays up, one where the club starts to fall, and one where I cause the club to move down using my elbows. And for the versions where the club moves downward, I can make it come down in front of my chest or a bit behind my right shoulder. Please help me understand not just what is supposed to happen with the club during the squat-to-square but HOW I achieve that. As a side note, there was a similar comment below where an instructor recommended the sledgehammer drill. I don't find the sledgehammer drill on this site and a search of the broader web turns up several variations of this drill. Please assist. Thanks!!
November 1, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hell Daniel. The sledghammer drill is no longer on the site. I apologize. Take a look at Which Muscles to Feel in Golf Swing Transition and Preventing Hip Pain. During the SQ to SQ you will sit into the lead glute, pulling weight with the inner thigh adductors and allowing the torso to square the hips. The hands will fall down vertically with a blend of gravity and pull. The head may move slightly because you are shifting weight. It should return to at least address position. The club during this time will be shallowing out.
November 2, 2020
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Jim
Apologies for asking again about this but where in your lead foot do you feel the weight in transition....does it initially go to the balls of the left foot or midfoot, then to heel in post-up? I keep doing different things. If I go too quickly to my left heel I spin out. Thx.
September 7, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jim. Yes. It will move more like a figure 8. Towards the front of the foot working it's way back towards the heel.
September 8, 2020
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Stuart
Hello, I went out and played for the first time since signing up for your course. I was really impressed how l found lag and hit longer, drawing balls. A few thoughts that I had as I continue to look through the huge database of course: - there is a wealth of course. How should I use them without going through the entire reference set? - on the swing, the transition is the hardest part - I get the weight shift right and left concept - but I have timing issue and don't manage to perform it all the time. Mostly, I seem to rush the posting part which means, this squat to square is not clear. How do I time this? For example, before discovering you, I've often tried to find a way to find rhythm by counting 1, AND, 2. How would you recommend this? Since the whole down swing is very fast, it's hard to decompose this part without messing up the post where the power is. How do I know when the transition is done, sensation-wise, and the posting, turning of the hips past centre starts? When I come off the back swing, by finding my upper left buttock using the heel, how do I force myself to come back to this neutral position without rushing it? Thanks
August 31, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Stuart. Stick with the DEAD Drills unless you need supplemental help from the reference videos on a certain aspect. There isn't timing involved in the above. You move dynamically through the positions. Take a look at Clamshell and Dump Truck vs Drag Racer. Take a look at RST Tempo Drill. Typically, most pros swing at a 3:1 ratio. Transition is completed when you have planted at least 60 % on the lead side and hips return to square. Don't over think the motion. The Clamshell will really help with the sequence. If you have a lot of thoughts. I would suggest a review so one of the instructors can simplify the message for your particular move.
August 31, 2020
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Jeroen
Aren't your heels always the target line ?
August 22, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jeroen. Not necessarily. If you are required to do some type of specialty you may see a difference. The big issue is players tend to mess up the heels when adding a foot splay. However, most of the time it all will line up.
August 23, 2020
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Stephen
Hi, I'm sure this has been asked countless times, but how far down should I squat? Is it ok to over-exaggerate? My guess is the tendency is for people to squat too little, especially at speed, than too much. Thanks.
August 6, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Stephen. Take a look at the Tiger Squat Video. You can add a little more to get extra juice for the ball. But, keep in mind there still must be some balance in life and the swing. Excessive will make you have to work too hard to clear the way for impact.
August 7, 2020
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Shawn
Hi Im brand new here and am a bit confused on the flow of the site. Do I go through all 6 DD segments then start with the drills or only got step by step? Also for the money back guarantee I have to send in 6 reviews but I have to pay for the reviews to get anything back is that correct?
July 19, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Shawn. I am not sure about the review/money back. Customer Service will have the answer for you on this one. As for the swing questions. Your goal is to do DD 1-6, and use the other videos as supplemental if you need help with a specific correction during your journey.
July 20, 2020
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Joe
I am having a really tough time with sq to square move. I have always tried to begin my downswing with the move Chuck describes as a Pitcher beginning to throw toward home plate...ie. the left thigh opens up. Is this enough to get my weight moving toward the target? It seems to me that sq to square is a 2 step process that would have to happen extremely quickly. What am I missing? This is a huge struggle for me. I can move my lead thigh easily enough while I try to keep my chest turned back, but there are times that I feel I leave too much weight on the trail side.
July 10, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Joe. Take a look at Preventing Hip Pain and Which Muscles to Feel in Golf Swing Transition Video. The first move will be the lead knee external rotation. Most players will do that naturally. It's the weight pull with the inner thigh adductors you need to concentrate on.
July 11, 2020
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Joe
thanks..I will look at those. It seems that if my task is to just keep moving my belt buckle farther away from the ball throughout the swing, the positions seem to show up pretty well.
July 11, 2020
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Greg
I have not seen a posted question on one's breathing thru this ... much like in Yoga I tense up and forget to breathe ... at least here the movement is quicker (therefore I don't turn blue from lack of O2 ..like yoga. .... Trying to see if it is better to breath out then start the swing ... or breath in and swing ...
July 9, 2020
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Luis
Hi, have you ever heard boxers train and make that quick exhale sound every time they punch? Or a tennis player yell after every swing? That's to contract the abs and brace the body physically. You can do the same with golf. Breathe before abd during the backswing. Once you start the downswing, you can hold your breath as to brace your body and release it after impact.
August 3, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Greg. We don't have much dealing with this topic. I apologize.
July 10, 2020
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Jesse
What muscles should you feel are being activated in the squat to square move? I'm assuming the abs and the gluts?
June 6, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jesse. Yes. Also, take a look at Which Muscles to Feel in Golf Swing Transition Video for further follow up.
June 6, 2020
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Jesse
Thanks, Craig, I watched that one before but will do so again. I played two days in a row, and was finally feeling the proper weight transfer. Then halfway through the second round the wheels came off! Not sure why I can't sustain it for more than a few rounds. I watched the two club drill, and will try that when that happens again. I also think I need to send you another video to review.
June 6, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jesse. Two club drill will help. Also, when making a change and playing you start to get tired. Muscles will get lazy and you will tend to start using other supporting muscles to complete your journey.
June 6, 2020
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Jesse
Craig, I watched the "Which Muscles to Feel in Golf Swing Transition," and Chuck talks a lot about the lead glut and hamstring, but not the abs. I don't feel that I am using them much in the swing. Any thoughts? Thanks.
June 6, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jesse. When you stretch/recruit muscle on your backswing you won't lose that engagement coming down. You don't need to be stressed out like lifting weights, but the core should still have that tension
June 7, 2020
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Jesse
Thanks Craig.
June 8, 2020
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Jesse
That's an excellent point, Craig, thanks.
June 6, 2020
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James
After squatting to square, is the left side in NJA?
May 28, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello James. You won't reach full NJA until post up.
May 28, 2020
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Jens
Craig, been at the exercises you gave me and the top of my backswing is starting to look a lot better and i feel more in front . Am still getting out to in but a lot less severe. The discussion we had regarding how certain positions forces me to make my over the top move got me thinking... my mental picture of the swing has for some time now been to force generate through twisting and pushing against the ground with my feet, resisting at the knee to get my hips turned instead of leg straightened and that this should cause a riple effect through the rest of my body giving me the right sequence. Feel like i've tried this enough without results to go ahead and make some changes. The questions i have are. 1. The kinematic sequence as i've understood is hip, torso, arms, club a.k.a from the ground up. But allover the site it is mentioned that the obliques turn the hips. So what i am wondering is, am i doing it wrong by not using my obliques to for example squat to square and post up. If i feel like everything above the belt is only getting turned by everything below in the downswing, am i doing it wrong? Is to feel that i use my obliques to turn my hips and drive the downswing what i might be missing to feel like i not have to turn my shoulders to get back to the ball?
May 27, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jens. I don't believe you are missing a feel, but the obliques are what pulls the hips. Your kinematic sequence is correct. You should feel the glutes and the obliques aiding the motion. I do believe your obliques are working in your swing. You are just in such a rush to save the deep arm/hand position. You won't have to twist so aggressively once you are in a position to shallow out much easier.
May 28, 2020
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Mark
In an actual swing the squat-to-square doesn't feel passive but it should actually adding to the club's inertia as it comes around, right? I picture it as similar to those gyro spinner balls you rotate in your hand to work your forearms. You can rotate those pretty slowly and add a lot of force to the gyro.
May 11, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Mark. The squat to square will aid in the change of direction and start loading the legs for ground force. I can see why the feeling would be it starts to add/force load to the shaft/club.
May 12, 2020
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Max
Hi Craig- i've been practicing the Dead Drill at home and specifically focused on the weight shift (squat to sq). But when i went out to to play today i was topping everything. Never do I top the ball. I could hardly get it in the air. Could this be b/c i'm pushing off the ground too much and skimming the top of the ball? 2) i'm hitting the ball too far right (feels like an open face at impact) when i'm normally a puller. Any ideas and tis this normal during the swing change?
May 1, 2020
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Boris (Certified RST Instructor)
Hi Max. Check your ball position at setup. If you position the ball too far back in your stance and then combine that with a proper weight shift it will place you ahead of the ball at impact. This position produces everything you mentioned; topped shots as well as low, weak, shots to the right. The club face will be open at impact because the club face has not been given the opportunity to square.
May 2, 2020
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Max
Thanks Boris. This is a 9i that was actually not a bad shot but def too far right.
May 2, 2020
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Boris (Certified RST Instructor)
This ball position is definitely too far back in your stance. It is pretty much centered along your body line. Your body is in a neutral setup position and you look to have a 50/50 weight distribution. It seems to be an ideal position, but I want you to take a look at Chuck's setup position in the attached photo. His ball position is forward of center, you get the impression that he has more weight on his right side (which it is), and especially take note of his axis tilt. Where does the bottom of the swing arc happen?
May 2, 2020
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Max
Got it. If i drew a horizontal line at Chuck's shoulders, it would look like the right side is a bit lower than the left at address. So to summarize, have slightly more weight on your right side and a slight tilt at the address position?
May 2, 2020
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Boris (Certified RST Instructor)
In short that is correct, but I would suggest that you watch the video: 5 minutes to the Perfect Golf Setup.
May 2, 2020
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Max
Hi Boris- after moving the ball up, adding axis tilt to the setup, and watching the setup video, I was hitting the ball solid. 150 8i. If i'm not careful, i pull the ball left, though. thanks so much for the help!
May 5, 2020
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Boris (Certified RST Instructor)
You are welcome.
May 5, 2020
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Jaey
1. Please clarify, what is the ideal RST arm/hand "position" after the transition/squat to square? 2. What is the ideal position of the shoulders/arms/hands BEFORE the post up? I see different positions in different photos and videos. In the DEAD DRILL book it "looks" like Chuck's lead arm is parallel after the squat ... before the post up. In this video his lead hand "looks" closer to his trail leg after the STS. Looks like the original downswing/release videos were done before squat-to-square became a thing. 3. Is there any active thought to dropping the right elbow into the chest? Outstanding content. Thank you.
April 14, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jaey. After squat to square lead arm parallel to the ground. Post up hands in front of trail thigh. Shoulders at least 45 degrees closed, club at least vertical/perpendicular to ground, lead arm parallel and hips square. You don't need to force the trail arm position. Moves in front as a byproduct of pull/gravity.
April 14, 2020
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Jens
Craig, watching: Perfecting Lower Body Stability In The Golf Swing on the youtube channel, chunking the movement that way feels super natural to me; the first step then is slightly further into the downswing than just the transition. Is there any downside to thinking of the movement this way rather than being able to separate getting to square -> then fully over your left ankle -> then post.
April 1, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jens. As long as the sequence is correct and you are hitting the markers at each checkpoint. No worry.
April 1, 2020
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Jens
Sat and thought a bit on what it is with the transition that i still feel confused about. Browsed through all the content available and feel i can formulate the question now. So from what i can gather the movement i need to perform is a movement of my left knee into a stacked position which leads in to a weight shift (or is this movement created by the weightshift?) And a rotation of my pelvis into a square position with minimal lateral movement of my hips (50/50 weight). Doing this correctly should lead to a lowering/squat visual. My confusion lies in how to generate this movement "correctly". This is where i'm getting stuck, the content i've found on the site that touches on the actual force that generates the tranaition move seem to circle around planting the left heel hard into the ground. Is that what i need to try and blend. The actual planting being the transition and then the push against the ground being what leads into the post up? That would kinda stay true to the statement from the ground up aswell, but need a confirmation here. I know im overthinking this 10000%, i don't know how to turn of my analytical side when it comes to something i can't perform properly. Things like this that makes me wish i started with golf when i was young ????
March 31, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jens. The lead knee will external rotate first followed by pull of weight. Fixing Your Weight Transfer Video. We use the plant lead heel because it starts this transition move to start moving weight. An easy trigger. If you think plant lead heel while allow the lead knee to externally rotate to get stacked while settling into you squat. You will be good. No worries man. You are overthinking this. Your move looked good. Just a little bit of a tendency to jump the weight back to the lead side versus working through a transition to post up.
March 31, 2020
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Jens
Do i want to feel like the external rotation of the lead knee sets in motion a ripple effect, like that motion is the force trigger that starts the rotation of my hips or is that making the transition too flimsy?
March 31, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jens. You can start to feel that when you start transferring and place the weight the external rotation happens first. It is the first part of the sequence. Like a pitcher throwing a ball.
March 31, 2020
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Jens
Craig, am i going in the right direction thinking that i want my knee to move in to neutral during transition but that my left hip is still short of it. So in my case less lateral hip move/bump. It is super difficult, been analysing in front of the Liveview this morning and the move of bending into the left hip and increasing pressure under my left foot seems to automatically move me into a stacked position. Only way i can keep my left hip from moving into neutral during the squat move is feeling that i rotate with my right hip as the anchor point (if that makes sense). Ill keep at it, maybe the coin will drop. Or is that the way transition is supposed to feel, that the rotation happens from your anchored right side and that it is at post up i get my left side as the anchor point?
March 31, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jens. The rotation happens/occurs from the lead side. But, you can use the trail side as an anchor. Sam Snead Squat Video. We only have to delete a little bit of the slide. I just want a little bit of room before post up. It may happen better automatically when blending.
March 31, 2020
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Jens
Is the squat supposed to feel/be like the same reflexive motion that i perform when i want to make a jump?
March 31, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jens. It can feel like the same thing as if you were squatting to load a jump move.
March 31, 2020
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Jens
Craig, in sitting in to the left side Chuck talks about not letting the belt buckle get fully square, just shy of it. Is that perhaps something i could focus on to not get my weight too much over on the left side before post up?
March 30, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jens. Yes, it is something you can focus on. However, the main key is the hips still have to rotate. The less they rotate the more you will tend to close hip slide and get the lead hip outside of neutral. Don't overthink. You only need to make the move smaller than what we saw today.
March 30, 2020
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Jesse
What is the drill where Chuck is throwing the club down towards the ground while pushing up with the lead leg? It's one of the pre-dead drill drills. Thanks.
March 28, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jesse. You Throw the Club Head at the Golf Ball, or You Hit the Ball with Your Legs Video.
March 28, 2020
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Jesse
Craig, Chuck said that you were uncanny in your ability to recall videos, and this is no exception! The "Throw the Club Head at the Ball" is the one I was looking for; towards the end, he has a drill that I was looking for. Thanks so much!
March 28, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jesse. Resident Rotary Swing Rainman.
March 28, 2020
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Jesse
LOL! Love it! The reason I was looking for this drill is because I have been having serious pain in my lead glut after a round, when I try to post up in my swing. I am in fairly good shape and do squats in my workout routine, so I can't figure out why my lead glut and lower back are in pain after a round. I was going to try to do this drill as my pre-shot routine to see if that would help to alleviate the pain.
March 28, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jesse. It should help. Watch out for excessive knee bend in the transition. Not only makes the weight go forward, but the post up have to be overly aggressive to get out of said position.
March 28, 2020
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Jesse
I'll watch for that, Craig, thanks!
March 29, 2020
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Jesse
I had one of my best rounds yesterday, but was in so much discomfort that I was not in a position to play a second day.
March 28, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jesse. If you are in pain. Body trying to tell you off kilter. Lets get it fixed.
March 29, 2020
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Jesse
Okay, Craig. I will Get a film of my swing and send it in.
