Creating a Swing Plane

Sorry, you need to be a member to access this video.
You Are Just Seconds Away - Become a member here!
Already a member? Log in now

So many golfers struggle with their ball striking because they misunderstand the concept Ben Hogan made famous - swing plane. There are two basic ways to create a swing plane and one is correct and the other is not. 90% of golfers do it the wrong way. Swing plane is a by product of three basic body movements that you will see in this video that create an ideal swing plane without you ever giving it a thought. Study this video closely and you will finally understand how to properly create a PGA Tour caliber swing plane.

  • Many golfers think the left arm creates the swing plane, but letting the left dominate causes push, getting arms & club stuck behind you
  • We create the swing plane using two simple movements - Rotation and Elevation
  • The rotation of the right shoulder blade glide provides depth
  • Shoulder elevation and right elbow flexion provide height
  • The two moves, performed together, create a perfect swing plane


Correct Golf Swing Plane 

Many golfers are confused about the term golf swing plane. It's used a lot. Ben Hogan is credited with the first to ever coin the term swing plane, in the terms of golf instruction. But a golf swing plane is vastly misunderstood, more importantly on how to create a correct swing plane, and what is the importance of swing plane and what are you trying to do with it. What we're going to talk about in this video is how a swing plane is actually properly created. It's very very simple, and it's nothing like what you think it is.

                For most people, when they think about creating a golf swing plane, it's primarily the left arm. They're taking that left arm and swinging it on an arc. There's no doubt that this creates a swing plane. In fact, it's a very good swing plane, just using my left arm. The problem is, it's unnecessary movement, because all of my movement right now as you'll watch from face on is coming from my left shoulder joint. My left shoulder socket. That's how I'm creating this movable plane here. It's much simpler to create a proper golf swing plane.

                You need to understand about what create a golf swing plane in the golf swing. One is rotation. Rotation is going to create movement around the body and give the swing plane depth. The vertical movement is not created by the left arm swinging up on plane, not that you can't do it that way. It's not the best way to do it. The vertical movement, the vast majority of the vertical movement is created by that right elbow folding in the swing. Let me show you what I mean.

                So first thing's first. I'm going to take my golf setup position, and I'm just going to do rotation. Remember that's the first thing I mentioned that creates a plane. As I'm setup at a dress, is I start to rotate with no shoulder elevation or right elbow flexion, just rotation. The club is working on a plane. Granted, it's a very shallow one. The club's not getting up in a good position. But it is in fact swinging on a little plane just due to me rotating.

                That creates a small amount of the golf swing plane that we're trying to achieve in the golf swing. Now, without doing anything with my left arm whatsoever, I'm going to use my right arm going back and add rotation onto that. I'll break it up into two pieces at first. This is all I'm going to be doing. Shoulder elevation, right elbow flexion. You can see the club's moving in a vertical space at this point. Now, to get into my posture, I'm going to keep doing that, and I'm going to add rotation, which we saw created a shallow plane. That created depth. The right arm movement creates vertical movement. Now, let's put them together. I'm going to do this with this at the same time.

                Do you see how that creates a correct swing plane? I'm not trying to create a plane. In fact, I'm doing two almost opposite movements. I'm rotating in one direction and bringing my right arm, folding my right arm straight up in the other direction. But when you combine these two pieces together around and up, you in fact create a proper swing plane without trying to. It's that simple. Right elbow flexion, a little bit of shoulder elevation, pulling my right shoulder blade back. It's not that I can't create this same motion with my left arm. I can. With a little bit of training, you can get any golfer. I'm still rotating. Now I'm swinging my left arm up.

                Here's the catch. With the left arm, what we call the left arm push. When you start to get left side dominant to create that golf swing plane, you're pushing, which is typically going to cause your head to move off the ball, but more importantly, it's going to almost, without fail, force the right arm back and away behind the body because that left arm swinging creates a lot of momentum, the right elbow can't fight that, and so it gets stuck back here behind your body.

                When we get to the top of the golf backswing, and we see a lot of amateur golfers with their right arm buried back behind their body, and they get stuck coming down, or they come over the top, it's almost always because they're trying to create a swing plane with that left arm. When instead, we get them to focus on the back side, their right side going back, the pulling side during the backswing, and they start to focus on keeping that right arm in position, getting that right elbow flexion and rotation, their swing plane and their position at the top instead of being buried, is perfect.

