Load Right Leg / Shorten Swing / Greater Consistency

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If you want greater consistency, more power with less effort and a more compact backswing, this is the quickest and simplest fix.

  • The "Reverse C" posture taught by many golf instructors in the '60s and '70s is hard on the hips
  • Pushing off the right foot creates the Reverse C, putting the left hip well beyond neutral where it is easily damaged
  • Pulling with the left-side musculature keeps the hip in neutral, allowing you to pivot safely
  • Loading into the right glute in the backswing provides stability in the swing
  • The right glute isn't storing power for a push, but supporting the aggressive rotation of the upper body


Struggling with overswinging in your backswing, no matter how hard you try not to? Tired of your golf instructor yelling at you to "just stop right here?" Your body uses tension as its primary indicator of how far to move or load a muscle during the golf swing and the reason you can't stop overswinging is because you don't have the correct muscles loaded in the right sequence. But once you follow the instructions in the golf video you'll be able to stop overswinging once and for all!

Did you catch what I did wrong there? If not, go back and play it again and take a closer look. What I just demonstrated was one of the most common and easy-to-fix flaws that is guaranteed to improve your consistency right away, and it's just by making one simple change in your swing.

As you know, Rotary Swing is not all about quick tips and band-aid fixes. We hate that stuff. It's all about long-term fundamental science-based, fact-based fixes for your golf swing, and one of those things that is all about everybody trying to figure out how to be more consistent, and when you understand the mechanics of what I'm going to talk about today, you're going to learn that you can take this out to the golf course, to the range today, make this one change in your swing, and see a change in your consistency.

What I did is what we call a lazy man's turn. In other words, when you start rotating back, when you rotate correctly, you're using muscles that literally compress your ribcage. These muscles as they turn and rotate, twist your ribcage around your spine, will actually literally increase your blood pressure, increase your heart rate when you're doing it correctly because you're using muscles that are compressing all your internal organs. It takes physical work, now not much at all of course, but a little bit to do this and rotate back and forth. If you're sitting there in your chair, you can sit there and do this right now. Just rotate back and forth because now you can't move your hips.

However, as soon as I stand up out of that chair, the lazy man's way to turn is to do this. All I did was straighten up that right leg and let it externally rotate so my knee is now pointing out over here. As you've seen in the laser beam knee drills, the knee should be pointing or feeling as if it's pointing at the ball throughout the entire swing. Now, of course, it does rotate a little bit, but what we see all the time is the knee bowing out like this. From face on, it's easy to see how the knee twists. It gets outside of the ankle. It's pointing outside of the ankle, and this allows my hips as I straighten this leg to over-rotate.

Now, I've made a 75 degree hip turn. A 75 degree hip turn, why is that a problem? Well, now if I've rotated 75 degrees back, how far do I have to rotate in the downswing to get back to a normal 30 to 45 degree open hip impact position. A lot further than if I just did 45 degrees of hip turn. This is the whole key in being consistent and shortening your swing because as I over-rotate my hips, look how far I can turn my shoulders now, almost 180 degrees. Obviously, the more variables you put in your swing, the more movement, the more stuff you have to take out in the downswing.

What we want to do is make our backswing really, really simple so we have to do way less work, way less rotation, way less timing to get back to the ball. And if I rotate my hips a lot, the first thing most golfers are going to do is try and spin them really fast to try and get them out of the way in the downswing, and all bets are off at that point, and of course by doing this, it allows you to make a big massive overswing which also makes consistency incredibly difficult.

So, if you want to shorten your swing, you want to be more consistent, you need to keep this knee flexed and feel like you're loading this right glute as you go back. Now, as I go back correctly, you'll see that that knee, it might straighten out a few degrees, but definitely not all the way out like most amateur golfers do. You'll note pretty much every single tour pro on the planet keeps that knee flexed going back throughout the entire backswing, and that restricts how far I can turn. If I keep this knee flexed, my hips can't turn very far. And if I load this right glute, I've now got a lot of stability, and I'm anchored to the ground, so as I go back, I can't go back any further than this.

This is a great check, especially if you've been one of those people who've been told you overswing, your backswing's too long, you swing back here like this and your instructor keeps telling you, "Hey. Just feel like you stop at nine o'clock." That never works because you don't feel loaded up, so if you're frustrated by that advice and just feel like you're making a half swing and it doesn't feel right to you, it doesn't and it's almost definitely because you're letting your hips over-rotate by letting that right leg straighten and not loading that right glute.

So, when you go back, I want you to practice as an exaggeration sitting into this. This is huge exaggeration. I don't actually want you to do this in your swing, but the reason I want you to do this while you're practicing and sitting into it is so you feel this glute muscle engage. If you weight's over your ankle and you squat down, you're going to feel some stretching and some tension back here. These are the muscles you load up during the backswing that give you stability to build a powerful turn.

