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

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

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

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

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

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

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 ...

Day 1: Impact Control

Controlling impact is EVERYTHING in the golf swing and we're going to show you how to do i ...

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

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

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

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

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 video series. Special bonus video that will help you correct s ...

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 once and for all! If you struggle with hitting hook shot ...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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- Adding body rotation

Step 2 - Core Rotation - Drill Only

The drill only for Step 2 - Body Rotation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to Shallow the Golf Club

Do you swing over the top and struggle to drop the club "into the slot"? Want that look of ...

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

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

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

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

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

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

Producing incredible lag has never been this easy - or fast

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Golf Takeaway | Overview

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

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 the simplest golf takeaway humanly possible for a massive boost in consistency. Simp ...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

AXIOM Body Backswing

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Understanding Arm Elevation

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

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

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?

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

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

RotaryConnect Backswing Training Aid

Learn how to use the RotaryConnect to assist you in building the perfect golf backswing.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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?

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

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

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

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

Henrik Stenson's Backswing Moves

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

Jason Day - Perfect Backswing

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

AXIOM Body Tour Impact

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

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

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

AXIOM Release Overview

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

AXIOM Compression Drill

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

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

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

Start Downswing Before Completing Backswing

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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, I will walk you step-by-step on how to get a perfect impact position in just 4 weeks.

  • Get your body set into impact position. 
  • Light grip pressure in the back 3 fingers of the lead hand. 
  • Lightly grab the club with trail hand. 
  • Small 9 to 3 swings focusing on the lead wrist rotating and the trail hand riding along.