                When you put both hands on the club, it's still the same thing. I'm focusing on right side. My left side's barely even doing anything. So when you think about terms of swing plane, golf swing plane is not you trying to swing your left arm all around your body. That's going to push your arms and hands deep behind your chest, and you're going to get the club stuck back behind you.

                Understand that you're doing rotation with the right elbow flexion, which creates probably 80% of the vertical movement in the actual creation of the swing plane is that elbow flexion, and you've simplified your swing dramatically because if you try to do it with the left side, you've got your left side pushing across your body, elevating, rotating, all these pieces that are hard to learn, especially for an amateur golfer who doesn't have a lot of time. In fact again, it's over complicating a move that's really simple. Right elbow flexion, rotation, and you'll have a great golf swing plane. 

Must be Premium Member to Comment

64x64
Asle
Does Rotary Swing talk about extensor action or talk about it in another way?
November 13, 2022
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Alse. We mainly just talk about the Wide-Narrow-Wide concept that you need to maintain width for a wider radius and free speed.
November 14, 2022
64x64
Ronan
Hi, so you want to feel that you pull with right side on the backswing and feel that you pull from the left side in the downswing? isn't that too much to think of?
January 22, 2019
64x64
Dean
Hey Ronan, if you try to do all of that without stacking one piece at a time, it would be when making a swing change/rebuild. But the beauty of the RST system is that it lets you ingrain one thing at a time and it becomes automatic before adding on the next piece and you don't think about it; it just happens. It's a slow race to the finish line but well worth the work. It's how the brain learns.
January 22, 2019
64x64
Yuefeng
I've watched the three functions of the right arm many times and for the longest time I thought the role of right arm is passive, and its movement is a mere reaction to the left arm swinging (the five step series). When I watched this video, it occured to me it could have been the other way around, i.e. active right arm and passive left arm, which seems to automatically solve any flying right arm issue. I want to confirm if this understanding is correct as I believe it's a very important concept. Should we view this video as an advanced add-on/override to the five step framework?
September 4, 2018
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Yuefeng. I would view this as more advanced versus an override. Some players have existing motor patterns they must correct by training the opposite arm. Both arms have a role in the backswing and downswing. For you it is merely a better feeling and aid to focus on the trail arm since you've had the flying problem for so long.
September 4, 2018
64x64
Yuefeng
Thanks Craig. It makes lots of sense. I tried this at range and realized that if I overly focused on right arm to "control" the backswing, the swing will feel more arm swing than body swing. Like you said, both arms have a role, would you agree they kind of balance each other out and largely remain relaxed and are simply swung up by the momentum of body rotation in the backswing?
September 4, 2018
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Yuefeng. Weight shift/body rotation momentum is a huge key for swinging up to the top properly to keep the arms and upper shoulders relaxed. The backswing will be about balance with both the lead and trail arms.
September 5, 2018
64x64
Lyndon
Whats the video that goes over the sequencing of posting up? I remember seeing it but I can't find it. Thanks.
May 30, 2018
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Lyndon. You Hit the Golf Ball with Your Legs, Step 2 - Core Rotation, and Rotary Golf Downswing Overview.
May 30, 2018
64x64
Richard
Do the shoulders turn parallel to the shaft plane?
August 5, 2016
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Richard. The shoulders will rotate according to the amount of forward bend from the spine.
August 5, 2016
64x64
Don
I'm new to the website and having difficulties navigating. Where do I find videos to help with slice off the tee?
June 15, 2016
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Donald. The key is to diagnose why you are slicing off the tee. There are a few factors that cause this issue. Typically, a poor weight transfer and over the top motion sets you up for this type of strike. Navigate to the Video Menu - Faults/Fixes - Coming Over the Top. Start with those selected videos.
June 15, 2016
64x64
Martyn
This seems to contradict the creating lag video which suggests that its important to be left side dominant. Can you explain please? Is the answer that the back swing is right arm/right side dominant, and the downswing left side?
March 25, 2016
64x64
Steven (Certified RST Instructor)
Martyn-You're on the right track. Think of it this way, we want to always be pulling in the swing-back and downswing. In the takeaway and backswing we want to use the right side to pull (RH) and in the downswing we want to use the left side to pull (assuming RH). Always pull, no push.