March 30, 2020
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Michelle
I've been working on the squat to square drill and when I first started it felt very robotic and disjointed. What I find is that yes I need to squat to square but in order to get a more fluid move through the ball I feel that the squat is part of the overall movement of hip rotation. What I am trying to say is that it feels like my hips have to keep turning during the downswing and even at the point of posting up at impact I still feel like my hips still keep turning to the left even though it is ever so slightly. If they don't I get very active with my hands and flip the club dragging the ball way left. Is this right or could it be that I am just not releasing the club correctly once I have posted up at impact?? Thanks Michelle
March 13, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Michelle. The hips will be turning all the way in the downswing until the post up is completed. From there you don't need any active motion to finish the swing. The momentum of the release should be pulling you to a full follow through.
March 13, 2020
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Paul
Craig, New member here. Should I go through all the new Dead Drill videos before starting the 5 Step video training sequence or the other way around? Paul
March 10, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Paul. Welcome to the site. After you can get setup properly. Cruise through the DEAD Drills.
March 11, 2020
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Jay
Is it ok to focus on squatting, and ( in the post up) straightening the lead leg only? The trail leg from setup, until delivery seems to be bent. So doing the DEAD drills, I feel as if my trail leg is, ...well, dead.
March 7, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jay. You can certainly turn off the trail leg and feel as if it is DEAD.
March 7, 2020
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Kevin
As I work on picking up speed in the Dead drill I’ve found the sticking point is the squat move. Maybe I am trying to squat too much but I find almost impossible to squat quickly - open to any thoughts - maybe focusing more on just a weight shift?
March 6, 2020
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Mikko-Pekka
Hello Kevin. If you can't perform the drill ay certain speed you are doing it too fast. Have you watched step2 in 5 step series? It should help also.
March 7, 2020
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Kevin
Thanks - I’ve watched that video but rewatched it - left knee seems to be the reoccurring key to the move. My weight shift is improving but the squat move just slows me down as I build speed - I also watched the left knee movement video - maybe my knee is moving in too much which makes it slower to get back left - I made a snip capturing where my left knee was at address
March 7, 2020
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Mark
I'm no instructor but since you have no replies in a while I thought I add from my own experience. Is your weight centered over your ankles or is it out over the balls of your feet? I personally found the squat move easier if I made a conscious effort to keep my weight over my ankles through the whole swing. Also, looks to me like you don't have enough axis tilt which will cause you to have a bent left arm.
March 21, 2020
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Ron
Good Morning! I have a question pertaining to Squat to Square video... At the point when your back-swing becomes the down-swing and the golfer slides his/her hips towards the target (about two inches) do you squat with both legs or just your lead leg? Thank you for your help. Ron H.
February 26, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Ron. You will begin sit into your lead side just before the backswing completes its rotation. Both glutes will be engaged, but since the lead is the primary one you are focusing one you will tend to have more awareness there.
February 26, 2020
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jim
Hi Craig, It is quite a bit higher than the original plane line, everything else looks pretty good, could it be that i do not get my hands moving fast enough down in the transition? I use my lower body correctly, keep my right foot down through impact and maintain the tush line; i just have always had my hands lift at impact although for the most part hit the ball straight.
February 24, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jim. It would be hard to see without a video, or a few images. Sounds like you may need to get the hands moving a little bit more vertically down as you transition. Take a look at How to Fix Plane and Path and keep us updated.
February 24, 2020
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Richard
this video changes where the post up occurs previously the post up began arm parallel now it seems much later in this squat to square hands about thigh high
February 23, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Richard. When making a full move the downswing is pretty quick. This will be more similar to what you see above while going full speed. However, the full swing sequence drills we are trying to get your brain to understand the order in which the muscles need to fire. Most players under use their legs hence why we teach it that way in the DEAD Drill with making sure the legs are helping you pull the arms down.
February 24, 2020
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jim
When i come in to impact my hands raise above the initial plane line despite my tush still on their initial line; how can i get closer to the original plane line?
February 23, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jim. The hands will be higher at impact when fully releasing the club. It all depends on how much. Is it excessive, or slightly above?
February 24, 2020
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Richard
AS you post left leg, can you lift both legs (heels) of the ground for more acceleration of the club?
February 10, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Richard. Take a look at You Hit the Golf Ball with Your Legs. For maximum power you would need to reach lift off position. But, I would rather you train staying connected to the ground.
February 10, 2020
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Roger
When you squat to square, I know the hips are square but, what about the buttons on your shirt? Square as well?
January 24, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Roger. When you squat to square the hips will be square, but the shoulders should be about 45 degrees closed to the target. So the buttons should point behind the ball. Take a look at DEAD Drill Step 2.
January 25, 2020
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Roger
When exactly do you post up on front leg? Before impact, during impact or after impact?
January 15, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Roger. You will start to post up just prior to impact to trigger the release.
January 16, 2020
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CJ
how much head movement here? or possibly body but I notice it by head movement. I notice down and to the lead side about an inch.
January 7, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello CJ. The head will drop about and inch, or two with the motion allowing the head to start returning back to address position laterally.
January 7, 2020
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Matthew
Hi Craig, I have found that it feels so much more natural to squat first and then turn hips open. When looking at pictures of pro golfers transitions, Tiger specifically, his first move in transition seems to be a squat into lead side followed by hip rotation. Not sure what qualifies as a closed hip slide or if that meets the criteria. Am I able to squat into lead side followed by rotation?
December 27, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Matthew. Tiger may look like he is falling into the lead side more and/or squatting before any rotation. But, his hips are rotating as he shifts/squats. Albeit not a ton they are still rotating. Take a look at Closed Hip Slide Video to understand the criteria.
January 7, 2020
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Matthew
The first picture is top of backswing Second picture is once he has transitioned into lead side.
December 27, 2019
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Matthew
3rd picture it looks like he’s squaring and has pretty much squared the hips by the time his arms reach parallel
December 27, 2019
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Donald
When I practise the squat to square drill I feel that the only way I can stop the club from hitting the dirt first is to stand up out of my posture and my head raises to much. IAny advice please.
December 16, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Donald. You are either not shifting enough weight during the squat, or adding too much knee flexion.
December 16, 2019
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van
I am in Boot Camp 2 and I note that in squat to square I tend to not bend my knees equally so that I tend to be lower with my left side than the right when completing the move. Is that a no no___ in other words is the squat an equal bend with both knees?
December 11, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Van. The legs after the squat should be pretty equal in flexion. If you are seeing a dramatic lower lead knee, then trail knee. You may need us to take a look.
December 11, 2019
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van
I thought that I had seen in one of your videos on squat to square that as the move to the left leg was initiated an increase in the distance between knees was required ( I believe a ball held between the knees was dropped for reference of the increased distance) but I don't see such a reference is made in this video. Can you advise how and when this occurs exactly and why this is necessary. Sounds like I am being difficult but just want to understand.
November 11, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Van. The distance increases, but not necessarily because you are forcing a wider position. More because for trail side dominant pushers they can use a corkscrew feeling with their trail leg during the squat. Take a look at the Sam Snead Squat. Chuck explains this in detail.
November 12, 2019
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Roger
Craig! Does the squat to square apply to all clubs in the bag? Whenever I try squatting with my driver it seem I always hit the ball fat. Any ideas what I may be doing wrong? Thanks for all your help! Roger
October 30, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Roger. Yes, it applies to all. You could be over doing the squat. Or, not shifting enough weight in the transition to sq to square.
October 31, 2019
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Matthew
For some reason, when I do the squat move, I tend to get into this pattern where I’m hitting fat behind the ball. I fully believe in it being one of the key moves in the golf swing that really ties things together, and I’ve done my best ball striking when done properly. However, I can’t figure out why this seems to start happening. Any ideas?
October 18, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Matthew. You are either squatting down too much, or lacking weight shift as you squat. Make sure you aren't dropping too low and that the weight is moving enough to the lead side. Take a look at Perfecting Lower Body Stability Video.
October 18, 2019
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Paul
Hey guys, is there any harm to doing the squat move at the end of the backswing? Doing this move as I start down is tough for me to coordinate. I can start the downswing with the squat and then transfer my weight to the left side and push up driving my left heel downward to power the swing. I concentrate on keeping my right leg out of the process. Thanks. Paul
October 16, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Paul. You can start the downswing before completing the backswing. However, you need to be shifting weight as you squat when performing that move. If you solely squat without weight that will cause some issues.
October 16, 2019
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Roy
During the weight transfer/downswing sequence, I sometimes find my head (I suppose it's not just my head but my entire upper torso) moving forward which, I believe, is putting me slightly ahead of the ball at impact. Improper weight transfer? Thanks in advance for the help.
October 14, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Roy. Sounds like you are still driving the upper half too much. Make sure as you pull the weight the shoulders stay back. Take a look at Keep the Rear Shoulder Back.
October 14, 2019
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Paul
Is there and difference between dead drill 2 and the squat to square drill as I can’t see it to me looks the sa,me
October 1, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Paul. Dead Drill 2 outlays some more checkpoints, but the goal in both videos the same.
October 1, 2019
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Mark
Hi, just a thank you to Patrick for the great feedback on my swing reviews for the backswing and squat the square. Will keep getting those reps in and then circle back for more!
September 30, 2019
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Patrick (Certified RST Instructor)
Thanks for the feedback Mark. Reps and mirrors are your best friends!
October 1, 2019
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Mark
Sorry, when I mention Chuck in the video I’m referring to the dead drill video 1
October 7, 2019
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Mark
Hi Patrick, follow up on this. The swing reviews have been great and I am still drilling on the backswing and transition. One of the keys you gave me is to feel that the motion is coming almost entirely from the trunk (obliques) and stomach, with the shoulders staying quite passive and relaxed. It works well, but I’m wondering if it almost feels a bit too torqued and strained and I sometimes have trouble getting my back fully to the target. When I watch Chuck in this video, his effort level seems much less and if I focus on his key of “just getting the right shoulder behind the head” I seem to get my back to the target with less effort and still hit the checkpoints. Thoughts? It does place some awareness on the back of the right shoulder but I assume this is OK as long as it is a pulling from the right side and not a pushing from the left?
October 7, 2019
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Patrick (Certified RST Instructor)
Yes, that is OK. Feeling is subjective, so it's mission critical to match up what you feel in your body with your checkpoints in the mirror or on camera. Type in "muscle activation" in the search bar and watch that video. It will help.
October 8, 2019
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Mark
Will do. Thanks Patrick
October 8, 2019
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Patrick (Certified RST Instructor)
My pleasure. Keep it up..
October 8, 2019
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Doug
It was mentioned in the DEAD Beta test that a more advanced move is to feel as if the right (trail) foot is rotating clockwise. Is it safe to assume the lead foot or left for a right handed golfer should feel as if it's rotating counter clockwise? Obviously, the feet don't move, but I'm speaking more of resistance into the turf. TIA.
September 29, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Doug. I would be afraid of feel too much lead foot counter clockwise motion because you might hang back and spin. But, remember the first move will be the external rotation of the lead knee as like you were stepping into something, or prepping for rotation.
September 30, 2019
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Byron
When moving from backswing to transition (squat to square) and while moving to the left side by separating the left leg from the right (basketball still) do you consciously move the hips square or does it happen naturally by moving to the left side.
September 22, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Byron. Typically, it will happen naturally when the lead knee start to externally rotate. But, some players that create a closed hip slide will need to recruit a little obliques to get the hips moving.
September 22, 2019
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Kevin
I’ve been working on this move and found it very powerful with the driver but I’m struggling with fat shots on my irons dropping the club in late with an inside to out path - my hands feel left behind me which based on my swing reviews is a feeling I should have - starting from the ground up
September 22, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Kevin. Take a look at How to Stop Hooking the Ball. I think you are getting a little stuck going from in to out and need to make sure the arms are working in front and on plane.
September 22, 2019
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Kevin
Thanks Craig - just rewatched that video and I’m trying to use my hips more in the downswing and let the hands fall into the slot because I tend to spin my shoulders open. I just feel that pulling my hands down is conflicting with some other videos that talk about how the hands should literally “fall into the slot”
September 22, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Kevin. We wouldn't have it on the site if it was conflicting . If you tend to spin you shoulders open more than likely your path would be out to in versus in to out. Are you sure you are coming too far from the inside? Take a look at the Frisbee Drill. The arms get pulled into the slot by weight and core. Some players don't allow their arms to get pulled and leave them behind which they need to train making sure the arms work in front. One of the roadshow videos dealt with the exact same issue.
September 22, 2019
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Jim
In transition, when you squat to square, trying to get a sense of whether I need to "consciously" square the hips, or should the squat and shift to left get that square up to happen "naturally". I have to work hard to keep those shoulders closed, as that is my golf ruin, and putting the attention on that, plus engaging the left side, PLUS focusing on turning the hips is a lot of swing thoughts at once. That said, as I do the drill, the hips don't tend to come to square that easily - I have to focus on separating the hips from the shoulder area in order to keep the shoulders closed while squaring up. If I keep attention focused on all those areas - shoulders closed, squat/shift, AND squaring up, I can make it work. Maybe the key is separating the hips from the shoulders, and doing it all slow enough until it becomes "automatic".
September 15, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jim. Sadly, it sounds like you are going to have to make those obliques work. You need to make sure the hips are squaring and leading the way. Most players when adding external lead knee rotation (Fixing Weight Transfer, Preventing Hip Pain) automatically start to let them rotate. But, sounds like you need a little work on the Closed Hip Slide Video.
September 15, 2019
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Jim
Hi Craig - Hey, thats not so sad. Thanks for the feedback. That helps. Best, Jim
September 15, 2019
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Paul
Hey Craig thanks for all your amazingly quick responses,you guys are awesome
September 11, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Paul. Thanks for the compliments.
September 11, 2019
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Paul
When doing squat to square do I need to back to adress position every time to start a new rep or can I go back to top
September 11, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Paul. You can go back to the top to start getting used to the move. Once, you can perform pretty efficiently. I would add the setup back into the mix. The transition is what most people struggle with and it will help as a great training tool to blend more like a real swing.
September 11, 2019
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Paul
I found watching sitting into the left side very helpfull when working on squat to square
September 10, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Paul. Yes, they both go hand in hand very well.
September 10, 2019
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Stephen
When do you post the lead leg? Is it at the time when the club is parallel to the ground / hands are at trail knee area?
September 6, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Stephen. You will post after your squat. As the hands are starting to enter the trail thigh. Take a look at Rotary Golf Downswing Overview Video.
September 6, 2019
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Stephen
How much do you squat, or how low do you go? When do you know if you are not squatting enough ?
September 6, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Stephen. The squat isn't a major vertical change and only a slight one. Take a look at the Tiger Squat Video for examples of a larger version. Also, typically you aren't squatting enough if you don't feel any glute engagement.
September 6, 2019
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Paul
Hey just a general question last review from a couple of years ago .steve gave me 3 rills to work on can I work on all 3 at the same time
August 27, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Paul. What 3 drills? You can stack as many as possible as long as you can perform them correctly.
August 27, 2019
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Paul
Hi Craig thanks for the quick response the 3 drills are 5 min to master rotation squat to square and fixing you weight transfer in the golf swing
August 28, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Paul. You may work on those at the same time. But, make sure you give hyper focus to each piece until you can blend the moves correctly in a sequence. Fixing Your Weight Transfer and Sq to Sq should work together nicely.
August 28, 2019
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Paul
Thanks Craig can I also add 9 to 3 in there
August 28, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Paul. Certainly. I think that is a great way to put good focus on good body movements and very minimal arm swing.
August 28, 2019
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Jens
As i sit in to my left side, squatting to square. Should i also push in to the ground with my right foot, feeling ground force? Like im doing a real squat sorta, just before i post up. Found a video by larry cheung mentioning the importance of also pressing against the ground with your right foot through transition. Wanted to know if that is in line with the rotary teachings.
August 23, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jens. Only a few players would need that little trail foot/leg feeling (Sam Snead Squat Video). But, I don't think you need to worry about pressing the trail heel into the ground as you shift.
August 23, 2019
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peterjohnbourke16601
Hi.I really want to clarify what the "squat"is ,anatomically, kinaesthetically etc as related to the golf downswing.One of the most powerful exercises for gluteus maximus is to do a dead lifts you straighten up and the glut strongly contracts.Now if from an erect position I bend my knees a little and have the feeling of my buttocks descending a little to the ground, similarly the gluts will become activated.Now assuming the golf posture I go to top of backswing[arms crossed, no golf club}what I have felt and observed in a mirror is that the first move is little pull to left with left leg, followed by external rotation of that leg and the squat that comes almost simultaneously which I sense as a controlled "fall" of my buttocks towards the ground, gluts do really feel "engaged"/contracted,knee bend is a little increased,hips almost neutral and weight firmly on left hand side.Are my sensations re buttocks "dropping, a controlled strong fall into left accurate? Also is the sequence of downswing correct
August 14, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Peter. Sounds pretty on par. The lead leg will start to externally rotate first as you start to settle into the glutes. But, you seem to be on track into a proper squat.
