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 ...

What is a Perfect Golf Swing Plane?

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

How to Fix Swing Plane & Path

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 ...

Golf Takeaway | Overview

An overview of the RST takeaway by RST Founder, Chuck Quinton. This video walks you through the key components of the RotarySwing takeaway move.

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Dave
Should we allow the head to move slightly in the takeaway, since we are adding some weight shift to the right?
June 6, 2021
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Manny (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello, Dave....Yes, we encourage it, but it must only be slightly.
June 6, 2021
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Gavin
Hi Craig I’m at a point now where I have paralysis by analysis finding it hard to take the club back, any ideas? Cheers mate!!
March 9, 2021
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Gavin. Take a look at My Golf Backswing Secrets Video. Try to dumb it down.
March 9, 2021
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Gary C
I am practicing my takeaway and while I am striving to achieve the correct position (club head in front of my hands with shaft pointing parallel to my target line and butt of club point directly at the target when the shaft is parallel to the ground) I notice that when I miss I end up with the club he’d slightly outside my target line. Curious if this means I am elevating my arms a bit too much or what is the cause and also what potential problems this will create as I co to use through to the top of the backswing and downswing. If that my miss is that as bad as pulling the club too much inside? Even when I miss both arms are straight with a slight bit of hip rotation and weight loaded into relight heel so I feel like most aspect are still correct. My goal is to still get it exactly right consistently but was curious why potential issue this would cause and what was causing it to begin with.
January 21, 2021
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Gary. If you miss I would rather it be slightly outside. Sounds like a touch too much elevation. If you keep rotating from that position you will be fine. The inside roll is the death move because it shallows out the plane too early and tens to lead to overly deep.
January 22, 2021
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Gary C
If I miss slightly outside does that correct itself as I continue to rotate to the top or does that just lead me to a position where my hands end up a bit higher at the top?
January 22, 2021
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Gary. You will tend to be a little bit higher. But, it all depends on how much. At the end of the day you don't hit the ball with your takeaway. The components of how you get there matter more. Without seeing the move it would be tough to tell whether you are in the ball park or too exaggerated.
January 22, 2021
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Gary C
As far as making the best use of my practice time I was thinking that if I drilled the takeaway and was able to consistently hit the proper position when the shaft is parallel to the ground it would help ensure that my backswing started on the proper plane and would likely help me finish properly. Would you agree with that thought? Should I spend time focusing on practicing this position or not worry about this as a intermediate step if I am not pulling inside?
January 22, 2021
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Gary. A proper takeaway will definitely make the backswing easier to complete plane/rotation wise. I was merely saying don't get caught up in a few degrees here or there. Applying a few reps to not have to think about the takeaway anymore doesn't hurt my feelings at all. Because from there you would just keep rotating with just some tiny arm movement.
January 22, 2021
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Alan
I'he using a LiveView camera down the line view. How should I draw the plane line so that I can check if I'm taking the club too far to the inside?
December 27, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Alan. Draw a plane line from the hosel of the club through the back of the trail elbow.
December 27, 2020
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gordon
I am always struggling to prevent upper-body-righthand-side dominance and know that this can be triggered from the outset by a handsy takeaway. Thinking shoulder glide in the t/a also is too upper body for me, and foot tapping doesn’t seem to work for me either. I am now experimenting with starting the t/a with a hip turn to focus feel in lower body (and also to support better subsequent hip turn in the transition). In doing this am I going to incur another, different problem and if so what warning signs should I be looking for? Thanks, Gordon.
November 25, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Gordon. Just watch out for lack of weight and too much loss of flexion early. No worries on helping the takeaway by using the hips.
November 25, 2020
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Daniel
My shoulders are naturally rolled forward after years of a desk job. I'm doing all sorts of exercises to restore my posture but it's a slow process. In the meantime I have to actively move my shoulders into a square position. From there I can execute the trail shoulder movement Chuck describes and get a full shoulder turn. My question is what's the best mechanism for squaring my shoulders. I find it helps to push my chest out. That allows me to keep my shoulders back without adding too much tension in the shoulder joint. However pushing out my chest has the effect of creating a lot of arch in my lower back and I end up with a severe S curve in my spine. The flip side is that I don't push my chest out. Instead the feel is leave my chest alone and actively pull back my shoulders at address. This gives me a flatter back, which seems correct, but I end up with tense shoulders because I'm really having to work to keep the shoulders in place. Which of these is better--pushed out chest with relaxed shoulders and an S curve or relaxed chest with tense shoulders and a flat back? I realize neither is ideal, but I mean as a starting point.
November 23, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Daniel. You want to shy away from lordosis. (The S curve). Because it will create another set of issues. If you have to have a little bit of roundness, but keenly aware of the posture issue. Really try to suck in the belly and rotate with the core.
November 23, 2020
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Hector
THIS IS MY PROBLEM . I DO THE DRILLS WITHOUT THE CLUB AND I CAN DO THE RIGTH SHOULDER BACK AND ROTATE 90 DEGREES , NO PROBLEM . I HAVE THE MIRROR AND EVERITHYNG LOOKS PERFECT. ONLY I PUT THE RIGTH HAND IN THE GRIP AND DO THE TAKEAWAY MY SPINE LOOSE THE ANGLE AND I ROTATE LEVEL TO THE GROUND, NOT IN THE SPINE ANGLE ADEQUQTE AND THEN I CAME OVER THE TOP IN THE DOWNSWING BECAUSE IAM NOT ROTATING CORRECTLY, IAM FRUSTRATED BECAUS EI HAVE BEEN A MEMBER OF THE ROTARY SWING FOR YEARS BUT MY GAME IT IS STILL IN THE 90 PLUS . MY QUESTION IS , IN THE TAKEAWAY WHAT IT IS THE FEELING I SHOULD FEEL ? THAT MY RIGTH ARM IT IS FIXED TO MY RIGTH PECTORALIS MUSCLE ? THAT MY LEFT SHOULDER GOES DOWN AS FAST AS POSSIBLE IN THE TAKEAWAY? HOW I FEEL MY SHOULDER BLADE ? TELL ME THE FEELING ?/ NOT A VIDEO TO SEE PLEASE . I HAVE SEEN ALL THE ROTARY SWING VIDEOS WITHOT HELP OF MY TAKEAWAY. HELP , THANKS
October 20, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Hector. Feeling is subjective. My "feel" is may be completely different than yours. Without seeing the move it is tough to diagnose which one is causing the issue. If you want to upload a swing review. Or, post a picture of your setup and full completed takeaway on this forum I may be able to diagnose from the images. Nothing should go down as fast as possible, nor be glued to the chest. You will feel connection between the upper pectorals and biceps. But, they aren't smashed together. Shoulder blade moves down and in. But, more players resonate with rotating their core. Like passing a medicine ball rotating the body. You only need 45 degrees of rotation in the takeaway, so the comment about 90 is concerning that you may be trying to over cook the rotation which is causing you the fits.
October 20, 2020
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John
Chuck teaches, and shows his toe straight up on the takeaway. But most players today have a face angle that matches the spine angle at waist high on the backswing. This presents a conflict for me. Is it just a different way of swinging? Any thoughts?
October 20, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello John. I could grab 10 pros and they all would have different variations of the toe in the takeaway. Tiger in fact has had multiple different throughout his career. We are measuring and performing the move based on the data/club design. If you are toe up, or a few degrees toed in we aren't going to be upset. But, the clubface shouldn't be matching the spine angle. Take a look at Forearm Rotation in Golf Swing for Power and Who Cares What Tour Pros Do Videos.
October 20, 2020
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John
Thank you. I think my face angle or amount of opening on the backswing changes has been the biggest cause of inconsistent ball flight for me. When I get slightly closed I do tend to have to hold the release and struggle with pulls and duck hooks. I intend to get on board and stick with Rotary concepts. It makes too much sense not to. I just hope I don't find myself hitting weak right.
October 20, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello John. I was taught by Leadbetter and a few others to match the spine angle as well. Best decision I ever made was to stop fighting the design of the golf club .
October 20, 2020
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gwan
I have three questions: Due to the axis tilt it feels like I am moving of the ball. Am I rotating correctly? In the takeaway the clubface is slightly toed in. I never get it pointing directly up without manipulating the hand. I am missing something? With shoulder elevation in the takeaway do the biceps stay connected to the chest or are 'releasing' a little bit?
September 25, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Gwan. Slightly toed in is okay. But, if it really starts to close we may need to check it. Axis tilt will help you rotate and load. But, if you are moving off the ball I would check to make sure you aren't pushing with the lead shoulder. You should still have a little sense of connection, but the arms will start to raise slightly to keep the arms in front of the chest.
September 25, 2020
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Brian
Can you recommend good videos to review for wrist flex / hand position / club angle at the top of the backswing?
July 23, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Brian. Take a look at Using the Wrists in the Golf Swing, Wrist Cock vs Wrist Hinge, and Cupped Left Wrist Videos.
July 23, 2020
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Jim
Hi, is there a best waggle for the rotary swing or does anything go? Stiff? Wristy? In between? Short? Long?
July 16, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jim. We prefer to shy away from too big a waggle, etc.. You can do some loosening, but if you have a lot of big waggles. You start activating a lot of extensor muscles which will tend to make the player start the club head with their hands going back.
July 16, 2020
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Richard
I'm trying to fix my takeaway which i used to start with some forearm rotation leaving the club face open as i push back. I'm focussing on using shoulder rotation and seem to being making progress especially when using mid to long irons. i'm struggling though to eradicate it though with my wedges. Would it be right to say that the short the club the steeper the shoulder rotation should be? i have a feeling i might be staying on the same plane with Gap wedge as my 7 iron
May 20, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Richard. The shorter the club you will typically hinge forward a little bit more which would make the shoulder plane steeper. you don't need to manually do it. However, if rolling is the issue. Take a look at Penetrating Wedge Shots Video.
May 20, 2020
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Mayur
Hello Craig, Just to be clear, should there be a little wrist hinge in the takeaway?
May 15, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Mayur. There is a little bit of wrist set, but the trail wrist shouldn't really have much hinge. Take a look at Wrist Cock vs Wrist Hinge Video.
May 15, 2020
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Malcolm
When should the trail arm start to bend.
April 29, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Malcolm. Just after the takeaway is completed.
April 30, 2020
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Malcolm
Thanks Craig, so just about level with the right pocket?
April 30, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Malcolm. Probably a little closer to just above belt buckle.
April 30, 2020
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Mohnishkumar
Hi, Do we need to lift (sole ) the club head at the begginning of the swing . As we do in the driver. Thanks
February 27, 2020
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Mohnishkumar
At adress from the ground up. With the irons .
February 28, 2020
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Mohnishkumar
Hello craig. Please comment . I am waiting for your reply. Thanks .
February 29, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Monishkumar. When you replied to your own comment. It doesn't notify me. I apologize. No, you don't have to lift the sole of the club.
April 30, 2020
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A J
Hi, Chuck. When you take the club back to waist height in the takeaway, should the club face point to the sky, or as I have been told to have the club face pointing slightly down towards the ball . Slightly closed. Tm
December 21, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Tony. The club of the toe should be up. Slightly toe down is okay, but we prefer toe up. Take a look at the Pencil Tee Drill, Forearm Rotation in Golf Swing, and Shake Hands Drill.
December 22, 2019
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Fred
After the full backswing, should the downswing be on the same exact path and plane?
December 16, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Fred. Relatively the same, but it will tend to be a little shallower coming down and the hands a little higher than address position. Your goal would be to zero out the plane/path into the ball as much as possible.
December 16, 2019
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Darryl
Does the shoulder blade guide end at the end of the takeaway, or do you keep pulling with the shoulder blade/obliques through the whole backswing?
November 19, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Darryl. The glide/core rotation won't end until the backswing is complete.
November 20, 2019
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Bob
When I do the take away without a club, or with a club in the lead arm only, it's easy to move the right shoulder back, but when I add the right hand, I have to really concentrate on moving the right shoulder back for some reason
September 20, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Bob. Focus some attention on the obliques to help. 5 Minutes to Master Rotation Video.
September 20, 2019
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Mickey
Patrick, Thanks for the recent feedback on my latest swing review. As I work on weight shift and limiting hip turn in the takeaway / back swing should I expect this to cause any loss of distance? As I progress with recovery from elbow surgery and working on improving via RST principles I want to be able to monitor both elbow recovery and swing changes. Yesterday was the first day I've hit full shots since surgery and only with a pitching wedge. My carry with PW was 132 yards based on my launch monitor data (vs. pre surgery carry of 142 yards). I'm just trying to prepare myself if I should expect any initial consequences as working on swing fundamentals.
September 5, 2019
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Patrick (Certified RST Instructor)
Hi Mickey, No, you will not experience a loss of distance due to limiting your hip turn. In fact, distance will increase because you are recruiting more muscle fibers that will transfer up the kinetic "chain" with proper sequencing. Your SOLE focus should be ingraining new movement patterns. DO NOT focus on ball flight changes or the quality of strike. This is putting the cart before the horse and it's where many golfers go wrong in their practice. When the body is trained to move correctly in the right sequence, the club will move properly and do what it needs to do in order for distance gain, consistency etc... to be achieved. Thanks
