Fix Inside Takeaway - Pushing with the Lead Side

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An extremely common swing fault, so common that many golf instructors actually teach the swing this way. In this video you'll see why this is bad and how to stop it.

  • Many golfers take the club back by pushing the left arm across the chest during the takeaway
  • Pushing with the left provides little rotation or shoulder turn, so the big muscles are left out of the golf swing
  • When you push from the left, the right arm folds and the club goes deep
  • The body should dominate the backswing


The left side push in the golf takeaway is a common mistake and challenging one to break for most golfers. When the golf swing starts with this pushing motion, the club will tend to work deep inside and the left arm will swing across the chest. This leads to a deep takeaway and then a disconnected lifting of the arms to get to the top of the backswing.

To avoid this detrimental move, you need to focus on rotating your body rather than swinging your arms and hands. By focusing on the shoulder blade glide and rotating your core, you'll see that the arms and hands have to do very little during the takeaway and your golf swing will become much more consistent because of it.

... Most of the videos on the website emphasize pulling, because most golfers way overdo the pushing side of things. It's a dominant movement. It's much easier to grasp how that would apply power in the swing, and since that's what most golfers try and feel in their swing, it's very easy to overdo pushing. Especially with regards to the backswing, I emphasize pulling this right shoulder back, and that is a critical part of the swing to help you stay centered. But at the same point, you must understand that if your shoulder blade ... Your right shoulder blade, for right-handed golfers ... Is moving in. This is my spine, this is my shoulder blade, it's moving in towards my spine a couple inches, you're in the backswing ... Well, the left shoulder blade needs to move the opposite direction.

                That's an important thing to understand, just from a fundamental aspect. As far as how humans move [biomechanically 00:00:52] when it comes to rotation, is that your muscles work in pairs, a right and left side. When I'm rotating my head to the right, one side's pulling and one side's pushing. The same thing is true in the golf swing. When we're rotating our bodies back, we're using our obliques on the right side and the left side. The same thing is true with the shoulder blades. As the right shoulder blade's moving back, these shoulder blades move your arms and shoulders forward and up and down and all of these directions. As I'm moving this right shoulder blade back, this is going to move this right hand further back. You can see that my right hand is now effectively shorter than my left, even if I don't move my left arm. To make up for that ...  Of course my hands are on the grip together ... If the right hand gets pulled back, the left hand has to go forward.

                And so, a lot of golfers have taken this concept of being in the box and feeling their shoulder blades down, and they try and maintain that throughout the whole swing, but it's much more dynamic than that. While you want to be in the box ... And we emphasize that a lot, even at the top of the swing, because we see golfers all the time who take their left shoulder and then move it all the way across their body. Then this is the top of their swing, and then their shoulders up like this so it's buried into their chin, and of course they're very out of the box. They're very disconnected from the muscles of the core. But, your left arm has to move out of the box to some degree at the top of the swing, because these muscles of the left shoulder girdle need to get stretched. Because remember, what you're gonna do to start the downswing, as far as the arms are concerned, is you're going to pull down with the left arm. If you're gonna do that with any speed whatsoever, these muscles have to be stretched before they can be contracted with any force.

                If you try and keep your left shoulder back all the way to the top, you're not gonna have anything to pull down with. But now if you go to the top and you stretch, and that left shoulder move forwards while the right one moves back, now I've got something that I can pull my left arm down with, and get some speed in the downswing. Understand that there's always a push and pull relationship in the swing, when it comes to rotation. If you're pulling your right shoulder back two inches, your left shoulder needs to move forward at least two inches as well.

                Again, remember that we're doing this pulling motion to help us stay centered, and to help stabilize the club through the hitting area and all these things. Again, most golfers way overdo the pushing side of things, and that's why we don't talk about it a lot. But I do see a lot of golfers, who are typically better players, who really try and follow everything to the exact tee, and they miss some forest for the trees for some things. It should make a lot of sense that, okay, if this arm's moving back, then this one has to move forward to match up, or my arms wouldn't even fit on the club. And so, if you feel really restricted at the top of your swing and you feel like you don't have any power, this could be one of the reasons. That you're not letting this left arm go back.

                Now, here's an important part that you don't want to overdo. If you're the type of golfer who sways off the ball because you're pushing from the left and then pushing from the right coming down, you ignore this next piece of advice. This is for golfers who are really restricted at the top, and are really good at pulling this right shoulder back, and that's kind of all they do. Once you get that movement down, you're not gonna really feel it anymore. It's gonna be normal to you. It's natural to you, like you don't think about how you flex your legs when you walk. It's normal and natural to you, because you've done it a lot.

                Once you've done this right shoulder blade glide a million times, and you really feel like okay, I can do it, and you're doing it really well, but you've been keeping this left shoulder pinned down against your body, and too far in the box at the top of your swing ... You may feel that you do nothing but push from the left side. Now of course, you're not going to just do that again. As I said earlier, everything's working in pairs, right? But if you're already doing this right side, and that's a natural movement for you now, you're not going to feel that anymore. You don't want to keep feeling it, because again, you need to let things happen naturally. Once you do enough repetitions, you need to let things get transferred over to your subconscious.

                So, right shoulder's pulling back, but you're going to feel that you're just pushing back with the left. That's okay, assuming that you're moving correctly with everything else. Again, we don't emphasize pushing a lot. But for some of you, if you're already moving the other parts correctly, you may need to feel just pushing from the left. Now, here's what it's gonna look like if you're not doing it correctly. You're going to just push from the left, and you're either gonna move off the ball ... So now we know we're not pulling back to counterbalance this pushing motion ... Or, you're gonna get to the top like this. I haven't made much of a turn here. I've just taken my left arm and swung it across my body.

                That's what 99% of amateur golfers do. They don't pull back with the right side at all. That's why we don't really talk about pushing, because you're already so good at it. We don't need to keep doing something like that because we're already doing it, and overdoing it. That's why we emphasize pulling so much. That's not a natural motion for most people. It doesn't feel as powerful, and it's not. It's, again, more of a technique issue. Again, if you're feeling like you've been really restricted at the top ... Restricted, and your left arm's kind of cramped down and you don't feel like you have any power, or anything to pull down with the left ... You may feel that you're just pushing, and some people describe as kind of reaching as they're going back to the top of the swing. They're taking their left arm and kind of reaching out that way ... Again, as long as this right shoulder's back, and you're making a full turn and not moving off the ball, perfectly okay to feel that.

                So again, it's okay to push. It's natural. Again, most golfers are already pros at it, so we need to counterbalance everything with pulling. You need a balance of all things in the swing, and pushing and pulling is one of them.