If this is all loose and sloppy, you don't stretch any of these muscles in your core, and that's why one of the other reasons letting your hips overturn, I didn't stretch any of these muscles. So, I'm not going to be able to use that stretch shortening cycle to help speed up my downswing that's free speed when you stretch a muscle and let it go back to where it was naturally. Your body naturally wants to do this, but if you don't stretch those muscles in the first place because your hips and shoulders have turned the same amount, we're never going to get any of that effortless power that we're looking for in the swing.

So, when you're practicing, at first you can go back and make little half swings, practice sitting into it, stop here and check your position. If you just keep going back and hitting balls and making full swings and never check this in a mirror and check it on a video camera, you're never going to make any improvements, but if you slow down, make little half swings or even little nine to three swings and practice squatting and checking this and making sure your weight is pushing down through that ankle, you feel your glute engage, do a little squat bounce and then come down from there, you're going to all of a sudden feel as you start making these swings a little bit longer and you keep doing this little practice squat bounce move, that you can't go back any further than that. These muscles are loaded up.

That's what you want to feel on your backswing. You want to feel powerful. You want to feel spry like you could spring back to the left and get a lot of speed and power without having to work for it. But this, this ain't powerful. So, when you want to shorten your swing and be more consistent, keep that right knee flexed the whole time in the backswing, and watch your game improve dramatically.