March 25, 2016
64x64
Martyn
Ok, got it, thanks.
March 30, 2016
64x64
Jimmy
When does the right arm begin to bend in backswing. I know it is a blended move but what is a good vision point to intiate the right elbow flexio? Thanks!
March 16, 2016
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jimmy. After the takeaway, you will start to add elevation and flexion. I don't want to pinpoint an exact location, but around the 10 O' Clock position.
March 17, 2016
64x64
Jimmy
Great thanks Craig. When club is at 9oclock position How much shoulder turn degree wise should I have at that point .. And 80% weight shud be on trail leg at 9 o'clock right?
March 17, 2016
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jimmy. In the takeaway, you will want 80% of the weight into trail side and shoulders 45 degrees.
March 17, 2016
64x64
Great video as usual guys. My problem is my right elbow keeps bending. Then my my left arm bends to 45 degrees. If I try (very hard to do) to keep everything straight, I don't feel any wrist cock
March 12, 2016
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello. Thanks for the compliments on the video. Take a look at the 3 Functions of the Right Arm for further help. Also, as the trail arm folds. The external humeral rotation will help with keeping it bending less than 90 degrees and you need to allow for some gradual wrist set which will allow the lead arm to stay straighter.
March 12, 2016
64x64
Gary
Hello question - at what point in the backswing does the right elbow bend? I cant tell by this video. Thank you
February 13, 2016
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Gary. As you start adding a little more elevation from the takeaway position (parallel to the ground). The trail arm will start to fold. So, a little above parallel. Take a look at the 3 Functions of the Right Arm Video.
February 14, 2016
64x64
Robert
I don't know exactly how I found you guys, but I thank God I did. I am so impressed with you teachings, you simplify the whole golf swing. I've taken many lessons, read many articles, etc. and none have explained the golf swing as all of you do. I got to where I hated playing golf because I was so inconsistant, because I did not know what I was doing, and my fellow golfers are trying to give me tips, and as you know does not work at all. I've been playing since 1970 and at that time I was playing in the 80's, not bad for me playing once a week. I laid off for 5 years and have never found the game since. I have to tell you, after watching so many of your instructional videos, I now have a complete understanding of how the golf swing works. I am now swinging on plane, and square at impact, just by practicing at home. You guys are great, thank you. Bob
January 8, 2016
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Robert. Thank you for the post and compliments of our site. The success stories and member postings definitely help keep our players motivated to move forward with their game.
January 8, 2016
64x64
Darran
I notice alot of good golfers including Chuck have a flat lead wrist at the top of backswing. I tend to have a cupped lead wrist. Is this an issue? if so how do I achieve a flatter wrist and same club face angle?
December 26, 2015
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Darran. Typically, it is due to the grip being too strong, lack of lead arm rotation and lack of proper trail hand set. Take a look at the Golf Grip How to Video and the Using the Wrist Effectively and Efficiently Video.
December 28, 2015
64x64
Terry
In working on getting a flatter left wrist at the top of the backswing, I've noted my club position is not as vertical. Assuming I heard this instruction correctly, the proper swing plane is achieved by proper right side rotation, and right arm elevation. Would this put the shorter clubs on a different plane than the longer clubs?
October 1, 2015
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Terry. The swing plane will remain the same and is created by trail side movement. However, that doesn't mean the lead arm doesn't have a job to perform. Take a look at the Using the Wrist Effectively and Efficiently to help with the lead arm movement. The lead arm does rotate as a function of folding the trail arm correctly to the top.
October 1, 2015
64x64
Terry
Craig, I am only able to find video on the Right Wrist in the takeaway. Is your suggested video related to forearm rotation?
October 1, 2015
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Terry. Introduction Advanced Section. https://rotaryswing.com/videos/full-swing-advanced/introduction/using-the-wrists-effectively-and-efficiently
October 1, 2015
64x64
Christian
Love this video - my first video analysis tonight and I'm delighted that this video shows that plane is dictated by the right arm and rotation, not by the left arm.. so that's 9 years of golf put straight in one easy lesson. Back to the takeaway drill for me... see you in two weeks (thanks Aaron!).
June 8, 2015
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Christian. Will pass along the good news to Aaron. Glad you enjoyed your review and learning some new insight. Good luck with the swing work.
June 9, 2015
64x64
Loran