64x64
michael
Chris, Been going thru these drills as per your request after my last review. I've started to have two issues, hitting the ball with the hosel of my short irons and hitting big pushes that continue right with my longer clubs mainly driver. Obviously, my face is open with the driver and I'm pretty sure the same is happening with the short irons causing me to lead with the hosel. I'm hoping you see this in other players and is common when trying to make these changes. Love to hear your thoughts. Thanks, Michael Faust
July 10, 2021
64x64
Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Without seeing it, sounds like your arms are getting to far inside going back and then coming down a little stuck into the hitting area. This will expose the hosel of the club to the ball pretty quickly. 2 things to work on to get back on track...4 square drill to keep your hands and arms more out in front and then make sure you are soft in the left and hand grip so the clubface wants to rotate on the way through. Otherwise, get it in for review asap.
July 12, 2021
64x64
Michael
Amazing how this small drill exposes how active the right hand can be I am acknowledging that in fact all along there has been to much pressure with the right hand starting from set up which also presses the left thumb and forefinger seemingly concentrating on the last 3 fingers of the left hand with the right hand soft solves a lot of other issues will continue with these impact drills.
April 23, 2021
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Mike. Awesome. Glad you are finding the drill to expose some needed clean ups before getting back to full swinging.
April 23, 2021
64x64
Alan
Should you open your hips when you shift forward for this drill?
December 21, 2020
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Alan. Slightly open. It will be hard to hold a full open/posted impact position for the drill.
December 21, 2020
64x64
Alan
I’m trying to control the club with the last three fingers of my lead hand as much as possible. During the downswing I let these fingers feel like they are slightly curling under the grip through impact and follow through. I’m getting nice contact with little effort.
December 21, 2020
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Alan. Great. Having control and awareness in those last three lead fingers is vital.
December 21, 2020
64x64
Blake
Hi, Chris. I have been working on these drills. And they have helped a ton with the release - I am not flipping and am getting the club to turn over. What I CAN'T seem to do is get rid of the lag. I leave my wrists soft and not try to hinge or unhinge them at all. I focus on turning my body, shifting my weight, posting up, etc. And I am trying not to pull with my arms on the downswing. I am letting my body do all the work. But it just feels like all of these correct body actions put a tremendous hinge into my wrists with a lot of lag, and then nothing else causes the lag to release early enough. I've even TRIED to cast the club. These drills are great but whatever I'm doing wrong is not going away! Are there others videos on the site that can explain what I am doing wrong? Thanks again!
December 10, 2020
64x64
Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
I would strongly suggest that you go visit the 5 mins to a perfect release video and then watch the fix your release video as supplement. We need to get the right hand off the club and train the left arm and wrist how to function perfectly from one side of the body to the other. I would suggest that you get to step 2 of 5 mins to a perfect release and send in a video so I can back check the movements and then advance you through to the next steps. I have to see it to help you fix it.
December 11, 2020
64x64
Blake
Thanks so much Chris - I appreciate your help!
December 11, 2020
64x64
Blake
Hi, Chris. Thanks for the lesson. Happy to do these drills. But, two things. I am not at all trying to drag the handle or hold off release. The high amount of lag is completely coming from my effort to turn the club over correctly and get the back of my left hand pointing at the target. (When I use the old, incorrect release, I never have too much lag). So I must be doing it wrong. Might it be that I am trying to get my left hand too bowed at impact? Also, to clarify, when I say my clubhead is going left, I mean before contact with the ball, not during or after. Isn't that an error?
November 12, 2020
64x64
Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Hi Blake, I know you aren't "trying" to drag the handle BUT you are. The amount of lag you are creating is more from the wrists getting fully cocked at the top of the swing and then actively pulling the arms down in front of the body. You can have some pull of the arms for sure, but you need to make sure you get rid of the angle and get the face back to square or lag will do us no good at all. When you start down from the top, the arms are working more horizontally than we would advocate and you come into the hitting area with as much lag as you are, you are going to steepen the angle of attack quite a bit, giving you the appearance of the club working left when you try and release it. So, I would strongly suggest that you start with getting the release stuff sorted out and then start making the swing longer and longer the more you see the face squaring properly and the lean depleting. Also, I would try to get your focus on one specific area of the swing from one review to the next and then allow us to lead in the direction best fit for your swing. You look at the swing in many different places and that can make it harder for you to get stuff properly sorted out and working in your favor. Just a suggestion.
November 12, 2020
64x64
Blake
Thanks Chris - will do!!
November 12, 2020
64x64
Adam
Hello, I just want to make sure I'm doing this drill correctly. I am taking about 3 or 4 practice swings, then on the fifth swing, I actually hit a ball. Am I only counting the balls I hit towards the 1000 reps? Also, another question (sorry), I'm having trouble fully extending my left arm after the release. I'm assuming because of the lack of the hip rotation, is it ok to pre-set with weight forward with a little bit of hip turn? Thanks!
August 16, 2020
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Adam. The practice swing if performed correctly will count towards your reps. The goal is to get it releasing. If you need a little preset hip to keep fully extended. No worries. Just know the goal yet isn't power so don't start forcing things.
August 16, 2020
64x64
Adam
Hi Craig. Thanks for clarifying and the quick response!
August 19, 2020
64x64
Aman
Hello, I love the idea behind this drill and on the driving range on a mat I seem to make decent contact. The issue I am having is that I keep hitting it thin or the marks of the ball are on the lower bottom of the club? Any idea what could be causing this? I have the same issue when I do a full swing using the DEAD drill. Thanks!
June 18, 2020
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Aman. Make sure you don't have too much secondary axis tilt and the lead shoulder is maintaining it's fulcrum position. Take a look at Moving the Fulcrum Video.
June 18, 2020
64x64
Juan
Hello Chris When I do this drill, my left leg (left hip area) gets very tired and painful after, maybe, 50 balls. I always check my set up because I am in front of a mirror. What do you think I am doing wrong? or is normal? Doing 200 is a challenge to my hip Best!
March 29, 2020
64x64
Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Hi Juan, you may be just slightly past neutral joint alignment on the lead side and when you get the club moving in these small swings, any momentum and inertia in the club can put some pressure on the outside part of the hip girdle. Come back just a little bit with the hip and turn the lead foot so it is perpendicular to the target and see if you can do sets of 5 reps at a time without discomfort. If this still continues, submit a review and let me know when you have and I will go in and take a look at the swings from both face on and dtl to see if I can pick anything else up. Hope that helps.
March 30, 2020
64x64
Fred
Here in Colorado I can only swing inside on a mat. I use mostly my 5 iron thinking the smaller irons will be easier if I can master a long iron first. I have always had an issue with hitting fat pounding the mat. Even after the RTS 5 step system I still do it. Is this 4 step going to be the best cure?
January 4, 2020
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Fred. Ideally, I would start with like a 8 or 7 iron. However, the above video should definitely start to shallow you out. Also, Play the Best Golf of Your Life Series 2-4 of 6.
January 4, 2020
64x64
Raymond
I basically hit every shot on the course with this drill. So easy it seems! My shots started to straightened out and my drives were solid and longer. I'm not changing my swing. This drill worked for me on the course. No need to add any thing. L-to-L with the emphasis on the left arm rotating after impact and turning off the right side completely!!!!
November 6, 2019
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Raymond. Great! The only thing I worry about is that you aren't shifting your weight. The above drill is pretty static when it comes to weight shift. And, the real swing to generate some more power will need the loading of the trail side and the shifting back to the lead. The above drill is great to get you to start releasing the club. Stick with this series and work on Chris's drills. If you can accomplish all 4 sets of drills ball striking will be even better.
November 6, 2019
64x64
Raymond
When I practiced the weight shift drill I tend to over exaggerate it and the swing didn't feel smooth and fluid. I worked on weight shift for a few days and then it just happen naturally. It occur to me that the shift from the right leg and back to left leg is very subtle.
November 6, 2019
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Raymond. Some players already have the existing movement pattern of weight shift. Sounds like you were already used to moving the weight. You can get too aggressive with the shift leading to inconsistent results.
November 6, 2019
64x64
Raymond
I already see big improvement just by rotating the left arm and not over rotating the hip. The good players at my club all give contradicting advice. Thank you guys for this content rich website!!!!
November 6, 2019
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Raymond. Much contradicting advice out there in the field. Glad you are now seeing the light to release the club!
November 6, 2019
64x64
Paul
Hey Chris I was looking at your 4 weeks to improve impact position,week one looks like it would be good for me to get that left shoulder into a good position? What do you think
September 17, 2019
64x64
Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Hi Paul, drills like this to help perfect the shoulder position, are never a bad idea. Good luck and hope it helps.
September 18, 2019
64x64
James
Just worked on the first 200 in my study and like your comment below, I found a small post helped, along with a gentle roll of the trail foot. What is helping me, is feeling that the left elbow feels like it finishes facing the ground and it keeps my lead arm straighter through release. Regards the right hand, it is barely holding on to the club and feel lead arm totally controlling through release, almost losing the right hand on the club when fully releasing.
August 22, 2019
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello James. Just make sure you don't start flipping the lead elbow. It is the forearm controlling the release. Some players get too aggressive and start flipping the entire arm.