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Kieran
Thx for the review manny- I will focus on keeping right knee flexed during BS and the knee lasers pointing towards ball. Seems a fairly simple fix. I can’t seem to find “drills” per se on the site like the clamshell for example. The videos you referenced seem more about awareness of the right position When do you suggest posting another video for next swing review ?
February 21, 2021
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Manny (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Ciaran... Awareness are the first steps toward great improvements. Because the takeaway is so important , and the right amount of trail knee flex plays such an important roll, when not done properly, it can be devastating to the rest of the entire swing. You may want go through Dead Drill Route... take a look. Each step requires and enhances awareness, as well as, provides for the true RST learning process. Post another video when you feel ready to share your progress, and or a specific issue. I'll be ready!
February 22, 2021
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Joel
Hey Craig, I wanted to see how this backswing position looks? I also can’t stop my head from moving forward. Any thoughts?
September 4, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Joel. I don't have an image on my end.
September 4, 2020
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Joel
...
September 4, 2020
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Joel
We aren’t able to post videos here, correct? After my swing review, I’m working on getting my hands more in front with right leg flex. My upper body still moves down and forward a little which makes me think I’m not turning correctly. Thanks
September 4, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Joel. For backswing: Wrists look stiff and allow for more hip rotation to finish the shoulder rotation.
September 4, 2020
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Jim
This is something I've always found difficult to do consistently. Does keeping the right elbow straight longer (elbow pit facing up longer) help prevent the straightening of the right leg and make loading the right glute more natural?
August 30, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jim. It won't have a ton to do with the load, but will help facilitate better rotation. The better you rotate the more stable you will want to feel in that trail glute.
August 30, 2020
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Kevin
Domino effect...I noticed a little reverse hip shift (again) when videoing tonight so I worked on sitting into the right glute more. The problem is when work on sitting into the right glute more on the backswing I start to add too much knee just before I take the club away. The picture below is the improved setup with hip bend. I think it looks better but I found it harder to load in the backswing at first My question is how can I think about shifting my hips, weight and maintaining knee flex without increasing knee flex to make the load? The stomp drill and the drill in this video really show a sitting / increase knee flex motion.
July 14, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Kevin. Setup looks solid. You don't have to over think this one. You may have become a little desensitized to feeling load. It can happen after a ton of reps. Push right foot into ground to shift and feel activation. Rotate to the top. It doesn't need to feel like you are squatting a barbell. Take a look at Play the Best Golf Of Your Life 1 of 6 Video.
July 15, 2020
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Kevin
Thanks Craig - I'm probably overthinking it and feeling I need to have a squat feel. Whenever I hear "push right foot into the ground" I think of my knee flexing to exert force into the ground. Hard to think about pushing without knee flex for me - Ill check out that video again as well.
July 15, 2020
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Robert
Wish I were 20 again, for lots of reasons. Understand the comments re restricting right leg movement in backswing BUT how does this relate to an 80 year old who has lost a lot of flexibility through the years? You have a large audience of “old farts” out here with this primary concern.
May 8, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Bob. You can allow the trail leg to straighten a little to achieve full shoulder rotation. Chuck talks about this topic in the latest Live Lesson Recap.
May 8, 2020
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Kevin
Finally went and played today - as I’ve worked so hard recently on loading the right glute, axis tilt and right hip line I found myself getting stuck on my right side today. I hit a lot of blocks, hooks off the toe and fat shots from hanging back. I’m not sure if I overdid the move or need to refocus on the left knee and pulling back left - as Chuck says a failed weight shift is a death move
May 3, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Kevin. Yes, you can stay too loaded and back into the trail side. Take a look at the RST Tempo Drill. Quick way to get back dynamic in a pinch.
May 4, 2020
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Bradley
Is it possible to load the glute TOO much? I feel like when i really sit into the right side, my hips don't get that extra 45 degrees of rotation for the full 90 shoulder turn. They feel locked, which is great for the feeling of loading the core, but the turn is reduced significantly. When i don't fully sit into it, i feel more strain on the right knee and i baby it and have more of a lazy man's turn.
February 27, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Bradley. If you start squatting in the backswing you may be over doing the move. You can still load the glute without increasing the knee flexion. The goal is to load, but not be overly locked to where you can't rotate fully because the hip can't move. Take a look at Weight Shift Video Part 2.
February 27, 2020
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Ton
Hello, when I load the right leg, keep flex in it and want to keep good shoulder plane, this is all no problem but my head seems to keep dropping few inches in backswing. Down and towards the ball a little bit (both app. 2 inches). I never see any pro's drop their head in backswing, some of them do in transition but not in backswing. Is this a problem? When I try to keep my head level, my shoulder plane starts to become too flat and knee flex decreases. Thanks you for your reply.
February 21, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Ton. It sounds like you are almost squatting in the backswing. I would rather the head stay a little more stable. Check that you have the proper knee bend at setup and when you load you aren't increasing flexion to an excessive degree going back.
February 21, 2020
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Mike
At the back of the backswing where should the pressure be felt in the trail foot? Midfoot? Heel? Inside of the foot or outside?
February 17, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Mike. Center/inside over the ankle joint. Ankle joint trending towards heel is fine.
February 17, 2020
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Mike
Should we almost get the feeling of trying to restrict the hip turn to get the stretch and tension in my trunk?