August 15, 2019
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Albert
After I externally rotate my left knee and sit in to left hip I feel a large amount of tension released in my hip (socket). Is this an indicator that I'm performing the move correctly?
July 30, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Albert. You should feel the tension in the lead glute. Make sure you aren't pushing. Take a look at Preventing Hip Pain Video.
July 31, 2019
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William (Certified RST Instructor)
im struggling alot with getting the knee moving first to neutral on the downswing. No matter what i do it seems like its playing catch up with the hip. The hip is always beating it to neutral. I was shifting to much to the left at first, but even when i reduced my shift the knee is still second to neutral. Ive watched all the videos pertaining to this subject and nothing has seemed to click. thanks
July 29, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello William. Take a look at Fixing Your Weight Transfer and Step 2 - Core Rotation. I think you need to go back and train the movement slowly at first. The move is pretty natural. If you go back to solely body only you may be able to get over the hump quicker.
July 30, 2019
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Con
I have left knee arthritis and experience pain with squat to square What would you recommend in regards to my transition and downswing sequence
July 25, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Con. Make sure that the weight is centered over the ankle joint and not getting towards toes/balls of the feet when transferring to the lead leg. Also, you could be over doing the squat. You don't need a massive vertical drop to engage the glutes. A little sit will suffice.
July 25, 2019
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Ron
I have a bad left knee which hurts if my knee (and weight) moves out over my shoe laces in the downswing. But if I keep my weight over my ankle no pain at all.
October 8, 2019
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Fred
I'm trying to grasp this concept. How do we transition from our tush line to posting up? I guess I'm saying when do we lose the tush line?
July 16, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Fred. After you fully release the club you will then start to move off the tush line slightly. If you start losing it earlier you won't be able to maintain spine angle and proper side bend.
July 16, 2019
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Rolando
Hello Coach, Please clarify the following question. During the takeaway/back swing, I've been taught not to move my hips, they are to remain square. Therefore I'm rotating the upper part of my body and my hips only rotate/move a tiny amount. In the Squat to Square drill, Chuck says "at the top of my backswing they're going to be about 45 degrees closed in relationship to the target line". What does this mean??? Am I supposed to rotate my hips 45 degrees (towards the right, I'm right handed) as I initiate the takeaway/backswing? Appreciate your response... Rolando San Jose, CA
June 21, 2019
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Mikko-Pekka
Hello Rolando. The hips get pulled to 45 degrees shut by proper body movement. Most players move their hips too much. Focus on proper rotation (upper vs. lower body rotation video) and the hips will be pulled to correct position. No need to move them.
June 22, 2019
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Justin
I can not scess the videos ...it keeps saying opps
June 2, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Justin. The video is playing correctly on my end. I would try logging out. Clearing history/cache and then log back in.
June 3, 2019
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Paul
I have a hard time with the squat to post up move it sounds like I am suppose to be moving in two different directions at the same time can you please clarify for me thanks
May 13, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Paul. The squat happens as you shift into the lead side. Shift left and allow the hips to square. From here you are done shifting and now it's time to post up. Clear the hip up and back away from the ball. Take a look at Step 2 - Core Rotation and You Hit the Golf Ball with Your Legs Video.
May 13, 2019
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Luke
Good morning, I have experienced pain in the right side of my left knee when trying to take a full swing. I feel as though I am shifting my weight past nja. Would this be the main cause or are there other possible reasons? What drill would you suggest to prevent shifting too far left. Thanks, Luke
May 12, 2019
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Luke
Thanks Craig, I will look into that. Is it possible that too narrow of a stance also contributed to knee pain making it easy to shift past nja.
May 12, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Luke. Take a look at Fixing Your Weight Transfer and Preventing Hip Pain. Sounds like you need to check how the lead knee is externally rotating in the downswing and make sure you aren't adding trail hip push.
May 12, 2019
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Adrian Jose
Actually... I am thinking It could be just the opposite... if i want my left glute to go back and left i should push with the left foot to 1 or 2 o clock in order to pull from left leg and then push to 7 or 8 o clock to do the post Up and release?? Problem here is i feel less power in left leg when post to release... So i dont know.. please help! Thanks!
May 4, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Adrian. I think you are over complicating the move. The first move will be the lead knee externally rotating to get stacked (Fixing Your Weight Transfer Video). As the knee rotates you want to settle into the lead glute as the hips square (Sitting Into the Left Side and Closed Hip Slide Video). You will feel pressure over the center of the ankle joint. From here post up by pushing the lead heel into the ground and letting the lead oblique clear the hip (You Hit the Golf Ball with Your Legs Video). Settle into lead glute and heel. Push with the lead foot to post up and back.
May 5, 2019
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Michael
I incorporated the squat to square into my swing a month or so ago. At that time, somehow I was under the impression that the timing of the beginning of the squat was an instant BEFORE the top of the backswing. As a refresher, I decided to review the squat to square video this morning and it jumped out at me that Chuck said in the video to execute the squat "at the top of the backswing". I'm not sure where I got the impression that the squat started just prior to the top. I think it may have something to do with the start of the weight shift to the left. Please clarify.
April 29, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Michael. Yes, you will start to shift into the lead side right before you finish the top of the backswing and settle into your squat. But, in the beginning if you struggle with weight and squat. Don't try doing it too early as it is an advanced move.
April 29, 2019
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Michael
Thank you. I had the sequence wrong: I've been: (1) beginning the squat immediately before the top of the backswing. then; (2) shifting my weight left; and (3) posting up on my left leg. As I understand it now the sequence is: (1) shift weight left immediately prior to the top of the backswing, (2) at the top of the backswing squat to square; andthen (3) post up on my left leg. I'm wondering if this might explain the soreness I've been experiencing with my right knee recently which is why I re-reviewed the squat to square video looking to find a reason for the soreness.
April 29, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Michael. Yes. Shift into your squat and post.
April 29, 2019
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Kevin
Hi, I've been struggling coming off the tush line in my first move from the top. When I work on squatting to square it feels like my hips stop and the club goes through - resulting in a slap hook. Any swing thoughts on how to smooth all that together? I attached a photo of a video I made at the range of me coming off the tush line and my head starts moving toward the ball on the backswing
April 26, 2019
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Byron
Kevin: what software are you using here? Looks great for analyzing the swing. Thanks
September 24, 2019
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Kevin
The free V1 app - it works pretty well
September 24, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Kevin. From here you need to clear the lead hip (You Hit the Golf Ball with Your Legs) and let the club release without trail hand interference (Vijay Release Drill and Flip v Release). Sounds like you stall a little too soon and rip the hands through. The release will be passive and not active.
April 26, 2019
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Kevin
Hi Craig, I worked on this more this weekend after watching the videos. I also watched the impact videos and hitting the ball off the toe which talks about feeling square with the hips to help bring the arms down. I'm sure its a blend of all of those thoughts but I'm still struggling with that timing along with keeping my right hip back on the tush line until after impact (at least that is the feel I've been told in my swing reviews) - Thanks Kevin
April 29, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Kevin. The feel will be that right hip back, but the hips do have to rotate. You just have to make sure it is done by the lead side. Shift, post, then release. I would remove the club until you can do it perfectly with the body. Step 2 - Core Rotation and you can even add the Maintain Tush Chair Drill to that.
April 29, 2019
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Martin L
I've been trying to figure how far forward (to the ball) my knees should move when I squat. It seems like with a good Backswing my left knee has already moved forward quite a lot and the right knee hasn't moved much from its lasered position. So should the squat towards the left just move my right knee in line with the Left? Or am I missing something.
April 26, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Martin. Pretty much. The lead knee may get a little closer as you start back, but when squatting the trail will return to original position. And, both knees really shouldn't be much more forward than they were originally at setup.
April 26, 2019
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Martin L
Thank you. With some practice it seems like the squat is a gentle, not fast move, correct?
April 26, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Martin. Yes. Not aggressive and giving yourself time to transition.
April 26, 2019
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bob
Im looking for a video that talks about pulling by using the abductor muscle to get back to the left side in the transition/downswing. Can you direct me please?
April 23, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Bob. Take a look at Which Muscles to Feel in the Transition and Preventing Hip Pain Video. And, you are looking to pull the weight with your adductors.
April 23, 2019
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Richard
Hi I am confused about the actual timing of the post up in relation to the release.Some videos seem to say to start the release by posting up others say the post up should be complete by the time you release the club and when I look closely at better players they seem to to be posting up as they release the club.I am sure my confusion stems from road show videos where Chuck was trying to help a particular player who was posting late or not at all but and I understand that feel is not real can you help clear this up for me.
April 19, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Richard. The post up triggers the release. As you post and clear the hips the club will start releasing like you see with better players.
April 19, 2019
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Manning
Hello. Though i have been a member off and on for years, I have basically renewed my membership to ask this question. By far the most difficult concept to execute is the sequencing of the downswing. Going from a 20 year right side dominant pusher to a properly sequenced weight shift to the left in the downswing, though conceptually easy enough to understand, executing it consistently has just proven to be difficult. That said, "squat to square" in the downswing is a far easier thing to execute, as you are not focused on this bilateral shift to the right heel then prioritizing shifting and posting on that left heel - you are just squatting. Combining the far simpler squatting to square move, with right shoulder back and "releasing the snot out of it with your left hand" in the 1 second a golf swing takes is a far easier concept to execute. So much easier, that I wonder why it isn't taught this way in the first place versus this sequenced weight shift in the transition that occurs within 1 second. That said, when I do the squat to square move, I do not 'feel' as though I am prioritizing weight left, I feel as though I am back to neutral with weight evenly distributed between both feet. While there is no doubt that this does a lot of good things, mostly an easier move to focus on in lieu of pushing from the right at the onset of the downswing, which delays the release, etc. So my question is this: What issues do you typically see from squat to squarers that are improved/corrected by focusing your teaching weight shift left vs. weight shift "squat to square". Another way of asking this is what problems (if any) are inherent to teaching squat to square in the downswing that necessitates making shifting and posting left - and deadening that right leg - the forefront of your teaching the downswing vs simply squat to squaring? Thanks ahead of time for any feedback
April 9, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Manning. The goal of the downswing is to start the swing from the ground up. Starting the swing from the ground up will begin with weight shift to the lead side. By the time you have completed your squat to square motion you need to have 80% of the weight on the lead side, so you can post up and release the club. Squat to square works very well for two types of players. Hip spinners and trail side pushers that move beyond lead leg NJA before impact. It sounds like on my end that you aren't shifting the weight enough when squatting. Squat is more of a vertical motion. You have to combine pulling the weight over to the lead side as you settle into the squat (Sitting Into the Left Side Video and Which Muscles to Feel During Golf Swing Transition Video). After you squat to square you have to clear the hips (post up) to trigger the release of the club. Some players already have existing movement patterns of clearing the hips excessively. So, slowing them down with squat to square gets their hips under control because more than likely they still will clear their hips. But, this allows them to start releasing the club better.
April 9, 2019
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Jeff
How much weight shift do you want with this squat to square move (all the way to neutral joint alignment with left leg?). And does it help to exaggerate this move in a practice swing before hitting a shot seeing it is complex move?
March 28, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jeff. After the squat to square is completed your weight should be 80% on the lead side with the hip stacked. You only need to exaggerate the move if you are used to not shifting weight and solely hip spinning.
March 28, 2019
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Jeff
Also when I squat into the downswing it’s easy for my head to move forward and shoulders open up too early - any thoughts there to keep upper body back while squatting to square?
March 29, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jeff. Keep your back to the target. Take a look at Keep the Rear Shoulder Back Video.
March 29, 2019
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Martin L
Should I increase or maintain my spine angle in this move?
March 20, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Martin. You will have an increase in axis tilt. What we refer to as secondary axis tilt. As you squat, the spine angle may decrease slightly as a byproduct. But, not a forced movement.
March 20, 2019
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Shane
I'm a bit confused on the posting / releasing. I'm pretty sure I've heard in other videos that you should post up and then release, which is what I try to do. This video seems to indicate that the post up and release happen simultaneously?
March 13, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Shane. The post up triggers the release. You will have to post before the club starts to release into the strike.
March 14, 2019
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Shane
Thanks for clarifying Craig.
March 14, 2019
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Victor
Hi Chunk and Craig. I would like to clarify, do you squat to square before or after weight shift? Thanks!
February 25, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Victor. Shift into your squat to square. Weight Shift is the first goal in the transition.
February 25, 2019
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Victor
Thank you Craig!
February 25, 2019
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Anders
I have been working on the squat to square and post up move, and i think i can do it correctly. However my issue is that the clubshaft steepens alot unless i manipulate With my hands. Even With just my lead hand on, it still steepens in transition. Should the clubface flatten out (clubface Heavy) or work on a lower trajectory ( let my hands fall Down) ?
February 17, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Anders. If the club is staying to steep during the transition, then more than likely you are adding steer/tension somewhere. Work on the Drill to Learn Inside Path to help shallow the path with weight and lead arm.
February 18, 2019
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Michael
At slow speeds, I can execute the squat and maintain my tush line then post, but as I increase to normal swing speeds my hips' initial move in the downswing already takes me off the tush line. Looking at video it seems like my first move in the downswing become a hip rotation and before my knees even get to square, my lead leg is posting. I think the difference may be that at slow speed I feel I have time for my lead leg to actually increase flex then post and extend, whereas at speed, I don't have time to squat--can only turn and post. Help!
February 7, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Michael. You need to practice Sitting Into the Lead Side. Sounds like at slower speeds you shift the weight, but faster you negate the weight movement and straight into spin. Take a look at the Dump Truck and Drag Racer Video. You need to focus on club head speed not coming from how fast you move at the top.
February 7, 2019
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Luke
Hi, my question is about weight transfer when completing the squat to square move. When the square position is reached does that take place at some point during weight transfer or just as you post up? Thanks, Luke
February 1, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Luke. You shift into your squat. The weight should be transferred by the time you reach the square position and before posting up.
February 4, 2019
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Luke
Hi Craig, thanks for clarifying that. Back to work on my drills. Love this program. I have learned a lot from the videos and in depth explanation of each part of the swing and all the drills are paying off. I believe I am making progress, Luke.
February 4, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Luke. No problem. Thanks for the compliments of our program! Keep up the hard work.
February 4, 2019
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Blake
Thanks! Will do!
December 14, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Blake. Roger that. Keep us posted.
December 15, 2018
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Blake
Hi Craig, I've read the Q and A from the last four (!) years. So I know that many people overdo the vertical, versus the horizontal move and squaring of the hips, for the "squat" part. Yet, there is some vertical - when I look at, say, Rory's swing, he definitely lowers his read end and increases his knee bend. My problem: when I do the same (lowering a bit) and then try to post up, even when making sure I am posting up by pushing my left hip behind me, I feel the straightened lead leg either forces me to raise up in height (due to the straighter left leg) or it painfully jams my hips into my ribs (due to the hips raising without my also raising my upper body). I also have tried to make the straighter left leg produce more side bend instead of height but it feels very awkward. What the heck am I doing wrong?
December 14, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Blake. You are either over doing the move, or getting the hips far too open. If you have a very aggressive post up you will achieve lift off. The vertical change will have to occur slightly. The key is not to be so aggressive for standard/stock shot that you don't need to change your lines.
December 14, 2018
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Ron
Are the hips square at impact and then open after the release?
December 10, 2018
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Ron
So are saying the hips are open 45 degrees at impact and the shoulders 30 degrees? If so, how open would a hip spinner be at impact? I'm struggling to get the post up move correct, I want to slide my hips and struggle to square up the club face. Too much push with the right leg? (Right handed golfer). Please suggest some kind of a feel I should have when posting up
December 10, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Ron. At impact shoulders square and hips open (30-45 degrees).
December 10, 2018
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Carey
Chuck, Squatting is the first movement in the downswing if I've got it right? Because it puts you in a position to post up on the left leg and do the 9 to 3 drill. Assume this is what you should endeavour to do with most clubs including the driver. Find this latter usage difficult. Stick at it or have I got this wrong? Carey D'Arcy
December 3, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Carey. Yes, you will shift your weight and settle into a squat. Once you squat you are in the position to post up to trigger the release. More than likely with the driver you are putting too much emphasis with the vertical nature of the squat and not getting enough weight over to your lead side.
December 3, 2018
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Andres
This is amazing, Aha moment!!?? I am doing the squat to square drill over and over for 20 min from top of the swing to square... watching my arms, hands and club fall to the correct spot before releasing the club, on plane... watching the mirror... then realized that no once I intentionally tried to move them, the simple move of squatting to square brings the arms and hands to the perfect spot to fire the release. I always had a problem with losing tush line, firing right hip pushing off the right foot... so I always had to manipulate the arms and hands to try to get on plane. This is the first time I feel what you mean by not doing anything with shoulders and arms and letting the core and lower body control the outcome... wow. Am I on the right path?