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Jeff
I subscribe to your YouTube channel of lessons. I recently received and am currently watching this one: Fix Your Inside Takeaway w/This One Trick - Rotary Swing Lesson 16 Question: How do I find this lesson when I log in to my account? When I'm logged in, is there a directory of the Lessons in chronological order?
March 18, 2024
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jeff. Some lessons are available for free on YouTube, but not all are available on the site depending on your level of membership. If you click RotarySwing Academy on the left hand column and Chuck Quinton Live Lessons you will see the directory.
March 19, 2024
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Jeff
Thank you Craig. I was unaware. Another question on 'live" lessons. Are there any lessons on various golf situations? For example, hitting out of the bunker, keeping the ball low (or high) during a swing, draw or fade swinging, and so on? These are real situations which would prove very helpful, in my opinion.
March 19, 2024
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Thanks Jeff for the idea! Right now we have drills/videos for those but not with an actual student.
March 19, 2024
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Hector
easy to do it when you don't have the club in your hands . I can pull my right shoulder back with no problems but when I put the right hand in the club , I push with the left side and I loose my spine tilt and my head elevates etc etc etc . Any drill that can help me with the right shoulder back and pull isntead of push with my left side . don't tell me please to see videos , I have seen all RS videos, I need help with drills , thanks
December 17, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Hector. Yes. I know you have seen the videos. But, without visual evidence it is hard to tell where the culprit is coming from. I remember your swing from a long time ago in a clinic. From what I can recall that arms are very tense/shoulders tend to shrug at setup. You try to move the club quickly with the upper half instead of the core. Seeing a current drill, or swing would provide a lot more information on said issue. When trying to take the arms out and rotate the club has to be the last thought in mind. Just like the drills you done with 5 Minutes to Master Rotation, Shake Hands, etc. Think like the 4 Square Drill. Put a stick on the ground and get in front of a camera, or mirror. Watch yourself at whatever pace it takes to not break that barrier. I think you will find you are either (a) moving too quickly, or (b) trying to exaggerate such a small move you can't stop the club's momentum from taking over.
December 17, 2020
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Eric
I think pushing from my left has been a problem for a long time for me. I consciously think about pulling from my right shoulder/lat along with elevation, but I think there are 3 setup issues that start my swing with a left side push vs. right side pull: (1) rounded shoulders: locks my vertebrae and I can't rotate properly, so I push to the top of the backswing - fix: shrug up shoulders and try to keep shoulders back, (2) I use the RST setup, if I have a lot of pressure or I'm trying to get a lot of power I tend to tense up my left shoulder at set up, it essentially closes my shoulders and puts my left side in charge for the takeaway. I think it is also from setting up with my left arm vs. my body - fix: let my left; arm hang relaxed, and (3) if when I am bending to the ball with my hips, I try to keep my legs locked. If I start bending my knees during the hip bend it is like I lock my pelvis and can't get a proper hip turn and my left side takes over - fix: proper hip bend with locked legs and avoid lower back lordosis. Do you have thoughts on these conditions and others that can promote the bad left side push. When I set up correctly the right side movement seems effortless and perfect elbow down position, the left side push leads to bad pulls, sometimes slices, and chunk shots.
October 20, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Eric. Sometimes when you setup trail side dominant with open shoulders it will inhibit proper rotation. Therefore, the player will recruit more lead side push in an effort to get the shoulders/arms back. But, the setup keys you mention are vital to keep the lead arm push out of the equation.
October 20, 2020
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James
Hi Craig regarding this situation, it is something I have been looking into along with Chris's 4 of 4. However, I am not pushing with my left arm, in fact I have consciously been feeling that my the back of my right hand pulls the club away. My right hand grip on the club is very relaxed, with the thumb and index finger hardly doing anything. The motion of drawing the club away into the backswing is dominated by the two middle fingers of the right hand almost feeling that I the club head lags the shaft as I pull the club back. On checking some of the many videos I did earlier on in my work producing the videos I had got better takeaways but was unhappy with the tush line. I will try and keep this in focus but I am so desperate to make sure I maintain that tush line, so you are going to have to be a bit patient until I get that tush line more ingrained but am aware of your point but I do not push with the left side, maybe my shoulders do not tilt a bit earlier but will work on this.
October 1, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello James. The link to this video was more to keep emphasizing over work the hands during the takeaway. Regardless, of trail/lead side push it is a little bug that makes a difference in overall muscle recruitment and repeatability.
October 1, 2020
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Kevin
Hi Craig, I've been working in front of the mirror to fix my laid off / late push move in my backswing. I've found I can fish and get it there but wanted your thoughts on the best way to do it. Less forearm rotation? More wrist cock? More arm elevation (variable)? More / maintain shoulder tilt? More right arm connection? Attached a snip from my review. Just wanted to understand more specifically on how to get the club to work up more because there are a lot of ways to do it I feel as I play with it
September 22, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Kevin. Elevation is variable, but I don't see any excessive there. I would focus on less forearm and rotation from lead shoulder socket. Shoulder tilt pretty solid. Just over rotating the arms.
September 22, 2020
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Kevin
Craig I worked on “5 minutes to master rotation” and this video tonight. When I do body drills only / arms across chest I can easily pull the right shoulder behind me. When I straighten my arms and/or add a club - pulling the shoulder back just causes my right shoulder to pull back and right arm to breakdown - completely different feeling. Also, both videos discuss syncing the arms and torso. I feel the more I try to let my arms get swing by the body I am leaving them behind and they pin to my chest late in the backswing when they catch up and are not in sync. Finally, I snipped a clip where I was just working on keeping my right arm straight and engaged to the chest - similar to the belly button drill and that looks good but I don’t get the sensation of pulling the right shoulder back. Help
July 2, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Kevin. Don't get caught up so much on just the feeling of the right shoulder back. You have done enough reps that it is a little desensitized now and it is the core doing the work. Focus less on trying to wrench the shoulder blade back and like the 5 Min to Rotation. Rotating the core to not overly swing the arms.
July 3, 2020
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Eric
Do you think the left side push could be caused by bad posture? I am tall and I have broad shoulders. It is a long way down to set the club. I either get tied or lazy in the round and start rounding my shoulders. Or if I shrug my shoulders and start with a nice hip hinge I get almost there, but round my shoulders to sole my club. This rounds my back and when I have duplicated this posture my spine doesn’t rotate and I have to get to the tops of the backswing with my arms and hands (deep, flying elbow with over the top downswing), requiring a left arm push. When you maintain good shoulder posture and flat back (hips back and chest more over the ball) the rotation starts so easy from a little weight shift and pull from the right shoulder/oblique. Seems like when I get into a bad posture I need the left side push to finish the backswing.
June 21, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Eric. Poor posture will lead to many faults. If you are already rounded and disconnected. You won't want to turn efficiently.
June 22, 2020
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Eric
I played an amazing 9 holes one time. It felt like the momentum from my weight shift propelled my arms up to the right spot with my elbow down. Even when I focus on a right side pull with right oblique and right shoulder gets a push from the left side or an incorrect lawn mower pull with the right. Went to the range and worked on keeping tension out of my arms. The momentum of the weight shift (one inch to keep it on hip line) starts my obliques turning and I feel the right shoulder glide at the top (but it is more natural vs. a hard pull crank of the right shoulder blade. Feel like the momentum and turning gets me into the elusive elbow down while the battle between my right and left tended to get me into a flying elbow and over the top steep downswing. Make sense?
May 26, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Eric. Weight, rotation and the little bit of momentum can do wonders to not over swing the arms and fly the elbow. Sounds good to me.
May 27, 2020
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Eric