September 6, 2019
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Darren
Hi there. Had some fantastic feedback from Patrick Callahan on my first swing review. I chip a lot of balls daily in the garden and was wondering what your thoughts are of me focusing on my set up and take away move while chipping those balls? Im still getting the reps done in the normal way, just having more fun and getting plenty more reps done this way and actually finding im chipping the ball very well
September 1, 2019
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Patrick (Certified RST Instructor)
Hi Darren, I am glad you received some solid instruction. Be sure to count those reps using the rep tracker or some other means to quanitfy them. The goal is to put in 3-5k so that the motion is ingrained. Always practice with a mirror as well. Then you may chip away. That said, you can challenge your brain and tape yourself after you have put in about 200 reps to see what your motion looks like with a club in hand. Thanks.
September 2, 2019
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Darren
Hi Patrick, thanks for my latest swing review. My question is in my first review i worked on getting my arms to hang more under my chin in a relaxed position, rather than having my hands placed too close into me. That new position feels fine now although in doing so my club shaft is pointing more to my naval than at my belt buckle. Those adjustments you recommend i wont have a problem doing. However i think my clubs will need adjusting. They we're fitted with my old swing and are 1/2" long 2° upright. When i worked on getting arms to hang more under my chin, i noticed the club was toe'd up, therefore to get the club sit correctly on the ground, the shaft now points to my naval, rather than belt buckle. I've worked on what you suggested in my second review and can make those changes, but it looks like im going to need lie adjustment. Does this sound correct or am i looking too much into this? Thanks again Darren.
November 6, 2019
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Patrick (Certified RST Instructor)
Hi Darren, I am not an expert club fitter, but I will say the toe of the club will always be up at address, even with properly fit clubs. I think the issue has more to do with the length, as that is dictating that you get the club pointed higher up towards your navel instead of your belt buckle. The bottom line is that you want those arms relaxed, so you are not firing those muscles too soon and over using the arms to move the club. That causes excessive elevation in your particular swing. The correct philosophy is to fix the swing mechanics FIRST, then allow fitting to maximize things. Too many times, golfers use club fitting as a band aid in order to fix swing faults and that is putting the cart before the horse. Using club fitting to minimize swing faults can only take you so far. For now, choke down on the club until the butt end of the club points at your belt buckle. As your path and face angle improve (due to better mechanics), your lie angle may or may not need to be adjusted. Let's get the mechanics down first and at some point you can use a lie board and some tape to check your lie angle needs and get re-fitted.
November 6, 2019
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John
One thing I've never been clear on is where to focus on the takeaway - Chuck has mentioned in several videos to pull the right shoulder back. So do I focus the mind on the right scapula or rhomboid muscle area ? It seems if you do that then you become right side dominant...In other roadshow videos, he mentions to turn with the obliques. Would be good to hear clarification on that.
August 22, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello John. All of the above. The abs, obliques, and lats will be doing the majority of the work. You need them engaged to create proper pulling with the trail side to create the takeaway. I suggest working on the Body Rotation in Golf Backswing - Chair Drill Video. Most players will tend to feel it more in their obliques early on even though those other muscles are working.
August 22, 2019
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gwan
What do you think of pete cowen’s staircase drill for the backswing? I feel it works the hands up more than the rotary takeaway drill?
August 10, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Gwan. I am unfamiliar with Pete Cowan's Drill. I wouldn't be qualified to answer for you. Maybe someone else on the forum has come across the drill for some further clarification.
August 10, 2019
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gary
Clay Ballard, who used to work at Rotary Swing, says when you rotate back in the takeaway, you push off against the ground with your right foot. He says this helps load your right glute and right leg. Chuck doesn't seem to do this in his video. Is Chuck actually doing this too but maybe is a little hard to see?
July 16, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Gary. Take a look at Load Right Leg and My Golf Backswing Secrets. See if the push into the ground mentioned in those videos rings a bell. Yes, you must load the trail glute and sitting/stomping the trail heel into the ground is something Chuck does first in the takeaway.
July 16, 2019
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Chad
should the left bicep be connected to your chest on the take away? I feel like I gain control when I keep it connected, however with a driver when I stay connected I seem to lose club head speed as my width is less if I keep that left bicep connected to my chest on take away, make sense?
June 8, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Chad. You will have a sense of the lead bicep and pectoral remaining connected/close in the takeaway. As you add elevation in the backswing you will start to lose that sensation. Take a look at How to Keep the Left Arm Straight Video to see how it will leave this connection.
June 9, 2019
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Ted
There is a Road Show video with "Tom" that includes both Chuck and Chris in the instruction. Which one is that? (There are a lot to choose from now. Refer this one to Chris, please.)
May 30, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Ted. Lesson Number 10 - 4 Time West Virginia Amateur Champion.
May 30, 2019
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Greg
Hi How do you search for that video ... I tried "West Virginia Amateur Champion". and "Lesson 10-4" and did not see it ... Appreciate nay help in understanding the roadmap fr all video's ( being a newbie ) Thanks
June 29, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Greg. Go to the Instruction Tab ---> Free Road Show Lesson ---> Scroll to Lesson 10.
June 29, 2020
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gwan
Add question - do you have to push your arms out?
May 20, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Gwan. As your rotate the body will move the arms around as you elevate slightly to keep them in front of the chest. You don't want to push the arms out. Take a look at the 4 Square Drill, Pool Noodle Drill, and 5 Minutes to the Perfect Takeaway.
May 20, 2019
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gwan
But then my right arm tends to collapse
May 21, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Gwan. If your trail arm start to collapse. You are either pushing with the lead arm, or over working the trail. Take a look at Pushing with the Left Side in the Takeaway and Role of the Right Arm. Elevation will be the only way to keep the club from getting deep too early.
May 21, 2019
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gwan
Craig - Thanks. One more question - I am doing the pencil drill. That helps. However, i feel I need to rotate the forearms. With just rotation, elevation and hinge I won’t get the face square. Right?
May 21, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Gwan. Yes, there will be a minimal rotation of the forearms to help with club rotate to toe up. Take a look at the Shake Hands Drill Video.
May 21, 2019
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gwan
Should the arms stay relaxed in the takeaaay/backswing? The whole arm or just the under arm?
May 20, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Gwan. The arms should stay straight and relaxed.
May 20, 2019
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bob
Given the bucket drill and the position of the right arm in the takeaway do you like or recommend the ball between the arms device Justin Rose uses?
May 8, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Bob. I think it might work fine for the takeaway. But, any training aid/device only matters if you are correcting the fault leading to needing the aid/device.
May 8, 2019
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Gary
This question could be placed in many videos - if the shoulders are to turn to 45 degrees on the takeaway without moving your hips and the club shaft is to get parallel with your toe line how does the club shaft get there ? Does the hip turn get it there and if so at what point do the hips engage/turn in the swing to accomplish this?
March 30, 2019
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Dean
Hey Gary, it's a combination of the 45 degree shoulder turn pulling the arms back while you add 25% wrist set and a little bit of shoulder elevation and just enough forearm rotation to get the toe up. The hips don't turn much until the takeaway is complete like in the 9-3 drill. So you are turning your upper body independently of your lower body. Pool Noodle Drill/RST Pencil Drill would be good ones and has some checkpoints. If you just leave your arms wrists limp/dead it can't be done so some additional manipulation is needed and can be challenge to blend them all together.
March 30, 2019
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Dan
I just viewed the latest "roadshow" video that was emailed to the members on fixing a narrow back swing. At the end, Chuck makes a quick comment about tour players hitting down with their driver. So now I have some confusion... are we to hit down or up with the driver?
March 14, 2019
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Dean
Hey Dan, I watched that one as well and it's a frequently asked question here. Basically the angle of attack can be adjusted to produce the type of shot you want. The "Proper Tee Height" video has a lot of info there about the setup adjustments needed to perform three different types of driver swings. The thread itself also answers a ton of questions about this topic. Hope this helped.
March 15, 2019
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David
When I was forced to lay off a year (in my mid 70's) I found when I came back I had lost a ton of club head speed. Now at 85 with my poor swing mechanics I am lucky to hit my drives over 150yds. But your instructions have put me back to where I used to be. You may not have intended this but totally rerelaxing my wrists when I start my backswing has added 20 to 30 mph to my clubhead speed (i use a laser speed finder when I practice.) I think this is because I have much more lag and my right hand is not taking over. Does this make sense to you?
March 3, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello David. Glad to hear of the new found club head speed. Makes sense to me that you have more lag. Soft is fast. Tense is slow. Lot easier "to snap the towel" when the wrists are relaxed.
March 3, 2019
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Thaddieus
One thing I’ve never really understand is the purpose of a waggle. I fight hinging the right wrist to initiate the backswing and waggling the club just seems to promote that. I have to focus on keeping the cup in my left wrist which definitely helps. My question is do you recommend a waggle and if so why? What is it supposed to be promoting? And if not what’s a good takeaway trigger - I’ve been focusing on moving into the right ankle as my trigger.
March 3, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Thaddieus. We typically don't recommend the waggle because it tends to pre-engage the hands too early. Some players do it to release tension and others to promote early wrist set. We definitely don't want early wrist set and shifting the weight is a great trigger to start the swing. My Golf Backswing Secrets Video.
March 3, 2019
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John
Give me some feedback on the club face during the takeaway. When my arms are extended and club is parallel to target line, should the toe/club face be be pointed slightly downward?
January 23, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello John. Toe up. Take a look at the RST Pencil Tee Drill, Shake Hands Drill and the Forearm Rotation in Golf Video.
January 23, 2019
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Termaine
I just had a swing review done by Craig that was very helpful. He gave me a lot of great info i hadn't thought about and two things I've known i need to fix for a while: being too deep at the top and my downswing sequencing. My question is should I fix being too deep first (get my takeaway parallel to toe line and not inside, etc.) or do I need to work on that and the downswing sequencing at the same time?
January 18, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Termaine. Glad you found the review helpful. In an ideal world work on Step 2 - Core Rotation and master the body movements without the club. Then, once the body is moving correctly. Add the lead arm and start keeping the club in front/correct throughout the backswing. I would be happy to check your drill in a swing review. Have you go a rep. Then, stack the next piece to clean up. Nevertheless, you are correct if you start making the proper body move and the arms get deep. You will be even more stuck than currently coming into impact.
January 18, 2019
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jesse
Hey guys, my question is regarding wrist cock when the lead arm is parallel to the ground in the backswing. Should this be a position we see naturally happen within the rotary swing philosophy? I’m noticing my wrists tend to set much later and I tend to overswing at the top a bit. The club head appears to bounce at the transition from backswing to downswing. I’ve been told this is a result of not having the wrist cock when lead arm is parallel to the ground in backswing. Thoughts?
January 14, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jesse. The Face On View would give me a little more insight to your issue. But, on my end that looks like you are allowing for too much wrist roll going back leading to a little bit of a flat plane. I would check the takeaway that you aren't losing your cupping too soon (How to Fix Inside Takeaway Video). I also want you to take a look at Wrist Cock vs Wrist Hinge and the link at the end of this post for knowledge purposes. Wrist set will happen gradually in the swing. When the lead arm is parallel to the ground the club will be roughly vertical. Wrist set is a gradual crescendo to the top. https://www.rotaryswing.com/golf-lessons-blog/wrist-hinge-wrist-cock-in-the-golf-swing-how-much-and-when/
January 16, 2019
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Eric
About a year ago I was in Scottsdale with a group playing 18 to 36 holes a day. We were playing 27 and after 18 we had a break and I went to the driving range. I hit about 30 balls in 9 to 3 drill focusing on keeping ball goin straight down the range. I then focused on RST fundamentals, posture with straight shoulders, axis tilt, weight shift and gliding with my right shoulder blade. I shot a 39 with two 3 puts and I am a 14 handicap. It was very fun. It was the last round of the trip. I have been trying to duplicate it without success. I think it was the 9 to 3 drill I did before the round. I thought the shoulder glide gets the club automatically in the right position, toe up, but my club is generally kind of hooded and I pull the ball with a flying elbow. Today at the range I added some external rotation of the right arm and I was getting my right arm in an elbow down position. I was hitting the ball really well. Does it make sense to add this additional external rotation? I was thinking about it on the way home, maybe what I am really adding is the elevation?
November 13, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Eric. Adding a lot of external rotation in the takeaway is unnecessary. However, you might have been adding it just after the takeaway as you started to make the swing longer. You need a blend of elevation and external humeral rotation in the trail arm as you make a complete swing. But, excessive in the takeaway could cause some issues.
November 13, 2018
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David
I have a tendency to take the club away with the hands and roll the club face open. I am trying to keep the clubface looking at the ball longer, which is helping, but still struggle with my arms going too flat around my body. I think this is a compensation for swinging up too steeply and reverse pivoting, help please Thanks