November 18, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Andres. Sounds great to me! Do less and hit the correct positions easier without manipulations.
November 18, 2018
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James
As I am squatting and pushing off ground, posting up should I be pulling my arms down as I am pushing off the ground(leg straightens)
October 29, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello James. The weight shift and core will pull the arm into impact. See this in Step 3 - Add the Lead Arm and the Frisbee Drill.
October 29, 2018
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David
How do I shift left, squat to square, WITHOUT moving my head and upper body in front of the ball.
October 19, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello David. If you are properly shifting left the head won't be ahead of the ball. Sequencing from the ground up will have the lower body leading the way pulling the upper body into impact. Sounds like the upper half is too active, or improper transfer. Work on the sequencing from the ground. Combine the feeling of using the lower half to pull yourself over while shutting the shoulders off (Keep the Rear Shoulder Back).
October 19, 2018
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Gary
I'm not clear on the proper weight distribution during the different parts of the move related to 'squat to square'. What should the weight distribution be between the lead and trail legs during the various stages? 1) during the backswing? 2) during the squat to square? 3) during the straightening of the lead leg / squeeze of the cheeks ? and 4) followthrough? Thanks in advance.
October 11, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Gary. Your goal is 80% weight on the trail foot with the backswing. Try to aim for about 80% on the lead after the squat/shift. After the weight is transferred, its time to post up and release. The weight at impact should be right around 80% on the lead side and 20% on trail side. You don't want to be transferring the big amount of weight during the post up. Into the release and follow through you will end up around 90%.
October 11, 2018
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Gary
Sorry I should have read all the posts below. It looks like my question has been previously asked and answered - 1) back swing = 80% on trail leg, 2) squat to square = 80% on lead leg 3) posting / straightening of left leg / squeeze cheeks = same, 80% 4) follow through = almost 100 % since most of the weight should be on the lead leg.... did i get it right?
October 11, 2018
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Christopher
I think I've been mis-interpreting this concept. I noticed in the 5-minutes to the Perfect Downswing that as you start the downswing (squat), there isn't a lot of weight shift - at least initially. It almost looks as if your squatting onto your right side. Then, your weight continues to move left as you swing into impact. I assumed that as you squatted, you were simultaneously shifting all your weight to the left. Is my new understanding closer to the "truth"?
September 28, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Christopher. You shift into your squat. You must start shifting weight first to the lead side and settle into your squat. The latter part of your statement is more on par.
September 29, 2018
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William
Once you have squatted back to square and the hips have stalled to allow the club to release what causes the left hip to then turn into the finished position? Does the momentum of the swing cause the hip to rotate into the finish or do you start turning the left hip again to finish the swing?
September 26, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello William. The stalling of the hips doesn't occur until the post up to trigger the release. The finishing position is a byproduct of the release. You allow the body to get pulled into position due to the momentum of the club going through.
September 27, 2018
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William
Are you saying the hips are active only in shifting to start the downswing and post up and they rotate until they stall so the release occurs and they are passive from that point until being pulled into the finished position?
September 27, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello William. Exactly. No active motion with them after release to reach full follow through. You are safely decelerating and letting momentum do the work.
September 27, 2018
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William
Very clear now. Thanks
September 27, 2018
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Martin L
I have been using RST for about 1.5 years and think I finally figured out squat to square; I was sliding left then posting instead of sitting into a square alignment. I am now using as my swing thoughts; back of right hand back through backswing (as in drill) and then squat to square with no right side pushing. Does this make sense?
September 11, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Martin. Makes sense. Sounds like you finally cured "Closed Hip Slide Video."
September 11, 2018
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Marc
Hi Craig, I am just watching Tiger Woods, Adam Scott, Woodland and Koepka at the PGA Championship (pretty exciting) and I was wondering if my shirt buttons should come closer to the ball during the downswing i.e. my butt goes back and my torso moves down. Though this is what my understanding is I don't really see it when I look at these players it seems the torso stays where it is. What do you think I should do with my swing. Actually what I noticed is that if my torso stays on the same level I have to pull the left hand slightly during the downswing so it does not stay behind and comes nicely close to my right hip, when I bend a bit more with my torso in the downswing the hand falls into the right position without any conscious effort. I am sure you are watching the last round, I hope Tiger can pull it off, to be -3 with 0 fairways out of 7 is just incredible Best, Marc
August 12, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Marc. You may see a slight change. I don't want to see a massive drop, or increase. But, if you are really using the lower lead side properly it will actually increase you spine angle giving that more of "cover the ball" feeling.
August 13, 2018
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Blake
When I post up, it tends to make me stand up and lose my tush line. How can I avoid that result?
July 26, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Blake. Take a look at You Hit the Golf Ball with Your Legs and the Chair Drill.
July 26, 2018
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Christopher
I've watched this video several times over the last year and I just realized I've been mis-understanding Chuck's instruction. When he says "squat back to square", I interpreted that I was squatting back to the EXACT SAME square position I was at address. In actuality, it looks like Chuck is keeping is right hip (effectively) stationary and rotating his left hit backwards. So, he is squatting to square ..... but a "different" square position. One that almost feels like my weight is moving to my heels. Have I got that wrong?
July 5, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Christopher. You squat back to square with the hips being square, but the weight now loaded/shifted into the lead leg. You should have some sensation that the hips pulled you to the position and the pressure is in the lead heel/over the ankle joint.
July 5, 2018
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Michael
Thank you Craig
June 21, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Michael. You're welcome.
June 22, 2018
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Michael
One more question please: at what level should the hands be at the end of the squat, before posting up? Thank you Michael
June 21, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Michael. The hands will be entering the trail thigh when you squat to square with the goal of not releasing too early or pushing. Your checkpoint in the full swing will be to make sure the hands are in front of the trail thigh when the club is parallel to the ground. Take a look at Rotary Golf Downswing Overview.
June 21, 2018
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Michael
Hi "Squat" in squat to square is a bending of the knees but is there bend at the hips as well? Thank you Michael
June 21, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Michael. The squat is more of sitting into the glutes with the increase flexion in the legs.
June 21, 2018
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Hans
Great! as usual Hans
June 15, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Hans. Much appreciative.
June 15, 2018
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Stuart
Chuck--I thought you previously stated that the left butt cheek should be partially showing at impact from lower body rotation in a view looking down the line behind the golfer. I am wondering if this video contradicts this somewhat? Thanks
June 14, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Stuart. This is after weight transfer. Not, impact position.
June 14, 2018
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Hank
I am trying to incorporate the baseball drill, where I am pulling from the left side (lead side) which takes me right into the post up. However in doing so, I don't really feel the squat to square. If I try to instead focus on the squat to square, I don't feel like I am pulling from the left side. There is that feeling to a certain degree in doing the post up. How do I do the squat move and feel at the same time the pulling to the left?
April 14, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Hank. Focus solely on working the body positions first. 2 steps, then blending into 1 so you can feel the glute engagement. Step 2 - Core Rotation Video.
April 14, 2018
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roger
gee crappy work office he has there
April 11, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Roger. All of us here at RST feel sorry for Chuck's work environment.
April 11, 2018
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roger
Hi Craig, I have just started with RST and was wondering if you could point me in the direction of the section or a video which explains the glute feel on the swing. ie. seems to be a video (can't remember where it is now I've have just a quick look thru of them) where it practices a full turn and a settle into the right glute. But then on another it has the feel of the left glute during the weight shift and rotation thru. Or should i feel both. Thanks, Roger.
April 11, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Roger. Welcome to the site. Much appreciative of your support. There are a few videos discussing this topic. Start with these. If they don't answer the question. Please report back and happy to get it figured out. Load Right Leg / Glute in Backswing Video, Which Muscles to Feel During Golf Swing Transition Video, Step 2 - Core Rotation, How to Swing from the Ground Up and Perfecting Lower Body Stability.
April 11, 2018
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roger
Thanks Criag, Will have a look. Also I have 6 swing reviews available. Do you have any suggestions as to when to do these. Ie. now to see the enormity of the problem or maybe a month down the track when some of the drills are getting ingrained in. (Background I am a hacker but have been working at another site for 12 months and know whats what but still have over the top and basically still swinging the same as when i started. Particularly like the left arm only approach - feel this will make a big difference.).
April 11, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Roger. If you are working through the University Program. Submit your Setup from Face On and Down the Line (once you believe its correct) and follow through the program with the required checklist. Or, upload your current swing for a review. Tell your instructor you want a detailed review of the swing and to provide a blueprint of what videos to watch. As well as what to use your remaining reviews for.
April 11, 2018
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roger
Is the University program the 5 step program (ie. weight shift, rotation, etc)
April 12, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Roger. The University is a different membership. But, it follows the 5 Step System.
April 12, 2018
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Michael
After my backswing, I feel like I can pull my weight over to the lead side but don't have time to squat before my upper body begins the downswing. My swing reviews show that I am moving to the left and immediately posting. Is there any particular drill or swing thought that I can focus on to work on this issue?
March 26, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Michael. Typically, I will have students focus on Step 2 - Core Rotation while trying to keep their back to the target as long as possible into impact. This should provide enough time to shift and post before shoulder spinning occurs.
March 26, 2018
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Chad
Hello, when you squat to square, what % of weight should be on each leg, when I do it , it feels like about 50% each side, is that right or should there be more on the lead side?
March 19, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Chad. After shifting into your squat about 80% should be on the left. You shouldn't have the need to transfer big weight during post up.
March 19, 2018
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Chad
Craig, my issue is just opposite of Jay's, I've picked up about 5 mph and I'm hitting it much better with the squat move but on video I'm losing my spine angle when I push off ground. Any suggestions?
March 1, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Chad. Must be improper pushing and clearing of the lead hip. Take a look at You Hit the Golf Ball with Your Legs and Eliminating Early Extension.
March 1, 2018
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Mariam
After squat and weight shift, my chest has a tendency to want to fall towards the ball. This does not happen with 9 to 3 swings or without the ball (or even with impact bag) but is very hard for me to prevent in full swing. I think this is at least partially symptomatic of too much right side. Anything else that could be causing this? As a result of it, my head will dip 6-8 inches, even when I avoid early extension.
January 8, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jay. Definitely caused by your trail side. And, this is exactly what I was referring to in your recent review. You need to start allowing the hips and torso to bring the shoulders. Even without a ball you want them to be a little active.
January 8, 2018
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Mariam
Thanks Craig!
January 9, 2018
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Justin
Thanks for this move , has helped tremendously particularly off the tee. However on my irons, although they're online they're fat - any suggestions?
November 5, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Justin. You may not be clearing the hip. Final phase after the squat. Take a look at Step 2 - Core Rotation.
November 6, 2017
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David
I'm working on changing my swing and the weight shift and core rotation feel like they're bedding in well. This next move of squat to square is causing me some headaches, I have a tendency to end up with my weight stuck on my left ball of the foot and as the release happens the bad swing is producing a high right ball flight as I feel I'm trapped. I don't seem to be able to do the squat and then drive up with the left heel in sequence before the club wants to come through. Any advice would be appreciated.
September 29, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello David. You may be over doing the squat. The overall goal is to engage the glutes to keep the hips from spinning. A slight increase in pressure will provide the ability to pull leverage from the ground. Try not to over do the vertical down and up motion.
September 29, 2017
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Ian
Hi I am up to the core rotation drill ( no.14 ) whichs starts at the top of the backswing and concludes at impact with the shoulders square and the hips about 30 degrees open. I also like the squat to square( no 15) which starts at the top of the backswing and concludes with the hips square and the shoulders lagging behind at about 60 degrees . If I have got this right sqat to square is an interim step in the core rotation drill. However , while I can easily do squat to square I find it difficult to even feel it when doing it with the core rotation drill I think because the core rotation drill mimics the throwing motion in which the first moving the left knee . So my questions are 1) Can I incorporate StS as the first move in the drill or ignore it . 2) can you please let me know the weight on each foot, at the top of the backswing , at the square to square position and at the ball contact position. Thank you-enjoying the program. Ian
September 25, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Ian. The drill above is the first half of the core rotation drill. You are already incorporating it without knowing. Solely broken into 1 piece in the video above. Your goal is 80% weight on the trail foot with the backswing. Try to aim for about 80% after the squat. After the weight is transferred, its time to post up and release. The weight at impact should be right around 80% on the lead side and 20% on trail side.
September 25, 2017
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Paul
I get a lot of pain in my left toe after I have played. Is this because I'm getting too much weight on the toes on my downswing.
August 16, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Paul. Maybe a weight issue, or early extension diving into the ball before impact.
August 16, 2017
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Erik
I'm not sure how this "squat" technique integrates with "start the downswing before completing the backswing". Meaning, when should I start the squat movement? It seems this video is indicating to wait for the total completion of the backswing before the squat however, it seems from "start the downswing before completing the backswing" that perhaps it would be best to start the squat around the time that the club is parallel to the ground in the backswing.
August 2, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Erik. I apologize for your wait time your question wasn't posted on my server. You shift into a squat. As you being to shift back to the lead side "starting down before completing" you need to pull the weight and settle into your squat.
August 16, 2017
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Remington
Hi, you say that once square 'you don't need to try and turn any more than that'. Looking at slomo's of pros, without exception all have their hips opening into impact. This contradicts your statement. Please clarify which is correct. Thanks.
July 31, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Remington. We agree that the hips need to be open at impact. Roughly 35-45 degrees. What Chuck is referring too is the vast majority of golfers already over turn their hips too much (hip spinners). And, the feeling would be that you don't need to use them anymore. If you under use the hips you will need to train the proper usage (Step 2 - Core Rotation and You Hit the Golf Ball with Your Legs).
July 31, 2017
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Diarmuid
Does the squat bring to NJA and then u post up? Or does the squat actually bring you square, u pull a bit more to get to NJA and then post up?
July 22, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Diarmuid. As you shift and squat the weight should be transferred to the lead side. The hip, knee and ankle should be stacked. The posting clears the hip and shouldn't be trying to shift your weight.
July 22, 2017
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Ted
I've been reading through some of the recent questions and comments. It seems one thing I need to focus on is using lead adduction to initiate transition from backswing towards the squat. And I need to avoid too much of a squat. Now my question: in doing this drill slowly once I get to squat and square...and pause, I lose the kinesthetic awareness of the stretch-release factor that tells my brain there is power available. I feel like I need some momentum to complete the swing, but I have none. I'm OK with going slow and not stacking on a challenge until I've got prior momentment pattern correct. Would like some guidance on how to "get on with it" once I'm paused in the correct squat position.
June 29, 2017
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Hi Ted, Sounds like this is the result of you not getting enough weight into the lead side to feel the glute activate and you could be pausing to long. Knowing your swing as well as I do personally, I don't want you searching for power just yet. I want you focused on perfecting your movements in transition and then we will work on adding all sorts of speed once you get things further ingrained. You are getting much closer and I added a new game plan for you in your review today and I'm looking forward to seeing your progress.
June 29, 2017
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Ted
Got it, coach.
June 29, 2017
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GC
Want to ask on the weight shift movement and downswing for confirmation. Once the weight shift moves to the left, it starts with the left hip, however it's square. Then the next kicker - it should be the left lat turning. Then left lat (hips once squat is slowing down) starts turning and then the body "follows" the strong left lat muscle and completes turn. During this time - the shoulders want to be as quite as possible. Is that right? The shoulders are also following i.e. Passive rather than active turn - is that right?
June 11, 2017
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Matt
Well, shoot. I may need to start this as the start of my downswing, because nothing else has been working. It makes sense because my playing partners watched me shank 3 or 4 balls, in the middle of the fairway, because I was spinning my hips and leaving the clubface wide open, and my arms way behind. Is that a valid reason of the shanks? Happened on my chips as well.
May 30, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Matt. If your arms are left behind with spinning hips you may shank the ball. Especially, if you add a little early extension into the mix. Take a look at How to Cure the Shanks Video to understand the most common reasons.
May 30, 2017
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T David
I was working on this concept of the squat to square at the range yesterday. My question is on which muscles fire to initiate the move from the top to get to the squat position. I was resisting the old habit of pushing from the right side and using the core hip "bump" move/muscles to initiate this move, then pushing up through the inside leg muscles through impact keeping the shoulders soft and relaxed. Is this the correct thinking?
May 29, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Dave. I believe you are thinking about it correctly. You still go through the normal process of pulling the weight over with lead hip adduction and settling into the glutes. Then, using the push off of the ground (positing) for leverage while the upper half remains very passive.
