Maintain The Tush Line - Chair Drill

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In this video, you'll see how to use a chair on the driving range, to help you maintain your tush line once and for all.

  • Both cheeks touching the chair
  • Shift your weight
  • Pull the lead cheek into the chair
  • Try to keep the trail cheek against the chair as long as possible during the release


If you're stuggling with your hips spinning out and over-rotating in your golf swing?  Battling the loss of "tush line" can be a tough problem to overcome.  That's why we have created a simple drill featuring a folding chair that will help you FEEL the movements necessary to fix all the problems with your hips. 

Grab a lawn chair and let's get started with this simple yet effective golf swing drill. 

With a folding chair placed behind you as you set up in your golf swing, we want you to touch your left and right butt cheeks lightly on the chair.  The goal is to stay "glued" to a position that keeps your hips from rotating too early in the golf swing which will rob you of power. 

Take a few practice swings and get the feeling of keeping your right tush back so that when you transfer weight forward, you are fully loading the power of your swing. 

Practice this drill 30 or 40 reps and you should build the sensation you need to acheive proper hip rotation and maximum golf swing power. 

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Stephen
This has been a key focus of my online lessons. I’ve worked hard at keeping to the Tusch line on my backswing by focussing on loading up the right glute. But I still struggle not to move off it on the downswing. When I make a conscious effort to keep my hips back on the downswing I get massive slices. If this is something you often see when trying to fix this fault any suggestions as to how to practice this and get a straighter shot?
December 20, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Stephen. Sounds like you don't finish the weight shift. Most players start keeping the butt along the chair, but forget about weight and the dynamics how you move through the shot. Check to see you still get a good sit into the lead side and then clear. Take a look at the Clamshell Drill and Perfecting Lower Body Stability.
December 21, 2020
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Kevin
Losing tush line on first move down from the top - when I focus on keeping the chest closed and over the ball my shots were very straight today but I’m missing right more than left now
November 12, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Kevin. Keeping the chest closed for too long will get you under plane. If you didn't rush the hands that could lead to the push shot. Make sure you don't add a touch of closed hip slide and chest back too long. May lead to push, or flip left to save.
November 12, 2020
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Kevin
Hi Craig, I’ve hit balls and played the last two days after our lesson and played well with my tightened up backswing. I’ve found when I cover the ball better with my chest my path is more on top and the club works down better. My miss that I captured at the range though was thin cuts or solid pulls - I also hit the alignment rod I have down on some shots so I’m assuming my path is working more in as it has shortened. My first move from the top is coming off the tush line as you can see - should I focus more on getting that left hip open or keeping the right cheek and chest closed longer to maintain my tush line?
November 12, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Kevin. Start to let the hips square up a little more. Tiniest bit closed hip slideish to maintain the tush. Glad you are working on tidying up that bakcswing!
November 12, 2020
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Kevin
Thanks Craig - just to clarify, are you saying I should add more of a closed hip slide to keep the right glute back on the tush line for the top or are you saying it looks like a closed hip slide? I checked the magic box and as you said my knees aren’t in the middle of the box so clearing / rotating more would help the tush line
November 12, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Kevin. Yes. You are underdoing the rotation and need to delete the closed hip.
November 13, 2020
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Kevin
I worked on more rotation in front of the mirror tonight - really feeling the lead knee externally rotating more. It might be the camera angle but my knees don’t appear to both be in the middle here but tush line vastly improved with the club flipped
November 13, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Kevin. Tush line massively improved. The knee not being perfect won't get me to yell at you with the improvement in the hip turn.
November 14, 2020
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Nick
At impact the left hip pushes the chair back. Where should the left hip be at the completion of the swing? Does it come away from the chair a bit as the back straightens, or should it stay back on the chair?
June 19, 2020
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Michael (Certified RST Instructor)
Hi Nick. The lead hip is stacked over the ankle at the completion of the swing, so it will move away from the chair.