January 15, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Mike. Feel a good stretch will help recruit good tension. However, allow your hips to turn enough to reach full shoulder rotation.
January 15, 2020
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Matthew
Hi Craig, Is it ok to keep the weight shift/pressing trail ankle into the ground unblended from the takeaway. I really like this as a trigger move and seems to get my swing in a better rhythm. Obviously I need to make sure I don’t move off the ball as well. Just wanted to know if any downsides here or if this would be ok to keep as an independent move.
January 12, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Matthew. Ideally, like My Golf Backswing Secrets Video you would like to blend a little bit for rhythm purposes. For now keeping it separate is fine, but I would like for you to work on making it more cohesive in the future.
January 12, 2020
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Robert
how do i get ride of the chicken wing.
October 14, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Robert. Take a look at Cure Chicken Wing Video. More than likely trail arm takeover.
October 15, 2019
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James
Furthermore, how would the stretch/shortening cycle work in regards to breathing and muscles?? and fast twitch and slow twitch fibers?? and how would oxygenation or saturation play a role?? thus hemoglobin, and neurohemoglobin, even, neurillema. Sarcoplasm and sarcoplasmic reticulum?? i know that's going a lil crazy in the cellular biology department, but i'm just wondering if it plays a role.
October 4, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello James. I don't really have any data on those particular questions. I apologize. If I can find some that we feel is correct and aligns with RST. I will be happy to post a follow up response to this.
October 4, 2019
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James
in regards to part of video where Chucks speaks of contraction of the muscles can cause bp and hr to elevate. Thus, should one be exhaling during this phase of the backswing? B/c if it compresses the rib cage, it seems to make sense to exhale. then when should the next inhale occur??? and how should one sync this with their swing?
October 4, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello James. Chuck discussed this in the Bootcamp and over a few forums on the site. In a nutshell, there’s been numerous discussions on this topic over the years. Chuck's personal belief is that he has never thought about how he breathes. There are a million more things that are more important to get correct in the swing right first. Players that are concentrating on breathing techniques to make a game changer are probably playing on tour by now and competing for a masters win. Now, this isn't meant to minuscule the question by any means. Please don't take it as such. It is a very valid question. However, in Chuck's professional career, mine, etc... The only players we have come across that focus on this would be more on the mental side getting the psych ready under pressured conditions. Not so much as to make, or create a better movement pattern in their swing.
October 4, 2019
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Robert
working on my swing I wonder if for senior player Is steel or graphite best for the full swing>
September 24, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Robert. As you get older. Work less. I don't have an issue with the graphite. Technology in the area for the club has made really great advancements.
September 24, 2019
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Josephine
Why am I having difficulty finding some of the videos referenced in the boot camp. For instance, Role of the Right Foot in the Downswing?
September 22, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Josephine. I am unsure. If you typically type a key word or phrase in the search box. It will bring up every video pertaining to that specific item. Go to the Search Box and type "right foot." It will pop up in the menu.
September 22, 2019
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Emmanuel
lol @ putting Charles Barkley into the images
September 20, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Emmanuel.
September 20, 2019
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sjahari
when I load weight on the Right hip with the knee staying flexed I get a sensation that the hip moves back 3 or 4 inches. Is this right? Or should I try to avoid that?
September 2, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Sjahari. Back, or laterally? The hip will move back a couple inches. Laterally should only be about an inch. Take a look at Weight Shift Part 2 Video.
September 3, 2019
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sjahari
Back. Not lateral. It seems to me that my feeling in the right hip is the key to my swing right now. Its my only "swing thought". If I get it right I hit the ball well. But I was wondering if its ok to go back, or better to have it stay fixed.
September 3, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Sjahari. It will have to move back as is rotates. Take a look at How to Swing from the Ground Up and Chair Drill - Maintain Tush Line for a good visual. A couple inches would be normal while loading because some players may require a little more rotation than others.
September 4, 2019
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Kevin
I think I’m making a much better move into my right glute now and I’m seeing an increase in power. My consistent mishit today though was a block - I feel like I’m getting stuck on my right side as I load Into my right glute Here is a picture from my practice session
May 18, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Kevin. I don't have a picture of the issue. I apologize. You need to pull the weight back though however. Which Muscles to Use in the Transition Video.
May 18, 2019
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Kevin
Thanks Craig the picture would not load for some reason but I’ll work on what I see in the transition video
May 18, 2019
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Kevin
I’ve been working on reducing knee flex in my setup posture but it looks like my right leg is straightening now for me in the backswing - also discussed in my swing review - should I think about increasing my knee flex in the right leg as I kid the right glute?
May 11, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Kevin. You can think of increasing the pressure, or slight flexion. You don't want a big drop, or massive change in flexion. But, that feeling may help you get over the hump.
May 12, 2019
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Dean
Every time I try to play this video it shuts down my computer. Does anyone know why?
April 12, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Dean. I would log out and clear history/cache and then log back in. That should fix the issue. If not, please notify customer support and I apologize for the issue.
April 12, 2019
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Cary