May 29, 2017
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Wayne
I have a LOT of trouble with this area of the swing. I turn my shoulders too much and too fast so that I end up hitting a lot of ugly pulls. I think I'm a spinner. Is there a drill other than just doing the motion that I can use? Thanks.
May 26, 2017
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Hi Wayne, this is a pretty common mistake that we see. It's great that you have been able to identify that you are allowing the shoulders to unwind too quickly from the top of the swing. It's always best to keep working slowly on perfecting the movements and then as you become more proficient, start adding speed to the movements so that you can take them to the course. As far as another drill is concerned, maybe take a look at the Frisbee drill for downswing sequencing. Members have loved that video for this sort of issue. Hope that helps.
May 26, 2017
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Nacho
Hi Craig! Posted this comment in other vid. My question is about how to properly squat. My personal feeling is pushing my feet into the ground while keeping my torso as shut as possible and pulling my left arm down to keep both arms in front of my sternum. Please correct me if I wrong. Thank u and have a nice weekend!
May 13, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Nacho. I answered under the other video. Have a nice weekend as well.
May 13, 2017
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Hector
when you squat to square , what the position of the club related to the floor? parallel ? my confusion is the timing of the club at impact before the posting up ?
May 5, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Hector. Stop thinking so much about the club . I'm on to you! Going to be roughly parallel to the ground or with slightly more lag. It will not be below parallel. You don't need to think about the timing the post up is triggering you to release the club.
May 5, 2017
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T David
From the top of the swing, I know we want to use the pull of the left side through the downswing. However, what would be the proper order that that the left side muscles should fire in?
April 30, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Dave. You are looking in the first half of the downswing to pull the weight with lead hip adduction and settle into the glute. As you perform that the lead oblique will help you square the hips. As in the video above. The goal from there would be then to post up. Fire the glute pulling leverage out of the ground while the oblique helps you clear the hips.
May 1, 2017
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T David
Thanks. Craig. Is there a video that takes more about this lead hip abduction and lead oblique. Just trying to make sure I get this right.
May 2, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Dave. Preventing Hip Pain, Weight Shift Video Part 3, Rotary Golf Downswing Overview, and Perfecting Lower Body Stability all talk about or around those topics.
May 2, 2017
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Michael
When learning/practicing the squat move, should we also be focused on making a full shoulder turn each time, or is it better to make a smaller turn and really focus specifically on the feeling of making a squat to square?
April 19, 2017
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Michael, great question here! It's always best to keep ALL the movements in your normal swing, like making a full shoulder turn, consistent when adding drills of this nature to your swing. This practice will allow you to build a full swing movement pattern. Hope that helps.
April 19, 2017
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David
Hi Craig, I am getting the picture with the use of the body core to produce the motion to strike the ball and this drill has been a great help. The squat move does some great thing's like preventing the hip's spinning out, providing a stable base, automatic lowering of the arm's and retention of lag. On my most recent rounds, I have never hit the ball so far and so solid before and apparently with (what seems like) very little effort. In fact, at first, I did not realise where the power was coming from until I understood it really did come from the core - my hand's and arm's were doing very little. Backing all this up with the Sergio Webinar will, I am sure, boost the confidence I have alway's lacked previously and thank's for a great website - you guy's do a fantastic job.
April 11, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello David. Appreciate the post and positive feedback. Happy to hear you are seeing some results on the turf.
April 11, 2017
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Hector
Ok I can't do the squat movement because when I do the movement and try to hit the ball , I hit the ball behind with a big divot behind and not in front of the ball !!!! Who I initiate the squat movement ?
March 3, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Hector. Sounds like you are squatting too much. A sit or slight squat into the glutes. You aren't looking for a massive vertical drop. Do you hit behind on a practice swing? Focus more on a proper shift and sit. (Perfecting Lower Body Stability).
March 3, 2017
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Antonio
When you squat to square and shift the weight to your left side, is it correct to feel the weight on your left heel? Should it be more centred or towards the toes? Thanks
March 2, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Antonio. On the lead side over the ankle joint.
March 2, 2017
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BRIAN
Am I to feel a shift then squat, or just squat?
March 17, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Brian. Shift weight and into the squat.
March 17, 2017
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BRIAN
Thanks K's that feels better when I shift to the squat. I find my lead foot rolling out when I do this. Is this ok or should I work to stay flat footed?
March 17, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Brian. The lead foot is splaying out, or rolling on the outer edge of the lead foot?
March 18, 2017
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BRIAN
Rolling out
March 18, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Brian. You want to stay away from rolling on the outer edge of the foot during the shift. Take a look at Anchor to the Ground.
March 18, 2017
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BRIAN
Thanks
March 19, 2017
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Antonio
Awesome! I think I was putting too much weight towards the toes and was difficult to maintain balance and ground force from that position.
March 3, 2017
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Edwin
Sorry, correction to that last comment - meant to ask what I should be doing with left leg not right. Help! In my recent swing reviews Steve has advised that I should do the following drill: get to the top with weight on right side, pause for 3 to 5 seconds, then use left leg to shift weight to left side. I understand that it should feel like the left leg does all the work to bring the club from transition down to impact. The big question is: what should I physically be doing with my left leg? For example, do I have to be careful that I don't go too far with this and push my right knee through neutral joint alignment from the face-on view? Am I basically pulling my left glute/knee back (while shifting my weight left), so using my left leg to open my hips (without actually feeling like I'm trying to open my hips)?
January 24, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Edwin. The trail leg should basically be doing nothing. You want the trail leg very passive in the downswing. You don't want to push the lead knee through neutral joint alignment and thats why it is important to shift/post properly. Basically, externally rotating the lead knee to neutral, pulling the weight and using the lead oblique to square the hips. Then, positing up the lead glute/oblique to clear the hips and pull leverage from the ground. It will feel like the lead knee and slight oblique to start opening the hips from the transition point. Most don't need to activate any spin or big feeling of ripping the hips open.
January 24, 2017
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Edwin
Help! In my recent swing reviews Steve has advised that I should do the following drill: get to the top with weight on right side, pause for 3 to 5 seconds, then use left leg to shift weight to left side. I understand that it should feel like the left leg does all the work to bring the club from transition down to impact. The big question is: what should I physically be doing with my right leg? For example, do I have to be careful that I don't go too far with this and push my right knee through neutral joint alignment from the face-on view? Am I basically pulling my left glute/knee back (while shifting my weight left), so using my left leg to open my hips (without actually feeling like I'm trying to open my hips)?
January 24, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Edwin. I answered above.
January 24, 2017
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Konstantin
Hiya, as far as I remember the instruction regarding the squat was that one does the squat nothing else. Well, it seems to me that with the squat one drops the arm elevation too and it makes dropping the club. Is it true and I just didn't understand it or the arms still stay elevated during by the squat? Many thanks!
December 12, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Konstantin. You don't want to manually do a whole bunch with the arms coming down. However, you are correct in the fact when you shift into your squat. Allow for the arms to be relaxed/passive. So, you can have a little gravity blended with your pull. For ex. you can see it well in the Reshaping Your Swing for Lag Video.
December 12, 2016
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Loran
How is this move different than sitting to the left side? They differ in degrees and momentum? Will my knees increase bend when I perform the squat to square?
November 14, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Loran. Sitting Into the Lead Side is the same. This is only a newer videos with a little bit more detail. You will see a slight increase in knee bend, but not massive.
November 14, 2016
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Ashar
ok Squat means you sit and stand in one way. What i understood in this drill is just sit/squat, release the club head and standing movement would be automatic. Or do i have to stand up by my self. ??
November 2, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Ashar. You will need to train posting up on the lead leg to release the club after squat to square. You can see that in the Step 2 Video or the You Hit the Golf Ball with Your Legs video.
November 2, 2016
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Jess
Hi Graig this is Jess I watched the Tiger squat video and understand it. It looks like when you reach top of swing you then squat and the arms fall a three part move. When I make my backswing it feels like I start the squat as the arms elevate and when I'm loaded into right side I bump left and push off lead leg and arms fall into impact a two part move. I have a rather fast tempo like Tom Watson do you think that is why it feels like I squat into the backswing rather than being tall at the top and try to squat into the downswing? My move feels like a two part move with a snap at the bottom as I push up.
October 28, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jess. That would make sense. Especially, if you have a rather quick tempo. But, it also may be "Starting the Downswing Before Completing the Backswing" which is an athletic move. Your feeling of squat is the weight starting to sit back into the lead side early which helps with lag and power transfer.
October 31, 2016
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Jess
This is Jess, I have a question about when to squat. I am having great results with squatting as the club elevates in the backswing and pushing off ground as the club releases at impact. I can not get the sequence when I try to squat when the arms fall . It feels best when body is pushing up as arms and club are going down. I do not know if this makes Spence but I am gaining 10 to 15 yards.
October 24, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jess. Squatting is a great source of power. It sounds like you are maximizing leverage pull from the ground. Ideally, the club will fall as you shift into the lead side and squat. But, you could be allowing for a better pull from the body to help achieve proper positioning. Take a look at the Tiger Squat to understand more what is going on with your move.
October 24, 2016
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Frank
What drills can help to build squat to square?
October 1, 2016
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Frank, this drill and sitting into the left side and losing the tush line are the best drills to work on. It's always best to start slow and own the body movements without a club and then slowly add the club back into the mix when drilling. Hops this helps.
October 1, 2016
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David
When squatting how do you make sure that your upper body doesn't start to turn open. I am finding that my shoulders are opening too quickly? Thanks
September 28, 2016
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Steven (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello David. If you find that your shoulders are flying open too quickly as you squat, use the feeling of keeping your back towards the target or the chest away from the ball for as long as possible down into impact. Take a look at step 2 of the 5 step system. That will help clarify also.
September 29, 2016
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Loran
Then, the sequences are rotating the upper body, squatting, then hip slide, then hip turn, from the top of the backswing correct? Everything in this particular order?
September 23, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Loran. After the backswing, you will pull the weight into the lead side and sit into the squat. The torso will pull the hips a little to square. Take a look at Fixing Your Weight Transfer and the Rotary Golf Downswing Overview Video.
September 26, 2016
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Douglas
What do you feel while squatting to square? When I do it, I feel the squat, but I really don't feel rotation, though it seems like I'm getting to the correct position. Out of curiosity, I tried engaging my core, so I actually feel the rotation as I squat. I think this caused a bit of an overrotation as my arms felt more "behind" during impact.
August 30, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Douglas. It won't feel like a ton of rotation. Similar to the lead leg externally rotating properly and shifting the weight (Fixing Weight Transfer Video), or Sitting Into the Left Side Video.
August 30, 2016
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Taylor
First of all, RST has change my entire life and game, been using it a month now and I've never played or hit better. Regarding this video, I was initially using my left leg to turn towards the target as illustrated by the first 5 videos of RST, there was the discussion about having the lead leg turn toward the target to initiate the downswing like a baseball player would in a pitch. So I just want to have a clear understanding that his "hip to square" is along those same lines just a more advanced version. Thanks again... I'll be sending in my first self swing video soon! Dr Taylor Wright Utah Foot and Ankle forfeetsakeutah.com
August 25, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Taylor. You are performing the same lead knee external rotation movement in the drill above. Just expanded upon in a different way to help players that overly spin their hips in the swing. To feel more square (Belt Buckle Drill) rather than overly spin.
August 25, 2016
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Bruce
Where is the weight after "Squat to Square" is complete and then during the release ? Thanks
August 19, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Bruce. You will shift the weight to the lead side during the squat to square. About 80% will be on the lead side. During the release and post up the vast majority will still be on the lead leg.
August 19, 2016
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Bruce, most of the weight should have shifted over to the lead side. Try to aim for about 80% or after the squat. After the weight is transferred, its time to post up and release. The weight at impact should be right around 80% on the lead side and 20% on trail side.
August 19, 2016
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Michael
During the downswing, is the proper feeling of the squat and then posting-up of the lead leg that my butt moves in the shape of a "U"?
August 15, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Michael. You might feel a shape of a "U", but don't try to over exaggerate and create a big "U". You don't want the levels changing too much.
August 15, 2016
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Gareth
I'm sure the more I try this the more I'm doing a closed hip slide. If I practice squating to square against a wall I push right hip back and shift weight then to start down swing should I pull left butt cheek towards wall or shift laterally then turn?
August 14, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Gareth. Take a look at Fixing Your Weight Transfer and Step 2 (RST 5 Step System). Lead knee, weight and then oblique. As you start pulling the weight and oblique your lead cheek will start moving towards the wall.
August 15, 2016
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Ashar
I have been playing golf for last four years. Now i am doing these drills, while playing i am reluctant to incorporate these movements. If i keep practicing these movements on the range , would my body doing these automatically.
July 28, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Ashar. If you train properly the new movement patterns will make their way into your on course swing. Perfect Practice Makes Perfect Video.
July 28, 2016
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Stan
When we are starting out with the RST program is it necessary for us to incorporate the squat movement in order to hit the ball with good speed or can we sequence all of segments in a good manner and hit the ball well without the squat? I was thinking that maybe the squat movement was for more advanced golfers.
July 26, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Stan. The squat is a little for more advanced golfers. However, all golfers need to settle into the glutes. Feeling a little squat shouldn't be hard if sitting into the lead side is done properly.
July 26, 2016
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Wenyu
HI there, Do i need to get my leading natural hip joint alight on top of my ankle after the "squat" ? or is done during posting up from the ground?
June 30, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Wenyu. When you shift your weight your hip should be pretty stacked over the lead ankle joint.
June 30, 2016
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Wenyu
Hi Craig, therefore this squat movement requires a lateral movement together with the squat right?
July 1, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Wenyu. Yes, you shift into your squat. Pull the weight into the lead side and settle into the lead glute.
July 1, 2016
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Chuck
In watching this video, it seems to me that when you "squat to square", your head drops a little bit. When I try this I find that I hit behind the ball quite a bit. Perhaps I am exaggerating the move too much.
June 12, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Chuck. You might be exaggerating the move too much. The head will drop only slightly. More for visuals in the video.
June 13, 2016
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Edward
I have a question related to the tush line. When we squat to square after the backswing, does the right glute return forwards towards the front of the right foot, or does it maintain the retracted position it achieved following the 45 degree hip turn in the backswing? thanks.
May 23, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Edward. The trail glute/hip will rotate forward some to a square position with the hips. The lead hip will then pull behind you to keep any excess movement from the hips moving forward too much towards the ball. Take a look at the Chair Drill.
May 24, 2016
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Andy
Hello - Im working with james (dont know if your there James ) ). I can do the drills, get into the correct takeaway, top of backswing, then do the squat move, get correct weight shift and then get correct impact position and release through - all according to looking in the mirror and going real slow... Ive been doing this for a few weeks. yesterday I went to the range and tried mini swings with a ball.... and did it go wrong. Im presuming that because im in the correct positions (I use Self analysis as well as reviews and Mirrors) I simply havent done enough reps of the drills to ingrain? Ive done hundreds and not thousands yet.... so its not second nature, I simply went back to pushing and using my right side dominance...so effectively went back to square one... its time for patience I think... ?
April 25, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Andy. Changing motor patterns is a tough process. The old ones are really stubborn at wanting to let go. Sadly, it does require a lot of patience. I would advise two things to help you with your journey though. 1) Take a look at Perfect Practice Makes Perfect. 2) Work on things individually. If you are want to work on weight transfer. Solely do that at the range for awhile until you can perform the move. Don' try to do 5 things at once. From there slowly stack.
April 25, 2016
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Jason
hips have to open to square while you squat? squatting with closed hips that remain closed at end of squat is wrong?
February 29, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jason. The hips will rotate to square as you squat. When you start posting up into impact the lead oblique will start to open the hips into the strike. You want to shy away from a closed hip slide.
February 29, 2016
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Jason
so do I have to open the hips myself consciously as I squat? or is it automatic or they open "enough" by just squatting and left loading alone?
February 29, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jason. Take a look at the Perfecting Impact Bonus Video. Allow the lead knee to externally rotate first to shy away from a closed hip slide. Then, pull the weight over and sit into the glutes. Performing this motion correctly will open the hips (with slight oblique help).
February 29, 2016
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Rob
Hi guys, In my recent review, my instructor stressed that I maintain my touch line and pull from the left in my weight shift. I do not squat to square very well. Is this move, as discussed above, key to that concept? Is this move important to shallow out my swing and help me maintain lag? My review mentioned that I am fighting physics by trying to create/maintain lag by pushing off with my right side in the downswing. I find that I too often begin my downswing by pushing off my right side. I know that is not what I want in my swing but I find it difficult to break this habit. Thanks, Rob
February 8, 2016
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Steven (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Rob-The squat to square is a key component to start the downswing. It does a few things for your swing: helps keep your tush line, stops you from pushing off the right leg, helps maintain lag and shallows you out. This move is central to the downswing- focus on shifting the weight to the lead side while squating and you will see a multitude of things change for you in your downswing.