November 9, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello David. Take a look at the Bucket Drill, 4 Square Drill, Fix Inside Takeaway and RST Pencil Tee Drill. Rolling the face open is a hard move to break. But, by maintaining proper wrist positioning (Inside TW Video) it will be hard to premature opening.
November 9, 2018
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David
Just realized there are two swings? RS and RST? which one am I a member of? That is confusing.
November 8, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello David. RST. All videos on the site are geared towards RST now. RS1 was the original model.
November 8, 2018
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David
Thanks!
November 8, 2018
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Hector
My problem is in the takeaway , moving the club pretty outside the toe line in the takeaway , with a lot of compensations following that move . Also trying to move the club back I lost the laser beam of the knees swaying . I understand theorically the shoulder glide concept but in the takeaway I move the club outside . I know this is a body driven swing , not to much arm swing . My question it is without telling me to see a video , I want to know a tip to have a good takeaway , like for example Low and slow ? Right arm close to the pocket etc , help
October 11, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Hector. The tip is too rotate. If your arms are going outside the toe line you are either pushing the arms and hands too soon. Big body turn with a slight amount of elevation, wrist set and forearm rotation. If there were a quick tip to fix it everyone would use it. However, with your low and slow thought. The key is not to rush it. The body takes time to wind up and its easy to start racing with the arms. Do the 2 Inch Hand Drill in the Role of the Right Arm Video. Film it, or look at it in a mirror. See if your hands push out. If they do, start fixing the issue there.
October 11, 2018
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Steve
Hi i have been working hard on the take away move and wondered where the club should be in relationship to the feet line at the end of the take away. i seem to be on line with the club shaft with the asdress line but my pro says it should be out in front parallel to the address position. Which is correct and what do you think i need to do to stop bring the club back too deep if this is the wrong position? thanks
October 10, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Steve. The club should be roughly inline with the toe line. Take a look at the 4 Square Drill to help you stop getting deep.
October 10, 2018
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Lawrence
Chris If at address you put a guide stick say across the ball facing toward the target line would it be correct to say that the club would never swing outside the stick. It is in fact a circular action both back swing and down swing. Larry Green
September 24, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Lawrence. If I am gathering correctly how you are setting up your stick. Yes, the swing is circular and shouldn't go outside.
September 24, 2018
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Chris
Hello!!! When you see my swing from DTL, the clubhead is well within my hands at the halfway/waist position. This leads me to be across the line at the top. Any drills/videos to help get rid of this? I've been doing this all my life. I'm sure it will be hard to get rid of, but I'm committed. THX!!!!
September 23, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Chris. Work on the 4 Square Drill, How to Fix Inside Takeaway, and Winter Golf Training Program - Backswing Drill. These will help with the takeaway and blend the move to the top.
September 24, 2018
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Eric
Do you weight shift first (in the words of Jack Nicklaus in Golf My Way) infinitesimally before the shoulder glide to create momentum or is really simultaneous?
September 21, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Eric. We typically teach shifting first to help with a little momentum and freedom.
September 21, 2018
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Adam
Hi Craig, on Andrew's point below, Is it OK to start the backswing with the shoulder blade glide if you find that easier and then shift into your right glute or does the shift have to come first? Thanks Adam
July 16, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Adam. Some players already do a proper shift. If you already have trained weight shift you may use the glide as a trigger. But, still know the weight shift needs to be completed in the takeaway. We teach weight and shoulder pull. But, some already have the weight move ingrained.
July 16, 2018
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jennifer
I agree with one of the comments...this takeaway looks like the clubhead is getting too behind the hands.....when I try this drill, I get the same results...clubhead too behind my hands. This creates a too inside out downswing, that I have been trying correct for months.
June 12, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jennifer. This is actually staying in front of the chest with the hands. The hands/club don't cross centerline until you start folding the trail arm. Take a look at the 4 Square Drill and Pool Noodle Drill.
June 12, 2018
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Andrew
Hi there One thing that I only just noticed through seeing this video was that the rotation in the takeaway starts only after the small shift in weight to the right. I missed this earlier because while the weight shift section shows the small shift as part of the core weight shift drill the rotation section drills didn't actually include that shift. At least I seem to have missed it. Anyway now that I know this shift is needed prior to the takeaway could I ask what the small shift to the right is actually meant to do in the swing? To me it seems more of a takeaway trigger move that makes it easier to get body moving and the initial rotation started? The reason I also assume it is only a swing trigger is because I seem to be able to get into a decent takeaway position without doing the small shift. In saying that the shift makes it far easier for me to start the takeaway than without it so I will definitely continue to use it. Cheers Andrew
May 18, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Andrew. Exactly. It's used as a swing trigger. It helps you start to load and use a little bit of momentum as not to freeze over the ball creating tension. My Golf Backswing Secrets Video.
May 18, 2018
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Rodney
I feel like my left arm going back rotates just a touch. Is this correct? I hope so as I hit a few balls (6-10) and my contact and ball flight was the best it has been in 5 months or longer. This was the feeling I had going back, like my left them pointed slightly toward behind me going back. So at the top, my left elbow is pointing slightly out toward the ball side of the swing or my front. Before My left elbow was a little more down toward the ground at the top of the swing versus this feeling the elbow is pointing slightly out toward my backswing plane if this makes sense? I noticed on video that my lead arm although straight is a touch below my right shoulder at the top, so how can I elevate the arms upward to get them more over my right shoulder in the backswing.
April 19, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Rodney. The lead arm must rotate from the lead shoulder socket (How to Keep the Left Arm Straight Video). There isn't much rotation in the TW, but enough to help the club reach the toe up position (Bucket Drill and Shake Hands Video). To get more elevation, take a look at the (4 Square Drill and the Pool Noodle Drill).
April 19, 2018
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Rodney
Thank you sir. I will take a look at these drills. I guess before I was slightly shut with the face at the toe up position and now the face is either square or slightly open. I think square as the balls I hit were pure and had a slight draw, which is my normal flight.
April 19, 2018
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Lawrence
By keeping the right arm as straight as long as possible to create width, do I still maintain aconnection between the upper right arm and torso. Larry Green
April 16, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Larry. Yes, you should still have a connection of the upper trail bicep and pec while keeping the trail arm straight.
April 16, 2018
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Stan
From the video, it looks as if Chuck is yanking the club inside, where it is likely to get stuck behind him. When I do this drill, the club really does get inside, and my only shot is a block right, or an over the top correction that usually results in a wicked hook. What am I missing?
March 6, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Stan. You need slight elevation in the Takeaway to keep it from going inside. Take a look at the 4 Square Drill.
March 7, 2018
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Phil
I can't find the 4 square drill. Where is it?
March 26, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Phil. If you type " 4 Square " in the search box it should pull right up.
March 26, 2018
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Phil
Thanks Craig.
March 26, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Phil. Most certainly welcome.
March 26, 2018
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Anthony
Can you tell me where the takeaway is covered within the 5 steps.
December 24, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Anthony. Every nut and bolt is covered in the 5 Minutes to the Perfect Takeaway Video.
December 24, 2017
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Anthony
Thanks Craig, have a great Christmas.
December 24, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Merry Christmas as well Anthony.
December 24, 2017
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David
I have strained my left shoulder and the outside of my left bicep. I think my backswing might have something to do with it, as i am aware that i roll my arms and wrists around my body a bit too much sometimes and get too deep and flat and i think strain my left arm. How can i stop this? Thanks David
November 30, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello David. If you tend to push the lead arm too much across the body. Focus on keeping the trail arm in front (3 Functions of the Right Arm) and both arms in front of the chest more (4 Square Drill). I think you will find you allow the trail arm to bend too early and too much.
November 30, 2017
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Ruben
On your Simple one-plane Swing video you emphasize to keep the left upper arm connected to the ches. Is that still your advise?
November 7, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Ruben. We have since updated the RS1 Method to the RST Method. You don't want to glue the lead arm to your chest.
November 8, 2017
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Peter
I have a question about the arms true involvement in the takeaway. I understand the concept of focusing on the shoulders turning and how the arms and club will follow that into perfect position, but once we've reached mastery, do you eventually allow the arms to move in sync with the shoulders as a means of supporting the weight of the club? Because while I can do this movement, what I do struggle with is that I feel like my shoulders alone cannot pick the club up in the air at a tempo that is fast enough for me if I only focus on the shoulders, and not the arms as well. Is there a percentage of the work that the arms hold in this takeaway, or is truly supposed to be all about the shoulders and nothing else? Sorry if this question seems confusing
September 21, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Peter. If I am gathering the question properly. The arms do very little in the takeaway. There is a slight elevation of the arms, wrist set (roughly 25%) and a hair of forearm rotation. The vast majority of people over do these though. The goal is to simplify and focus on weight and rotation. But, in the beginning you might have to manually train some of the arm movement. So, at pace they will swing into the proper positioning. Take a look at the 5 Minutes to the Perfect Takeaway, 4 Square Drill and Pencil Tee Drill.
September 22, 2017
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Peter
ok I'll take a look at those videos. I've yet to get to the takeaway though so it might be a little while. I don't want to stack too much stuff too early
September 22, 2017
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charles
I have noticed in my takeaway if the club head is a little in front of the handle I get better impact. Does this make sense? Charles
August 23, 2017
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Chuck (Certified RST Instructor)
That's one of those "random" things that you may have found works well with some other grouping of compensations, so without seeing your swing, I can't explain why, but that's not a fundamental, let's put it that way.
August 24, 2017
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vasanti
Hi Guys Just joined RST and am very excited One of the problems I have noticed when I am not swinging well is that at the beginning of my take takeaway my grip tightens as I prepare to rotate my torso. Have you seen this horrible move and what is the fix to prevent this.because I am Having a terrible round my brain is already scrambled to even think of a fix
August 14, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Vasanti. A lot of players are used to taking the club away with their hands. The tendency is to tighten the grip to prepare for movement. Either triggering the takeaway with weight shift to help get some momentum going or practicing very diligently on the 5 Mins to Master Rotation will start to help the increased tension.
August 14, 2017
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Tyler (Certified RST Instructor)
Im having a really hard time keeping my right knee flex on the takeaway. Its causing me to lose my right hip line. I feel like I'm doing the drills correctly, but it seems like when i get over the ball and film my swing while hitting balls, my hips open up with my take way. Theres almost no separation
June 30, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Tyler. If you have to allow for some hip movement (rotation) to maintain your knee that is okay. Try to get the best separation as you can. Use the How to Swing from the Ground Up Video to help.
July 1, 2017
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Michael
This is a,sequencing question. What starts takeaway. I know a takeaway is just a shoulder turn but do you shift weight by turning hips first or do you activate the rear delts first to take away the club. Or do you shift weight to right after shoulder turn.
May 28, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Michael. You may use weight shift or rotation. Some players need a trigger over the ball and like a little momentum to help. You may start to shift (How to Swing from the Ground Up), or start to initiate with your core and trail lat to rotate off the ball.
May 29, 2017
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Richard
On my takeaway the clubhead immediately starts working outside of the ball/target line. What typically causes that? How do I ensure my clubhead starts out on plane?
May 20, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Richard. Pushing with the left side and starting too much with the left arm. Don't worry about the club head being on plane. If you don't push the club will have the proper reaction. Take a look at Pushing with the Left Side and the Bucket Drill.
May 20, 2017
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Corey
Hi New here and my takeaway is poor and needs a lot of work. Which video should I be watching? I'm looking for a drill to work on. Thanks Corey
May 10, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Corey. After the setup, I would watch the 5 Minutes to the Perfect Takeaway. It will walk you through every step needed to drill a great first move.
May 10, 2017
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Corey
Can you give me a link please as I'm struggling to find it. Probably in an obvious spot and I keep overlooking it. Thanks
May 10, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Corey. https://rotaryswing.com/golf-instruction-videos/full-swing-basics/takeaway/5-minutes-to-the-perfect-takeaway
May 10, 2017
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arthur john
I went to 5 minutes to the perfect takeaway and found my answer there is slight elevation to the takeaway that i was not doing. i find it quite difficult to co ordinate but can do it easily later on in the backswing. regards john
April 25, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello John. Take a look at the 4 Square Drill and Pool Noodle Drill. Both will help with the elevation and blending aspect.
April 25, 2017
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arthur john