The takeaway to the top of the backswing is a 45 degree plane line, correct? So, what is this wrist cock at the parallel of the belt line, before the backswing?
June 2, 2015
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Loan. Roughly a 45 degree plane. Take a look at Proper Golf Swing Plane in the Introduction Advanced Section for a good representation. Could you elaborate more on wrist cock question? I am unsure of what you are asking. Thanks.
June 4, 2015
64x64
David
I get that the right arm flexes after the swing is started with pure rotation. When does this flexion release on the downswing? Do we rotate first then release at impact or do we release first and then rotate through impact?
May 25, 2015
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello David. The flexion won't fully get released until after impact. Take a look at the Move - 3 Video in the Downswing Section to understand the sequence better.
May 25, 2015
64x64
david
How straight should the left arm be?
May 12, 2015
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello David. The lead arm should be straight. Don't lock is by any means. If it is soft, no worries. If you overly bend it. Make sure that your trail elbow isn't bending more than 90 degrees at the top.
May 12, 2015
64x64
Jon
Are there any videos regarding wrist hinge in the backswing? I really struggle to get any wrist hinge at all
March 15, 2015
64x64
Steven (Certified RST Instructor)
Jon, go and check out this video: http://www.rotaryswing.com/videos/full-swing-advanced/introduction/using-the-wrists-effectively-and-efficiently. it will tell you have to use the wrists properly throughout the entire swing. even the backswing. BEst of luck- Steven
March 15, 2015
64x64
Joseph
when you take the club back with your arms is your right hand suppose to feel like your holding a tray in your hand if your left hand is flat and not cupped. I tend to get across the plane sometimes but I am a big feel player and want to understand the feeling I am suppose to feel when rehearsing my drills. Thanks
March 1, 2015
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Joesph. We try to stay away from teaching too many feelings. That's why we are specific on the muscles groups. For example: My grip is about a 2 in the backswing (1-10 Scale, 1 Being the lightest). But, a 2 for me might be a 5 for you. Nevertheless, it shouldn't feel like holding a tray in the right hand (right handed player) because the face would be shut. Right wrist not flat nor hinged 90 degrees. Left wrist will be flat. Take a look at the Using the Wrist Efficiently Video in the Advanced Introduction Section.
March 3, 2015
64x64
Taweesak
When should the right arm flex ? As I understand to widen the swing arch we need, during the back swing, we need to keep the right arm straight and a bit rotate to the sky and gradually flex and it will greater flex during down swing. But from the video I feel that you flex the right arm immediately after arm elevation.
January 30, 2015
64x64
Steven (Certified RST Instructor)
During the takeaway both the right and left arms should be straight. it is when we start going vertical with the club (after move 1) that the right arm starts to flex, adding elevation and getting us to a full top of the backswing. The right arm flexion occurs after the club is parallel to the ground. hope this helps
January 30, 2015
64x64
Taweesak
noted with thanks
February 2, 2015
64x64
Sujit
I'm a bit confused. I thought the takeaway was purely the 2 inch move by your shoulder blade. When I do that I tend to get to the right position with the club covering my hands on the down the line video. But after watching this video it seems like Chuck is saying that you should be elevating and flexing during the takeaway. I'm sure if I was to add elevation and flexion in the takeaway, the club would be higher than my hands on the down-the-line video as opposed to covering my hands (which I thought was the goal). Which one is it? Also can you please explain when are you meant to start cocking the wrists on the backswing? Thanks
December 22, 2014
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Sujit. The is a slight amount of elevation and wrist set in the takeaway. You require a little elevation to keep the club head in front of the sternum. Take a look at Understanding Shoulder Elevation in the Backswing Section. There isn't any flexion in the takeaway. You want the trail arm to stay nice and straight. Wrist set is ver gradual throughout the golf swing. No max or early set. Using the Wrist Efficiently Video in the Advanced Introduction Section will help explain all the motions with the lead wrist. And, in the 5 Minutes to the Perfect Takeaway in the Takeaway Section towards the end. Chuck will talk about a gradual wrist set and elevation to get the club parallel to the ground and hands inline with the base of the trail pocket.
December 23, 2014
64x64
Jack
What a great video. I have always tended to use the left arm and, just as chuck says, I would push myself off the ball and raise up the upper torso.
December 11, 2014
64x64
R.J. (Certified RST Instructor)
Jack, I am glad that you enjoyed the video. Work hard and you will have a great swing in no time. Let us know if you ever need anything R.J.
December 11, 2014
64x64