February 8, 2016
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Grady
I find this move very hard to accomplish while keeping my shoulders closed. I feel I get over the plane too much. For me to hit even a decent shot, i have to feel my hands drop significantly and I feel there is to much manipulation going on. Any thoughts?
January 12, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Grady. It sounds like you are over doing the squat move. You do need the arms/hands to fall, but it shouldn't feel contrived. Take a look at the How to Swing from the Ground Up Video.
January 13, 2016
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Seth
I've been working on this move and I notice that when I squat down I'm increasing my hip tilt and essentially it feels like I'm hyper extending my lower back. (I probably am). Is there a video that shows how to covert the "squat" move to the move where you lock out the left leg and tuck your butt under?
January 9, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Seth. Take a look at the Perfecting Lower Body Stability Video and the Straight Left Leg Video.
January 9, 2016
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Seth
Thanks. Are there any videos about "tucking your butt under" or flexing your glutes at impact?
January 9, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Seth. The Tiger Squat will discuss more glute engagement. However, I cannot recall a video about tucking under. The Squeeze the Cheeks will offer more about glutes at impact.
January 9, 2016
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Seth
Do I not need to think about tucking my butt under? Do you know the degree of tilt my waist should have at Impact if any?
January 9, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Seth. We want the hips to stay back into the hitting area, thus keeping you butt back. Tucking your butt under will allow the hips to move forward, which can cause your spine angle to change vertically and cause you to get more rounded in the back from the thoracic spine up in order to impact the ball. This will also decrease the radius, which can slow the club down. As far as a total amount of degrees, that will vary from one player to the next and one club to the next. It's important to maintain your spine angle from your address position, into the backswing, downswing and follow through for as long as possible. ​
January 10, 2016
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Rob
hi guys, In my last swing review, Steve advised me to shift my weight and externally rotate my left leg to start the downswing. Is that the same motion as in this squat to square video? As I start the downswing and shift my weight to the left side, do I keep my shoulders passive and closed? I have a hard time maintaining lag in my swing. Thanks for the help. Rob
December 30, 2015
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Steven (Certified RST Instructor)
hey Rob- Yes the squat to square helps with that external rotation of the left leg. and Yes again you want to keep your shouldrs passive/relaxed/closed as you start that initial shift into the lead side. I would also check out the re-shape your swing for lag video as well for lag
December 30, 2015
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Christopher
How much should you squat? How do I know if i'm squatting too much or not enough?
November 24, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Christopher. You will squat slightly. You will know too much if you can't clear the hips in enough time or feel you have to jump to create space at impact. Also, too little if you don't feel any glute engagement and the hips just tend to spin.
November 24, 2015
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claudio
Squating just to square is not what you see in long hitters like Rory Mcilroy and Dustin Johnson. Their hips are well passed square ( more than 45 degrees at impact). By squating just to a square poistion you are leaving a lot of distance on the table.
November 18, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Claudio. At impact the hips will be roughly 35 to 45 degrees open. The feel for a hip spinner is to engage the glutes, so the hips don't out race the shoulders too soon in the downswing. Not only to help with body safety, but maximizing distance with accuracy. Some players use their hips more than others. Take a look at the Hip and Hand Speed Video.
November 19, 2015
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Monty
I have to admit that my favorite part of each video is the anticipation of what hair do is Chuck going to sport!
November 4, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Monty. Chuck is into fancy hair do's and high fashion these days .
November 5, 2015
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Brian
When I squat to start the downswing my shoulders still rotate too fast and I come over the top. How can I fix this?
October 28, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Brian. You need to turn off the trail shoulder push. Over the Top Stick Drill and the Sledgehammer Drill.
October 29, 2015
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James
Craig if I did a slight latteral shift left like we are supposed to do in the backswing at the start of the downswing and then push into the ground would that work until I can squat properly ?
October 16, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello James. It sounds like you are on the right track.
October 16, 2015
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James
Hi so you dont have to squat to sit left you can squat then push off your left foot iam having great difficulty with this craig !
October 15, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello James. You need to shift first. Weight bearing on the lead side. Then, you will slightly squat and settle into the glutes. Then, the lead oblique will continue to pull the lead hip open as your straighten your lead leg.
October 15, 2015
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Donald
I need a little help since I am scoring much better and I'm more consistent even though I am not hitting farther, but would need to do so to get to the next level. (currently drives are averaging 225 and need another 25 yards). Am I correct that the first is the weight shift and then a squat to square as the arms are firing through on the target line? if so, can a practice sequence be mastering the weight sift and then adding the squat and arms firing almost like a 9 to 3 drill? If this correct, will it lead to the distance I need?
October 12, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Donald. Your sequence is correct and can help with speed. However, the key is to figure out why you are losing distance. I think a better way to add more pop would be lag and release. Work on some Lag and Speed drills, then master the Vijay Release. Get good angle and crossover through the ball.
October 13, 2015
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Erik
Hi. James referred me to this video to help with my over-rotation/hip-spin and getting my arms stuck in the swing. I've been doing all the drills, but when I actually am hitting golf balls, I have a tendency to hit the ground behind the ball on about 50% of the shots. I don't have this problem other than when I'm trying to do the squat to square move. I'm assuming that my weight is not shifting properly. Advice?
October 3, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Erik. Without seeing your swing I'm assuming that it is lack of weight transfer and firing the angle too soon. Use the Taking a Divot Video to make sure the weight gets planted properly and that you maintain some forward shaft lean for a good downward strike.
October 3, 2015
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Christopher
Regarding the hips - so .... do I understand this correctly ..... the motion of the hips from square to slightly open (at impact) is actually a result of the left leg straightening somewhat as we use the ground for leverage. As opposed to a conscience rotation of the left glute. Right?
September 19, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Christopher. Yes, it will open by a little more pull from the lead oblique and straightening of the lead leg.
September 21, 2015
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Scott
As a hip spinner, and someone who tends to block right due to that, this really helps. I feel like Mitchell though. I lose it on the back 9 somewhere and revert to my old habits. Need more practice...
September 14, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Scott. It takes time to ingrain the new motor patterns. You will get there. Keep up the good work!
September 15, 2015
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James
This video has just resurrected my love of golf and revolutionised my game. After hitting nearly 500 balls, I finally got it and what a difference it makes. The arms seem to take take of themselves and are just a byproduct of the correct weight transfer. How it has taken me 10 years to discover this, I don't know but I feel so excited about my next round. Thank you!!!!
September 14, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello James. Great! Always enjoy hearing the enthusiasm. Glad you are starting to resurrect your game. Thanks for the post!
September 14, 2015
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Jason
a quick comment about my last comment: I find that if I have my trail foot weight concentrated on the inside (ankle inward a little), the squat to square feel is looking more like on camera to be sitting into left (without me thinking of physically sitting left)
September 11, 2015
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james (Certified RST Instructor)
The right foot does want to roll in and with a better move from your left side that will happen fairly naturally. if you were pushing off the right side and or spinning the hips you would find the right heel drives off the ground.
September 11, 2015
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Jason
this video was recommended to me by James Rayson. I just had a swing review done where I gave him two face on videos to compare two different methods of initiating the downswing. I had a question for him or maybe another instructor: I am doing better with just thinking about squatting after I complete the downswing rather than physically trying to squat to the left. when I do a video of when I just think of squatting to start the downswing, I am getting some lateral shift anyway and I am more stacked on the left than I ever have been before. so I was curious if I can keep training on this or if I really need to be forcing myself to squat left (as emphasized more in the sitting into the left side video more than it is emphasized in the squat to square video) I worry about getting too far ahead of the ball if I add any deliberate attempt to squat left. thx for your help.
September 11, 2015
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james (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Jason, Sounds like you were over doing the squat left. Maybe pushing more with the right side to move laterally causing you to move past Neutral Joint Alignment. Keep going with what your doing, if your checking and your getting the weight stacked thats good. Your probably focusing on a better movement of pulling from the left side and the squat is helping you fire the glutes to stabilize the lower body.
September 11, 2015
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Mitchell
This stuff really works. One problem. I seem to lose it after about 14 holes. This particular drill along with lose the right hand on the down cock and wide narrow wide were breakthrough. One major problem. About 14 holes in I lose it from fatigue which destroys my timing and sequencing. . I was headed for a 84 today and ended up at a 92. What do you recommend during a round to keep up the tempo
September 7, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Mitchell. As the round goes along your body gets tired, but also your mind. When you start to get tired keep mental clarity. It usually goes out the window first and you start making up for it with unnecessary muscle engagement. Keep sharp on your goals and slow it down. It will help with sequence and timing.
September 8, 2015
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William
I have 'timed a flip' for a long, long time - this excellent drill, done properly and incorporated into my golf swing is the key to increased lag and a powerful release. Still working on it - but already paying dividends and feeling a lot more comfortable... Team RotarySwing are the best! William
August 29, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Thanks for the compliments William. Much Appreciated!
August 31, 2015
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Loran
Does posting to the left side of the body promote more power and speed...or tilting on the left hip socket?
August 24, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Loan. Posting on the lead leg helps promote power and speed. This allow you to stabilize the body better and pull leverage from the ground.
August 25, 2015
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John
Hi, this video was recommended to me at my last swing review. I understand the concept, but I am having a tough time with the sequence of when to straighten my left leg for impact. It feels like I squat and don't straighten my left leg soon enough. Any advice? Thank you.
August 22, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello John. Perfecting Lower Body Stability Video should help.
August 24, 2015
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Stéphane
Hi! When I try to push from the ground on left leg and pull with left oblics(in the release) my upper body stand up because my left leg is straightening and is getting higher. Is it normal or I should try to push from the ground and keep my head at the exact same height? Thanks a lot!
August 12, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Stephane. You will rise a little bit when trying to pull max leverage from the ground.
August 12, 2015
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Jason
I tend to be a hip spinner. I cannot get the weight to the left side with out just ripping everything open and lassoing the stupid club around me. Would you suggest that this squat to square is really the best drill for me?
August 1, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jason. Yes, this should help with the hip spinning. Also, the Belt Buckle Drill in the Advanced Downswing will help as well.
August 1, 2015
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Ravi
Working on this drill. Where does the weight shift occur in this drill? During the squat?
July 29, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Ravi. You want to shift the weight into the squat. Not squat and then shift.
July 29, 2015
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Ray
Not even Tiger can consistently break 75 with this move. I'm afraid that after watching 95% of the videos my swing is 99% worse.
July 28, 2015
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Ray -- We tend to think of a squat as more of an advanced move that you can add in once you get most of the other fundamentals in place. It is more important that you are shifting your weight properly and stabilizing the lower body. Have you watched the perfecting lower body stability video in conjunction with the sitting into the left side? Take things in small strides and do not focus on too many areas at one time and you will get better sooner than later. Let me know if you continue to struggle and I will make sure you get the assistance you need to get back on track.
July 28, 2015
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Matt
Can the squat lead to getting stuck? Or is it when you squat and hip spin almost simultaneously that causes this? It just looks like squatting reduces the amount of room for the right elbow coming down.
July 18, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Matt. If you squat too much you can get stuck. Too much vertical down movement and hip stall. If you are eating up space for your trail arm then make sure you aren't dropping too vertical and/or changing the spine angle.
July 18, 2015
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Robert
coat tailing a little bit here but if I have a deep backswing position and try to squat to square, I'm guaranteed to get stuck. I've found the four square drill in conjunction with squat to square is a killer combination.
August 26, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Rob. You are exactly correct. I like the 1-2 Combo you've got.
August 27, 2015
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Damien
Hello I have been having some problems with correct weight shift, which has lead to me pulling the ball a lot (with some fantastic distance, would have been good if it was straight). So I have been trying to work on my weight shift back to the left. However I was watching another video (Tiger Woods Squat move) and the comments there indicate that the Squat move is an advanced move, not for high handicapper (which I am). So should I be using the squat to square method to shift weight? Also is there a feeling or a start point in the body that the first action of pulling into the squat comes from?
July 16, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Damien. The squat aspect helps keep the hips from spinning too much, but won't help master the shift/pull to lead leg. Take a look at the RST Tempo Drill in the Advanced Introduction Section to help feel an easy way to shift the weight. The squat isn't advanced so much as the leverage pull out of the ground is. Work on training the shift first. You can also take a look at Swinging from the Ground Up in the Introduction Section for added help.
July 17, 2015
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Stephen
when I squat back to square I feel like my weight is not enough on my left lead side I feel like I am unable to produce the correct weight transfer from right side to left for correct impact and ball striking
June 17, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Stephen. You need to make sure you shift the weight. Shift into the squat so to speak.
June 18, 2015
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Lee
When you squat should your the back of your knees stay over your ankles so that you keep the weight where it should be as far as in the center of your ankle or is it ok for your knees to move forward some when you squat? I guess what I am asking is the correct form of the squat as far as trying keep the knees where they are in relation to towards the ball and away from the ball and just lowering your bottom to squat. Thanks.
June 12, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Lee. Your knees might move forward slightly, but you want to stay away from excess knee motion towards the ball. More glute engagement than adding too much knee bend.
June 12, 2015
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Lee
Ok, so when you feel the glutes engage then you should not squat any further than that? Or is there a benefit to squating further sometimes in that you can pull more power from the ground?
June 13, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Once you feel them engage you don't really need to squat any further. If you are trying to hammer one out of the park by using more leverage. You can add a touch more squat, but the majority of time you don't need a massive squat or vertical drop.
June 13, 2015
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Sergio
Hello, I have a doubt regarding the knees flexion during the squat move. I notice that when I squat, or try to seat on the left side to shift weight, I have no counter resistance of my knees, so I can flex the knees and decrease my height from just a few inches to several centimeters. I might be doing something wrong because that's a lot of variation. Looking forward to your comments, thanks in advance.
June 1, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Sergio. It sounds like you are letting the weight go towards the toes and engaging the quads too much. Don't over do the squat. Its a slight squat and load bear on the glutes. You will drop slightly, but don't want to drop a foot.
June 1, 2015
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Christopher
Please confirm two points that I think critical in this drill: #1 - When you squat, you MUST "allow" your arms to drop .... while #2 ...... remembering to keep your shoulders closed (i.e. back to the target). It seems so obvious now, but I somehow glossed over those points in the past. As I squat, once my arms have dropped (while keeping my shoulders closed) I can feel what a great position I'm in to swing to release. I suddenly have all this room to be aggressive.
May 22, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Christopher. Yes and yes. You need to allow the arms to fall a little when shifting/squatting to the lead side. The trail shoulder needs to remain passive so the feeling will be that the shoulders stay closed.
May 22, 2015
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Loran
I feel totally opposite...when I let my arms drop and my shoulders square, I have no control over muscle power. And the follow through zips through so fast I cannot focus on decelerating my hips for more power. Why?
August 24, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Loan. The downswing is a blend of gravity and pull. Some may feel more of fall than others. It sounds like you go completely dead and that's what throws off your feeling. Focus more on a blend.
August 25, 2015
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ron
I tend to really move my head forward (slide) as I turn my hips to impact. What happens with the head, it looks like you get the club head through the shot then you move head to finish? Or keep it there the whole time? Thanks, Ron
May 1, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Ron. The head will move in the golf swing. You shift the weight 1 inch into the trail glute and then 3 inches to get back into the lead glute. The head is connected to the body. Therefore, we don't have a whole lot of control over this and we wouldn't want too anyway. When releasing the club though try not pull it out of the shot too early though. Release and let it get pulled through by the momentum and deceleration of the swing.
May 2, 2015
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Christian
amen.
April 13, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
I know the view looks like Chuck is in the heavens. But, the drill is good too!
April 14, 2015
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Christian
gorgeous back drop there. I am working on my squat to square. I notice that after impact I will bend my left knee and then straighten. This tells me that I am trying to get down to hit the ball. Actually we need to already be down and use the ground as leverage to come back up. one of our best golfers on our high school team swung like this. I use to make fun of him. Now I understand that he was using the ground for leverage and boy did he hit it good.
April 14, 2015
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Tom
When I shift the weight to the left side and squat, do I wait until the hips have "cleared" through to about 45 degrees open before pushing up from the left leg or is this a dynamic type of move and both are happening at the same time?
April 5, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Tom. They are working together. A little more of a dynamic move. Take a look at Perfecting Lower Body Stability in the Weight Shift Advanced Section and the Straighten Left Leg Drill in the Advanced Downswing Section.