August 22, 2019
64x64
James
Thanks for the tip Craig.
August 22, 2019
64x64
James
Craig regards my review I was not trying to hold my upper left arm against my pec in that FO video. Yes, when I did this later, it did keep my lead arm straighter through the release but it impacted on my swing speed and dropped that idea! Out of interest, would the idea of pulling my left shoulder up and back at impact be helpful? As you know I do concentrate on barely holding on to the club with my right hand and did some work at the club this morning concentrating more on those last 3 lead fingers and was surprised how much further the ball went downwind, losing 3 of them in trees I did not expect to reach! Against a 25mph wind choking down on a 9 iron and only playing a half shot I found that it was still going 75 yards plus, my target was 65 yards, so will have to use a smaller club. I will work on this drill, actually got it marked as one of my favourites from several months ago. Thanks again for your advice and hopefully will get that lead arm releasing better in time.
August 22, 2019
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello James. I wouldn't recommend pulling the lead shoulder up and back because I need it really stable through impact. Glad we are on the same page with the "gluing." You actually proved my point. Lost the speed. Good confirmation.
August 22, 2019
64x64
James
Regarding this lead shoulder I am still not totally sure about it not being in play. Surely by the time the arms get just past parallel to the ground in the release, the back of the lead shoulder is pulling back at that point to achieve the finish that Chuck is getting too in this capture. If it does not how can any spine tilt away from target occur? In reverse like in the backswing, I would have thought the lead shoulder blade is going away from target, if it did not, would this not encourage a more upright finish to the swing?
August 25, 2019
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello James. After impact the golf swing is over. The follow through is a byproduct. Safely decelerating the club and body gradually coming to a stop (to not tear every muscle in your body). If you have any active pulling it will delay the release. You don't want to pull into impact. Stop pulling to release. And, then try to pull again to finish in less than a second. That would be very difficult to achieve. The lead shoulder is going away from the target at that position. But, it's not an active motion and more of a passive motion. The spine tilt away from the target is because you had an increase of secondary axis tilt in the downswing combined with maintaining proper side bend in the release. You want a maximum extension point for speed. The club is working out away from you as your body slowly finishes rotation away from the target.
August 25, 2019
64x64
James
Many thanks for this explaination Craig. I do like to know these things and the reasons behind it and you have explained it very explicitly and helped me understand it. This would explain why some golfers like Ernie Else look so smooth and languid at the finish of his swing. It is not that he is swinging languidly all through the swing, as you said he has generated maximum speed at impact and then lets the momentum just flow through to the completion of his swing.
August 25, 2019
64x64
John
On this drill are you supposed to be posted up on your left side and thus have no hip rotation? Thanks.
June 27, 2019
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello User23973. You can have a small post. But, the emphasis is more that weight is on the lead side and the only thing happening is the forearms rotating over each other.
June 27, 2019
64x64
Ed
Played golf for the first time in a couple of weeks after doing two practice sessions a day 5 days a week. First perfect impact # 1 & #2 and then Chucks short game left hand low putting and chipping and pitching lessons. The lessons have given me confidence in my game because they work so well. I erased 5 strokes on the front nine and had two birdies on the back nine. Recovery shots needed when I was in trouble were smooth and effortless. A boost in my confidence founded on basic swing truths finally learned. If I can do it we all can do it. Keep at it, follow the program and you will succeed.
March 19, 2019
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Ed. Thanks for the post. Love hearing the success and will be a good motivator for other students. Keep following the swing path to golf swing redemption.
March 19, 2019
64x64
Ed
I am continuing this 1st step. Will try to reach 3000 reps in two weeks. I know you mentioned 1000 reps in the first week when you first recorded this but rep tracker is looking for 3000. I need the 3000. It is helping me get past some poor previously learned swing moves. I have just started playing once a week after a long layoff because of unrelated injuries to shoulder and neck. This program puts so little strain on my body I can get out and play without pain. Means the world to me. Thx again. So I want to own it before I try step 2. In step 2 drill are you using a ball?
March 3, 2019
64x64
Dean
Sorry for the earlier confusion Ed. Balls are allowed to be hit with recommended four to five swings without the ball first approach by Craig in that thread :PHILIPPE Hi , You are talking about good contact. You mean ball contact? Shoud we do the reps hitting balls? October 15, 2015, 7:00 am | Reply 64x64 Chris (Certified RST Instructor) In Reply To PHILIPPE If you have the chance to hit balls then yes, that is great.
March 4, 2019
64x64
Ed
Hope to post a video next week. I have followed the drill by taking 10 swings with a club and then laying down a ball and repeating the process. Somehow the white devil creates tension in my right hand and losing the quiet I achieve in my practice swing.
February 23, 2019
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Ed. Yes, sadly players tense up when adding the little white demon. I like your routine though. With time it will get better. Also, to help with the hit instinct. Try Chris's two ball trick in Perfect Practice Makes Perfect Video.
February 24, 2019
64x64
Ed
Did 330 reps today. Pretty good reps. Tried the 2 ball trick. Substituted a tee in place of the ball to concentrate on. It improved my focus and allowed me to swing freely. Great idea. 10 swings without a ball, then one swing with a ball for 30 balls. Toward the end of the drill I ended up taking fuller swings with great success. Found my swing fault is my forward left foot rolling over fractionally and knee sliding past neutral joint alignment which closes down the club face and I pull the ball left. Was able to correct this. Practice facility was crowded and was a little self conscious about videoing the swing. May need to recruit a friend for this.
February 25, 2019
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Ed. Glad you liked the practice drill. Don't be self conscious about filming yourself. All golfers are a little nutty. We understand. Let's keep the good momentum moving forward.
February 25, 2019
64x64
Ed
will try it tomorrow
February 24, 2019
64x64
Alpha
Hi Chris Is the right elbow (trailing) slightly bent at impact?
November 11, 2018
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Alpha. Yes, a very slight amount of flexion.
November 12, 2018
64x64
Richard
I started the drills yesterday and did the 200+ reps. Afterwards I started taking full swings and shanked 5 in a row? What happened? I'm going to do the 200 again today.
July 11, 2018
64x64
Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Hi Richard, without seeing it, it's hard to guess what fault you were running into directly. The 2 main faults that can cause the shank in this drill is going to be yanking your arms through the hitting area with WAY too much tension in the hands and arms. This makes it hard for the clubface to square. Tone down the tension and try to keep the movements smooth on both sides of the ball.
July 11, 2018
64x64
Craig
Chris, I started to practice the Perfect your golf impact - 1 of 4 drill, but maintaining the position put a lot of strain on my lower back. I watched the video multiple times, but the result was the same. Am I doing something wrong? Craig
July 10, 2018
64x64
Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Hi Craig, try not to do more and 2-4 reps at a time. Take little breaks, come out out of golf posture and resume. If you are still feeling pain, get a video sent in of you doing the drill and let us take a close look.
July 11, 2018
64x64
Craig
Chris, Thank you. I'll give that a try. Craig
July 11, 2018
64x64
Tyler (Certified RST Instructor)
I'd be interested to see how many tour pros are left hand dominant
June 17, 2018
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Tyler. Phil Mickleson and a few other top pros are lead hand dominant. Good question.
June 18, 2018
64x64
Red
I just started the first session of Perfect your golf impact and when I rotate my wrist/forearm I typically cup my left wrists impact. And I don't want to reinforce that with thousands of reps. What do you suggest? Thx, Red
June 10, 2018
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Red. Take a look at Fix Your Release Video to help with the cupping issue.
June 10, 2018
64x64
Dugald
I think these are going to be perfect drills for me. I'm left handed but play golf right handed so I'm not right hand dominate. I don't think I push with my right hand but I do stabilize the club even with the lightest of grips. I even think I help rotate the club with light pressure from my right hand. Is this ok? I can hit the ball with only my left arm but with only the three figure grip the club is not very stable. If I use one arm can I use the index finger and thumb lightly for stability? What I've been doing is just laying the club in the open palm of my right hand while using the three finger grip with my left hand. Thanks for any comments.
May 16, 2018
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Dugald. Ideally, I don't want your trail hand (right) steering the face into the ball. The vast majority of players over use it. When you are perfect with the lead hand (left) the trail may be added to help you apply additional power. In the early stages though lets make sure the trail isn't controlling any of the club. You may use the entire lead hand if you can shy away from pushing with the thumb. The goal though is to gain control/awareness using the last three lead fingers.
May 16, 2018
64x64
Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Great videos! 2 questions: 1) it doesn't appear Chris's hips are open at impact here. He just makes a shift without opening them. Is that correct? 2) I struggle more on these issues with my driver. Could I use a driver and do these drills? Thank you!
September 8, 2017
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Chris. Yes, he stays square in the drill. Also, you could attempt it with a driver. But, the drill isn't designed for using a driver.
September 8, 2017
64x64
Keir
The weight shift to the left avoiding the hip slide is also what I struggle with. I assume when we shift to the left and roll our right foot (instead of lifting it) we do still need to open the hips?
August 27, 2017
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Keir. Yes. Take a look at Step 2, You Hit the Golf Ball with Your Legs, or Perfecting Lower Body Stability for more information on that topic.
August 28, 2017
64x64
Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
When you are posted up in this drill, are your hips open to 30 degrees or so at it should be at impact? Can't tell from the video and Chris doesn't mention it.
June 15, 2017
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Chris. Go ahead and setup with the proper impact (hips and all).