When I do this right it just feels really right. I am focusing on weight shift with good hip line, pull from right shoulder (really feel it in right lay), and some elevation. Practicing this in a half swing feels really great hitting balls with a lot of zip. The swing wreckers are not elevating, which causes a flying right elbow are: (1) not elevating, which causes my right arm to get stuck behind me, and (2) I have a tendency to set up with an open left hip, when I do this my hip stops turning and I end up finishing with my arms and flying right elbow. Do these 2 issues make sense as swing wreckers (especially the open hip)?
May 15, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Eric. The slightly open hip (slightly) you can still coil against, but can make the turn harder for players that aren't used to rotating. Lack of elevation will tend to send the arms into the depth dimension and make it hard to stay in front of the chest while going to the top.
May 15, 2020
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Kevin
Craig - as I’ve been working to not push the left arm across the chest I want to make sure it’s not drifting away too much - I’m also trying to fix the cupping at the top. I noticed some pros (kisner) have their left arm in much more and more of a closed face - just trying to find the balance between the two
May 9, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Kevin. Hard to tell from a still image. You may have pushed slightly away. But, the components are pretty solid.
May 9, 2020
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Kevin
Backswing at the top for comments below - hips over rotated - I don’t think I loaded enough in the right glute
April 11, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Kevin. Exactly. Lower half issues. Button up the lower half and the top will be looking pretty darn good.
April 13, 2020
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Kevin
Hi Craig - I wanted to check my takeaway with you and make sure I’m not pushing - it looks good to me half way back (besides over rotating my hip) but at the top it has to cross my mid point. Wasnt sure if I should check it against my shoulder turn to make sure they are turning in the correct proportions?
April 11, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Kevin. Looks pretty good in the Takeaway there.
April 13, 2020
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Don
Instead of pushing away with your left hand, would you take the club away with your right hand? Don⛳️
February 25, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Don. The core and trail shoulder blade glide will bring the club back. The right arm/hand should stay straight and passive.
February 25, 2020
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Eric
I have been fighting left side dominance for a long time, even after drills. Something I discovered. I played 18 holes in a 36 round. I had a half hour to hit balls and started hitting half shots with a swing thought of hitting each ball straight down the target line. I played the next 18 holes the best of my life. At the range, thinking of a straight line helps me set up with good shoulder posture and stance. Thinking of that straight line keeps my right arm straighter longer and right side in control, with no left arm/shoulder push? The ball goes straight down the line with great ball compression. Does that make any sense why it works?
December 15, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Eric. I can't vouch for the feel and quality of the swing. But, it sounds like that trigger helped keep your arms in front of the chest. Which would make sense why the ball striking improved. Less arm swing across the body.
December 16, 2019
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Eric
Ok, I think I figured it out after watching "How to Align Your Body for Straight Golf Shots" It is another symptom of the right side dominance. Even if I try to set up very right side neutral, after years of doing this it pushes my left shoulder and hip open at address. The visual cue of the straight line (imaginary alignment stick) brings my left shoulder and hip into square alignment. With my left shoulder and hip open my left side wants to push and my right elbow wants to pick up. In square alignment, a proper weight shift and right shoulder glide rotation (pull) is easy and it seems like everything stays on plane.
December 16, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Eric. That sounds like you might have diagnosed the issue. Good research.
December 16, 2019
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Kevin
Picture from my work hitting balls and doing drills this morning for the comment below
September 28, 2019
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Kevin
Picture
September 28, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Kevin. It is trending in the correct direction. Better than the previous submission. Almost right in front like we are trying to achieve.
September 29, 2019
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Kevin
I’ve been working on the dead drill with left arm only backswings and can set the club perfectly. I’m still getting too much push though. How do I feel connection with my arms and torso without pinning my left arm to my chest? Early on In my golf career I was taught to pin my left arm to my chest and can’t stop. If I increase my arm elevation I feel like my arms are flying out away from me when I turn back and I make a steep out to in pull across the ball. Tough concept for me to get right
September 15, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Kevin. The connection should be more awareness versus gluing the upper bicep and upper pectoral. Could you upload a picture of the top of your practice swing? I want to make sure you are correct there first. Arms swinging across the chest is a tough battle. You don't need more elevation just the arms not going across the chest. When you start to add speed your natural inclination is going to be to allow momentum to pin the lead arm like how you were taught. It may take hundreds of slower reps to delete the push.
September 15, 2019
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Kevin
Thanks Craig for the quick reply. This is a picture of my practice rep swinging with the left arm only and adding on my right. RJ advised me in my swing review to set my right hand on similar to holding a tray like a waiter to help close the face as well which I’ve been working on to help set the right arm
September 15, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Kevin. So in-essence when you do it lead arm only you are in the correct spot. When adding the trail you start to get behind you. I would go to Step 5 - Add the Trailing Arm. Work on mirroring and actual finger tips in the swing to get the trail arm turned off. You can do it in the practice as well as with a ball to delete it from your swing.
September 15, 2019
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Kevin
Craig I’ve been working the past few weeks and am still struggling getting my right arm in the correct spot - very frustrating because I can do it in the drills. I’ve experimented with right wrist flexion, Elevation etc it cant get it. I almost need to feel like my right arm is turned in I think. Open to any other swing thoughts etc you may have
September 28, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Kevin. I like the practice rep above. You need to delete any trail arm interference. Feel like the lead arm only works up vertical as you rotate and the trail is merely supporting and doing nothing else.
September 29, 2019
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Kevin
Thanks Craig - I worked on it more today with my rotary connect and your right it’s still a left arm push issue - I have to feel like my left arm doesn’t cross my toe line and works vertically which helped in front of the mirror
September 29, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Kevin. Exactly. Delete variables and isolate the issue. It will most definitely feel very vertical in the beginning.
September 30, 2019
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Kevin
2nd picture from same swing below - this looks good to me but wanted to confirm it isn’t leading to issues with my left arm
September 30, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Kevin. Looks like you may have pushed hands slightly out (elevate a hair too soon). But, practically a perfect takeaway.
October 1, 2019
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Kevin
Thanks Craig - I experiment more tonight with some drills and keep the club more outside and it’s close but not there still. My takeaway looks god up until hip high but then rolls in it looks like. I was curious if you think that I potentially have too much forearm rotation with the left arm which is pinning it to my chest on the backswing? Attached it screen shot just after parrallel
September 30, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Kevin. I don't see the pinning on the chest. I can still see the logo on the chest and the club didn't dip down below trail arm.
October 1, 2019
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Kevin
Thanks for patience on this thread Craig - plan to spend the rest of the rainy week inside working in front of the mirror I just experimented tonight with a few different things I heard in the videos. I tried to feel like I was pushing my right arm in toward my left while literally reaching up as far as I could with my left - it looks closer but not perfect. I wanted to get your thoughts on how to keep the right arm tighter. Should I think about more elevation with the right arm? More right wrist / forearm flextion? Also, if I increase my shoulder turn plane would that help increase the elevation? Or if my shoulder turn is short of 90 would that cause the arms to travel too deep...just looking for some different thoughts idea to conquer this right arm
October 1, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Kevin. Try keeping awareness of connection between the upper bicep and upper pectoral of the trail arm. While it stays in front of the chest. Your shoulder plane looks fine. I wouldn't tinker much with that. Also, if you take at 2. Overview: Fix Overswing/Across-the-Line Swing Video. Understand why the trail arm typically goes awry.
October 2, 2019
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Eric