i notice in the takeaway that Chuck never starts the motion from the ground, he seems to lift the club about 2 inches vertically before starts his motion. I can do it perfectly that way as well but not if i have the club grounded before i shift weight and the turn. i am i right. regards john.
April 25, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello John. Chuck in real life does ground the club. However, some players hover like myself. You may use either one. The key would be though to make sure if you hover you don't create too much tension and start yanking the club back with the hands.
April 25, 2017
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Cornelius
Using the right shoulder and shoulder glide seems to take the club head inside too much on the back swing, creating all sorts of problems..
March 25, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Cornelius. You have to blend the takeaway move with elevation to keep the arms/hands in front of the sternum. Take a look at the 4 Square Drill, Pool Noodle, and Understanding Arm Elevation Video.
March 25, 2017
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James
Please tell me where to find the 2 inch shoulder blade glide video. Thanks
February 17, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello James. Use the search bar. Understanding Shoulder Blade Glide.
February 17, 2017
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Donald
Should I be maintaining/focusing on keeping a connection/pinching the biceps to the pecs on the takeaway and completing the backswing with this sensation.?
January 25, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Donald. The only connection that will remain is the upper bicep and upper pectoral. I wouldn't try to pinch the actual biceps to your side. That will hurt the possibility of adding proper elevation.
January 25, 2017
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Asle
Is this what is called a one piece takeaway?
January 25, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Asle. Yes, this is a one-piece takeaway.
January 25, 2017
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Jim
I'm a little confused as to the flow of videos on the site. I know there are the five steps and they are listed above. But on the side are a whole list of videos. Do you watch all the videos on the side before going to the next step? The actual video for the lesson is way down on the list, so the arrangement is a bit confusing to me. What is the best way to go through the five steps? Thanks. JIm
January 10, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jim. There are many ways to tackle the format. The 5 Step System is a jump start into a solid downswing. To start playing better now with a more efficient move into the strike. The 5 Minute Series/RST Drills down the list are the lessons for a complete rebuild of the swing. The videos prior to that are a compilation of all the little details that build up to the 5 Minute Series.
January 11, 2017
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Paul
Craig, I'm rather new and have always wondered if I'm on the right path of the RST website. I started in the 5 step (has 'new' tab in red on drop down) . Started in Setup now up to Step 3 adding the arm. From your above post you say the 5 step is a short cut to a downswing. How could that be? it's very detailed, I did Setup, Weight shift, Core Rotation and am doing3, 4, 5k reps per drill. To me that's a rebuild or doing your swing all over. Please clarify again. Thanks
February 24, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Paul. It's not a shortcut to the real swing, but a quick start guide. We have many members that don't want to understand all the nuts and bolts. Also, that want to have just a better downswing without having to do a whole rebuild for better golf. All the knowledge has been trimmed and put into simple pieces with the 5 Step. It does constitute exactly what we want and train for a real downswing motion. It just doesn't involve a lot of backswing and extensive details. I know it may seem very detailed, but not as in depth as some videos. The work you are doing is re-building your downswing, but not the whole overall picture. I don't think you are on the incorrect path at all. It just doesn't constitute how you perform a takeaway and ideal backswing position.
February 25, 2017
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Paul
Wow, to me (and I believe I know a fair amount about the swing) the 5 step is a ton of info, even too much imo. I feel I'm retooling everything and I just did Setup, Weight Shift, Core rotation just getting into step 3 adding the arm. How is that downswing only? What more would I need to know or do for takeaway and backswing? Guess if I have the time someday I'd have to dive into the other videos? Everyone seems to be lost to a degree navigating the site and getting on the right track. Be nice to see it all presented cleaner or a writeup talking about the differences. Not a big beef, just a ton info and be nice to see a simpler roadmap because only the super motivated are going to weed through all of it.
February 25, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Paul. I understand about the structure of the site. I apologize for those issues. Well, for example takeaway and backswing. Some players overly fold the lead arm early. Which leads to lack of shoulder rotation and getting deep in the swing. Or, players might set the wrist too soon. Leading to a narrow start and not a very wide position at the top. These items would need cleaning up to make the most efficient move possible. In the future, if you want 100% complete makeover for bio-mechanics the other videos are there to dive into and make the swing work at maximum efficiency.
February 25, 2017
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Paul
Hopefully the swing reviews will help cut down on the time from having to watch every video on the site!! lol
February 25, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Yes. That is the best way. Let your instructor pick out areas of need. We won't guide you down the wrong path.
February 25, 2017
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David
How do i keep the club in front of me on the takeaway, i have a tendency to get too flat and roll the wrists? Thanks
January 6, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello David. Take a look at One Simple Key to Fix Your Takeaway and the 4 Square Drill.
January 6, 2017
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Justin
When do the hands begin to go up? I feel I am so obsessed with turning the right should to start the takeaway that the club is getting flat and behind me. I have no idea if I should begin to set club with my wrists or let it happen naturally? I read Faldo's book and he said be forced hinge when club was at his right thigh. Yes, I know he has hit 10 million balls and he has mastered it. I am not sure what to do. I am so tired of conflicting instruction. Hence the reason I joined here. Looking forward to your expert feedback, Happy Holidays. Justin
December 29, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Justin. Wrist set will be gradual throughout the takeaway. Roughly 25% because you are 25% done with the backswing (5 Minutes to the Perfect Takeaway Video). There will be some slight elevation to keep the club in front of the sternum (4 Square Drill, RST Pencil Tee Drill, Pool Noodle Drill). The last thing you want to do is force hinge or early set the wrist (Using Your Wrists for Speed in Golf Swing - 5 of 7 Video). Happy Holidays as well. We will be happy to give you non-conflicting information.
December 29, 2016
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Arthur
Not sure if I have mistaken, just notice the video content does not match the title in this intro and 5 steps series.
December 22, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Arthur. You are correct. There may be some shuffling going on that I am not aware of. I apologize for the confusion.
December 23, 2016
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sambhu
Guys..I shoot more in low 80s across multiple courses than ever before thanks to RST. I have one caveat: my long irons. I am not consistent in delivering a solid strike with my 5 and 4. Should my swing be the same for my 5 and say my 7 or 9 iron?
December 17, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Sambhu. Happy to hear you are having success using our method. Yes, the swing should be the same for all stock shots.
December 18, 2016
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Patrick
I want to make sure I am thinking about the backswing correct. I have it in my head now, from watching the videos and making my own interpretation, that, ignoring the arms, the bodies performance in the backswing is to rotate 45 degrees with a right should blade pull and the core, with virtually no hip turn, then the next 45 degrees with hip rotation. That will get the shoulders from parallel to the ball to perpendicular to the ball. From what I am hearing you also really don't want to overthink rotating the hips as they will almost naturally rotate you back but if you think about it the risk is over rotation. Am I thinking about this the right way?
December 15, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Patrick. Yes. There will be a little hip turn in the takeaway albeit very minimal. You don't need any unnecessary thought or forced rotation. The continued pulling of the trail shoulder from the takeaway will start the pull on the trail hip to reach the 45 degree hip mark on a completed backswing.
December 15, 2016
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Patrick
I know I am going to sound like a little kid at Christmas, but I decided to be a blank slate and start this program from the ground up. I have been working hard on my set up and backswing. Yesterday I actually got to the top of my backswing with absolutely no stress in my arms, except the minor weight of holding the club in the air. Before I would have tons of stress especially in my left tricep as I pushed the club over and up. And I felt completely grounded and in control. It was amazing! I thought, like when I have hit a great shot before, there is no way I am going to repeat this. But I was able to because I followed all of the body motions and I have been working hard on drilling them in. This site, and its instruction are almost a miracle, although I know it is all really just science. But for somebody to break it all down and put it in one place is incredible. Thank you. I literally could hardly sleep as I couldn't wait to get up and keep drilling these movements.
December 16, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Patrick. Miracle or science. Tomato or tomatoe. Great. Love hearing the good news and progress. Thanks for the follow up.
December 16, 2016
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Ian
I am trying to get the feeling of a correct shoulder plane in the takeaway. I know the shoulders have to be perpendicular to the spine but I don't easily feel this. The difference between a steep shoulder turn and a flat one can be as much as 20 degrees.I appreciate it varies with the length of the club but if I lay say a 7 iron across my chest, I can point the handle well inside the ball to well outside and anything in between. Can you please advise on a suitable drill/exercise to help me feel the right movement. Ian
December 7, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Ian. I don't want you trying to aim your shoulder turn. I would work on solely rotating and feeling the proper movement. Use the Body Rotation in the Golf Backswing to feel the proper turn. Slowly add a little hinge without changing the movement.
December 7, 2016
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Antti
Hello Craig! At the end of the takeaway, when the club gets to parallel with the groun and target line, will my hips still be immobile (not hip rotation). Is it good to separate uper and lover body like that? I have done it that way and it was very hard to me in the begining bacause I earlier started to rotate my uper and lower body together. Now I have get better in that but I am just thinking about how can I make the proper weight transfer to the right leg? Must I move my hips sideways in the takeaway and then rotate my hips later in the backswing? Or happens the weight transfer automaticly as a result of the body rotation during the backswing? I see many players to rotate their hips very early in their backswings and some of them seems to start their backswing by weight transfer. Would you tell me what is the most proper way and why?
December 5, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Annti. There isn't a better way than the other. However, reading your tendencies in your swing. I would start with a little weight transfer. A lot of players do that. And, allow the trail shoulder pull to make sure the trail hip rotates enough in the backswing. The trail shoulder will start to open the hip after the takeaway is completed.
December 5, 2016
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Antti
Thank you Craig. Would you please confirm that I have understood what you mean. When I make the takeaway, I start it by sifting my weight to the right leg a little and I make that weightsift by moving my hips sideways, not rotating. Just after the takeaway is completed, the trail shoulder will start to pull the hips open gradually and at the end of the backswing the weight will be shifted totally (80%) to the right heel.
December 5, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
The vast majority of the shift will happen in the takeaway. More of the rotational aspect will happen from the takeaway to the top. The key is building or blending the motion to where it won't look like you have moved at all with the slight lateral motion and rotational motion of the hip.
December 5, 2016
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Gerald
In making a full shoulder turn, how do you restrict a similar hip turn so you can create a full load at the top of the back swing? It's relatively easy to turn the hips fully while making a full shoulder turn but that seems to reduces tension between shoulders and hips and results in a power leak .
December 4, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Gerald. You have to maintain a good leg position to not over rotate the hips. Take a look at the Laser Beam Knee Drills for Stability.
December 5, 2016
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jeff
At the end of the takeaway, when the club gets to parallel with the ground and target line, will my right elbow still be straight? Or will it have started to flex/bend at that point?
November 26, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jeff. The trail arm should be straight at the end of the takeaway.
November 27, 2016
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Bob
Steven thanks for my nov 13 th review. I had no comment from you on what you asked me to do keeping my right heel down doing the 9to 3 drill. Also the link they send me for my review biweekly will not accept my email and password it reports I am not registered and will not let me continue. I reapplied for a new password it still kicks me out so the only way forme to see my competed review is to log in to rotary swing.com and click on my completed swing review. Believe me when I am playing my takeaway torso turn is much better than it shows on my submitted review. Maybe not on all my swings. I will try to make a better effort on all my swings. I worked so hard on keeping my right heel down Iin the 9 to 3 drill I let everything else fail. Thanks again for reminding me
November 14, 2016
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Steven (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Bob, Glad I could assist you in your path with RST! Keep the right heel down on the ground through the 9-3 swing. If it comes off you're pushing with your right leg/hip and not allowing the club to speed up through impact like we want it too! It also helps us get into proper impact positions as well! I'll check with customer support and hopefully we can get this issue sorted out for you!
November 14, 2016
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Harry
Hi, in the checkpoints for practice takeaway picture (and also in this video but to a lesser extent) Chuck's shoulders appear to have turned 45 degrees whilst the club shaft has moved 90 degrees. How can this happen without pushing with the left arm?
November 7, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Harry. It sounds like the component you are missing is shoulder elevation. Take a look at the 4 Square Drill, Pool Noodle Video, and Understanding Arm Elevation Video.
November 7, 2016
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Harry
Hi Craig. I don't think so. Shoulder or arm elevation is in the vertical plane and rotation is in the horizontal plane. In the checkpoint image for takeaway the first comment says "45* upper torso rotation with minimal hip turn" and the second comment says "hands and club stay in front of the sternum". Please look at the picture. I am not trying to be clever! I don't think the comments describe the image and I am trying to determine what I need to practice in my drills for takeaway. If my hands stay in front of my sternum then my shoulders have to turn 90* to get the club in that position and in order for my shoulders to turn 90* my hips have to have turned 45*. Chuck says pushing or pulling your arms across and behind you is a cardinal sin and it is one that I suffer from and I am trying to stop. His picture seems to show that a bit of it is necessary?