June 15, 2017
64x64
Ms Terry
I am just working on the first perfect your impact video.... It is great. I am just wondering if this the same for all shots.. Sand and chipping. Just focus on the last 3 fingers on left hand and rotate the lead wrist. It makes me take my hands out of the shot. Ty
June 15, 2017
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Terry. You may use the same pressure points in the last three for all shots. Chipping won't however have as much face rotation as in the drill above.
June 15, 2017
64x64
Robert
While Chris does not mention it explicitly, the video suggests that the arm movement here is mostly originating from the shoulders. Is that correct? If I'm not careful, I end up keeping my shoulders mostly quiet and mostly swinging just my arms. That is the wrong move, right?
May 28, 2017
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Robert. Slight initiation with the shoulders. However, the goal from the drill is a big rotation. More of feeling a freely swing lead arm and release. It will feel a little more arms at first, than big shoulder drive.
May 28, 2017
64x64
stephen
I am at 700 reps but have listened ahead to #2 where youbstartbweight shift. I had started to shift naturally that way with my #1 reps. First question: should I hold back on the weight until I finish the first 1000? Why not to 50 w/o shift and then 50 with shift to complete the first 1000 and start the next 200? Second question: in both first-hand second video you talk about hitting balls. Yo do not say how to work in actual ball striking into these drills. I do all practice swings with some in front of a mirror to monitor if I get the proper motions and alternate with a swing not looking at the mirror to try and feel the motion. In one video you or Chuck say to practice with a mirror or video. Am I Supposed to strike balls for the 1000?
May 27, 2017
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Stephen. You may start incorporating weight shift. However, make sure you are really proficient at doing this first drill correctly and you own the new movement pattern. The goal is to introduce some ball strikes with the proper motion. I would do 3 or 4 practice swings and then add a ball strike. Rinse and repeat.
May 28, 2017
64x64
Harry
Craig, I love these drills and have actually gone back to them over and over. Why? Because there a great check point. What I have found is I can feel pressure on the right index finger pad just as I change from taking the club back to 90 degrees to dropping back down on the "downswing" (for lack of a better term). It's almost like it's a back stop. Problem or no problem? And if it's a problem what do I do to correct it?
May 10, 2017
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Harry. The trail hand does help with support at the top. As well as help you maintain good angle coming down. If you are having more of an awareness and not a throw/push. It doesn't sound like it would be in error.
May 10, 2017
64x64
George
Hi Craig, I love this drill. I have been doing for a few days. At the driving range, I notice that I release my lead hand well with short irons 7-PW. However, when I go up from 6 irons to driver; I tend to have my right hand dominating again. What do i need to do with longer clubs?
May 9, 2017
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello George. Tend to have it dominant in the drill with longer clubs, or overall swing?
May 9, 2017
64x64
George
Hi Craig, I don't release well in the longer club in the overall swing.
May 9, 2017
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello George. Try working on a fuller motion with letting the trail hand go. Play the Best Golf of Your Life in 6 Weeks 2-4 of 6. Those three will help with tension, sequence, and letting trail go.
May 9, 2017
64x64
Stephen
I feel pressure on my left hip socket area when i shift to my left, especially when im maintaining secondary axis tilt when i go through these reps. I feel my stance width is in NJA. Your stance width seems to be slightly wider than NJA. What could i be dling wrong?
May 6, 2017
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Stephen. Take a look at Preventing Hip Pain. You might be pushing too much against the lead socket wall.
May 7, 2017
64x64
Greg
My common miss with this drill is either shank or top. What ate your suggestions to correct this?
May 5, 2017
64x64
Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Greg, this is an immediate sign of tension in your lead arm. You need to loosen up your grip pressure quite a bit and try your best not to increase it when your arm is swinging under your shoulder. This will allow the club to rotate properly and also allow the club to bottom out properly, which will eliminate both issues you are facing.
May 5, 2017
64x64
Jaleel
Is it smart to start this drill with a wedge (for ease) and graduate to longer irons or do you recommend going through the whole week with a mid iron. What would be the difference in using a shorter club rather than a longer one? Thanks.
March 29, 2017
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jaleel. We usually perform the drill with a short iron (8,7, etc..) I think the shorter iron helps to take the focus off of seeing distance from the shot and easier to feel the face rotation.
March 29, 2017
64x64
Michael
Thsi video describes a big weight shift to the left on the downswing and then posting up and using the left obliques to turn the left hip away from the target. In slow motion videos of top tour pros there seems to be a turning of the hips and knees simultaneously which perform the weight shift and turn all in the one motion (and also as described by Ben Hogan). Would you kindly please elucidate this point of the swing for me. Thank you.
March 25, 2017
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Michael. It sounds like what you are describing is how to stay away from a closed hip slide when shifting. Take a look at Fixing Your Weight Transfer and Step 2 - Core Rotation. You will see that we teach while shifting the weight the isn't just a lateral motion, but weight with rotation leading into the post up which will clear the hips.
March 25, 2017
64x64
richard
It would help if you could show both views, side and rear. I bring my club too inside, but even on this short of a so called 9 0'clock shot I do not know where the club should be pointing, from a rear view and how far your hands have moved inside.
March 12, 2017
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Richard. You don't want to throw the club too inside. But, since this is focused on the release and not ideal takeaway. I believe that's why it isn't shown. I apologize. Take the box drill from the 4 Square Drill Video to use as a guide to not throw inside too much.
March 13, 2017
64x64
Keith
Hi. While I do seem to be completing this drill successfully in the mirror, I find that after about 15-20 swings I feel an ache in my lower back, and have to stand up and reposition before continuing. Does this suggest that I am doing something wrong, or is it just old age?!
March 5, 2017
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Keith. I would check to make sure you are in NJA. Also, staying in the same position over time can create a little soreness or ache.
March 6, 2017
64x64
Lance
Please comment on the direction of the left elbow at impact and whether the wrists rotate due to the left forearm rotation while the elbow/upper arm does not rotate
February 11, 2017
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Lance. The upper arm will rotate very little into a position of the lead elbow pointing down the target line (Left Elbow Impact Alignments). The main rotation will be forearm/wrist below the elbow.
February 11, 2017
64x64
Nigel
Am I using the takeaway to swing my arms back ? If I am hitting the mat on the downswing behind my ball location, what am I doing incorrectly?
January 21, 2017
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Nigel. For this drill, you are using a little trail shoulder to help create some momentum to make the lead arm swing back. Tiny 9 to 3 takeaway motion, but staying planted on the lead side. If you are hitting behind. Make sure you have some lean (Taking a Divot Video).
January 22, 2017
64x64
Brian
Could chips be hit this way or does rotating risk at Impact increase chance of skulking the ball?
November 25, 2016
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Brian. You could chip this way. However, with the amount of face rotation it would be hard to dial in your distance/spin. Also, you would run the risk of maybe catching a few thin.
November 27, 2016
64x64
Harry
Craig, thanks for the feedback. 2,000 perfect shots is the goal!?!?!. I may never get past this drill. Out of the 150 balls I hit yesterday probably only 10-15 were really sweet (ball flew much farther than I expected with a very small swing), 10-15 were terrible and the rest were somewhere in between. It's amazing how the right hand wants to "get in the action", I actually had to lightly wrap my right hand around the left to eliminate any right hand influence. BTW, I think this little four drill series is right on.
November 18, 2016
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Thanks Harry. It will take sometime. But, to make a permanent change the motor patterns have to be retrained.
November 20, 2016
64x64
Harry
200 practice shots per day is impossible for me. I can only do 100-150 shots every 3 days. Should I go for more than 2,000 reps?
November 17, 2016
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Harry. 2000 perfect reps is the goal. If you have to space it a out a little for time purposes. No need to over do to make up for the time gap.
November 17, 2016
64x64
sambhu
Guys..all things considered, is maintaining the right knee flex throughout the back swing one of the most important things to focus on ..not for a beginner but for soneone like me, a 14 handicapper?a beginner might have other thingsi like grip set up to worry about..
October 4, 2016
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Sambhu. Yes, maintaining trail knee flexion is crucial for a better or more seasoned player.
October 4, 2016
64x64
Ashar
i think it is just release of left hand. I am able to do that but how to bow the left wrist at the time of impact. Is it the same drill for low trajectory shot.?? Now a days i am usually hitting the ball behind(fat shot). What i do, i try to get a divot in front of the ball but the club hits the ground and ball is no where. I think this is fat shot(not clear about this glossary) I try to compress the ball. any suggestion ?
September 26, 2016
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Ashar. Yes, it's like a low trajectory shot. Take a look at the Knuckles Down Drill. It will help with more forward lean for the fat shot and better compression.
September 26, 2016
64x64
Ashar
hitting ball exactly knuckles facing down is difficult. Could you please explain, what about the theory/drill, where you keep the head covers in your armpits while golf swing and keep there even after finish. In rotary swing, my arms could not maintain these head covers in armpits. Are these two different patrons of swing. I am little confused here.
September 27, 2016
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Ashar. Yes, the head covers or towel drill would go against the RST Model. Using these would keep the arms glued to the body. This would inhibit elevation (which would hurt speed/lack of leverage) and would tend to have you square the club more with the body. Take a look at How to Maintain Club Head Speed as You Get Older and Arms vs. Body Release.
September 27, 2016
64x64
David
Are tour pros arms glued to their bodies?
October 8, 2016