So, simultaneous weight shift and core rotation (seems like this keeps the left arm push out of the swing). Do you consciously think about the right shoulder glide at some point, like half way through. I remember Chuck said that was important to pull shoulder around spine or does it just kind of happen naturally if you keep turning torso?
June 16, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Eric. If your core is engaged and you are rotating from it. The trail lat will start to pull the shoulder blade down and in. The trail shoulder glide is just another trigger point thought to get you pulling and rotating.
June 17, 2019
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Eric
Oh, I think it is because I moved my left hip/dip. Keeping it quiet really helps.
June 15, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Eric. Quieting the legs will make you really feel a stretch and separation of the upper half vs lower half which will create good muscle recruitment/torque for the swing.
June 16, 2019
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Eric
Ok, sorry for all the questions, but I feel that finding out I was a left side push golfer was a breakthrough. Practice swinging from my obliques feels really good/right. I think what I do is that I start with my obliques and half way I’m done turning and my arms takeover. Is the idea to generate enough momentum with the original torso turn and weight shift into the right heel to get the arms to the top, so they don’t take over? I’m at the range. This concept seems to work.
June 15, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Eric. Yes. But, some players will need to add some elevation on their own because they are used to getting deep in their swing. But, using the core movements and weight shift will create momentum that will carry the arms a long way.
June 16, 2019
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Eric
Bipolar golfer here. Very excitimg night at the range. Feel like it is a major breakthrough. My issues for the past 20 years have related to the left shoulder push. I tried feeling like I am leaving my hands and club at address, trying to maintain the logo on my shirt, and the feeling of moving the metal bar on the Rotary Connect, at some point my left shoulder comes into play to knock me into a flying elbow, or some partial version of it. HOWEVER, what worked for the last 30 or so balls I hit was doing the torso rotation from the obliques with the club in just my right hand. After doing that a few times I hit with both hands/arms (normal) and I was really compressing the ball - straight, sometimes a slight push or pull that would still put me on the green. I guess i can do this a lot at home at the range and even a bit on the tee. It lets me feel the right aid pull (albeit slight) vs. the left side push. Thoughts? Any other suggestions to quiet the left shoulder? Thanks, really exciting!
June 11, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Eric. I think you are on the right track. Continue to focus on rotating and not swinging the arms. The left side push will start to diminish the less you smash the logo on your shirt.
June 12, 2019
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Eric
Played yesterday. My buddy calls my fame bi-polar. Some amazing golf shots, long, straight compressed the ball and then a number of weaker pushes and pulls. I have tried focusing on leaving my hands and club at address and do the body rotation with the obliques or turn the bar on the Rotary Connect. What I just saw in another video of yours is to make sure you are not covering the shirt logo (over left pec) with left arm. In front of a mirror that works pretty well. Is that a good swing thought to keep out the left arm push?
June 11, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Bi-Polar. Yes, not smashing the shirt logo will help you rotate instead of pushing the lead arm across the chest.
June 11, 2019
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Eric
This is a great video. I was definitely anleft side pusher which would stop my body from rotating and push my right arm into a flying elbow and actually over time gave me a shoulder problem. I was a big pull hitter from the over the top. This video really helped. I focused on leaving my hands and club at address or moving the bar on Rotary Connect. I noticed that I would still get a periodic pull, especially late in a round. I think I would get to about hip high with that swing thought and my arms would take over and stopped rotating. I went to the range and just shifted my swing thought to: “if the club is moving, the buttons on your shirt are moving”. This seems to promote a one piece takeaway and I finish with a full shoulder turn. Does that make sense? One other interesting thing. In your detailed video on the grip, you talk about pressing the forefinger and thumb on both hands together (Hogan said like Siamese twins, ha), and that in combination with the buttons swing thought helps because the club doesn’t slip between the thumb and forefinger causing the right arm to act as a piston elbow out stopper of the motion of a full shoulder rotation. Make sense?
June 10, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Eric. Yes. That makes sense (club is moving - you are rotating). Also, you need to have pressure there in the trail hand for support. But, having too much will cause push and steerage. Needs to be a balance.
June 10, 2019
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Eric
My experience is that if you have the perfect takeaway and backswing with your elbow pointing vertically down at the ground (even vs. slightly out at An angle) you will have a perfect shallow backswing if you start with a slight weightshift to the left. I struggle with the left arm push. Chuck’s concept Of leaving the hands and club at address and focusing on the body rotation seems to get me in a good backswing position at the top with elbow pointing down. Does that make sense?
May 29, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Eric. That makes sense. Your feeling of doing less with the arms and letting the body dictate the motion is what we strive for. Most players constantly over work the arms which is why they struggle to repeat and/or find proper positions.
May 29, 2019
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Stephen
Just to clarify...push vs pull doesn’t mean with the arms/hands? I’ve been told I have a lot of lead side push in my takeaway and the right arm folds too quickly but am assuming I don’t fix this by engaging the right hand/arm I need to concentrate on rotation and keeping both arms/hands passive....is that right? Steve
May 13, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Steve. Correct. Move from the core, not the arms.
May 13, 2019
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Stephen
Thanks! So what is the best technique/swing thought/vid to watch in terms of learning how to teach the brain to disengage the hands/arms? I am getting it slowly in my backswing reps but really struggling with the transition.....every time my video lessons show me over using my right hand in transition such that I come into the ball either over the top or too steep....thanks
May 13, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Stephen. 5 Minutes to Master Rotation, 4 Square Drill and Pool Noodle Drill for the backswing. For transition I would use Play the Best Golf Of Your Life in 6 Weeks 3 and 4 of 6 Videos and Keep the Rear Shoulder Back. If you can rotate and elevate that arms properly you can't push across the chest. The other three videos will help with the transition.
May 13, 2019
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Nolan
Does this mean that the club is pulled back with the right arm/hand (since that is attached to the right shoulder girdle)? At what point should the right elbow start to fold in the backswing?
May 1, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Nolan. The trail arm should remain straight and relatively passive as you pull back with the trail shoulder. The trail arm will fold just after the takeaway has been completed.
May 1, 2019
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Jim
Hi RJ - Jim Darcey here: To do that exercise with the club behind me to work on getting that spine angle to be straighter, I was thinking of maybe using a bungee cord around my chest to hold the club in place rather than have to keep one hand behind me to hold it. Think that would work? Or any other good ways to situate it so hands are free? Obviously need the right length of cord so it is tight enough but not too tight. Best, Jim
April 18, 2019
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R.J. (Certified RST Instructor)
Yeah, man, you can. As long as you're keeping your butt, back between the blades and your head touching your golf club and the bungee cords aren't making the shaft bow, which would defeat the purpose of the drill, you're good. If you're going to strap it to yourself, something more rigid, like a 2x4 might be more advantageous than a flexible shaft. Me, personally, I like to use my hands so I can then move the club to my sternum after to get the axis tilt perfect, but as long as you're getting the point of the drill hammered home and you're not hurting yourself in the process, it's cool to use other methods to get to the same place.
April 18, 2019
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Chad
How high or low should your hands be at the end of the takeaway? Right pocket height? Mine are currently way higher than that so thinking I should keep them low as I turn back. Let me know and thanks
March 25, 2019
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Dean
Base of the trail pocket. "RST Pencil Drill" video has all the goods on that Chad.
March 25, 2019
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Alan