June 20, 2020
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Don
I have been making progress on the drills, but continue to play 3x/ week. I’ve had to take a week off after straining my lower back muscles ,especially the right erector spinae muscle, during a great round, breaking 80 for the first time in 2 years. I have never experienced back pain playing golf before. Since I have had issues with early extension in the past, could the swing changes in Step 1,2 and 3 ( that’s as far as I’ve gotten so far) combined with early extension have caused this? I have watched the tush line videos as well as the back pain video, but not sure how to proceed. Thanks, Don
June 11, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Don. Pushing with the trail hip/early extension can cause back issues. Especially, if you add a lot of side bend as well to the motion. Take a look at How to Fix Golf Back Pain Video.
June 11, 2020
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Doug
Craig, I definitely slide my hips alot as I move into my left side ( apparent on video at full speed) ; bad old habit-it looks like this also casuses me that secondary tilt. Should I put a chair or something outside my left hip at address and if so how far away to allow proper downswing weight transfer and post up?
May 5, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Doug. It's your trail hip fault. Not the lead hip. You can do something like that, but I don't think it would curtail the issue. Try some counter torque with the Sam Snead Squat Video.
May 5, 2020
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Doug
Chuck, I'm 5 weeks into my swing trasformation and its going solid. I'm doing much better with lower body in transition but have a hip sway issue on the downswing weight shift and my shoulders quickly tilt what I think is to much. This can't be good for my lumbar, can you take a look and give me your suggestions. When I do it it chunks and slow motion its much better.
May 3, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Doug. You can have a review anytime with Chuck, or Schedule a Live Lesson with him. Start your process by going to the Swing Reviews Tab. Pick your poison .
May 4, 2020
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Daniel
I am having trouble with keeping the tush line when there is a ball present during full swing. I can maintain the tush line without the club, with the club, left hand only, both hands, and even 9 to 3 with the ball. However, full swing with the ball, I lose the tush line at the beginning of the downswing leading to loss of spine angle, shots off the heal, etc. Any suggestions?
December 5, 2019
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Daniel
Impact
December 5, 2019
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Bill
Would love to see this video in slow motion, where Chris mentions his tush coming out a little (the 1'st swing) and the better swing (2'nd swing) as a comparison...Hard to tell the difference in full speed. Keeping the tush back just doesn't feel right to me because the downswing wants to get to a post-up position, which pulls the tush/cheeks away, up and around...
October 21, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Bill. Thanks for the suggestion. The post up is up and back. This should promote maintaining on the proper lines. The trail cheek will leave a little, but the lead should easily still be on or even increased. The key is that you aren't pushing with the trail when that happens.
October 21, 2019
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Bill
Thanks Craig - I'll continue to work it!
October 22, 2019
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Kevin
Just trying to connect some concepts - does keeping the right hip back also help keep the shoulders closed longer? I have trouble with both spinning open and assume it would help
September 9, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Kevin. Yes it will. But, when you shift the hips will have to rotate. Just make sure you don't get into a closed hip slide. Take a look at the Closed Hip Slide Video.
September 9, 2019
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William
Hey, is it anatomically possible to rotate your left hip into the chair and at the same time keep the right hip on the chair?
August 6, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello William. To a certain degree you can rotate the hip slightly holding the trail hip on the chair, but not very far.
August 7, 2019
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William
Thanks for clarifying. I imagine that is why there is a slight increase in the distance between the knees starting the downswing.
August 7, 2019
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JC
Hello - loving the content, reviews and the drills that go along with them. I am improving after years of whacking at balls with no purpose. My question is, where&how does one access/navigate to this video on the website? I have been watching, in sequential order, the videos found after clicking the Video Menu drop down, then the Rotary Swing University Dashboard. I received a swing review and this video was a recommended drill, yet when I search for it on the Dashboard, I do not see it.
August 3, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello JC. Use the search box. Type in key words that are in the drill title. Like for above. You could type (chair, tush) and with the list that will pop up below. You will find it.