Hi I have a question, RJ Jones in my last review recommended this video and maintaining the tush line and I have been working hard on this but just could not get to the left side without pushing off the right foot and thus having early extension. But yesterday I just tried to restrict the hip turn and not getting as much weight onto my right foot in the BS which shortened the BS and I absolutely killed the ball. Could I have been trying to get to much axis tilt or just to much weight to the back foot? I will send a video to RJ in the next few days for another review.
March 31, 2019
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R.J. (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey, Cary! It's possible. The weight shift 2 video - the right hip line and the swing analyzer is a good way to find out if you were getting too much shift into the right side before versus now. And in most cases, if you're rotating better, loading the muscles in the proper sequence while simultaneously shortening the backswing, you're going to increase your club head speed as most of use have a backswing that is too long with the arms too involved versus the torso.
March 31, 2019
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R.J. (Certified RST Instructor)
us*
March 31, 2019
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Cary
Thanks RJ! I'll submit a new video for review in a few days.
April 1, 2019
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R.J. (Certified RST Instructor)
You're welcome
April 1, 2019
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Luc
Graig, I understood from your analysis that I was not using my body and arms enough. But I would like you to specify me where because it seems to me that in backswing it may be? correct on the other hand in dowswing I can see well on the view from the side I should have at some point in the descent my shaft parallel to the right forearm to return inside outside...! But it is still far ahead is this because I don't turn enough in the backswing...? that I go up too much outside.......? or another reason unknown to me. But what can we do to animate this lower body.......? I thought that the Furyk grip giving less presence to the right arm can improve rotation................ Too bad I bought the rotary connect and the G Force if it doesn't help me.......! However, I had the impression that I was using my arms less since the first video of 15/01.........! But it was only an impression...? Amitiès Luc Billard Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator
February 28, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Luc. Your backswing body movement are pretty close, but you lack weight transfer and pull to return properly to the lead side. The shoulders and upper half are too active in the transition. Therefore, the club starts to return to steep into the strike and power is at the mercy of arm/hand strength. The Furyk Grip may help. But, the key isn't in your hand right now. It's getting the weight moving. The other issue will start to correct themselves with the proper sequence. The G Force and Connect will definitely help down the road. Just not the best tools for current issue. Your arms were working less since first review. But, body still much underdone.
February 28, 2019
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roger
Hi i'm a bit confused about all this rotating to build tension ie. shoulder to 90 hips to 45. Confused because when we get to impact the shoulders are square and hips 40-45 open ie. we still seem to have that same 45 degree offset - when is the power of this wind up used?? Thanks
September 16, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Roger. Simple answer is the Short Stretch Cycle. The shoulders are pulled into impact faster because of the wind and stretch. The shoulders will do this without you actively having to spin them coming down. But, you have to maintain the lower half leading the way (hence, why still separated at impact) and you must keep the arms/hands soft to get the best delivery.
September 16, 2018
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Tom
Hi Craig, keeping the hands and arms "soft" is my biggest hurdle it seems. How does one do this, i.e. turning off the muscles?
September 26, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Tom. Take a look at My Golf Backswing Secrets and Proper Muscle Activation Video. The goal is to load the legs/core so the upper half can remain supple and soft.
September 26, 2018
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James
In one of the self analysis model swing videos, I see that Chuck's right knee stays on a constant position without losing flex and moving further back (away from target target line). Correct while loading the glute? Seems so.
August 30, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello James. Ideally, the trail knee will maintain the original flex from setup as much as possible.
August 30, 2018
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James
And the knee doesn't move backwards or forwards with that constant flex. Correct?
August 30, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello James. One may lose a slight amount of flexion due to flexibility and hip rotation. The goal is as stable/steady as possible. Take a look at the Laser Beam Knee Drills and Weight Shift Video Part 2.
August 30, 2018
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Eric
I have worked on a perfect takeaway with shoulders ( hips quiet), shoulder glide from right, elevation, and setting into my right heel. If I get to the right spot I feel my right oblique muscle. At this point I can still get overly active with my hands and arms. Is it ok to just think of letting my oblique keep turning to finish backswing. Getting good results.
August 28, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Eric. The oblique is more recruited to pull the hip. However, what you may be feeling is just overall core engagement to help you turn. If you are completing a full turn you should be fine.
August 29, 2018
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Yuefeng
Want to clarify the feeling of loading into the right side. When I first started, I tend to load the right glute first in order to trigger the backswing, but now I feel that move could be a bit abrupt, and a more smooth way is to rotate the upper half and as club goes back more it naturally puts more weight on the right side, and the lower half is then kicked in to risist the upper half and build torque.
August 12, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Yuefeng. We teach typically to shift and rotate (My Golf Backswing Secrets Video), but it can be over done. If you already feel you are shifting well you could've taken it to any extreme.
August 13, 2018
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Yuefeng
Thanks Craig. I think what you described in shifting weight first works well for me for narrower stance as I only need to laterally move a hair to feel weight being fully shifted. However I have trouble for wider stance for driver or woods with a wider stance. How do I feel weight is fully transferreed to the right, while the weight from my upper half by and large remains centered in my stance.
August 13, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Yuefeng. You shouldn't be so wide you can't feel shifting, or the load. It still is just a minor movement. I would check to make sure you aren't too wide and with a little practice you will gain some awareness.