Hi Craig, I will work on the videos you recommended regarding the takeaway. I can get to the top pretty well now and just need to tweak a couple of things. I have another question related to the transition. I just uploaded my latest swing for self analysis and loaded Chuck's 7 iron swing toward the bottom of the download page for comparison . The biggest difference between his transition and mine is the fact that moving towards the top of his swing, his left wrist is flat, even bowed a little outward, ala Hogan's book. This pulls his right elbow in toward his left elbow and keeps it under his hands as he transitions and continues down. Is this a position I should try to emulate? I've done a few swings this evening, and I can tell this keeps my right elbow under my hands as I shift my weight to get to the delivery position. I'm doing slow motion transitions right now and I just want to keep progressing toward the goal. I can add the flat/bowed outward left wrist to my reps if you think this is correct. Thank you so much!
March 14, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Alan. The swing will gradually lose cupping throughout. If you work towards a flat lead wrist at the top and a gradual flattening/bowing coming down. I don't have an issue with that. Just not too an extreme.
March 15, 2019
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Alan
Ok, I do have another question. Sorry. After doing 100 or so reps of full turn and feeling like I'm keeping everything in quadrant 2 (I know I'm not, but it feels like it), my lower left lat is really feeling stretched and tired. I'm right handed. Is this normal? Thanks Craig!
April 25, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Alan. You are stretching your core more than likely for the first time. Make sure you aren't too tense (Proper Muscle Activation Video). On my end, it sounds like you are finally using muscle in your swing instead of the arms solely swinging across the chest. If it starts to get really tender and sore. Then, you are probably overworking.
April 25, 2019
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Alan
I watched the video. My arms, hands and wrists are relaxed. As my take away progressed into the top position, my left lat was stretching more than ever before. I had to quit after about 100 reps because my left lower lat was getting very tight. My hands have never been that high, and I could feel the stretch all the way to my left glute. Also the feeling of leverage was there like never before. I've been working on a full turn for several days and it's finally feeling normal to make a full turn using only the body turn. It's amazing how we can fool ourselves into thinking we're turning when we're only lifting the arms. Thanks for confirming my thoughts Craig. I'll work on it another week or so and then send a video.
April 26, 2019
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Alan
Still having trouble Craig. Full 90+ degree shoulder turn seems to pull everything too far behind me. I think I need even more elevation? Is there a drill that works strictly on elevation between takeaway and top? Or maybe like a shaft stuck in the ground behind me to make me stay more in quadrant 2 turning back? It's unbelievable how much I was shorting the turn going back. With a full turn, my arms/hands/club are still getting too deep. Thanks!
April 25, 2019
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Alan
Never mind. Focusing on staying in quadrant 2 is going to work. My hands are working up instead of around now. Full turn with higher hands at transition.
April 25, 2019
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Robert
Hi there. Not really sure where to post This question but my question is what are the five steps? On parts of the website it is weight shift, takeaway, backswing.... then other parts it is weight shift, core rotation, lead arm... essentially there are two 5 step programs on this site and it is making me very confused. Which is it?
February 22, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Robert. You are getting the 5 Minute Series confused with the 5 Step Series. No worries. 5 Step Series is Weight Shift, Core Rotation, Add Lead Arm, Add the Club and Add the Trailing Arm.
February 22, 2019
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Baxter
I was wondering if I could get pointed in the right direction to learn how to quit striking the ball closer to the heel. I have been videoing and making sure that I am not losing my tush line. I do notice that I have a lot of secondary axis tilt, and this is my main guess as to what is causing the problem. I have been working on the hip spinners and level shoulders drill a lot. Are these the best drills to start cleaning up the path so that I don't hit the ball near the heel of the club?
February 20, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Baxter. How to Cure the Shanks in 3 Steps Video will outline the most common heel causes. If you are too under plane and have excessive secondary tilt. Take a look at the Trace the Plane Line Video.
February 20, 2019
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Baxter
Awesome, thanks!
February 20, 2019
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Theunie
Please let me know what video is best to watch to understand the perfect plane that one should try to get on. Chuck often speaks of getting off plane. I do gather by now that one must not go back too inside and then not go over the top swinging back
February 14, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Theunie. I don't have a perfect video describing plane. But, Charl Schwartzel - Perfect Swing Plane Video will discuss what you should be looking for going back. And, How to Fix Plane and Path Video for coming down.
February 14, 2019
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Glenn
So does pushing vs pulling apply to putting also?
February 10, 2019
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Dean
Rotary Swing University Courses/Putting Course covers the concepts you are asking about Glenn. Have a look, it's very cool.
February 10, 2019
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Kirk
question with regulars to spine axis would u use the same tilt for driver as u would gap wedge?
February 7, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Kirk. If you make a wider stance with the driver and further up ball position you would need more axis tilt (Proper Tee Height Video). For stock driver and stock wedge with stance 2 inches outside NJA. The tilt would be the same.
February 7, 2019
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Bill
Anyone tried the double overlap grip like Jim Furyk uses? I experimented with it today because I’m struggling taking my right hand out of the downswing. The results were very encouraging! Definitely takes the right hand out , keeps my lag, feels much more left side dominant and added almost 10 mph to my 5 iron swing speed! Just curious.
February 2, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Bill. I will leave this post in case there are others that have experimented with your theory. Some of my students have used the grip to help with trail side push. For now, if you are deleting over usage with the trail side I don't see how it would be a bad thing.
February 2, 2019
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PAUL
ROTARY GOLF, ROTARY GOLF, When are you going to get the L2 putters in ?... I am waiting patiently, but need to get a putter that really works for me...please let me know ASAP...as your website shows that their still "out of stock"... CHEERS, PAUL FERRANTE (from New Zealand) pferrante@xtra.co.nz
January 22, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Paul. I apologize for the wait time on the L2 Putter. The issue though is with the manufacturer and not us. We have requested more inventory as soon as the company starts to ship their product again. However, they seem to be dragging their feet. We will notify the membership the day we get notice about a new shipment.
January 22, 2019
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Michael
Why focus on the shoulder glide alone in the takeaway, which is difficult? Why not the whole right side, arm, lats and shoulder pulling the core around into a full turn?
January 19, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Michael. The core (abs, obliques, lat, etc.) will be working to create the full turn. The shoulder glide is just an easy trigger to relate to students. You are correct though the other items will be engaged.
January 20, 2019
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Ronan
Hi, Is there somewhere in the website where every videos are stored? When i'm on the search bar they are many suggestions of videos i've not seen that i did not meet using the website normally
January 19, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Ronan. Some are older videos that we have reshot, or the information has been listed in a better video. Unfortunately, there isn't a page with the database of every single video.
January 19, 2019
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Saeed
hello,my name is Saeed where and how do I download the swing analyser
January 16, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Saeed. The swing analyzer is located on the site under the Self Analysis Tab.
January 16, 2019
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Jens
Shouldn't the shoulderplane get less steep due to axis tilt? Something ive been thinking of.
January 10, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jens. It will affect it slightly. But, rotating around a hinged forward spine will still create a shoulder plane with lead shoulder below the trail at the top. Take a look at Golf Backswing Shoulder Plane Drill.
January 10, 2019
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
I didn't pass one of my checkpoints in RST University. It says imI supposed to be able to submit again. When doing so am I using 1 more of the 6 free swing reviews that come with the program? In other words, if I fail the first step 6 times and resubmit my reviews, will I be out of free reviews at that point? Sorry, I didn't know where to ask
November 1, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Chris. Too my knowledge, it's only 6 Free Reviews. Not adjusted for the amount of times needed to pass a particular category.
November 1, 2018
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Greg
I've suffered from this exact problem forever... hands go inside and then up with my back leg straightening too at the top. It seems that your concept of keeping the right arm straight to turn really helps with this issue, correct? It keeps your left arm from coming right across. My only struggle with this is that I have a hard time with elevation when keeping that right arm straight. What should I be feeling, or how should I drill this?