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello David. Some players glue their arms. They tend to be single plane only and use rotation of the body to square the face. It is one way to swing the club, but when trying to add power it applies a lot of shear force on the spine.
October 8, 2016
64x64
David
I notice when I "glue" my right arm to my body during my backswing, I hit the ball pretty good. My question would be am I sacrificing distance.
October 9, 2016
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello David. Gluing the right arm may cause you to lose elevation. You would lose potential leverage in the swing. Take a look at How to Maintain Club Head Speed as You Get Older.
October 9, 2016
64x64
paul
I find the club is slipping from my left (lead) hand pinkie. I am holding tight but it slips to my hand pad. Thoughts? Thanks. Paul
August 27, 2016
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Paul. Either the grip is too much to begin with in the palm or you might have the wrong size grips.
August 29, 2016
64x64
David
So ... the left hand is beginning to release and rotate when it is even with the trail leg, before it, after it?
August 14, 2016
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello David. For the drill it will feel even with the trail leg. In the full swing the face is always rotating, but will feel more as you start to enter the trail thigh.
August 15, 2016
64x64
David
In the video, Chris preloads his left side and says something like "roll to the inside of your right foot." Is that a good way to begin the downswing? At the top of my swing, can i roll my weight to the left using my right instep? This is where i have trouble beginning the downswing Also, if I don't get my weight left and I hit a thin shot, is that the reason?
May 24, 2016
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello David. Preferably, you will want to pull yourself to the lead side (Fixing Your Weight Transfer, Preventing Hip Pain Video). Chris is presetting the rolled in position of the trail foot at impact (Role of the Right Foot). Thin can be from lack of shift and pushing from the trail side.
May 24, 2016
64x64
Seth
Any chance of seeing the wrist rotation in slow motion and a different angle? I think I have it right but would love to see it in slo-mo.
April 25, 2016
64x64
Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Seth, you can go into the self analysis tool and load up a face on version of Chuck doing a 9 to 3 drill that gives you a pretty clear picture of the wrist rotation and you can look at it frame by frame. Hope that helps you out.
April 26, 2016
64x64
Seth
Thanks Chris, it does!
April 26, 2016
64x64
John
Hi Craig , In the video as the lead wrist is falling and rotating there seems to be quite a bit of shoulder turn on the downswing .. Should our shoulders be rotating ( proper takeaway )to get to the 900 position and unwinding as well as the lead wrist falling and rotating to get to 300 ?
March 29, 2016
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello John. The John Wall? I'm a Kentucky Fan . There will be a little shoulder rotation going back in this drill, but you aren't trying to create the 45 degree turn like a proper takeaway. The shoulder rotation down should follow the lead arm swing a release. Let it react to working on the proper arm/wrist motion. This drill is to solely focus on the wrist motion. Let the shoulders stay quiet and be more reactionary.
March 29, 2016
64x64
John
Thanks for such a quick response, didn't expect it till sometime late in the day.. No not the John Wall I only share his name , I wish it was his money. Lol thanks again
March 30, 2016
64x64
Stephen
Hi Craig, when u shift to the left, chris mentions in one of his videos that you roll to the inside of the left foot. Which video is this? Does this part happen when u shift to the left or when u post up? I'm wondering do I need to shift to the left side and roll to inside of right foot before I post up? Stephen
March 20, 2016
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Stephen. Not exactly sure which video you are trying to find. Could be this series, but part 2-3. Also, Preventing Hip Pain. Nevertheless, yes you need to shift and pull the weight over. Then, post up on the lead leg. Perfecting Lower Body Stability. Don't force the trail foot roll, but allow it to follow.
March 21, 2016
64x64
Richard
For chip shots, do you want to see the wrists rotating over or do you want the leading edge of the club head to be more perpendicular to the target line at the end of your chip shot? I seem to getting a crisper contact and straighter roll with the club head turning over.
February 28, 2016
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Richard. You can allow for a little rotation if you want more spin. But, a stock shot the face will stay fairly square with the lead hand ahead. Take a look at How to Chip in Golf Perfect Stroke Video.
February 29, 2016
64x64
Dave
Is it ok if my right heel comes up and my hips open slightly at the 3 o'clock position as long as it is on the ground and I am square at impact? Keeping square at 3 o'clock with my right heel planted causes a pain in my back just above my left hip. Is this a conditioning thing where I need to work on flexibility?
January 3, 2016
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Dave. The focus of this drill is more on wrist movement. Ideally, you don't want a whole bunch of hip or body movement. If the heel/hips move slightly (ever so slightly) it is ok. But, strive for not a lot of motion.
January 3, 2016
64x64
John
After all the emphasis during the take away of keeping left AND right arms relatively straight, It seems the right arm is folding slightly in this video and his shoulders are not rotating (right shoulder back and down). Is this going to create bad habits for the take away?
December 26, 2015
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello John. This won't ingrain bad habits. You are focusing solely on impact. The trail arm will be slightly folded in the downswing to impact.
December 26, 2015
64x64
Frank J
thanks Corey,frankj
November 21, 2015
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Frank. No problem.
November 21, 2015
64x64
Frank J
do i do this with a driver,fairway woods, orjust irons.PLEASE LET ME KNOW.
November 20, 2015
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Frank. For training purposes you should stick with an iron. However, the release will be the same for the driver and fairway wood.
November 20, 2015
64x64
Corey
When performing this drill should I concern my self with the shaft position at 9 and 3 o'clock? Should the shaft be parallel to the target line at those positions?
November 19, 2015
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Corey. The goal of this video is for proper wrist rotation, not so much the shaft position. The lead hand rotating properly without too much trail hand involvement.
November 19, 2015
64x64
Seth
Is it possible to feel my wrist supinate two different ways as it is falling into the ball? With muscles on my thumb side or muscles on my pinky side? And which way is correct to produce the best impact consistency? When I do this drill with one hand it feels like I use more of the muscles on my pinky side to help rotate my wrist and the club head, feels like a pulling motion.
November 11, 2015
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Seth. The goal for this drill is rotation of the wrist. You should feel control and pull in the last three fingers of the lead hand. Take a look at the Vijay Release Drill.
November 12, 2015
64x64
Robert
Should we be aiming for forward shaft lean at impact for this drill? or mostly just rotation?
November 6, 2015
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Robert. This drill is for rotational purposes only.
November 6, 2015
64x64
David
Why is it that some days, the club will absolutely not rotate over. What are some things that I can look at or practice while waiting my turn to play. Something to try to try and save the round!
October 8, 2016
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello David. Take a look at Fix Your Release. During the round if you are struggling to feel the club rotate over you may need to exaggerate a few reps. Try to see the fingernails of the lead hand by the 3 O'Clock position as described in that video.
October 8, 2016
64x64
David
Great. Thank you.
October 8, 2016
64x64
Rob
HI guys, I just want to confirm this...When I reach the 9:00 position, the back of my left wrist should be facing away from my body (as shown in the video 4:00 mark)? When I do this, I notice the toe of the club is at a maybe ~20 degree angle away from my body. Is this what I should be seeing? Thank you, Rob
November 6, 2015
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Rob. The goal would be to have the club a little more toe up and glove logo facing away.
November 6, 2015
64x64
Klaus
Doing this drill out of a static position means that I am keeping the knee flex in the left knee and that I am not opening my hips a impact. Correct? Regards from Germany. Klaus
November 3, 2015
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Klaus. Yes, the focus of this drill is just for the wrist rotation.
November 3, 2015
64x64
John
I started 1 of 4 of the impact series today. Of the 150 swings at the range on a mat I noticed that I was hitting behind the ball on the mat before contact on about 50% of the shots. The ball flight was generally straight and with decent contact except for the tendency that I thought might be chunking. Too much right hand?
November 2, 2015
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello John. Typically, too much right hand, loss of shaft lean and lag angle too soon will lead to the chunk. As long as you are starting in the correct impact and getting good wrist rotation. Those problems will be fixed by the successive drills.
November 2, 2015
64x64
Stephen
Hi Craig, In my last review I performed a release drill from Chris's series, where I just performed the release with minus weight shift. You noticed that I just moved the club with my hands and my right arm had broken down. I thought that I had to move the club to the 9 O' Clock position with my glove logging pointing towards the camera, the way that Chris performed in his fix the release video. Would you prefer me performing a proper takeaway performing these drills? Thank you. Stephen
October 31, 2015
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Stephen. For this drill, the goal is to setup for impact. Not maximize the shoulder blade glide to a perfect takeaway. You will do this in Part 3 and 4.
October 31, 2015
64x64
Stephen
Just trying to make sure I am practicing effectively, so for series 1and 2, do I need to concentrate on letting my arm swing back and forth from the shoulder? Was I using my hands too much instead of letting my arm swing? Thanks for your help. Stephen
November 1, 2015
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
You will be swinging the arm from the shoulder joint. I didn't see too much hands. However, you do have the tendency to fail in to trouble that way. So, just keep it in check.
November 1, 2015
64x64
Stephen
Thanks. Stephen
November 1, 2015
64x64
Ronald
Is the backswing done with scapula glide in and down with the club in front of the chest or is the move more an arm(from the shoulders) move?
October 28, 2015
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Ronald. Real swing will be performed with shoulder blade glide. This drill is more just an arm swing from the shoulders.
October 29, 2015
64x64
Byron
Performing this drill with a 7 iron how far should the ball fly? I feel I am putting too much effort into the swing and opposed to a little chip shot I am hitting the ball approximately a 100 yards,
October 28, 2015