August 14, 2018
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Ross
Check emphasizes pulling using the left leg to bring the left leg into neutral joint alignment. I take this to mean that the hip joint is directly above the ankle joint. The arms carry quite a lot of momentum toward the target into impact. To explain, think of swinging an impact bag instead of a club. What stops the momentum from carrying the whole body toward the target after impact?
August 16, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Ross. The body will decelerate and stall out at impact. Part of the reason you need to have a good post up and square shoulders at impact. Take a look at Arms vs. Body Release, Throw the Club Head at the Golf Ball, and You Hit the Golf Ball with Your Legs.
August 16, 2017
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Ross
Thanks Craig. How does the body decelerate when momentum is toward the target, the lead leg is vertical and almost all weight is on that leg? What force is acting away from the target?
August 16, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Ross. We are always moving in the opposite direction of the club. You are rotating away from the target as the release and club accelerate towards. The Throw the Club Head will be a great visual for you.
August 16, 2017
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Ross
Ok, so the body forms a counterbalance to the arms (the club is much lighter). I think I am looking at the NJA concept too literally.
August 16, 2017
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Erinn
How is it possible to transfer your weight from the right leg to the left with out pushing off the right side?
May 19, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Erinn. You have to pull yourself over with lead hip adduction. Take a look at Fixing Your Weight Transfer Video first. Make sure the lead knee externally rotates properly. Then, take a look at Preventing Hip Pain Video. There is a good drill in there to help you feel how to pull your weight over.
May 19, 2017
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sambhu
Many of the instructors from golftec say tour players move their hips towards the target....opposite to amateurs movng their hips away.. Should the trail hip rotate towards? Because if the trail leg is properky loaded..can the hip really rotate at all?
December 20, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Sambhu. You don't want to sway off the ball, but the hip will rotate back towards to target as you shift the weight roughly 1 inch into the trail glute. The blend of rotation and shift will appear though that the hip never moved. Take a look at the Weight Shift Video Part 2.
December 21, 2016
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Dean
In the Load The Right Leg (glute) video Chuck emphasis the purpose of the lower half of the body is supporting the upper half " not rotation". From a teaching perspective this Seems to run counter to what I've seen in other videos on the RST site. There is lots of Hip turn ( rotation) in clearing the hips through impact and follow through. Dustin Johnson is an exaggerated example. Also in a " body swing" rotation the hips are the first to rotate, followed by the shoulders etc. Chuck points this out in other videos within the Core RotAtion section of the 5 Step Process. Please clarify from a teaching perspective. Thanks.
December 6, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Dean. There are a lot of videos on the site that deal with calming the hips down. The vast majority of amateurs over use their hips. Therefore, Belt Buckle Drill, Squat to Square, etc. strive to slow a players lower half. However, that doesn't mean that the lower half is completely dead. We are still only looking for the hips to be open 35-45 degrees at impact. That may seem like a lot, but it's not that much. Take a look at the Golf Kinetic Chain Video. This will explain the hips do have a job and there is a sequence of events to take place. The Load the Right Glute is to help stabilize a players hip from over rotating too much in the backswing and engaging the glutes. To not lose the tush line on the way down and stabilize the hips. The legs have always been a source of power and stabilization.
December 6, 2016
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Dean
Thanks Craig. That is helpful. It seems to me Chuck has also mentioned in his book that there is a role for right side-legs, hips, arms etc. (although not discussed in any detail) in both power and rotation, but largely the emphasis is pulling from the left side and rotating around the left leg/hip. What are the best videos, articles that discuss the role of the right side as a complement to the left side for power, club face "squaring up", rotation etc... Thanks again.
December 6, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Dean. You don't want the trail side acting as the component to square up the club. However, Right Arm Release in the Golf Swing, Throw the Ball Drill Part 2, and How to Use the Hips in the Golf Swing are a few. I would stay as lead side dominant as possible. The trail side may add a little speed once the lead side is mastered. But, you will barely need it under normal golf conditions.
December 6, 2016
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Dean
Thanks Craig. I'll check those videos out again.
December 6, 2016
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Zafiris
the fact remains that the glute is a very powerful muscle and feels much stronger and easier to access than the hip and core muscles. Seems like a waste of a good power source?
October 28, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Zafiris. We are big fans of the glutes. They are great power sources. Take a look at You hit the Golf Ball with Your Legs.
October 28, 2016
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stephen
I have been playing golf for along time. I am a five handicap.. I would like to improve. One of the faults that I have is letting my right hip go. If I don't do that it sure puts alot of pressure on my right knee and ankle? It seems like that might cause some injury.. I have not sent any of my swings but I will be doing that shortly.. One thing I will say when I load up properly I do notice alot more speed and power in my swing.. Any advice...
September 7, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Stephen. You may let the trail hip rotate. That isn't a bad thing. Try to keep the pressure more on the instep of the trail foot (Anchor to the Ground Video). Also, take a look at the Weight Shift Video Part 2 and How to Swing from the Ground Up.
September 7, 2016
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Vivek
Sorry if this sounds like a silly question...Is the feeling of loading the right side more like : a) crushing a nasty bug under the heel of your shoe or b) "grasping at the earth" with my ankle Or maybe neither of these? Please let me know. Thanks, v
May 28, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Vivek. Crushing a bug and engaged trail glute. Try the Weight Shift Drill in Step 1 of the RST 5 Step System to help further in getting the proper feel.
May 29, 2016
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Vivek