October 28, 2018
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Tyler (Certified RST Instructor)
Hi Greg, you are correct, the right arm will stay straight. Shoulder turn will always be your biggest focus with the backswing, focus on pulling that right shoulder back with passive arms and your arms wont do much. In terms of elevation, check out the "four square" video. The 5 minutes to the perfect takeaway and 5 min to the perfect backswing do a good job of putting all of this together
October 29, 2018
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James
I have went through the drills, weight shift, rotation, squat post up, release etc. when going in slow motion it all works out but in real time motion I am having trouble with it in full speed. How can I put it all together when swinging in full speed?
October 28, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello James. The same way you did it in slow motion, but you have to up the ante a little bit. Start by doing the body motion without a club, but slowly increase the pace. You need to train the drills with a little more speed once the movement is correct. That way it will be easier to apply when going full rate.
October 28, 2018
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Eric
If I can start my golf swing with weight shift to the right heel and right shoulder glide I get s very good straight and powerful result. Pushing from my left gets in the way with that and it generally starts with tensing my left shoulder. I have been a deak jockey for over 25 years and it has affected by posture, rounded shoulders. I think I get less left shoulder tension and resulting pushing off plane on the backswing if I have straight shoulders vs. rounding. Does this make sense anatomically?
October 2, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Eric. 100% makes sense. It is vastly easier to rotate properly with a straight spine and retracted shoulder blades vs rounded spine and protracted shoulder blades.
October 2, 2018
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Eric
I think when I have rounded shoulders it means I have a rounded back. You can’t fully rotate with a rounded back so I stop rotating halfway through and I start pushing with my left shoulder and arm to get to the top of my backswing which results in a flying right elbow - then an over the top.....had a bad tendency to pull the balm for years.
October 2, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Eric. Yes, when you round your back it will inhibit proper motion of the shoulder blades to create rotation. And, you are not providing enough freedom in the vertebrae to rotate.
October 2, 2018
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Eric
When I can keep my right arm out of the takeaway it is a great feeling swing, right elbow down at the top versus a flying elbow. It is really hard to do, any tricks to help keep the left arm out? I've tried making my left shoulder and arm very relaxed and almost "dead", that helps a bit. Does it help if I focus on my right shoulder glide into the activation of my right oblique? If I do that it stops the left arm pushing my right arm from the body. Any good tips? I have been practicing without a ball.
August 27, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Eric. Focusing on the core will help to facilitate rotation without tensing up the arms too much. I left a video in your other post to help with your current issue. The main thing is to stop trying to swing the arms. Move the body with as minimal arm motion as possible.
August 27, 2018
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Eric
spent hours on the range today. I tried the right arm only the swing my left arm up which puts me in a great position. I actually hit some balls from that position. The main difference is the proper rotation of the right elbow, down vs. put. What really seems to help is from a two handed grip focus on right shoulder glide into 9:00 position. I think consciously or subconsciously I want to swing to toe up. When I do this a few times and then take a full swing thinking about the same thing and I get a proper backswing without the left arm push and resulting flying elbow. Make sense?
September 20, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Eric. Focusing on proper shoulder glide and rotation of the trail arm to keep it pointed down definitely makes sense.
September 20, 2018
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Charles
“The role of the left arm in the backswing is...pretty much nothing.”. This led me to believe that the backswing was controlled by the trail side and the down swing by the lead side. However, I found it very difficult to make such a transition consistently. I started to change the lead side control pretty much for the back swing and down swing. The result is a much more consistent swing. For me, any trail side control is a push so no good. The control here means the major body muscles. My right side, passive most of the time, particularly arms and hands only help by straightening at the impact. Is this more like Moe Norman swing sequence? The swing sequence is very important to me so I can use the body mucles correctly.
January 21, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Charles. Even though you may feel like your swing is completely lead side controlled. You have to pull with the trail side to create proper rotation. However, some players over use the trail side going back. If you take a look at the Winter Golf Training Program - Backswing Video. And, you feel is similar to using weight, core and momentum to help swing the lead arm up. Everything should be fine. I couldn't tell you if it matches much to Moe Norman's sequence. If you feel the vast majority of your swing is lead side controlled. You are on the correct path.
January 21, 2018
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Charles
Thanks much Craig for your comments.
January 22, 2018
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Charles
After another few months of learning, now I get it that a golf swing is a two-side swing because the pull motion in backswing and downswing. I need to train each side independently. Initially, i spent a lot of time training the lead side, and now need to add the right side in the backswing. I got it what Chuck said in this video that "the left warm does nothing in the backswing" because it is primarily pulled by the trial side.
June 28, 2018
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martin
My question relates to the backswing. Specifically, the elevation bit. Just turned 60 - 14hcp and thanks largely to Rotary hitting the ball longer and straighter than ever. I don't have an issue with rotation or flexion. The elevation bit is a bit of a struggle mainly out of concern to not move arms as per the rotary mantra-in the backswing. I can juggle and in fact walk and chew gum but seem incapable of 'elevating' my arms correctly. I have no problem elevating when I am square to the ball but as soon as I rotate/turn I get disoriented. Any tips for elevating from the shoulders as you are turning? Needless to say my arms are too low at the top of my backswing which will often create other issues as you well know.
January 13, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Martin. Take a look at the Pool Noodle Drill and 4 Square Drill. Focus on drilling without a club first moving the arms up as you rotate the body. It will become easier with a lot of proper reps.
January 14, 2018
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Craig
So are you meant to change dominant arms during backswing and downswing? Lead with the right for backswing and lead with the left for the downswing?
July 2, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Craig. The trail side will be doing the pulling in the backswing. But, most still feel lead arm dominant throughout the swing. The trail shoulder pulls back and not solely the trail arm.
July 3, 2017
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Ricky
This 100%! By far this is the best tip I've ever received. My ball striking and ball flights have improved SO much with this idea. The funny thing is I googled some articles and they were talking about starting the backswing WITH the left arm. I can't understand why they would be saying that. Almost no amature I know rotates their torso enough so telling them the backswing starts with the left is golf suicide because the first instinct is to cross center line right way. I've found that focusing on my right shoulder like you suggest is hard. For me I focus on my right hand (which I never did before. it was always my left arm). I pull back with my right hand which obviously rotates my right shoulder and wow just amazing difference. Before my left hand would be so tense on the club and now it's like it's just along for the right. An added bonus I find by doing this is my left arms stays straighter than it did before. Guessing because it has way less tension on it it's able to stay straight. Thank you for this explanation. It's huge!
June 22, 2017
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Ricky, thanks so much for your comments and so glad to hear you found this information to be so useful for you and your game. We are pleased to have you as part of the RST family and we will do our best to continue to support you along the way.
June 23, 2017
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John
Love the website. Often I come to the site wanting to look at a recent video and I'm a few behind. Could you have a "Recent videos" tab or "unwatched videos" tab so that I don't have to leave the site and log back in to watch the next one. Or is there something I can do now to overcome this? John
April 13, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello John. Thanks for the compliments of the site. Go to the Video Menu ---> Videos for You ---> Latest Videos. They will all be listed on the right side.
April 14, 2017
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Daniel
Does your left shoulder in the backswing has to be below your right shoulder or are they leveled .
March 30, 2017
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Micah (Certified RST Instructor)