August 3, 2019
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Michael
Should the lead leg stay bent on the swing? I feel like I have to stay in squat position in order to maintain tush line. Are there other drills to maintain tush line that dont involve full swings? My major problem is I'm do right side dominant that I cant stop using my right side/arm to dominate nbn ate and overtake left hand
June 20, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Michael. As you post the lead leg will straighten and with a proper post you should be able to maintain tush/spine angle. Take a look at You Hit the Golf Ball with Your Legs and Step 2 - Core Rotation. Combine those drills with the drill above. No club, just body movements and proper sequencing. See if you can delete the early extension without a club first.
June 21, 2019
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Giap
can this drill help cure the club coming from the inside and resulting in a block or hook?
April 1, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Giap. Yes, this drill combined with the Trace the Plane line would be a good combo.
April 2, 2019
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Michael
Just wanted to share something that has allowed me to drill the feel of maintaining the tush line (a forever problem for me). I record my swing down the line using the front camera of my iPad so that if I turn my head to the right (away from target) I can see my image. By having my tush lined up against a vertical line in the background (like a doorway) I can watch whether I am staying on the tush line through the backswing and downswing. Amazingly, when watching myself, I can make better 9 to 3 swings, with good tush line and good plane, compared to looking down at the ball. I think its because not seeing the ball takes away the "hit" instinct out so my hands stay relaxed during the downswing.
February 9, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Michael. Thanks for the post. Much appreciated. This should help other members.
February 9, 2019
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Nolan
Would another thought of trying to push the chair back with your lead glute be appropriate? I almost feel like I’m pushing off my lead heel and pushing my left glute back. Feels weird but I want to make sure this is correct. It looks like my tush line is staying in place in the mirror when I do this.
December 10, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Nolan. The lead hip works back and away from the target. I don't have a problem with your thinking of pushing the lead glute/hip backwards.
December 10, 2018
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Andrew
Have been working a lot on maintaining the tush line. The video about hip pain, pulling with left side seemed to really help maintain or improve tush line on downswing. The problem now is that I move several inches toward the ball during the backswing. Especially after the left arm passes parallel. Any ideas on what causes moving toward the ball during the backswing, or are there any videos addressing this?
September 12, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Andrew. Sounds like you are allowing the weight to go towards the toes, or improper trail glute loading. Take a look at Load Right Leg Video first to see if you can gain some stability.
September 12, 2018
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Andrew
Thanks Craig, it's awkward but it worked. I'll explain- I kept my right knee flexed, and started the backswing with the weight on the balls of/midfoot, moving towards the heel/ankle. Once I did that, the tush line did not change. Then on the downswing, the left leg adduction and I actually see on video my left hip getting a little behind the setup tush line. Just to let you know, I have been trying to do those moves for a year, and no matter what, I always moved forward 3-4 inches on backswing, followed by a couple more on downswing. But my swing was backwards - I was overrotating the hip and moving from heel to toe on backswing, then driving hard with my right side/leg on downswing. I have to laugh because I might not be able to hit a golf ball the new way, as all of my moves and feels seem 'reversed', but it actually looks ok on video for the only time I can recall. Thanks
September 13, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Andrew. Making a new change can definitely make you feel like you have never swung a club before. Sounds like progress is being made though. Good stuff. My only question is why start with the weight on the balls of the foot?
September 13, 2018
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Andrew
Good question, if I start the backswing with weight toward the middle/ball of foot, I feel like I can resist the club pulling me forward. And toward the end of the backswing, it feels like with my weight on the heel/ankle, I can stabilize against the club pulling me back. Probably overthinking that or doing it wrong. What weight shift video do I need to re-watch? Thanks
September 14, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Andrew. Take a look at a few for me. How to Swing From the Ground Up, Weight Shift Part 2, Weight on the Balls of the Feet, and Finding True Balance. I see what you are going for, but concerned about the starting position.
September 14, 2018
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tim
Would losing tush line cause pain in lead hip? I have played three rounds in past 10 days and lead hip is really sore. I played yesterday and had a bunch of blocks out to the right, with all clubs. Thanks
June 13, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Tim. Typically, losing the tush line will cause you to slide/push the hips. Putting the lead hip socket wall at risk. Take a look at Preventing Hip Pain.