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Byron. 100 Yards seems a bit too much. I don't want to designate an exact yardage for people to shoot for. But, keep it closer to 20/30 yard range.
October 28, 2015
64x64
Byron
That's very helpful. I felt I was moving into phase 2 and 3, getting more rotation into the drill and not keeping it elementary.
October 28, 2015
64x64
Michael
Hey! When setting up to the ball you should see 2-3 knuckles. This means that the left wrist is bent. Then you say that the wrist should be straight or even slightly negative bent at impact. Does this mean that , because the ball is in the same place , the club hits the ball in the same place as the setup , the hands must be far ahead of the ball at impact ? Otherwise, the club will be very closed at impact if I have hands in the same position as when I set up. Thanks Michael
October 26, 2015
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Michael. The hands will be ahead at impact compared to where they were at address in a normal swing. The goal of this video is just to focus solely on wrist rotation. The lead wrist will be bowed or forward at impact versus at normal setup there will be a slight amount of cupping. This would de-loft the club, not shut the face. Take a look at the Knuckles Down Drill.
October 26, 2015
64x64
Melvin
It appears as if the right wrist is cupped at the 9:00 position. Does the left wrist cup and the right wrist straighten (flat) at the 3:00 position? Or are they both flat? Thanks, Mel
October 22, 2015
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Marvin. Take a look at the Right Wrist in the Takeaway Video for the 9 O'Clock Position. At 3 O'Clock both wrist will be flat.
October 23, 2015
64x64
Gary
Chris in the left arm in the golf swing video Quinton talk about the elbow leading and the only thing that rotates is the forearm and wrist. At what point does the forearm and wrist begin the rotation? He talks about it starting at the start of the downswing however it appears that the rotation starts somewhere at the right thigh level. Can you please clarify this as this is important to this drill I believe. Note : if it were to start at the top if one was to rotate it as described the club may become more vertical ?? Note : I have a real hard time with the left arm only drill as my left arm feels somewhat weak and clumsy without the right however when I place the right hand on the club I feel it wants to take over the golf swing regardless of grip pressure or being cognitive of how it should properly be executed. I am a right handed golfer and right handed bit played hockey and batted from the left side. The right arm feels much stronger then the left Please try and point me in the right direction as it is pretty frustrating, with my athletic and hand eye coordination I can shoot 75 one day and 90 the next depending on my athletic ability for that day. Thanks Gary
October 22, 2015
64x64
Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Gary, the club should be rotating the entire golf swing. It should be rotating in the takeaway and backswing and then in the downswing will begin to rotate from the top down. We want the club to be rotating at a gradual rate and we do not want to have to try and speed up the rotation of the club down in the hitting area. From the top of the swing down, it is quite hard to rotate the club with just the left hand on it as the muscles used to supinate the wrist are not nearly as strong as they are to pronate.
October 24, 2015
64x64
Rick
Rick Chris check my post I hit the reply button instead of posting here. Thanks
October 21, 2015
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Ri. I think Chris has your answer at the bottom of this page.
October 22, 2015
64x64
Steven
When releasing the club, do we rotate our hands to power the club into and through impact? Or are we simply holding onto the club and allowing our hands to be rotated for us (perhaps in an educated manner) by previously generated momentum of the club?
October 21, 2015
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Steven. You are rotating the hands, but allowing the snap to happen more for power. Not muscling it through. You can see this in the Vijay Release Drill.
October 21, 2015
64x64
Steven
Does the left wrist still need to be flat at the 3:00 o'clock position? I can't seem to find a way to have my left wrist be flat at the 3:00 o'clock position with the club pointing toward the target and the toe of the club pointing anywhere near vertical. The only way I can keep my left wrist flat at the 3:00 o'clock position is to either have the club point well right of the target or to have the face of the club point more toward the ground. I have a neutral grip so I don't believe that is the problem. When viewed from the down-the-line perspective my arms point at an angle toward the ball through impact, so if my left wrist is slightly bowed at impact and it rotates to get the club to the 3:00 o'clock position (from a face-on perspective), then the back of my left hand (and therefore the face of the club) will naturally point more toward the ground. What am I missing? Is it okay for the left wrist to cup slightly as the club approaches 3:00 o'clock as long as the left wrist is flat, or slightly bowed through impact, and the left wrist rotates through impact?
October 21, 2015
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Steven. The focus of this drill is for wrist rotation. The flat left wrist will be explained in future parts. Ideally, in the real swing the lead wrist will be flat. You can see this in the Knuckle Down Drill.
October 21, 2015
64x64
Jeffrey
CHRIS OPPS...I meant to say in last email: that I have performed this drill while allowing my right hand to come completely off of the club (Vijay Drill) in downswing and with a slightly longer swing I have been able to the hit ball as far as I normally do with both hands on the club...Should this be possible if I am performing the drill correctly and as you advise?
October 21, 2015
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jeffrey. You are performing more of a Lose the Right Hand Drill. But, that isn't training anything that isn't correct in the real swing.
October 21, 2015
64x64
Jeffrey
Also, as I became more comfortable with the drill, I lengthened my swing a bit and could actually strike the ball as far with each club while performing this drill (and even allowing my right hand to come off club).....Should this be possible if I am doing the drill correctly and as you advised in your video (perhaps with a lengthened backswing)...Anything undermining about performing the drill with a lengthened backswing and/or a right hand falling off the club?
October 21, 2015
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jeffrey. You are making it closer to a real swing. But, the goal right now is to focus on the small movements and impact.
October 21, 2015
64x64
Jeffrey
In performing this drill will it undermine the objectives of the exercise to al ow the right hand to come totally off of the grip during the downswing?
October 21, 2015
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jeffrey. This shouldn't undermine that objective during the training of this drill. However, you want to start to become aware enough how to keep the right hand on without pushing through.
October 21, 2015
64x64
Larry
When doing without a ball, should I be focused on where the club bottoms out during this drill?
October 21, 2015
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Larry. The only two concerns right now is making sure the weight is on the lead side correctly and set at impact with good wrist rotation.
October 21, 2015
64x64
Mitchell
Chris, I see the logo is facing away from you in the drill or in other words facing the camera. Is your left wrist completely flat? Do you point your thumbnail to the sky in the 9 o'clock position? Can you show a down the line shot when performing these drills?
October 17, 2015
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Mitchell. I will see about DTL for you. The left wrist won't be completely flat. The focus is on rotation only. Toe up back and through.
October 17, 2015
64x64
Steven
Craig - Do I understand you correctly that the left wrist won't be completely flat at the 9:00 o'clock position? Should it be slightly cupped or bowed?
October 21, 2015
64x64
Mitchell
What's the club of choice for these drills? A 5i because it's a more difficult club? Or an 8 to make it easier?
October 19, 2015
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Mitchell. 8 iron would be better than the 5 iron because you want to make sure it is easier for you to repeat a quality rep every time.
October 19, 2015
64x64
Rob
In terms of a grip...overlap or interlocking? Does it make a significant difference? Rob
October 16, 2015
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Rob. We prefer Overlap. However, you can use interlocking if you want.
October 16, 2015
64x64
Rob
Hi guys, These video series involving the drills sounds like a great idea. I try to practice these types of drills (release and 9-3) with some success. But when I go to a full swing, I revert back to bad habits. I hope the constant repetition of these drills will force these proper swing techniques to become automatic. Thank you, Rob
October 16, 2015
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Rob. It takes time and good reps to re-train new movement patterns. You will get there.
October 16, 2015
64x64
Colin
Right hand a 'passenger' as before?
October 15, 2015
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Colin. Right hand as passenger.
October 15, 2015
64x64
Matthew
Doing these drills, is it normal to feel pulling from your left oblique holding this impact position for many reps and pulling left arm/wrist through? I feel like I am getting an oblique workout after doing a hundred or so of these reps.
October 13, 2015
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Matt. The focus should be more on what the lead arm and wrist are doing through impact. However, the oblique helps pull the hips out of the way and is engaged at impact. Feeling a little tension in the oblique is normal.
October 13, 2015
64x64
Matthew
Should we focus on the lag position of when swinging through the left hand is in front of right pant leg while club is parallel to the ground? Or does that not really matter as we are focusing on how the left hand rotates through?
October 14, 2015
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Matt. Keep the focus on rotation for now.
October 15, 2015
64x64
Kurt
Chris, just wanted to say your drills are what makes it happen. I have typically hit a "thin" shot, with very little divot. Long and straight, but typically few greens in regulation. This drill focusing on the weight stacked over the lead ankle while maintaining the spine tilt/head position, definitely give me the feel and affect of hitting down on the ball. Focusing on the lead wrist position ties it all together. I can't wait to drill step 2. Thanks.
October 13, 2015
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Awesome Kurt. I know Chris appreciates the feedback.
October 13, 2015
64x64
Terence
A great drill., especially the tip about the last three fingers holding the club. I realize now how much I have been using the thumb and the right hand. Now I can easily keep the right heel down and the extension after impact is great. I feel that the pieces are coming together.
October 13, 2015
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Terence. Great. You can see more discussion on the last three finger in the Vijay Release Drill.
October 13, 2015
64x64
Warren