Hi Daniel. The lead shoulder should be below the trail shoulder at the top of the backswing because of our primary spine angle at setup or hinging of the hips so that we can reach the golf club.
March 30, 2017
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Daniel
ok then you shift your weight yo the left and your right shoulders move down
March 30, 2017
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Asle
Moving the shoulder blade back 2 in in the takeaway/backswing - is that a pulling motion, where you also can feel that the right arm is pulling in its self, or is the right and left arm solely being pulled by the hip and shoulder turn/rotation?
January 25, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Asle. You want the arms moved due to the rotation of the trail shoulder and core. Yes, it is a pulling motion and the scapula will move down and in towards the spine. I would suggest trying the 2 inch hand drill in the Role of the Right Arm Video. Maintaining the spacing and finger tip length throughout the move will help give you the proper sensation.
January 25, 2017
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Hector
Sounds easy but really I can't do the shoulder blade glide !!!! I understand the concept but I don't know why I can turn efficiently !!! Can you help me ? What should I feel ?? Please help
January 16, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Hector. It sounds like you are really trying to over do the move. Creating tension that is getting in the way of a proper turn. Take a look at a few videos if you haven't already. Body Rotation in Golf Backswing, Golf Takeaway Overview, 5 Minutes to Master Rotation, Winter Golf Training Program - Setup and the Bucket Drill. You should feel the core and a slight depression of the trail shoulder blade down and in towards your spine.
January 17, 2017
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Terrill
In this video, it really seems to conflict with the left side dominate method you teach. Meaning, this video states the left arm is passive and the right arm is very active. What should we be searching for in this video in regards to how the backswing should "feel"? Chris is my instructor and my issue on the take away , he states, is that I take the club back with my lead side or left arm, causing the club to get too deep.
December 25, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Terrill. Both arms have a role in the backswing. Some players are too lead side dominant and others are too trail side dominant. You will always be using the trail shoulder to pull back the club in the backswing. The key is to pull with the trail shoulder and allow the lead arm to swing up as the trail arm adds (elevation, flexion and ext. humeral rotation). If you are getting deep due to lead side push. You are over doing trying to manipulate the club into the proper position. You want to focus solely on quiet arms and hands with rotation (trail pull) being your guide. Use the Role of the Right Arm Video. Maintain your fingertip length from start to finish of the takeaway drill. If the length changes. You will know the lead side is pushing too much.
December 26, 2016
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Michael
On the down swing, should I focus on just pulling the hip and core while the arms juse follow or should I think about pulling with my left arm. I'm working on taking my right arm out of downswing. Holistically I'm trying to stop putting so much user control into my swing. I involve my arms and hands too much.
July 22, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Mike. Yes, you should focus on weight shift and core to pull in the downswing. The lead arm should be brought down by gravity and the body. You don't need to feel a yank or big rip with the lead arm to reach the ball (Step 3, 4 - RST 5 Step System).
July 22, 2016
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Michael
Should the arms and grip just hang naturally and just focus on the shoulder turn and pulling action. Will the club go into the right position on the back swing? Do I need to do anything with my arms consciously or should I just let them hang and follow the shoulders. Also, what are the knees supposed to look like on backswing. I know the back knee should stay flexed but what about the left? Should it poke forward or laterally or a little of both? I have alot of problems with coming out of posture. When does the left leg straighten out and dies it do this naturally?
July 22, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Mike. You need to concentrate on a good pulling motion coming back with the trail shoulder. However, the hands and arms will need to move vertically to keep the club in front and working on plane (3 Functions of the Right Arm, Pool Noodle Drill, and 4 Square Drill). The lead knee should remain relatively stable (Laser Beam Knee Drills for Stability). The lead leg will not straighten until you post up in the release (Straight Left Leg at Impact, Perfecting Lower Body Stability, Step 2 - RST 5 Step System).
July 22, 2016
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Michael
Thanks. Makes alot of sense now
July 22, 2016
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jonathan
Hi. Great video. One of my favorites. Where are you while recording this one?
May 24, 2016
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
This is in Colorado at Castle Pines.
May 25, 2016
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Micah (Certified RST Instructor)
I focus on the right shoulder blade coming down and in, but I still seem to push with the left arm and become disconnected. I have a disk bulge in my lower back and it's almost as if I am not rotating enough inside the box because I am almost "babying" the injury. Could I be doing the move wrong? what is the sensation I should feel if Im starting to disconnect out of the box and even over rotate?
February 9, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Micah. If you are over rotating with the upper half you will tend to feel the trail shoulder blade depressing into the spine too much. If you are disconnecting the arms will feel out of sync with the upper half rotation. Making it harder for them to work in front coming down. Take a look at the 3 Functions of the Right Arm and work on the full swing drill to help with over swing.
February 9, 2016
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James
I have a hands in club out appearance in my takeaway with a closed clubface. Kinda like Ricky Fowler use to have but by far not that extreme. I realize to get into that position you have to push across center with the left but i am wondering how much lack of forearm rotation comes into play in that situation. I assume the best drill for this is the bucket drill? Thanks for your insights.
February 5, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello James. Take a look at the Bucket Drill, Forearm Rotation for Power, RST Pencil Tee Drill and the Using the Wrist Effectively and Efficiently Video. All will discuss the shut club face. You need to allow for face rotation. Don't fight the design of the club.
February 6, 2016
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David
I find if I start to fold the right arm around 45deg or so in my takeaway it keeps me on plane and from going deep, is this an ok swing thought to have? if I were to wait until the takeaway was complete then fold the right arm I get very deep and across the line?
May 24, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello David. Folding early can start to disengage the shoulder blade early leading to a small muscle move and width zapper. You want to use the big muscles and stay wide. Placing on plane is probably simpler for you to feel right now, but will be hard to repeat.
May 25, 2015
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Kishore
Ok, this appears to be my number one problem. I've been working on the drills (hands 1" apart and box) for about 3 weeks....and I've gotten to the point where I can do them "correctly" (at least the checkpoints match) but as soon as I put a club in my hand, all the old habits come right back....its impossible to rotate and the left arm dominates everything....is it just more reps without the club?
May 12, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Kishore. You need to challenge yourself at pace. Try different speeds. Start as slow as possible and work up. Figure out what pace gets you off track. Back down a little and continue building from there.
May 12, 2015
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Kishore
Ok, spent more time working on this, going back to doing reps without the club first, then introducing the club with just the right hand and then the left. As soon as I put the left hand on my shoulders start turning, the right elbow folds....I was wondering, I am a left-handed person (left side dominant) playing from the right side, could this be why I'm struggling with this (going on 5 weeks now). Should I consider turning around and playing from the left side?
June 1, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Kishore. I don't think you need to switch sides. The problem is you have really ingrained the move. If you take a look at the Role of the Right Arm in the Advanced Takeaway Section. Can you perform the 2 inch hand drill without losing the spacing and maintaining finger tip length?
June 1, 2015
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Kishore
See, that is what is so frustrating, I can do the drills (bucket drill, 2" drill, rotation in "prayer position" etc...) without a club, checking with video to make sure I'm in the right position. I can go to the practice tee and hit PW all day with my right hand only, 9 to 5 drill, one-handed. As soon as I put the left hand on, its all over, no matter how slow I try. In fact, many times I shank it with both hands, but hit it flush with the right hand only. I got myself a left handed club this weekend, a 9iron, practiced the takeaway left handed, then video taped myself from both sides. With the left handed club (which is horribly too long for me even), I'm in the exact right position at the end of move 1, I can't see the shaft of the club at all in the DTL view, my left elbow (in this case) is straight...when I switch back to right handed I can see the club is too far inside (with both hands on the club). Your right, it may be super ingrained. I don't know, but its frustrating.