Tyler
I struggle with a deep right elbow. So are you saying just keep the left arm quiet use your right arm /side to take the golerlf club away? Thanks, Ty
November 19, 2014
64x64
R.J. (Certified RST Instructor)
Tyler, Yes, sir. The rotation in the backswing is created by rotating the right shoulder behind the head via pulling the shoulder blade down and in towards the spine with the lower traps and lats (or at least that's what it feels like, there are some other muscles that can't be felt that are doing most of the pulling towards the spine). Good luck to you in the future with your improvement! R.J.
November 19, 2014
64x64
ralph
I have been using an accelerometer to monitor my swing plane. When viewed front-on my swing plane resembled a lazy eight, which as you know is not what you want. It's not a problem anymore thanks to you guys...keep up the good work
October 23, 2014
64x64
R.J. (Certified RST Instructor)
Ralph, I am glad that we can help R.J.
October 23, 2014
64x64
bob
I'm a left arm pusher in the takeaway and have been trying for some time to fix my backswing. Over the years I've thousands of balls one way doing exactly what is deemed wrong in this video by having my right arm behind me, getting a bit across the line and coming a touch over the top. I hit it very straight this way but want to change all that to gain distance and accuracy especially under tournament pressure. My challenge is after feeling the push away from the ball with the left side I dont know what feeling I should be looking for in the backswing now. If I pull using my right side I tend to start my hips and shoulders together and get the right arm buried behind me. If I try to blend the two I get very armsy and lose power. Adding to my problem/confusion is that I use a bump to the left then a rebound to the right as Leadbetter used to advocate. How do I start my swing now, get it on plane and get things loaded without reverting to these old and ingrained movements?
September 25, 2014
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Bob. Use the Golf Body Rotation Video in the Advanced Backswing Section to master turning around the spin without moving the hips. Focus on the good rotation and trail arm placement with the 3 Functions of the Right Arm in the Advanced Backswing Section. Rotating against the resistance of the hips and support the plane with the right should be a simple key focus for you.
September 26, 2014
64x64
Chiara
Is the first time that I understand what a swing plane really is and how to create it correctly. Chuck great as usual!!!
September 22, 2014
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Thanks Chiara! Appreciate the good feedback!
September 22, 2014
64x64
Joseph
I just renewed my membership with a different email address I've been a member for years what i have a problem with is... You say you need to bend your right arm to create the backswing but then in another video you say to keep your right arm as straight as long as you can in the backswing can you elaborate ?? Is there a happy medium here ??
September 12, 2014
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Joe. The right arm does need to add flexion to complete the swing. However, the majority of players way over use the right arm fold. The feeling of keeping the right arm straight allows players to keep rotating and pulling back with their shoulder. It is nearly impossible to force the right arm to stay straight all the way to the top.
September 12, 2014
64x64
Dan
Hi Craig,. I have areal problem with folding my right arm beginning about waist-high. Any suggestions on how to fix this? Danny
December 28, 2015
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Dan. You start folding too much or it doesn't fold at all?
December 28, 2015
64x64
Dan
My hands become too close to my right ear at the top, I then release too early, and my shaft angle is way too vertical at the top.
December 31, 2015
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Dan. If the hands are getting too close to your right ear at the top. Then, you are lacking a little shoulder rotation and/or not allowing the lead arm to rotate and cross centerline when you fold the right arm. Take a look at Move 2 Completing the Backswing and make sure your continue to rotate as you add trail arm motion. Also, the Winter Golf Program Backswing Video and Checkpoints Video. See if you can get the left arm in the correct spot and learn how the folding of the right allows it to rotate.
January 1, 2016
64x64
Robert
I'm a left side pusher in the takeaway ( right side pusher in the downswing). Withthe right bicep curling motion & keeping the elbow, my initial feeling now I'm still still right side dominate but instead of pushing with my right pec & rotator cuff I'm pushing with my right tricep, maybe right trap & maybe right lat. Ultimately I want to lead with my left & shallow out my downswing so I'm not so steep with my right but I'm intially finding that having my right elbow tucked under makes it feel much more difficult for my left side to pull & shallow & let the club drop because now the club is resting directly on top of my right shoulder/elbow whereas before the space a created between my inner right bicep & my right chest. This very tucked position seems like it my be nice for left hand dominant golfers who get stuck (like tiger used to) but what about someone struggling with their left side?