I worked on this drill today and actually tried to incorporate the impact posture in my swing while playing. Distance of irons and woods definitely improved with a much freer release However the downswing felt like I was really poking my left hip to the left to get neutral joint alignment while my head stayed back getting what felt like secondary axis tilt. Not sure it actually was but for a recovering hip spinner would that feeling make sense? Seemed like it helped with the tush line staying to the back as well.
October 12, 2015
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Warren. Yes, it would be normal as the hip spinner usually stays shy of NJA with lack of weight transfer and being stacked over the lead ankle. Just make sure you check on camera that you aren't sliding past NJA.
October 13, 2015
64x64
Warren
Thanks Chris
October 12, 2015
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Will pass along the message. Thanks Warren.
October 13, 2015
64x64
ralph
Great stuff Chris! I've been an RST member for over 3 yrs, been to an RST clinic and took RST lessons, all of which helped tremendously and got my index as low as 7. Recently, I've regressed to the point I got fed up with golf because the ball was going all over the place. This video has put me back on the right path as I realized I'd once again started to get a flippy left wrist at impact. Been working on doing all the reps at home and on the range -- it's helped tremendously and straightened out my ball flight considerably. Can't wait to see the next step. One thing that would be nice would be a DTL view of the drill. I still find that I push with my R hip and lose the spine angle no matter how much I try to stay down on it.
October 11, 2015
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Ralph. I will pass the info to the team. Glad to see you are returning to get that game back in shape!
October 12, 2015
64x64
Anthony
Hi Chris, I know this is a drill but I have a two part question, first, even though your right hand is placed lightly on the club is the right wrist bent at Impact before you start to aggressively rotate the left wrist and then the right wrist straightens. Second, it seems when I start to rotate my left wrist the grip end of the club moves slightly up after impact, is that the correct motion. Thanks
October 10, 2015
64x64
Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Anthony, do not try and make the right wrist do anything in this drill. Focus primarily on the left wrist and allow the right wrist to react accordingly. By trying to hit a position with the right wrist, you are going to create unwanted tension that is going to make it difficult for the left wrist to rotate properly. For part 2 of your question...I assume you are speaking of the grip moving into the pad of the hand post impact? Is you lead wrist flat and your glove logo directly behind you?
October 11, 2015
64x64
James
I have a mid size grip on my clubs. Could to big of a grip affect my release action. I use a friend club with regular grips I was able to release freely.??
October 9, 2015
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello James. Bigger grips can inhibit wrist set and motion. However, I play with Mid-Size and don't have any issues achieving a proper release.
October 9, 2015
64x64
Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Feel free to post up your reps and your progress throughout the week. For those of you that get a chance to hit balls, let us know how the ball striking is coming along.
October 9, 2015
64x64
joseph
Three 100 rep sessions so far ... in the garage ... off a mat ... nerf balls (didn't realize a garage has so many hiding places for a ball!) ... not ready for the range 'cuz even though I'm in an impact position the old bod wants to shift left even more a soon as I start moving the arms ... got to slay that dragon first ... ... one more session planned for today.
October 11, 2015
64x64
Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Nice Joseph!! I am sure the are hundreds of hiding spots for golf balls in my garage as well. Take your time with the drills and get ready to stack in the next piece at the end of this upcoming week.
October 11, 2015
64x64
David
I am using a seven iron to hit balls and practice with in the house. When I hit I set up at address, get into impact position, swing back and rotate the left hand thru. The ball comes out low. Of course, by the 5th of 6th rep, I am hitting bullets! I then regroup and start again. Is this the ball flight we are looking for? At the range, when I begin hitting it far, people stop and say you only need that club to play! Today is day three. Another 200 reps to go. I will continue that for seven days til your next instructions. I also like the way I am extended on the "three" side as I tend to think we short arm it after impact! That looks like a tour pro position.
October 10, 2015
64x64
Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Good stuff David. These shots should be quite low for now due to the delofting of the club. The extension you speak of sounds great. Keep up the great work.
October 10, 2015
64x64
joseph
Chris ... to perform the drill you start with the weight stacked over the left ankle (left hip and shoulder aligned with a vertical line thru the ankle) ... as you move into the position I notice your head moving a bit to the left ... but later in the video you say to keep the head behind the ball which I interpret as keeping the head stationary ... seems to be a bit of a conflict? Depending on your answer I may have a follow up question. Thanks.
October 9, 2015
64x64
Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Joseph, I was first showing how to shift the weight into the lead side. Then I mentioned that we want to keep the head back when making this shift, which will promote needed secondary axis tilt. Since I am having you work from a static impact position, it is a bit awkward to pre set with enough tilt and hold it in place.
October 9, 2015
64x64
joseph
Roger that
October 9, 2015
64x64
David
For this drill do recommend actually hitting balls for the 200 reps, or just making contact with the grass while concentrating on the logo placement on my glove and the rotation of my wrist?
October 9, 2015
64x64
Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey David, you can hit balls during these drills or you can do them without. Either way is good with us providing you are not focused on the strike of the ball yet and only the movements of the body.
October 9, 2015
64x64
Maximilian
Hello RST, after doing this drill I made some experiments with a little bit of weight shift back and through impact. I'm a typical hipspinner and I realized at the beginning that i shift my weight to the left, but only with my lower body. So i didn't get stacked over my left side. By doing this correct it feels really like chuck said in the other videos shoulder levels at impact, beltbuckel drill and so on. At impact my left shoulder feels low and my hips feel quiet and a little bit shut. It's the first time i can release the club. The only thing im a little bit worried about is my head. It also feels like he comes in front of the ball. Is this just a feeling or can i technically do something wrong? The sensation is like i have to shift my upper body more over to my left leg or the left side, not only my lower body.
October 8, 2015
64x64
Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Maximillian - When you are working at full speed and shifting and clearing the hips out, this will promote secondary axis tilt which will hold the head behind the ball. Its hard to get into a static impact position with enough tilt.
October 9, 2015
64x64
David
In this drill, are we worrying about bowing the left wrist thru impact or just logo pointing out to logo pointing back?
October 8, 2015
64x64
Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Focus primarily on the rotation of the wrist.
October 9, 2015
64x64
Christian
My question exactly. Is the focus on supination of the left wrist THROUGH impact (I.e. The release) or the position of the left wrist AT impact?
October 8, 2015
64x64
Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Christian, we never hit positions in the golf swing. We move through them. For this drill, it is best to make sure you are focusing on rotating the lead wrist into the checkpoints I mentioned.
October 9, 2015
64x64
David
I was moving my grip around on the club. I noticed, because I practice in front a mirror, if I grip with my left hand turned slightly right, at impact, I can achieve a bowed left wrist. If it is the, "I see three knuckles" strong, bowing it really isn't going to happen as much and it also makes it harder for forward shaft lean. Am I correct in thinking this or is it just that golf season up here is virtually over and CABIN FEVER is setting in! I posted this under week one, because I am continually doing the week one drills.
November 17, 2015
64x64
Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey David, you want to grip the club in the left hand as we outline in the grip videos on the site. Going too strong can make it more difficult to get the wrist bowed. You don't have to have a bowed left wrist at impact to have forward shaft lean. You can have a flat left wrist and have plenty of lean. Trying to get too much forward shaft lean can be a big issue and make it harder to get the ball off the ground. Work on getting 2 to 2.5 knuckles at address and then just work on keeping the wrist relaxed and rotating and at least flat through the entire release.
November 17, 2015
64x64
Rick
Rick Chris I just had a right knee replaced. Just released by my surgeon to drive and play golf easing into it. Then I start 3 x week out patient rehab. I am pain free and for the first time in 10 years, I have true balance. As we progress through these 4 lessons. Can us knee replaced individuals actually perform the Rotary Swing method without compensating for a replaced knee. So far so good. My surgeon's nurse thought I would be using a cane for my 4 week post operation visit. I sure showed them! I am just concerned about the right foot with golf shoes as I move from right to left that I bend the right knee through the swing as opposed to twisting my right knee and causing problems. Would it be better if I played with tennis shoes so I can turn my right foot versus the spikes possibly cause a twist in my knee due to the spikes. I was told to just ease into the swing with lofted clubs as I strengthen my right leg. Look forward to your comments. Thanks
October 21, 2015
64x64
Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Rick -- Glad to hear you have fully recovered and much sooner than your doctor even expected. These drills should put no stress on the knees at all Just make sure you follow the weight shift perfectly before moving into video #3. Tennis shoes are fine. I would have done these videos barefoot if I could, but I am not sure you members want to see my feet.
October 22, 2015
64x64
Dan
Thank you, Chris. Baby steps eventually gets you up and running at full speed. But my question goes just a bit askew of this drill. When I saw you move over to your left side I immediately thought of my golf swing. For my iron play, I was taught (and saw on one of the more modern videos) to take my stance with most of my weight on my left side, and then stay there during my entire swing. Is this an acceptable stance for RSG?
May 4, 2017
64x64
Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Hi Dan, thanks for the question. You absolutely do NOT want to setup with your weight over your lead side and try to stay there when making a full swing. You would be sacrificing a big source of speed in your golf swing by sacrificing weight shift AND you would be putting you body in harms way as loading your swing up and not shifting can cause the lower vertebra to become compressed and hurt your back overtime.
May 4, 2017