November 9, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Harry. I looked at the image. I don't think you are trying to be clever. Just understanding the move. In the image, Chuck has rotated his shoulders 45 degrees. But, 45 degrees of shoulder rotation combined with the elevation give you that image. That is how the hands stay in front versus going deep. The hands will cross centerline as you reach the top. I am more than willing to help you figure out this problem. Have you performed the 2 Inch hand drill in the Role of the Right Arm? Rotate 45 degrees and see where the hands end up.
November 9, 2016
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Harry
Thank you Craig. I have but I am pretty sure that to get the club shaft rotated 90* I have to rotate my hips or have some movement of my arms across my chest! I might use my next swing review to clarify this.
November 9, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Harry. I think a swing review would be much easier to help explain. Quick question. You are referring to the shaft correct, not the club face?
November 9, 2016
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Harry
Yes, the shaft. I have uploaded a swing review. Thanks.
November 11, 2016
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Greg
You want to attain this position at pocket height? Also, when I do this my club is slightly closed or mimicking my spine tilt. It would involve a slight rotation to gat toe up. Is this important?
November 1, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Greg. When the club is parallel to the ground the hands should be inline with the trail pocket. Ideally, you would want to allow for the subtle forearm rotation to get the club toe up. Forearm Rotation in the Backswing for Power and the Pencil Tee Video.
November 1, 2016
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Greg
Aaron, I have been unable to upload a swing review over the last 24 hours. I have been working on the takeaway and notice on my video's that I may be pushing my arms slightly outward thus taking the club slightly outside the line. I notice in this video Chuck's hands are closer to his body than mine. Do you see this?
October 31, 2016
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Aaron (Certified RST Instructor)
I'd have to see your upload but it is definitely a balance between rotation and elevation. Elevate too much relative to rotation and your arms will go up and be outside. Rotate too much relative to elevation and your arms will come inside. You need to find the goldylocks amount of elevation and rotation to get the arms going up in the right slot.
November 1, 2016
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richard
My problem is that no matter how many times I do a perfect takeaway by using just the shoulders, the momentum of the swing then doing a "real hit the ball" swing continues the clubhead way inside and under the plane line, whether the line is the original shaft line or through the shoulder line, whatever, I have seen it in slo mo and my shaft goes way under plane. Do not see how to redirect momentum
October 30, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Richard. Calm down the lead wrist motion or roll. You might not be bowing outwards. But, maintain the original hinge in the lead wrist at setup until the takeaway is completed with a blend of elevation. One Simple Takeaway Fix combined with the 4 Square Drill.
October 31, 2016
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Christopher
Why is the "toe up" position so important? What is it setting us up for?
September 20, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Christopher. You want to allow for face rotation so it won't inhibit the design of the club. It will help with flow, but also speed. Take a look at Forearm Rotation in Golf Swing for Power.
September 20, 2016
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Ian
Guys, just for clarification, Chuck doesn't mention axis tilt in the take away video, but he does say shift your weight to the right, is this one of the same movement, I can't seem to accomplish both, I can either shift to the right or make the axis tilt, seems even more difficult with the shorter irons.
September 2, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Ian. Axis tilt should already be present at address. You shouldn't have to add it while shifting into the trail glute. Add a touch at address (Importance of Axis Tilt and Common Setup Faults and Fixes), then allow for proper rotation and shift.
September 2, 2016
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John
I'm really struggling with the feeling of pulling my shoulder blade back. In some of the videos the wording is to pull the shoulder blade "back behind the head". Should I be trying to turn my shoulder blade behind my head at all, or just pull it straight back from its setup position?
August 31, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello John. The sensation is pulling the trail shoulder behind the head. The movement of the blade is down and in towards the spine. Try the Body Rotation in Golf Backswing Video.
September 1, 2016
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Ryan
My old tendency in the takeaway was to push my hands out away from my body which, after it initially moved out as well, got the club very deep. I also didn't hinge my wrists and lifted my arms. At the end of my takeaway my hands would be about in line with the bottom of my pecs. I know you guys promote exaggerating the opposite feeling, but haven't seen any videos covering this flaw. Should I be focusing on keeping my hands in towards my body and keeping them down in the takeaway?
August 22, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Ryan. The hands will have to elevate a little, but you don't want them sucking in towards the body too much. 5 Mins to Master Rotation Video (to help keep them in front of sternum). Understanding Shoulder Elevation, 4 Square and Pool Noodle Video (help keep in front of chest). If you are blending the proper rotation with elevation, then all should be well. Its when you try to move the club with the hands (Pushing with the Left Side in the Takeaway Video) is when it usually goes array.
August 22, 2016
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Andrew
Does the face rotate open during the backswing? Is it okay to keep the club face square to the path on the way back? It seems that if we are rolling the face open on the backswing and rolling it through on the downswing that there is a lot of timing involved.
August 18, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Andrew. The face will rotate a little in the takeaway. You don't want it matching the spine angle. The face is always rotating. It actually is opposite of timing. The face is designed to rotate and holding it shut back or through actually causes more steerage and more manipulation to get it working properly on plane. Take a look at Forearm Rotation in the Golf Swing, Using the Wrist Effectively and Efficiently and the Pencil Tee Drill.
August 19, 2016
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Andrew, the clubface should always be rotating during the swing. It is designed to rotate. It needs be rotated at a gradual rate during the swing and we have videos to help overcome common issues where players do not rotate it, rotate it too much etc in certain areas of the swing. Check out the using wrists effectively and efficiently video... https://rotaryswing.com/videos/full-swing-advanced/introduction/using-the-wrists-effectively-and-efficiently
August 19, 2016
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Boris (Certified RST Instructor)
I believe that I have unlocked something. The shoulders can only turn about 45-50° in relation to the position of the hips. Flexibility not with standing, but the trunk simply cannot turn more than that. If the hips are left square to the target line a 90° shoulder turn is not possible. What allows the shoulders to reach the 90° angle in relation to the target line is that the 45° angle of the hip combines with the 45°angle of the shoulders. Once I learned this, it made it easier to understand what RST was trying to do.
August 12, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Boris. Some people have extreme flexibility to allow for more separation, but yes you are correct. As you continue pulling the trail shoulder in the backswing let it help pull the hip around. Hip rotation isn't a bad thing. The added rotation will help you load and complete the backswing with much more ease.
August 13, 2016
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Anthony
Question: Should the shoulders move back perpendicular to the spine angle? When doing the bucket drill, my shoulders tend to flatten, this is my concern.
August 9, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Anthony. When performing a proper shoulder blade glide it will seem that the shoulders will level out some. But, you will still be rotating around the spine.
August 10, 2016
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Anthony
That answer is somewhat vague. Maybe I should ask, "Does the left shoulder move down or forward on the takeaway?"
August 10, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Anthony. Sorry the answer sounded vague. The feeling is that the shoulders will level out. But, you will be rotating perpendicular around the spine. The lead shoulder will get pulled. You don't want to try and push it to a certain location. Due to the pulling action of the trail shoulder the lead shoulder will work a little down and remain in the box.
August 10, 2016
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Michael
It seems that if I don't add any wrist cock or shoulder elevation during this phase, my elbow goes too deep. What am I doing wrong. Thanks
August 3, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Michael. The takeaway requires very little wrist cock and elevation. But, some is necessary for it to be perfect. Take a look at the 4 Square Drill, Pencil Tee Video, and the Using the Wrist Effectively and Efficiently Video.
August 4, 2016
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Michael
Thanks, Craig. I'll check those out.
August 4, 2016
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Donald
Hi. I'm finding that if I switch off my arms/lifeless arms and use the pulling the right shoulder back for momentum and moving the arms to the top of the backswing and sitting into the left side for momentum in downswing to swing the arms down seems to get me more consistent results. Is this okay for rotaryswing or should I have more feeling in my arms.? Cheers
July 29, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Donald. The arms do have a role in the swing. You wouldn't want to deaden them so much that the club would start dragging back and flipping at the ball. But, if you are allowing the body motion to help guide or dictate their path your should be okay.
July 29, 2016
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James
I Have a quick question. I practice on the course instead on playing golf then I'm disappointed in the results. My question is why am I practicing on the course could it be alike of practice, could be I'm not practicing the right way, could it be I'm not playing enough? I'm open for suggestion. I'm not going to get any better until I find out why so that I can fix it. I cannot fix it until I know what to fix. help please anyone
July 25, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello James. Take a look at Perfect Practice Makes Perfect and the Trust Line Video. For right now master what you can on the range and play golf on the course (not swing). It will start to blend over the more you master specific items and re-learn the new motor patterns.
July 25, 2016
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GC
In the backswing, right oblique feels more than left because I moved to the right side and right hip is the pivot? Am I correct? In the downswing left oblique clears and therefore left oblique feels something but right oblique feels less?
July 25, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello GC. Sounds correct to me. Moving to the trail side you will feel more engagement. The reverse coming down.
July 25, 2016
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Ian
I think I am turning my shoulders back on too flatter plane. I am aware that the shoulders need to move perpendicular to the spine but I find it difficult to feel this. Do you have a guide or an exercise to try to get the shoulders on the correct plane for each club without having to over think it. Ian
July 22, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Ian. As long as you are hinged forward properly with the correct axis tilt you should be fine. It is common for new RST swingers to feel that the shoulder turn is a little flatter. Take a look at the Body Rotation in Golf Backswing Video to feel that you are rotating properly.
July 22, 2016
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mark
I got in a bad habit of over rotating my hips during the take away. During the downswing my hands end up lagging behind my hips causing an open cub face and a slice or push to the right. This happens mostly with my driver. Can you suggest any drills for this? Love your web site.
July 14, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Mark. Take a look at the Laser Beam Knee Drills for Stability.
July 14, 2016
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Thomas
This is really a great video as is 5 minutes to the perfect takeaway. However after 50 years of taking the club back with the arms I find that habit very hard to break. I can do the takeaway perfectly until a club is in my hands and especially when there is a ball to hit. I have found that if I look at my hands as I take the club back I can execute the proper takeaway. I look for my hands to move to the right and not away from my body. If I start the swing with my arms my hands move away from my body right from the start. Is this an acceptable way to do drills?
July 10, 2016
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Chuck (Certified RST Instructor)
It's fine to start like this, but you have to begin focusing entirely on your body movements and quiet your arms to get over this bad habit. It will take time if you've done the same thing for 50 years, so just expect to take a few weeks of intense focused practice to put this problem behind you.
July 12, 2016
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Thomas
Thanks Agree with your comments and I've already started that focused practice.
July 13, 2016
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Dean
Chuck touches very briefly on one important add to this simple notion of shoulder movement as core to a consistent takeaway that I have found very helpful. He mentions "a little bit of rotation" as in forearm rotation. The bucket drill, also on the site, is ideal for achieving consistent perfect vertical/neutral position of the clubface at the completion of the takeaway. Try it, especially if you're finding the clubface is still closed (even slightly) as you transition to the back swing.
July 10, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Dean. Thanks for the post. Also, the Forearm Rotation for Power and the Pencil Tee Video will help with the "little bit of rotation."
July 11, 2016
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Marc
Very nice video. As I have almost completed my rotation at the end of the take away without having to actively move my hands how can I complete the backswing in terms of arm elevation? As the trail elbow folds after the backswing should I feel that I am raising my arms with the lead hand or the trail hand and should I at the same time try to actively continue to turn my shoulders. Somehow I struggle to understand the logical sequence knowing that I am all aware that when I try to make things happen as opposed to letting them naturally happen things tend to go wrong... Best, Marc
July 10, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Marc. At the end of the takeaway your rotation shouldn't be near completion. Only halfway there (45 Degrees of shoulder rotation). From there both arms have a job to do, but it will be the trail side creating the majority of the positions. Elevation, flexion and external humeral rotation with the trail and allowing the lead arm to follow suit.
July 11, 2016
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Skate City of
Really enjoyed this video and Chuck's simple to follow explanation of how the takeaway should work in RST. I used to break my wrists to start my swing but have put that ugly habit to bed with some hard work and following what Chuck explains in this video. Still love hearing him revisit this topic though.....it further cements it in my mind how eloquently efficient and simple the takeaway can be when following RST principles.
July 8, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Troy. Thanks for the post and compliments!
July 8, 2016