June 1, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Kishore. I know it is frustrating. Believe me I have already gone through the process. Lots of wrist hinge and right arm fold early for me back in the day. Do some really slow reps. Figure out what pace you can do it on and when you lose it. Fix from there. Take a look at this video. It just takes time for the brain to learn. https://youtu.be/MFzDaBzBlL0
June 1, 2015
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Kishore
Hi Craig, thanks for your replies, the video is very interesting, as a scientist the concept of neuro-plasticity is not something I've thought about in reference to a motor skill like the golf swing......One comment though, if the conclusions here are accurate and its a matter of unlearning the old takeaway from the right side, then if I turn around to the left side, I "should" have nothing to un-learn so to speak...which means I should be able to "learn" RST faster....maybe that is a simpleton's conclusion, but something to ponder.
June 1, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
It's something to ponder and I see where your conclusions are. However, I've only seen it on one occasion where someone completely made the switch. The problem is you already know some natural moves you need to perform speed and feel wise. I think you can get this down. It just takes some learning and un-learning.
June 1, 2015
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Joseph
I just got my first swing review and this was on the list of recommended videos. My question is this, is the list of videos given in a specific order or is it just "here are the things you need to work on."
April 30, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Joseph. Most of the recommended swing videos from review have pertinent information of the prioritized issues you need to tackle first. More than likely not a particular order, but information to gather together to correct the issue.
April 30, 2015
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Brian
I see this in my swing, to much arm movement, no real rotation. I'll work on this!
March 27, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Start using those big muscles. Always be rotating!
March 28, 2015
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Jack
Yesterday at the practice range I focused on "pull" in takeway/backswing and then pull on downswing. Ball striking improved dramatically, effortless power, good divots. Ironically, it also eliminated my "pull" shots with the irons! Thanks
January 19, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Thanks for the post Jack. Great to see we are already straightening out your game!
January 20, 2015
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David
Does this video not contradict a number of other videos on the site? In the why golf is so hard video and using the wrists effectively video talks about training the left arm in the backswing so your not so right side dominate? if I were to use the right arm to pull back in the swing it completely takes over.
November 17, 2014
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R.J. (Certified RST Instructor)
David, You don't use the right arm to pull your body in the backswing, it's the other way around. You use your body to pull your right arm. Your right shoulder blade glide will rotate your torso around your spine. There is no contradiction here. No matter which way you slice it, it's the muscles in your torso that are responsible for the rotation in the golf swing. As long as you keep your hands in front of your sternum in the backswing until your right elbow flexes upward and rotate the shoulders with the muscles in the torso, you'll have a chance of producing a great backswing. R.J.
November 17, 2014
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David
I never meant to say pull with the right arm I do understand you have to pull with the right side/shoulder in the backswing however you still need to activate the right arm for the right arm flexion so at what point does your left wrist become the driver of your car?
November 17, 2014
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R.J. (Certified RST Instructor)
David, The left wrist controls the angle of the club face throughout the swing; however, the left wrist is more active as it passes the waist in the downswing, to answer your question. There are a few videos that describe the role of the left wrist in the downswing in the full swing advanced downswing section that I would recommend checking out. R.J
November 17, 2014
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Eric
I have just enrolled in the program and am very impressed by the way the step by step instruction and excercises are presented. I am a senior golfer with limited flexibility and ma very right side dominant resulting in an over the top swing. I also have a right shoulder rotator cuff injury which limits my ability to maintain a perfectly straight right arm before I bend it maintain the right angle in front of my chest on the the backswing. This results in what I call early separation of my arm from my torso. Any suggestions?
November 16, 2014
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R.J. (Certified RST Instructor)
Eric, Worry less about the rotation, but still keep the arms as straight as you can, as long as you can so you can get as much width as you can in your swing. As we age, the muscles that are responsible for rotating the body can't fire as fast as they used to thus, we must rely on elevation and leverage to produce club head speed in our swing, and rely a little less on rotation. Here is a good video for you to watch so that you may apply it to the rest of the lessons as you go along with the program. http://www.rotaryswing.com/videos/full-swing-advanced/introduction/how-to-maintain-club-head-speed-as-you-get-older R.J.
November 16, 2014
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Steven
hi - so when does the back arm start to rotate - or does it rotate at all? Should I feel like the club face is looking at the ball during the take away. thanks
October 22, 2014
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R.J. (Certified RST Instructor)
Steven, You want the right humerus to rotate at the top of the backswing as the right arm folds up. At the end of the takeaway you want the toe of the club point towards the sky, same as your thumbnails. In order to do this, you need to rotate the forearms. R.J.
October 22, 2014
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joseph
I rotate using the right shoulder take away yet I end up with the weight on the left side and my head sliding to the left ahead of the ball at the completion of the backswing. The downswing and ball contact is not pretty. Any thoughts?
October 13, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Joseph. Take a look at the RST Necktie Video in the Advanced Backswing Section. You are probably tilting to complete your turn.
October 13, 2014
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Christopher
I get across the line at the top. I push with left arm in takeaway and then turn torso. How do I un programme myself to stop
October 2, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
5 Minutes to Master Rotation in the Takeaway Section will be the first place to start to remove the early left arm push.
October 2, 2014
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DENIS
Do the problems caused by pushing with the left side also apply with a 100 yard pitch shot, chipping and perhaps even putting. For example should I start my chip shots and putting stroke by rotating the rear shoulder around the fixed axis of the spine?
August 30, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Denis. Yes, you want to always be pulling to take the club back.
September 1, 2014
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Gavin
Hi, i find these drills help a lot, and when i get it right, the strike is much better. However, looking at my own videos, at times i still get the club stuck behind on a bad swing, something i have done since i was a kid. Is there anything a can do to eliminate the feeling of swinging my ams, using hands? Thanks
August 11, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Gavin. The 2 inch hand drill in the Role of the Right Arm (advanced takeaway section). Will help you focus on rotation. Also, the 4 Square Drill (advanced backswing) will make sure you add proper shoulder elevation to keep the club in front.
August 11, 2014
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Craig
Where is move 2? Did I miss something?
June 14, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Craig. Move 1 is the Takeaway. Move 2 is completing the backswing. Look in the Full Swing Program Backswing Section. Move 2 will be there.
June 16, 2014
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David
When I watch the videos, several of them have the practice steps summarized at the end, i.e. 5 minutes to master rotation. Is there a way to print those out so I can us them to refresh my memory as I am away from the computer doing the steps?
June 11, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
We do have some transcripts available for the videos. They are not running yet on the new site. I apologize. When they are up and running you should be able to print them out.
June 11, 2014
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mike
I wish I saw this video ten years ago. After waking up with lower back pain and having a decent golf swing go bad in a few weeks, my only thought for years was to keep my left arm tight to my chest going back. This would insure a inside take away and an inside approach to the ball. When i watched the video of my swing i was amazed. Inside fast, too deep going back and the over the top down.....for the last ten years. Thanks for the eye opener and how to get this corrected.
May 20, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Great Mike. We are happy that you are starting to see the light!
May 21, 2014

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