September 12, 2014
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Robert. It seems like the bigger issue is you are wrenching and getting jammed up the right arm in the backswing. Take a look at the Using the Wrist Efficiently Video in the Introduction Advanced Section. Focus on maintaining the width and getting the proper position. Don't tense up or engage the right lat. Feel like the right is supporting and not preventing you from taking it out of the equation coming down.
September 12, 2014
64x64
Waldamar
Stephen, please see my question of moments ago and tell me where I can find that particular video of Chuck. Thanks. Walt
September 10, 2014
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Walt. Let me know if that isn't the video and I can keep digging for you.
September 10, 2014
64x64
Waldamar
A few days ago I watched a wonderful 20 minute video where Chuck covered multiple areas of really valid instruction, i.e., set-up, takeaway, shoulder elevation, arm flex, etc., but I can't recall its title. The background is black and Chuck is in a red golf shirt and black trousers. Where is it? Thanks. Walt
September 10, 2014
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Walt. I think you are referring to the 5 Minutes to the Perfect Backswing in the Backswing Section.
September 10, 2014
64x64
Stephen
Chuck's right arm looks totally straight up and down at the top of the backswing and I believe Clay Ballard said in the backswing checkpoint vid that it will bend about 45*. Is that correct?
September 1, 2014
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Stephen. We are looking for 80 to 90 degrees of flexion in the trail arm at the top. Take a look at the 3 Functions of the Right Arm in the Advanced Backswing Section.
September 1, 2014
64x64
ralph
In another video (I cannot remember which one... I think I've seen them all) another RST instructor states that the left side is "THE DRIVER" and the right arm is "THE PASSENGER" I am talking about the Takeaway of course. I also watched the video on "the right shoulder glide". Does any of this conflict with the RST
August 29, 2014
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Ralph. You are talking about the Using the Wrist Efficiently Video. In the takeaway, you want to be pulling with the right shoulder blade to initiate momentum and recruit the big muscles to take the club back.
September 1, 2014
64x64
ALPHAS
Are you out of stock on the Rotary Connection Swing Trainer. I saw it on your site a couple of weeks ago. Also, I'm not sure what size I need. I weigh about 185. If your out of stock, please add me to your email alert list when you get them in again. Thanks.
August 23, 2014
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Al. We currently are sold out. We will send a email blast to all members when stock is replenished.
August 24, 2014
64x64
Jesse
This video makes so much sense. This is exactly my issue, I am pushing with the left and getting stuck behind my body. My subscription is up today and I will definitely be renewing. There is so much value in this program and I have already seen great results. I beat a friend that I have played over 75 rounds with over the years for the first time this past weekend. I normally shoot between 95-100, (pathetic I know but everything clicked on the back nine and I shot a 40 (91 overall)! I was hitting greens left and right. I went par, par, par, birdie to start the back! I am so happy with RST and the progress I have made. It is so much fun going through this process. Thank you all so much! Jesse
August 15, 2014
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Awesome Jesse! Your very welcome. We want you to beat your buddies. Keep getting those scores down!
August 15, 2014
64x64
Thomas
I have tried and tried to take the club back on plane,but am rolling my hands inside and becoming stuck immediately.I can do it with bucket drill and with out a club,but a soon as I put a club in my hands the game is over.I have done your drills and cannot seem to do it correctly. I am beginning to think I can"t do it is because of my wide chest and very short arms and the way I have always swung is due to my body shape.Tom
July 19, 2014
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Don't give up yet Tom. Even though your body type does play a little factor. It's just years of training that you are undoing. Take a look at the One Simple Takeaway Fix in the Advanced Takeaway Section. I would also suggest the 4 square video in the Backswing Advanced Section. If you have the proper shoulder elevation. Use the boxes to check to club head position to make sure it is still in in front. Practice very slowly. Figure out what speed you can do it correctly without losing it and work from there.
July 19, 2014
64x64
Barry
Is a checkpoint for the backswing plane pointing the butt end of the club at or just inside the ball line going back? I don't see any reference to this anywhere on the site. I'm spraying the ball and need some kind of swing plane check point somewhere before impact.
July 18, 2014