Get a perfect golf impact position every time

Have you been battling with a lot of those miss hit golf shots that are really frustrating either off the heel or off the toe? Maybe even battled with some of those fat or thin golf shots. Well, I got some fantastic news for you today. I going to walk you through over the next four weeks a step by step process that's going to help you get into a tour quality impact position every single time.

                Your goal in this video series is not only to become a really fantastic ball striker, but it's to also have a good clear understanding of what your problems may have been all along. That's right, so I'm going to actually lay out a detailed list of check points. It's going to give you a good clear understanding of what you may have been doing wrong, and what you're going to look to do to correct it.

                If you look at golf as a whole from at a professional standpoint when you watch all these guys on TV, and we see all these different strokes. Different strokes for different folks, right. There's two really common things that are shared amongst all those players. That's the position of the lead wrist at impact, and the maintaining of the angle to the spine through the hitting area. Those two areas are going to be addressed.

                I'm going to lay out some drills. I'm going to lay out some repetitions that you're going to be doing throughout each week, and at the end of this video series, I'm going to teach you how to ramp your speed up so that you have tons of compression, tons of lag, and tons of speed just like you've always wanted.

                Okay gang. Time to get excited. Here we are at week number one to correcting your ball striking once and for all. Our goal this week is to be focusing on the position of your lead wrist at impact. I know I said during the opener what's one of the common things that we see amongst tour players is that they have that flat or slightly bowed lead wrist. Where amateur golfers tend to have a cupped or scoopy wrist position through the impact area. Now this can add loft to the club. This can make the club come is a little bit scoopy and make it very difficult for you to compress the golf ball properly.

                What our focus point between now and next week's video, aside from the left wrist is that we're going to hit a repetition range here of 1,000 reps. I know it sounds like a ton, and everybody at home is panicking. How am I going to get 1,000 reps done? Well, I'm going to break mine up over five days, and this doesn't need to be done out on the golf course or on the driving range. This can be done right from the comforts of your own home, right in front of your garage, even in the kitchen if you feel like that's a good place for you to do it. What we're going to be focusing on is isolating the other moving parts of the body. Again, we're starting out very slow. We're going to put our training wheels on because we have to focus on the position of the lead wrist and the lead wrist alone.

                What I want you to do over the next week and for our thousand reps, and I'm going to go for 200 today. So I'm going to go ahead and take my normal set up here, and I'm going to shift my weight over to my lead side by rolling to the inside part of my right foot. So you see how most of my weight is now getting over to my lead side. Now, what I want you to do when you're starting to shift this direction is I want you to try to keep your head still. This is going to promote a little bit of what we call secondary axis tilt. You need that in a golf swing. That helps shallow out the swing plane.

                Go ahead. I'm going to show you here from a starting point. I'm going to shift, but I'm going to try to keep my head back behind the golf club. Now, what I want to do when I grip the golf club here is I want to focus on the back three fingers of my left hand. No tension with the thumb, and no tension with the pointer finger. I'm going to focus on these back three fingers. That's where a little bit of my pressure's going to be. Not tons of it. Just like if you were holding that tube of toothpaste that we've talked about in the fix your release video.

                So I've got my pressure back there, and what I'm going to do with my right hand because this is typically the culprit for causing this scoopy like position, is I am just going to open my palm here. I'm going to slowly put my fingers around the club, not to the point where there's any sorts of pressure. It's just going to rest there. What we're going to do is rather than having any sort of weight shift or big rotation is we're just going to swing our arms out to nine o'clock. Again you can see my right hand is just very relaxed on the club. Any of the pressure that I feel is in these back three fingers.

                We're going to swing back to nine. No pressure on that right hand, and we're just going to go ahead and swing through, focusing on the lead wrist rotating. The right hand should feel like a back seat passenger here. It should just feel like it's just hanging on. You're going to focus on the lead wrist just rotating. Your check points here when you get out to nine o'clock, lead wrist should be pointed out in front of you here. You can see that if I had glove on or my watch is pointed out in front of me. My right hand is very relaxed. My grip pressure is back here in these three fingers.     

                I'm just going to focus on the lead wrist just falling and rotating, so now when I get over to this check point, my glove logo is going to face behind me, not up in the sky. Not down at the ground. Again, make sure that you're not pushing the club through with the right hand. You want the right hand to feel like it's a back seat passenger. You're going to just rest your fingers on the outside of it. The way this looks, okay my weight's on my lead side. Swing my arms out to nine, and then I'm going to let my arm just swing through and release.

                You can hear how crisp that sound was. If you still struggle, and you're noticing that your club head is really starting to look flippy at impact, then get the right hand completely off there, and just focus on your left arm for the next week. Promise you that'll help you drastically. Okay, so this is our game plan. I know it seems a little small, but I got to remember we got to start small first. When I start to stack in these next pieces over the next three weeks, you'll see that all this will come together. We'll have a good impact position with a lot more speed. So, get to work. I'll see you guys next week. Let's make it a great day.   

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is golf impact?

At the end of the day, the most important thing in golf is impact. Everything that we do going back, doing drills on the backswing, getting the takeaway right, the grip right, the setup right - all of that has everything to do with just getting impact right, to make sure that when we strike this ball, everything is in perfect alignment.

How can I improve my impact in golf?

Because impact is one of the points in the golf swing where there is a tremendous amount of force, proper alignment of the joints is critical, especially for protecting the elbow from injury.

In order to align the joints properly, there is a specific sequence of movements and sequence of muscular contractions that you MUST be aware of and be able to execute to ensure a safe and powerful impact position.  At Rotary Swing, we teach how to improve your impact in golf.

What is the golf impact position?

As we come into impact, what we want to feel is that our hips are very square in relationship to the target line, so they would be parallel - if you put a club across your upper thighs here - basically parallel to the target line.  You want to come into impact and literally squeeze your glutes so that you have a lot of stability and support to release the golf club at the bottom.

 

This is what the golf swing should look like at impact, broken down step by step:

·      Coming down, stack the left hip socket over the left ankle to create a safe position to pivot

·      The left shoulder is over the left ankle (or slightly outside) and the spine feels very vertical

·      The head is also in neutral - left ear on the back of the ball

·      Contract the glutes at impact for stability

·      The right foot bears little weight, but is still anchored to the ground

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 ...

Join RotarySwing
Member Login