Thanks. You were right. I spent a little extra time on the side-step drill and I'm back on track. It also helped to do 2 minutes of research on what actually happens when the glutes engage.... Thanks for your time. Best Regard, v
May 30, 2016
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Jason
is it OK to "sit" into the right glut, and then start the takeaway a sec ish or two later? I feel if I sit after takeaway, I may be sliding/ swaying in my mind.
April 12, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jason. It is perfectly acceptable to start the takeaway with loading the trail glute.
April 12, 2016
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glenn
Is turning the right pocket back a good thought for for loading the right glute?
March 15, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Glenn. I would be worried that you might over turn the hips. However, if you want to use that reference. Make sure you feel a good engagement of the glute and the trail knee maintains flexion. Take a look at the Weight Shift Video Part 2 and How to Swing from the Ground Up.
March 15, 2016
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glenn
When I use this reference, I feel that I am rotating my leg in the hip socket and the glute is engaged. I will monitor the trail knee flexion. Thanks
March 15, 2016
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Donnie
My question is based on a down the line view of the loading of the right glute. If I understand correctly a proper set up the knee isn't exactly perpendicular to the ground it's maybe an inch or two closer to the toes to get the weight over the center of the ankle joint. So I have two questions. 1. When you load the right glute properly, does the knee stay in the same position or move closer toward the heel? 2. Same for the tush line. Is the tush line supposed to stay exactly the same like in the downswing or does it travel farther "backward" (away from the toes)?
March 11, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Donnie. As you start loading the trail glute you want to maintain the knee positioning/flexion as best as possible. Due to some rotation from the hips, flexibility, etc. It might change a little from the original position, but you don't want a lot of straightening of the knee. You might see the tush line move a little further away. You don't need to strive for that position. Just make sure it is maintained and if any movement at all it would be more away from the toes.
March 11, 2016
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Loran
The weight should be on the inside of my right foot or my right leg? At any should I shift my weight to the middle of my right leg?
January 24, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Loan. You will feel the pressure on the inner part of the right foot. The inner parts of the right leg will also be helping support the weight.
January 25, 2016
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John
In a recent video you characterized hip movement as a figure eight. Please explain or diagram the mental image and any checks which can help assess whether this is being done correctly. John
August 26, 2015
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey John, the hips are moving dynamically in the golf swing. The hips are not just shifting and they are not just rotating. They are shifting about an inch and very slightly rotating in the takeaway and then continuing the rotate into the backswing. In transition, they are making a bigger shift to the lead side and rotating simultaneously to get cleared out for the release.
September 2, 2015
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John
From another perspective...isn't loading the right side more like a slight squat or sit move into the right ankle, knee and glute to create that feeling of potential energy and stability so you can then sit left and fire the left side through the ball?
August 16, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello John. You can think of it as a slight sit into the trail glute. Just like the How to Swing from the Ground Up Video you want to load the trail glute and then the lead glute.
August 17, 2015
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Brian
I have been struggling mightily with early extension, and realized that much of it was because of the incorrect loading of the right leg. Focusing on maintaining knee flex and keeping weight over the heel has helped me a ton. Getting sloppy with the right leg (letting it straighten and allowing weight to shift towards to forefoot) was my root problem, I believe. When that weight moves to the forefoot, it feels like that's when my right hip wants to fire forward. I imagine this is the body's natural reaction to stay balanced.
May 20, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Brian. Improper loading of the trail glute can definitely aid in early extension. I like where you head is at.
May 20, 2015
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richard
What are you doing with the load once stability is achieved? how much load is needed. Most swings seem to generate too much momentum making the transition difficult. How can that be overcome?
April 10, 2015
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R.J. (Certified RST Instructor)
Richard, once you're loaded up, you shift the weight back over to the left side by pulling from the left leg to get you over top of the left ankle as you rotate the hips around. You want about 80% of your body weight over the inside edge of your right foot. If you're having difficulties getting back to the left side before your swing is finishes, one of two things are likely happening. One, you're swinging from the shoulders at the beginning of the downswing or your stance is too wide. R.J.
April 10, 2015
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richard
my club seems to get moving too fast; i have a hard time controlling the transition, down cocking is almost impossible. Not stuck on right side.
April 11, 2015
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R.J. (Certified RST Instructor)
Richard, we can't make adjustments to our swing at 100 mph. The conscious mind cannot think that fast. We have to break the swing down into manageable pieces and do them slowly, then build our way up to doing them quickly. That's how we learn to make a perfect transition to the downswing, or any other piece to the golf swing. Once it's transferred to the subconscious mind, we're capable of doing things that we never thought possible. If you check out the "how the brain learns" video series in the introduction section, you'll fully understand what it takes to learn how to do the golf swing. R.J.
April 11, 2015
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Larry
As a former "driver off the right side" player I still move too far left at impact and my left hip is outside my foot - the incredible problem is this - it FEELS like I'm OVER the left ankle "stacked". I've tried and tried and yet I still slide too far left when I shift my weight to the right and then to the left - I've even tried to keep the weight on the left leg and "push" off the ground without sliding to the left and I STILL slide leftward (right handed golfer) what can I do to overcome this terrible habit?
February 23, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Larry. Check your secondary axis tilt. If you are pushing too much, you are probably tilting as well. Take a look at the Level Shoulders Drill in the Advanced Downswing Section. It will help with tilt and push.