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Barry. Take a look at the Stop Coming Under the Plane Video in the Downswing Advanced Section. Draw a plane line from the hosel through the club and one on your right elbow plane. Understand the elbow plane.
July 18, 2014
64x64
JAMES
Hi, at end of backswing should my back be facing the target? how much should my body turn on backswing? thanks, James
July 18, 2014
64x64
Steven (Certified RST Instructor)
James, Yes your back should be facing the target at the top of the backswing, This is created by the right shoulder blade glide that is continuous in move 2. This creates 90* shoulder turn with a hip turn of 45*. And the hips only move 45* because the right shoulder blade glide pulls then into the swing during move 2.
July 18, 2014
64x64
JAMES
Thanks Steven.... James.
July 20, 2014
64x64
David
What is the correct angle of the club in the backswing? Does it bisect the shoulder from the down the line perspective or is there space where the shoulder can be seen between the two arms? I feel like the amount that my wrists rotate makes a huge difference in the steepness or flatness of the swing plane.
July 16, 2014
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
It will primarily bisect the right shoulder. Make sure your left arm is only rotating as a function of the right arm. Take a look at the 5 Minutes to a Perfect Backswing in the Backswing Section to learn about proper rotation.
July 16, 2014
64x64
Daniel
I'm a 6handicap golfer and I have developed a habit of my head moving towards the ball during the backswing portion of the swing and throughout the swing. I am also sur to keep my weight on the heels by the ankle joint at all times. What is the leading cause of this move and what can I do to address this swing flaw?
June 4, 2014
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Pushing from the left will help move the head towards and off the ball. Make sure you are pulling with the right going back. Check out the Push v Pull Video in the Introduction section. Feel free to upload your swing for a quick online analysis and one of our instructors will help you spot the issue.
June 5, 2014
64x64
john
Hi, I am just wondering why Chuck doesn't talk about the shoulder elevation piece that happens prior to right arm flexion. He explains the swing plane as rotation and right arm flexion. I know the shoulder elevation is gradual but my question is should you be conscious of shoulder elevation prior to the right arm flexion which doesn't seem like its the case in this video.
April 29, 2014
64x64
Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
There generally is a natural amount of elevation in the takeaway for those players that keep the arms passive and start the movement of the arms with the rotation created from the shoulder blade glide. If you tend to push the club back with the lead arm getting the club flat or inside, then you would have to focus on elevation
April 29, 2014
64x64
lee
i think i just saw the answer to my previous post in the "right arm drill", it looks like the upper right arm is preset at appx 90 degrees relative to shoulder line in this drill.
April 26, 2014
64x64
Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
sounds like you have your answer on this one. Let me know if you need any further help.
April 26, 2014
64x64
lee
i've ingrained getting stuck for my entire golf career! A small segment of this video really caught my eye. My question, at the top what would be a good angle between the shoulder line and the upper arm. It looks like the "stuck position" is zero or even a few negative degrees, whereas the proper position is 35-45 degrees.
April 26, 2014
64x64
greg
Great Tip! Thanks, Chuck! Should the backswing start with right shoulder blade glide, then rotation and right elbow flexion? I'm having trouble with the exact swing sequence in the backswing. Thanks!
April 22, 2014
64x64
Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
You always want the rotation of the shoulders to be taking place in the takeaway and backswing with the shoulder blade glide and torso rotation. This keeps everything in sequence as you are moving into the vertical plane with elevation and flexion of the right arm.
April 22, 2014
64x64
carroll
Great video, but not exactly sure when shoulder glide occurs as order is decsribed in this video
April 8, 2014
64x64
Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Carroll, the shoulder blade glide is the first move to start the rotation within the golf swing. Check out the move 1 the takeaway video in the full swing program section. This video will show you how to facilitate the glide to start the swing.
April 8, 2014

We're after one thing: Real Results - Real Fast. And that's exactly what our members achieve. And that's why they say the AXIOM is: Mind-blowing. Game changing. Revolutionary.

Check it out ...

Here at RotarySwing, talk is cheap and the proof is always in the pudding. Come see the massive transformations we can achieve together in your swing.

See for yourself ...

From beginner to pro, we have what you need to get you where you want to go.

See how inside ...

RotarySwing was founded out of frustration with the current state of golf instruction. Quinton knew a better way had to exist to learn this game we all love.

Learn more ...