April 5, 2015
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Seth
I don't know what's more sick.... those shades or that view.
April 3, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Seth. I'm going to go with the view and the particular hole. It has a waterfall on it!
April 3, 2015
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charles
A comment, not so much about the squat move itself but about the comments in this video about "releasing". In general I have come to think of the release move as something that mostly happens after impact, i.e. your forward arm forearm finally rotating over. On the other hand there seems to be a concept of slowing down the rotation of the shoulders so that the arms can then accelerate into impact. For example, for me a good swing thought is locking the trail shoulder shortly after the squat/square move to allow the arms to be catapulted. However I don't think of this as the release rather one part of the kinetic chain. Am I thinking of this correctly?
March 31, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Charles. You are going about your thoughts correctly. Technically, not was is actually happening though. The face is always rotating and when you stall out the body. The wrist really starts to release the angle into the ball. It might feel as if it happens after. But, a lot taking place between the trail thigh and the ball.
March 31, 2015
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JONATHAN
When I perform this drill I feel like my head and shoulders are dropping a few inches when I squat. Is this normal or am I getting to deep in the squat?
March 28, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jonathan. You will feel a little vertical drop. However, you can over do the squatting motion. If you are feeling a big change in height, it might be too much.
March 28, 2015
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Frank
Is the depth of aquat proportional to length of club? With pros on TV the squat is very noticeable on longer clubs and not visible to me on shorter clubs. Is this an optical illusion or does depth of squat vary with club length? If so, why?
March 24, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Frank. The length of club doesn't need to determine the amount of squat. Think about it as power. The shorter irons are for more precise targets and finer tuned in yardages. Bigger clubs are for power and longer distances. The seemingly bigger squat is to stabilize the hips and pull more leverage out of the ground for potential speed.
March 24, 2015
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Scott
I think I understand this drill and am working on fixing loosing the tush line. But when I get to the squat position, I feel like Charles Barkley and I can't seem to transition once squatted to any type of a swing.
March 14, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Scott. You might be over doing the vertical motion and stabilizing with the glutes too soon. Focus more on shifting the weight to the lead foot first. Shift into the squat for a smoother transition and not stall out too soon.
March 14, 2015
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Manuel
I've been doing the sit to the left side drill to maintain the tush line, but what I notice is that when I push up from the squat position as Chuck states in this video, I lose the tush line at impact. My right leg is passive so I assume that I'm not pushing from the right. Is this correct and normal? Thanks!
March 4, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Manuel. You probably are trying to pull the leverage out of the ground too much vertically and not pulling the lead hip away with the oblique. Take a look at the Straight Left Leg at Impact Video in the Downswing Advanced Section.
March 4, 2015
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dave
Two questions regarding this video. Is it an advanced drill? Will this drill accomplish the same thing as step and stomp to get your weight over to the left as you begin the downswing? Thank you
February 24, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Dave. Anyone can use this drill that has a hard time shifting and not spinning too much at the same time. The stomp drill will help you train more what the weight shift will feel like versus this is geared more towards shift and inhibiting too much spin.
February 24, 2015
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Norman
Hi Guys, in the "increase golf swing speed by decelerating" video by Clay, there is a drill to stall the hips at the impact position whereby the hips are 30-45 degrees open and the shoulders are square to the target line. In this video, Chuck mentions that we should squat to square which will make our hip parallel to the target line. Therefore by combining these 2 videos, the feeling would be 1) Squat to square 2) Fire the arms and post up 3) Stall the hips at impact by posting up on the left leg. Is this right? Thanks.
January 24, 2015
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R.J. (Certified RST Instructor)
Norman, No, you open the hips first before you fire the arms and post up the left leg. If you straighten the left leg before you try to open the hips, you won't be able to rotate them behind you like you should. Your right hip at that point will move out towards the ball, swinging like a gate, instead of the right hip following down the same line created by the left and right hip at impact. This thought isn't on the website, it's just how I had to visualize the hip movement to get my left hip to rotate behind me. R.J.
January 25, 2015
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Franz
Your Videos give me exact the detailed information I have always been looking for. Thank you.
January 19, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Franz. Pleased to see you like the videos and detailed information.
January 20, 2015
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Donal
I am a major hip spinner, which is ruining my game with lots of pushes and duck hooks but think this drill is going to really help. At 1.34 surely there is a lot of hand drop in addition to the squat?
January 11, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
The arms will work down using pull and gravity. You need to allow for the little bit of drop. Take a look at the Re-Shaping Your Swing for Lag in the Introduction Section. Pay close attention to the discussion on arm drop and gravity.
January 11, 2015
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Donal
Thanks very much for the reply and for clarifying this!
January 11, 2015
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Tom
good video... I am a +2 and have had success of feeling rotation of my body once I have done a squat to square, all in one motion dynamically. The rotation keeps the club from flipping at the bottom. Besides releasing the snott out of the club, do you feel torso rotation once weight is over the left side, to help keep the club square through impact?
December 3, 2014
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R.J. (Certified RST Instructor)
Tom, If you want to learn to start to square the club face a little earlier so that your release doesn't rely on timing of a flip, then check out this "trace the plane" video. http://www.rotaryswing.com/videos/full-swing-advanced/downswing/trace-the-plane-line R.J.
December 4, 2014
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ira
IM finding it nearly impossible to load up on the right and move into the left w/o pushing from the right. I guess I'm suppose to pull with the left, but I can't seem to figure out a trigger, or any sorta swing thought that gets me to the left without pushing to the right. ideas?
November 14, 2014
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R.J. (Certified RST Instructor)
Ira, Externally rotate your left thigh to help yourself get started. R.J.
November 14, 2014
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ralph
Thank you for your detailed explanation of why I should not think about standing up through the shot I think I understand the concept a little better now ....one more thing. On video i have ( what i feel is) a very nice, fluid swing (chicken-wing free) when there's NO ball to hit. Once I put a ball down it all changes.I start to get fast and I chicken-wing coming through. Am I a mental case, or what?
November 12, 2014
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R.J. (Certified RST Instructor)
Ralph, Nope, it's not called a "little white devil" for nothing. Basically, what is happening is that when the ball is not there, you're going through all of the steps and not thinking about the result. When you put the ball down, you're thinking about hitting the ball hard so, I'm guessing that you're coming down too quickly from the top and if that is the case, check out this video to help you with that. http://www.rotaryswing.com/videos/tour-pros/sang-moon-bae-hips-for-lag R.J.
November 13, 2014
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ralph
Should I be thinking yes, okay stand up but hit down coming through impact
November 11, 2014
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R.J. (Certified RST Instructor)
Ralph, At no point in your golf swing should you be saying to yourself "stand up". Standing up out of the shot is one of the most common problems that amateurs have. I still have problems with it from time to time. But if you don't stay anchored to the ground, you won't be able to support the rotation of your body and the more you stand up in your shot, the less ability you have to be anchored. Your body starts falling towards the momentum of the club, heels start coming off the ground and when that happens, it's hard to be consistent and there is a major loss of club head speed. If anything, you should be thinking "sit". Now, if you're talking about your left leg extension in order to stall your hips so that you can properly transfer your energy up the chain, that isn't a standing motion. The belt level only raises about an inch in that leg straightening move and thinking "stand up" will make that belt move closer to about 6". There are rarely amateur golfers that overdue the increase of spine angle or squatting. That's generally a problem that professionals have. So, think more about the squatting and increasing of your spine angle during your shot and chances are you'll actually be maintaining it, instead of actually increasing it, but if you actually are increasing spine angle and squat significantly on tape, back off of it a little bit because you don't want to injure yourself, but you certainly never should be thinking about standing up, that's going to cause problems. R.J.
November 11, 2014
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Dave
If anything, you should be thinking "sit".......well sh&t! Now you tell me....Finally figured this out on the range after reading this. However, I am topping more than usual. Well this subside as the move becomes ingrained?
April 4, 2015
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Richard C Reumann
So at around 2:10 when the video mentions "to release you start pushing off your left leg" should we ignore that cue if we have an issue coming out of our spine angle too soon? Also, I'm curious what are the most common reasons for chunking when I try to really make sure I squat into the left. Am I correct in the assumption that the drop from the squat should probably equal the same amount of distance as the shoulder elevation raised your arms in the backswing? This would make sure things are on plane when the squat/left weight shift causes the arms to drop? Obviously without a video you can't diagnosis my particular issue here, but if there are some common causes you see of why one could be hitting fat here when one tries to make a conscious effort to squat into the left, I'd appreciate it. As always, thanks.
November 14, 2014
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R.J. (Certified RST Instructor)
Rick, What most people think about when they straighten the leg is that they should be pushing the heel into the ground and push straight up, but you should be pushing the heel into the ground and pushing on the same angle in which your club is coming into the ball, it's a counter measure to balance your weight and when you push away on the same angle that you throw your hands out, it causes more of a whipping action at the bottom of the swing arc. So as your club goes down and out towards the ball, your hips should be going up and back, instead of going straight up or straight towards the target. Don't ignore it completely, just think about it a different way. Common causes of chunking - Too much secondary axis tilt (leaning too far away from the target) - Losing lag from the top of the swing (sweeps the club along the ground, eventually digs into ground) - Getting too steep and releasing the lag too early (lays the sod over the ball from digging the leading edge into the ground behind the ball) - Overactive squat move or never "releasing the squat" by pushing left heel into ground and extending left leg - Poor release I hope this helped R.J.
November 14, 2014
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david
Driving up on the L leg from the squat to strike the ball creates a thin shot.
October 22, 2014
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R.J. (Certified RST Instructor)
David, If this is happening for you David, there are a few things that might be happening that you're not realizing. 1. Your arms aren't getting enough extension. Sometimes when we force the body up, the arms want to do the same if they are too tense, but relaxed arms will be forced to extend as the weight of the club pulls them towards the ground. 2. When you push your left heel into the ground, you're standing up out of the shot or hiking the left shoulder up. 3. Like number two, when you push into the ground, you're lifting your head. 4. Your ball is positioned too far back or too far forward 5. like number 4, when you're concentrating on pushing up with your left leg, you're neglecting to shift your weight entirely to the left side, which is changing where the swing naturally wants to bottom out. Check these out in the mirror or on video tape. These are common causes to topping the ball when first learning to extend the left leg going into impact. R.J.
October 23, 2014
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Brian
Oaky, trying to fit the various puzzle pieces together. I am one who likes to see how things are connected and to not view drills and/or moves separately. So...how is squat to square, sitting into the left side, turning with the left oblique, and decelerating the hips all connected? Seems as though they are all teaching different principles and some are contrary to the other. For example, sitting into the left side doesn't jive with squat to square and turning through with the left oblique is about getting the necessary hip speed and rotation while pushing up through the left leg is supposed to decelerate the hips, which is what a golfer wants in order to create speed through the hitting area. Any clarification would be great so I can "see" interconnection.
October 22, 2014
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R.J. (Certified RST Instructor)
Brian, I can understand your frustration. I can promise you though, none of these drills are contradictory. Allow me to explain: When we squat to square, we are, in affect, sitting into the left side because we squatted to square with our left hip joint over top of the left ankle joint, thus activating the left glute. The square part of squatting to square refers to returning the hips to their starting position in respect to their rotation; however, the weight is transferred two inches forward of the starting position. Essentially, squatting to square and sitting into the left side is the same action, just a different way of describing it because we don't all understand concepts the same way. In both drills, you're moving laterally back to the left via pulling with the left side and rotating the hips back to parallel with the target line. The pulling of the left obliques, lats, hip adductor muscles or activation of the left glute doesn't start to occur after squatting to square, it's what causes the squat. The pulling motion of the muscles on the left side happens from the top and continues until right before impact. Right before impact, the left leg straightens, which stalls the entire body, except for the arms, which now sling shots the club head freely towards the ball. Here is a step by step sequence of the lower body for the golf swing. For this example, closed means rotation away from the target, square means parallel to the target line and open means rotation towards the target. 1. Top of the swing - Our backswing is completed. Our shoulders are rotated 90 degrees closed and our hips are rotated 45 degrees closed. Our knees are square to the target line and have not slid laterally. 2(a). The left groin and left hip adductor muscles pull the body towards the target, stopping over top of the left ankle joint. 2(b). The left obliques, left lat and left hip adductor muscles rotate the hips back to square and aligned over top of the left ankle joint with the left hip. The right ankle is rolled in slightly so that the outside edge of the foot is slightly coming off the ground. Not the heel, the outside edge of the foot. It should feel like the arms and shoulders are staying in their starting positions of the downswing. You want to feel like you're leaving your shoulder shut and arms up high, but that's physically impossible while pulling with the oblique and the lats. Your left arm at this point will be parallel to the ground and your shoulders will be 45 degrees shut, but this will happen naturally, you won't be focusing on making this happen. 3. The lats and the obliques continue to rotate the hips to 45 degrees open. As this happens, the shoulders are rotated to square. The arms are almost perpendicular to the ground and the hands are just behind the right thigh, looking face on. The club should be parallel to the ground at this point. It's okay to be a little higher than parallel, but you don't want to be lower than parallel at this point. 4. Simultaneously as the glutes activate and the left leg straightens, the right elbow fires and the hands release the club towards the ball. At this point, the shoulders should still be square, the hips should still be 45 degrees open. This is the step where everything in the body stalls while the arms and club fly through. 5. The body will remain stalled as the club releases well past the moment of impact. It will be the force of the club that pulls the body up, rolls the right foot onto its toe and allows the head to lift to track the ball. At this point, the follow through should be a natural reaction to what the body just went through. If you want a visual that puts all of these drills together watch RST Instructor Chris Tyler's video "Sang-Moon Bae Hips for Lag" video in the new videos section. R.J.
October 23, 2014
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Robert
woah woah woah ha. So after the weight shift, the left obliques should be firing before we're square? e.g. Weight shift -> obliques + lats + adductor facilitates squat -> keep pulling with all of the above -> stall -> release? I always thought I got to square first, then began pulling with everything else from the bottom up e.g. obliques -> lats ... I may be engaging the obliques too late. Do we engage them directly after the shift, before we're square?
August 26, 2015
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LK
Great verbal explanation!!!
February 13, 2015
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Chris
I've been working on squatting to square and my question is does you belt buckle eventually point down the target line at the completion of your swing???
October 22, 2014
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R.J. (Certified RST Instructor)
Chris, Yes, once the momentum of your swing picks your head up and pulls your back foot up on to its toes then your body should be fully rotated where your hands and belt buckle are pointed at the target in front of the torso. R.J.
October 22, 2014
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Steve
I'm working on the squat to square drill but finding hard to flow smoothly to release the club. I'm finding that the squat move seems to put the breaks on and my hands and arms take over losing consistency. Do you have any advice on how to combine the squat move with the release of the club? Thanks.
October 16, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Steve. Drill the squat to square. Then, combine in one motion. Use the impact bag and lead arm only training. Just like the Re-Shaping You Swing for Lag in the Introduction Section. Use the lead arm to make it a little more flowing and really feel the release of the club.
October 16, 2014
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Denzil
Craig, again I must ask the question; how is it the vast majority of the instruction videos on this site (and most others for that matter) use irons to demonstrate the drills? Is it because of the shorter shafts? It would be really nice to see the driver being used for most of the backswing and downswing instruction. I would want to think the beginner/average golfer has most issues with his/her driver (and yes, same here). Again, the drills are excellent but I am struggling to master the Squat to Square with my driver as I would love to move away from the hip spinning technique.
October 8, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Denzil. I see what you are saying. When training new movement patterns it is easier with an iron. The club is closer and you can feel the weight. You tend not to rush elements and worry about speed. I understand that you would and some of the members would like more videos done with the Driver. I will tell the team for you. We do appreciate the feedback. Thanks Denzil.
October 9, 2014
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Tom
I am working on this very issue now and have a couple of questions: 1. It seems that in order to engage the glute with a squat move is more subtle than dramatic, 2. by squatting the oblique will automatically pull the hips open? 3. I have a rotary connect, how should it feel when I use it for this drill, 4. lastly, does the tush line have to stay the same from backswing to impact or will it move slightly? thanks in advance.
October 1, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Tom. The squat/shift is a dramatic move. You don't want to drop by a foot to perform. Focus on very subtle and correct engagement. The obliques do pull the hips open, but it won't automatically happen due to the squat. With a RC between the knees it should feel as though your legs are staying very stable and the trail leg isn't pushing resistance against the trail cuff. Ideally, the tush line will remain as constant as possible. It can tend to move a little. Just shy away from early extension.
October 1, 2014
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Niall
By squatting back to square, are you basically back at your set up position with the lower body with the same amount of knee flexion but now with your weight back to the inside of the left heel?