June 13, 2018
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tim
i have studied that video and when i watch myself in the mirror, it looks like i am in neutral joint alignment. although it does appear that i have to much axes tilt. Also, i notice the pain in my lead hip more when i load up on the right side, maybe i am over rotating but it looks like i am at 45 degrees.
June 14, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Tim. If you are moving off the ball too much creating excessive tilt it would affect more the lumbar spine. Could pull a little on the hip though (Head Moving off the Ball Video). Also, if you have too much secondary axis tilt take a look at the (Level Shoulders Drill).
June 14, 2018
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Rodney
I think this is a great thought. I videoed myself today hitting some wedges and although contact was really solid feeling, I noticed I was coming up on my right toe when the club was parallel to the ground coming down. At setup it appears I have about a grip and a half clearance (see daylight). However, on the downswing the butt end of the club looks like it is almost hitting me and I am up on my right toe somewhat. Would this be a good drill to allow the hands to comethrough and keep the daylight between the butt end of the club and my thighs?
April 15, 2018
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Rodney
See image
April 16, 2018
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Chuck
Look at your right heel. You're pushing off the right side which moves your hip into the ball
June 6, 2018
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Rodney
Address looks like the below
April 16, 2018
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michael
Hi Craig, when I swing lead arm only I maintain my tush line throughout the backswing, as seen in my latest review. However with both hands on the club I lose it at waist high and my hips move towards the ball by several inches. Therefore as this video refers mainly to the downswing by which time I've already lost it will this video assist this problem. Thanks Mike.
November 4, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Mike. Yes, use it for the backswing help as well. Make sure you are loading properly (Weight Shift Video Part 2) and you don't over rotate the hips when trying to load initially in the takeaway.
November 6, 2017
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Matt
I can maintain the tush line with a chair in my garage but when I head to the course or range and take the video I really stand up. I do know I am a flipper so really working on weight shift first to start downswing but I have a question. When you shift to the left and bring hips to square then open them up 30-45 degrees to bring them around to the left it really feels like I am sticking my rear out all through the downswing and follow through. Is that somewhat normal for a person who never maintained the tush line nor really had good hip movement and the downswing?
September 15, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Matt. That sensation will come about for a player that tends to always use the tush line. Take a look at You Hit the Golf Ball with Your Legs Video.
September 15, 2017
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Matt
Did you mean to say, 'for a player that tends to lose the tush line' and not 'use the tush line'?
September 16, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Matt. Yes. "Lose." Have to love auto correct sometimes.
September 16, 2017
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Fred
Chris, I just submitted videos for review without adding any notes or comments, inadvertently. I would have said that the videos were submitted as showing some progress toward the goals of keeping R foot down through contact and reducing posture changes. I also would like to add that these videos were taken just a few hours after I completed a round of 18 holes under par. First time achievement for me. Fred
May 24, 2017
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Fred, first off....CONGRATS on breaking par!!!! That is awesome to hear!!!!. FYI...in the future, if you submit a review and forget to post some notes like this, you can go to the swing reviews tab, then go to pending reviews, delete the current submitted review and then resubmit the uploaded videos with the notes that you may have missed. Looking forward to seeing the progress in your reviews.
May 24, 2017
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bradley
The big miss for me has always been left. Also I've always had a power leak because I don't get the distance I should be getting. Would those two problems be typical of someone not maintaining the tush line? Also , I notice some players right foot are off the ground at impact and some are not. Please explain. I'm keeping it down through and everything is getting better so far.
May 9, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Bradley. Early extension usually causes a two way miss. Because you rely heavily on the hands to square the face while not maintaining spine angle. If you have fast hands and only providing power through wrist rotation. It could easily send the ball left and short. The trail foot is meant or should be used as a brake in the swing. Some players push from their trail side to try and add power. But, it can cause more inconsistencies. Take a look at Jason Day vs. Rory Mcilroy | Power Post Up for more info and visuals.