Getting the golf takeaway right is a critical first step in building your perfect golf swing. If the takeaway is off, the rest of the golf backswing will be a big pile of compensations that will make it nearly impossible for you to strike the golf ball consistently. Unfortunately, most golf instruction focuses on teaching the golfer to move the golf club to a certain position when they should be focusing on teaching you how to move your body instead.

In this golf instruction video, RST Founder Chuck Quinton walks you through how to create the perfect golf takeaway by focusing on the correct movements of the body and not worrying so much about the golf club.

Hi, guys. Chuck Quinton here, Founder of RST. Let's talk about an overview of what the take away is all about in Rotary Swing, because again, one of these things that frustrates me about golf instruction out there is that it's so random and so conflicting and nobody ever tells you why you want to do something this way or exactly how to do it. That's where RST is so different. We're not only going to tell you exactly why something has to be done this way to be efficient, but exactly how to do it. That's the difference. We're going to be very, very specific and with the takeaway, you have no doubt seen my two inch shoulder blade guide takeaway movement, which is profound because what I'm getting you to do is focus on you moving your body a tiny little amount in order to move the club a long ways. In the take away, we're talking about six, seven, eight feet of movement of the club, but you don't try and move the club seven or eight feet. That's really difficult to control. You start worrying about your hands and your arms and all of the stuff. There's all these moving components. You focus on moving your body, your shoulder blade a couple inches, and that will move the club.