September 30, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Niall. It sounds like you are on the right track.
September 30, 2014
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Martin
I've noticed on the swing analysis tools and videos of the pros that there are essentially three head height positions during the swing. One at address, another lower head position at the top of backswing, which leads to another yet lower head position into the squat and into impact. What is the primary cause of the first lower head movement during the backswing, is it bending the right knee during initial take away, or increasing spine angle over the ball?
September 30, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Martin. The load into the glute would lead to a slight drop. Don't consciously try and drop the head. Loading the glute and keeping the knee flexion is what you want to create.
September 30, 2014
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I cant seem to be able to mark this to my favorites? think there might be an issue with the button
September 28, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
I will notify technical support for you. Thanks.
September 28, 2014
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Niall
Great video. Just wondering re timing/ sequencing of movements. In squatting to square, am I right in thinking that during this time the arms are moving down the chest while the shoulders aren't opening? Does the next movement after this involve the r hip opening slightly against a straightening left leg while simultaneously the shoulders start to open as you pull from the obliques and lats?
September 24, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Niall. You sound like you are on the right track with your order. Only the lead hip (Left Hip Right Handed) will be opening slightly as you pull from the oblique. Don't put conscious effort into rotating from the trail hip (Right Hip Right Handed).
September 25, 2014
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Maritxa
Wow - Chuck really - you wait till the end of my season to give me this LOL! I am NOT doing this at all but it is so simply explained in this video! Looking forward to Fall/Winter practice - this drill is awesome - thank you! Maritxa (now a solid 12 handicap thanks to you guys and still got a bunch to learn).
September 23, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Thanks Maritxa! Sorry, for the delay. You will now have time to own the move during the offseason.
September 23, 2014
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Kevin
Fantastic Video !!!!!!
September 21, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Thanks Kevin!
September 21, 2014
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Robert
I love the simplicity of this video especially as a broad stroke picture of a good golf swing. After squatting / shifting to square, how much left oblique pulling is involved. More specifically we don't keep pulling with the left oblique until impact. At some point is the left lat, delt, and arm taking over, then we release through the ball? So squat -> oblique pull -> left arm pull -> release. Are we done pulling with primarily the left oblique by the time we get to level shoulders at impact, allowing the arms to swing through? Simply looking for a body-part oriented sequence after the squat. I understand everything's connected but physiologically, what are the key drivers of the swing leading up to the release after squatting.
September 19, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Rob. Your sequence is correct. There will still be a little pull. Everything will just be decelerating to maximize the release of speed through the hitting area. Take a look at the How the Lower Body Works Video Downswing Section. Also, the Acceleration Profile and Increase Swing Speed By Deceleration in the Advanced Downswing Section.
September 19, 2014
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felice
Hi guys. I'm a little confused with the squat to square video And losing the tush line video. Is the squat in actuality a shift left THEN rotation of the hips or a simultaneous shift and rotate. Also will i be dropping (losing height). Many thanks.
September 17, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Felice. As you shift into the left side and start squatting to load the glutes. Your lead side oblique will start to pull the lead hip. Shift the weight/squat then allow the oblique to pull the hip open. You won't be dropping a lot. All you are wanting to do is load and engage. Not drop big distance in height.
September 17, 2014
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felice
Thanks Craig so does this go back to the weight shift video where you shift back to the left 3 inches then pull with the obliques.
September 18, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Felice. Yes, you are correct. You want to get the 3 inch shift to the lead glute and pull with the obliques.
September 18, 2014
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demetrios
what's a good thought to have to prevent getting too steep when you squat or sit? because the tendency is for my whole body to lower which has made me chunk some iron shots, i'm guessing my shoulders are supposed to stay level even though i'm squatting?
September 16, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Demetrios. Sounds like you are dropping and not squatting. Just engage the glutes. You don't need to drop a foot. Shift the weight and add some squat/glute engagement. If you are tending to get steep with your plane and club. Use the LADD Video in the Downswing Section to shallow out the lead arm correctly.
September 16, 2014
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Chuck
I am partialy paralysed in my left side. Poor to no sensation in my left gute, thigh and calf. Can you think of a way I could Make this move.
September 16, 2014
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Chuck -- Can you tell us more about your range of motion that you have on the left side of the body?
September 16, 2014
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DON
I'm a new subscriber and I like this. Assuming I can do this it answers one of the heretofore mysteries of how to start the downswing. I've heard so much about turning the hips to get power. I've heard the pros and cons of a lateral shift then firing the hips and standing up on the finish. I have never heard that the hips actually decelerate after the weight is on the left side. And then using the firm left side to pull the arms and hands and club through th hitting zone. Squat to square appears to be all you need to get into position t create acceleration and maximum clubbed speed. Where's this been all my life!!!!!
September 16, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Thanks for becoming a new member. Happy to see you enjoyed some new insight about making your downswing more efficient.
September 16, 2014
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james
It appears to me that when I squat I am also loading up the left side. Is this what I am supposed to feel?
September 16, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello James. As you load into the glutes and squat. You should feel some load on the lead side.
September 16, 2014
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Eugene
Have worked on sequencing in the past with sitting into the left leg drills to start down, but didn't really "get it." This squat to square drill had me experience what getting leverage from the ground is. Best ball striking round in some time. Plus, my swing speed with a 9 iron is 3-4 mph faster without any more effort. Thanks for the video.
September 14, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Eugene. Keep increasing your speed! Thanks for the positive post!
September 15, 2014
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Gary
like this one , why cant I make it a fav?
September 14, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Gary. You should be able to use the link directly below the video to add it to your favorites folder.
September 14, 2014
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Tim
I'm just getting back into golf this year after a 15 year layoff and it shows.Most of my problems have been topped tee shots and when I do connect very little distance. I believe I have been coming out of posture with too much turn matching arm speed. This drill should be very helpful as I do remember my hips going to parallel to line to start downswing instead of trying to turn well beyond . I'm going to work on this drill and five minutes to a perfect release. Any other drills you could suggest would be appreciated.Thanks
September 14, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Tim. If you are coming out of your posture you are probably having some early extension as well. Work on maintaining the glute engagement with the Losing the Tush Line Video in the Advanced Downswing Section.
September 14, 2014
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Jack
Is it possible to have an online lesson with Chuck Quinton. If needs be i will pay extra money
September 12, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jack. I apologize that we unfortunately do not have the system setup right now for Chuck to perform online lessons.
September 12, 2014
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ken
"Maintaining knee flex" video kinda answers my question but I would still appreciate a reply. KM
September 12, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Ken. Yes, this is an advanced move. Mastering the weight shift will make this much easier. The weight transfer is the most important aspect you need to learn before working on maximizing hip acceleration/deceleration with leverage from the ground.
September 12, 2014
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ken
OK Chuck. In this and the 5 min to perfect downswing you say first move down-- squat to square. In the downswing overview video you say and also demonstrate very well the first move down-- weight shift to the left by virtue of pushing the left heal into the ground and pulling from the left hip. So what am I missing here? Is the squat to square a more advanced move for hip spinners who have already mastered weight shift? I can't see how is would constitute a weight shift if you are pushing both heals into the ground. Is it the beginning of weight shift? Please clarify.
September 12, 2014
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Chuck (Certified RST Instructor)
They should really be one in the same. When you're squatting, you should be shifting.
September 12, 2014
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Huw
Hi Chuck,thanks so much for this video.It has helped enormously.For me this move seems to provide stability,weight shift,power and consistency. Full house for me.
September 13, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Huw. Thanks for the post! Seems like you are on the right track to some great ball striking.
September 15, 2014
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Paul
This is a great explanation . It all makes sense now. Lets put this into practise and get some distance. Thanks.
September 12, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Paul. Thanks for the good feedback! Appreciate the post!
September 12, 2014
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Alan
This insistence on an up and down motion of the head only seems to complicate things. I have a hard enough time not hitting fat or thin without "lowering your level", in the words of Nick Faldo. I've had pretty good success in changing my swing to get more lag by simply firming up my lower body while trying to increase my upper body turn. Trying to duck and come back up makes me much more inconsistent in hitting the sweet spot on my irons. Less lower body seems to transfer the turn into more clubhead speed. I may change my mind later, but it goes against 40+ years of instruction.
September 12, 2014
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Chuck (Certified RST Instructor)
Alan, the past 40 years of instruction have got us in the golf industry where we are - no change in handicaps in 4 decades! This move isn't as dramatic as you may think. But the golf swing is dynamic and movement is ok. If you're having a hard time making solid contact and hitting the sweetspot, then this is much too advanced too worry about at this point and you should make sure the other fundamentals are in place long before worrying about this.
September 12, 2014
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Alan
Also Chuck, I think every generation of teacher thinks they have the key to improving the masses. I know Hogan thought so when he wrote 5 Lessons. It just won't happen. When I made the comment about the fat and thin shots, i was referring to the past month I've been a paying member here. I'm working on more lag. One thing that happens to me is I get too focused on lag and my upper body gets in front of the ball and I hit it fat and then over react and hit it thin. I'm in the process of a big swing change and it all crashes every now and then. The reason I'm here is I'm 6' and 180 lbs and I've always hit my 7 iron between 150 and 160. I see Ricky Fowler hit his 185 and I want to do it too. So, I'm enjoying the info here, but I'm somewhat on overload with all the great insight you guys are putting out. I really do appreciate and enjoy this site. Thanks again!
September 13, 2014
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Alan
Chuck, I've been watching the guy in the videos at the start of each one where the clubhead speed shows up while he's swinging and the jingle plays. It doesn't seem that his head drops any during the downswing. I don't know, maybe it's just me trying to keep as few movements as possible in my swing. I haven't sent in a video yet, maybe I need to. But as far as making solid contact, I was a 4 about 6-8 years ago. I bought a small airplane and didn't play 6 rounds in 5 years. I can make solid contact. It's just that a vertical movement of the head just seems wrong to me. But then again, the first golf lessons I remember were Gary Player tips in the sports section of the local paper. Thanks for the response. I'll get the other things down and maybe try again later.
September 13, 2014
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Chuck (Certified RST Instructor)
Hi Alan, the "guy" in the start of all the videos is me and my head didn't drop much in those videos and doesn't need to. When I'm talking about the squat move your head doesn't have to drop 6 inches and shouldn't - unless you're trying to get a lot of power and leverage out of the swing. On a stock shot (I'm hitting a smooth 5 wood in that video and hitting it straight) your head can stay pretty level but that doesn't mean that it can't or won't drop a little. That video is about 5 years old and over time (not all at once!!!) I've added more squat and less rotation and this has helped me control my impact conditions much more and made it much easier to shape shots more consistently as I'm not spinning my hips and shoulders as much as I did back when that video was shot. Because I used to spin more, I squatted less like you saw. This resulted in my misses predominantly going to the right, and now I predominantly miss to the left which I my preferred miss and this is part of how that change was possible.
September 13, 2014
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dustin
Exactly !!! If one swing isn't consistent to hit sweet spot, this move is way too advance for the one !!! However, Chuck you properly not mention in the video that even though you squat and post up on your leg to get speed, you still need to control your head and your spine angle making sure your swing arc bottom will have minimum changes as possible. Just my thought so people don't mis-understand the purpose of this move !!!
September 12, 2014
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kazuhiko
Question: When you do the squat and square, do you "feel" that your back is still facing the target (even though there is some unwinding of the shoulders) as your arms are dropped down naturally to the 9 o'clock position. If so is this feel a good way to practice? Thank you Kazuhiko
September 12, 2014
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james (Certified RST Instructor)
Yes this is a good way to practice especially if you struggle with spinning too quickly from the top
September 12, 2014
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When hips is square what is postion of the shoulder relative to the target line.
September 12, 2014
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james (Certified RST Instructor)
Shoulders will be slightly closed in relation to square after the squat move as you also want to make sure your not spinning your shoulders from the top of your back swing.
September 12, 2014
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dustin
James, what's about the shoulder level position if I record me F/O ? Should shoulder is about flatting out but right shoulder is still higher than left ?
September 12, 2014
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james (Certified RST Instructor)
Yes you want to keep the left shoulder lower than the right to avoid a high left shoulder coming into impact where you then create too much secondary axis tilt - Level Shoulders at Impact is a great video to watch for this
September 12, 2014
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dustin
Thanks James !!!
September 12, 2014
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dustin
Finally I see a video that same as my local teaching is trying to tell me this is what I need to do vs what commentators say on TV but I always had doubt when he told me so. I have nice swing but no distance drive only around 250yds. I didn't have 100% faith in him bc he's just local teacher and not even PGA member. But after seeing this video, I will have faith in him of what he tells me to do to gain distance. However, I did obviously gain distance on the course and range when i try to squat the way he told me so. He also told me "Rory is same as your side but he hits miles…
September 12, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Dustin. Great. Yes, Rory does hit it miles. I like your Pro's advice and start using the squat to your advantage!
September 12, 2014
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jeffrey
Soooo...ther usual comment/observation by TV commentators is that he "cleared" his hips in order to allow the club to approach the ball on the correct angle/plane is misleading?
September 12, 2014
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Chuck (Certified RST Instructor)
That's not necessarily incorrect. What is incorrect that they like to spout off about is that ripping their hips through as fast as they can is where they get their power.
September 12, 2014
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jeffrey
Chuck...then what exactly is "clearing" the hips? Is it a further movement past square?
September 12, 2014
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Lee
My understanding is that is what clearing the hips mean since I think they are supposed to end up being turned some after the squat so they are more open then just square but it would be good to get confirmation from an RST instructor to be sure.
June 12, 2015
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earl
I have entered two videos and asked about them yesterday and still have herd nowthing
September 11, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Earl. I notified customer support. I apologize for your issues.
September 12, 2014
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Guy
I assume this is the same procedure for swing with driver
September 11, 2014
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Chuck (Certified RST Instructor)
Yes it's the same.
September 12, 2014
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adam
Great Explanation!! Thank you and keep them up!
September 11, 2014
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Chuck (Certified RST Instructor)
You're welcome!
September 12, 2014
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Donna
One then should not be squatting into their right side on the backswing. It looks like you are squatting with weight a little to the outside of left foot. ??
September 11, 2014
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Chuck (Certified RST Instructor)
You don't want to squat much into the right side, a little is ok, but it's more just about keeping that right glute active and pivoting on that hip rather than getting super loaded y squatting.
September 12, 2014
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gerald
Best explanation of this move I've ever heard.
September 11, 2014
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Chuck (Certified RST Instructor)
Thanks Gerald!
September 12, 2014
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ralph
I was taught to always stand tall through the hitting area....... It is going to take me a while to learn to squat and then stand up through the hitting area. I would imagine that I'm hitting the ball as I'm coming up and heading down. Does this make sense to you
September 11, 2014
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Chuck (Certified RST Instructor)
Ralph, standing tall through the hitting area is something that may have been told to you to feel because you were really crowded or lunging at the ball, but in general that's not something I'd say. Keep in mind that this squat move isn't big, it's more about stabilizing the pelvis and loading the hips rather than trying to squat 400 pounds.
September 12, 2014
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John
What a great drill to explain this squat and then what the club does after. Thanks
September 11, 2014
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Chuck (Certified RST Instructor)
Thanks John!
September 12, 2014
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Alan
Hi If you are not a hip spinner, should you still be squatting to slow your hips down. Keep up the great work with these excellent videos. Thanks Alan
September 11, 2014
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Chuck (Certified RST Instructor)
Probably not, but it would just depend if you lacked pelvic stability through the hitting area and release, that's what it's really for.
September 12, 2014
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mark
Cool drill, explained well, thanks! I am smokin' my irons now. Chuck, you are a really good teacher. Good stuff!
September 11, 2014
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Chuck (Certified RST Instructor)
Thanks Mark, keep smokin' those irons!
September 12, 2014
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Carver
chuck-excellent video. what is your opinion of the principals of Gravity Golf? Much of what they advocate is consistent with your teachings..although the backswing ( heave to them) is certainly unconventional. But the idea of weight shift, particularly to the left with the counterfall, is an interesting idea. As you know I am loyal to RST but interested in your take. Thanks.
September 11, 2014
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Chuck (Certified RST Instructor)
Spent very little time looking at it, couldn't give an educated opinion.
September 12, 2014
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Vince
What's the frame rate and resolution of this video, and what kind of camera are you using ? I've been doing a little experimenting at home and it seems 90 fps starts to really show things easily, although there's some blur still. I'm guessing you need to get to 120 fps or better to really slow things down perhaps ????
September 11, 2014
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Chuck (Certified RST Instructor)
This is a Canon 7D at 60fps, 120fps is ideal for golf swings.
September 12, 2014

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