May 9, 2017
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Dean
When I am able to maintain the tush line, which is very difficult for me, I seem to pull all my shots. How do I counter this?
February 24, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Dean. Make sure that you are still shifting the weight into the lead side and not over powering with the upper half through the strike. Make some lead arm only swings against the chair. Which should help you shallow the path and release more towards the target.
February 25, 2017
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Rob
Hi guys, I have heard of a similar drill. I set into my position with my tush against a wall and then I do a practice swing with my arms crossed over my shoulders. As I transfer my weight to the left side, I try to turn out my left knee and transfer my weight to my left heel. While doing this, I keep my tush against the wall. Does this sounds like an effective way to practice not losing my tush line. I often lose the line in my swing and pull up with early extension. Rob
July 22, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Rob. Yes, that is an alternative way. The video above only adds that you can swing a club in the process. Also, take a look at You Hit the Golf Ball with Your Legs Video to help with early extension.
July 22, 2016
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James
i have the problem of loosing the tush like after my takeaway, during the flex stage. How to a fix this?
May 26, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello James. Take a look at Play the Best Golf of Your Life in 6 Weeks 1 of 6. You need to load and rotate into the trail side better.
May 26, 2016
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Loran
Then, I gather the swing stance is predominantly quiet and rigid? The form maintains its posture through the swing, until the finish? Then, I wonder what are the major power drivers in the swing? Buttocks? Thighs? Abs core box? Throughout the swing, the player sits metaphorically like she sits in a chair?
April 18, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Loan. The swing stance is quiet. But, I wouldn't say necessarily rigid. I get concerned when players try to overly lock items. The posture and tush line will maintain form through the swing. The trail buttock will leave slightly due to rotation, but only right before impact. Glutes, Abs, Obliques, and Lats will be the major drivers in the swing. You don't actually want to sit back as much like in a chair, but metaphorically on the right track.
April 19, 2016
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Monty
How much does flexibility in the hamstrings play a factor in being able to keep your tush on the line and prevent early extension?
March 26, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Monty. Hip Flexors and hamstrings play a key role in tush line. You need to be somewhat flexible to help with the early extension.
March 26, 2016
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Dennis
Am I correct in believing that the golf swing is a collection of opposing forces? What I mean is, in a technical sense, centripetal force drives the arms and club in the opposite direction both in the backswing and the downswing, pressing into the ground with the trail heel and bring the club and arms up and pressing into the ground with the lead heel while straightening the leg results in force back into the ball with the arms and body?
March 6, 2016
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Dennis, That is a great way to think of the golf swing. From a physics stand point, centrifugal force is a result from centripetal force, so I would think more from a cause and effect standpoint.
March 7, 2016
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Jay
How can I continue to turn my hips after impact? In my swing I'm on the tush line at impact, but my finish looks like I stand up pulling away from that line. I noticed the pro's get their left hip on the tush line at finish position.
March 4, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jay. You need to let the momentum of the release pull your body through to a complete finish. You might be trying to pull too much leverage from the ground. Take a look at Perfecting Lower Body Stability. Make sure you pull the lead hip out of the way properly and when you release the club the trail side gets pulled through instead of pushing up too much.
March 5, 2016
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Jay
Craig, I just watched that video, and it helps. But I wanted to take a second to alarm you guys, the clothes you wear help us novice golfers tremendously. When talking about the hip's, Chris wears a white belt, and contrasting color outfit. Im being serious when I say , that helps me focus on his hips. Intentional, or not, Good job to him.
March 5, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jay. Great. Yes, good find. We try to have a little contrast to help separate body parts.
March 5, 2016
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Lance
Thanks for continuing to develop ways for us to improve. You guys are top notch!
March 4, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Thanks Lance.
March 4, 2016
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Thomas
I like this drill. I'll use my golf bag with the driver or 3w sticking out of the bag far enough so it touches my tush where I can feel. Maybe not as good as the chair but...Tom Spriggs
March 4, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Tom. I use the same thing. Both work well.
March 4, 2016
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