                What does that look like exactly? When I'm teaching my students, I like to take the arms and club out of it and we focus on moving from the inside out. What we're doing here with the golf takeaway is all I'm going to do is shift my weight to the right and then pull my shoulder blade back. I'm only going to do this about 45 degrees. My hips are going to rotate a little bit. We're going to minimize that hip movement. We don't want our hips rotating a lot really early. It causes all kinds of issues. What we're going to do here is just focus on pulling that shoulder blade. I'm just taking my shoulder back and that, if I just do this, is the whole takeaway. This is what you need to think about when you're working on your golf swing, is look at it without the arms and the club attached. Let's get the core primary movements that move the club and arms first right and then we'll start working on the rest of the stuff that's happening in the periphery. That's the whole take away. Can you do this? Of course you can. How easy is that? A little bit of weight shift to the right and a little bit of shoulder blade glide and I literally have just made a perfect takeaway.

                When you're struggling with your takeaway, it's because you're adding extra movements in there that don't need to be there. We're going to add one more movement now, but no movement really. We're going to add one more piece of complexity to it. I'm going to extend my arms out. Now, movement's exactly the same. My takeaway is as good as anybody's in the world just by these simple little movements that I did. What's that going to do to the club? Once I add the club, boom, done. That's all I did. I shift my weight to the right and I keep focusing not on what this club's doing. I couldn't care less. It's going to go exactly where I want it to when I focus on moving my body correctly.