February 23, 2015
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Larry
Thanks Craig - I am aware that I have too much secondary axis tilt - I think the tilt is the result of the hips moving too far left - guess my question is how can I feel when my hip is properly over my left ankle? I actually feel properly stacked but the left side is too far left. Too many years of pushing off the right side.
February 24, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Larry. I feel your pain. While working on my RST move sitting into the left side was something I drilled over and over again. If you stick with the 5 Mins to a Perfect Weight Shift and the Sitting Into the Left Side Video you will get there. Make sure the left knee doesn't externally rotate out too much. I used to have a massive trail side push. I exclusively would just work on my "sit" indoors and on the range. You have to slow everything down and build it up piece by piece. Its a small movement to transfer weight.
February 24, 2015
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Larry
Thanks Craig - that DOES help
February 24, 2015
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rex
Chuck, I find it easier to load the R glute properly if I start with the weight 60-40 right. That is, with 60% of the weight pre-loaded onto the braced (i.e., slightly turned-in) R knee, the knee retains it's braced position, the hip works straight back automatically, and I don't have to think about keeping the weight inside my right knee as the hip moves. I find that if I don't pre-load the weight on the braced R knee, as I shift the weight back during the takeaway I lose the brace in the R knee and the hip moves laterally rather than directly backwards. Is this OK? Any side effects from pre-loading the weight?
January 31, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Rex. If you pre-load the trail glute you are taking away using your body's momentum to help you swing the club. Weight shift and body momentum not only help you swing the club effortlessly, but create good lag on the downswing. Take a look at the RST Tempo Drill in the Introduction Section for more information. I would advise start 50/50. But, start you swing with the weight shift. Use it as your trigger to get the swing going. Load it early to keep it in on the trail side correctly.
January 31, 2015
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Don
My right leg straightens in the backswing. Any suggestions on preventing this from happening?
December 28, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Don. Take a look at the Weight Shift Video Part 2 in the Weight Shift Section. Check to make sure you are pivoting into the glute/hip properly. The Right Knee Laser Beam Video in this section is a good one as well.
December 29, 2014
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Bonnie
Makes sense! Now I just need to make my body do what my mind is telling it! I'll get the hang of this sooner or later. Hopefully sooner. Loving the videos and the reviews so far!
November 26, 2014
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Bonnie -- Really glad to hear that you are liking the videos and reviews so far. It can be really tricky to get your body to perform a new movement pattern and it can be frustrating from time to time. Just try your best to get as many reps in as you can that are slow, methodical and perfect and you will have the new good stuff all ingrained sooner than later.
November 27, 2014
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Dean
So as i make my backswing and load my right glute in the weight transfer, how much of my weight should I "feel" has been shifted to my right side?
November 24, 2014
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Dean - You want to feel a good 70-80% of the weight in the trail side. Trying to push your right heel into the ground will ensure that you have shifted enough of the weight to that side. Hope that helps.
November 25, 2014
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ralph
Can that stored energy in the loaded right glut be used to leverage the ground ( while keeping one's Tish Line), of course) thru the hitting area. It helps me to think of it this way when I am practicing. am I on to something?
September 14, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Yes, you want those glutes loaded to use the leverage from the ground. You are on the right track.
September 14, 2014
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Jim
Craig you are right on the money! I stood a little taller with just a little flex in my knees and boy did my right glute load up! I have never felt this in my swing before. Thank you so much.
August 18, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Jim. Excellent! Load that Glute!
August 18, 2014
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Jim
When I do this I do not feel my right glute load up. My right thigh loads a lot and becomes very tight. I do this by keeping my right knew flexed throughout the backswing and pointing straight out in front of me. Is this correct?
August 18, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
The thigh will have some tension. The key is to make sure the glute is bearing the load. Push the trail heel into the ground. Make sure you aren't overly bent in the knees at setup. It will tend to force more thigh activation.
August 18, 2014
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Troy
My legs have a bowed look about them when I commence the takeaway through to the top of the backswing. The left leg actually moves towards the target right from the start of the golf swing. How should the left leg move during the takeaway through to the top of the backswing?
August 1, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Troy. Take a look at the Left Knee Laser Beam Drill in the Backswing Advanced Section. The left leg should stay pretty stable.
August 1, 2014
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greg
Question: If I hit the ball so much better with my feet together, why can't I stay more on my left side throughout the swing? Any Videos? Thanks!
April 23, 2014
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Sounds like you need to focus on the weight shift videos and get yourself properly seated into the left side (sitting into left side video) before starting down with proper lower body stability.
April 23, 2014
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drew
Hi RST, I was given this drill in my latest review and when doing this now. I have started topping the ball actaull shot a poor 100 on the last medal.... Topped drive, 4iron sandwedge wood - putter is working okay for now lol would this be a common fault at all with this drill? Cheers Drew
April 6, 2014
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Drew, sorry to hear that you are struggling! You could be getting stuck on the right side and may have overdone the drill. Make sure that you are still transferring your weight properly and that you aren't noticing any huge lateral shift from the head. Check posture and tush line into hitting area as well. good luck and keep me posted if this helps or not.
April 8, 2014

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