                Let's take a look from down the line. We'll go back to this movement first. I'm shifting my weight and pulling the shoulder back and that moves the club. What do I do with my arms and hands? Basically nothing. They are being moved by my body movement. The club is being moved by my hands. That's how you move the golf club, not by taking the club. This is where everybody goes wrong in the take away, doing this with their wrist or trying to put the club back here. It's so difficult to do. You can't see what's happening back here. You're focused on hitting the ball out here, not hitting it in the water or whatever. When you start doing this stuff and you're trying to go that way, it becomes impossible to monitor what's going on behind you. You want to focus on just moving your body and creating this very simple movement that you can now see moves the club exactly where I want it to go in a perfect take away, just like all the tour bros, which is incredibly simple and efficient. My hands and wrists have done very, very little, a little bit of rotation, a little bit of wrist cock as the club would feel really awkward and heavy if I didn't allow my wrist to cock. That is all the take away that there is to understand.

                The Rotary Swing take away is incredibly simple. It's the fewest moving parts humanly possible to create a perfect take away. Big picture, you're not doing anything with your arms and hands hardly at all. There's such minimal movement to master the Rotary Swing Tour take away. Now take a look at the more in depth videos where we talk about the right arm and the wrist and the shoulder blade guide. I get into that more specifically. That's the overview of how simple the Rotary Swing Tour takeaway really is. 

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