Left Hand Golf Club Release Drill

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Learning how to release the left hand properly in the downswing is truly one of the key factors that separates the 80s, 90s and 100s shooters from those who can consistently shoot in the 70s. It is such a core fundamental that I make many of the tour pros I work with do nothing but hit balls with their left hand only for several weeks until it is properly trained. Their reward for this effort is flat, penetrating golf shots that can fly through any wind with minimal effort.

  • Many golfers release with just the right hand or right side of the body using much more effort, and often not releasing the club at all
  • Proper release can turn a weak, high ball flight into a low, penetrating one
  • For the drill, get into proper impact alignment and keep the left wrist flat
  • You should feel that the left hand stops at the seam in the left pant leg
  • Let the club release with its own momentum
  • Practice hitting chip shots with a short iron, bringing the right hand back in gradually

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Kevin
Hi Craig - as I continue working and checking my release on video - what do you look for when you doing swing reviews to see if someone has flipped vs released with the left? Do you watch the right shoulder, foot etc or focus on the hands? At some point the right hand forearm releases and covers up the left on video which makes it difficult to see and the speed also blurred things for me when I’m checking mine
October 30, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Kevin. There are a ton of different items I look for. Right foot, shoulder, extension, etc.. On this one, you can see you were a little over zealous because the club is already at 3 O' Clock and the hands are still in front of the lead thigh.
October 30, 2020
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James
Help me understand. In regards to the transition or start of the downswing. Being DEAD drill minded, one uses their legs, but, do they also pull from the left side?? As opposed to pushing from the right?? With that being said, does the right side do anything?? Does one do anything with their right leg??? Ive just heard guys like j. Nicklaus say he drove hard from the right side. Of course he maintained his spine angle, that would be the biggest trick to it, im guessing. Thanks.
December 18, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello James. You can "corkscrew" your trail leg during transition (Sam Snead Squat Video). But, essentially the trail side will be passive in the downswing as you pull with your legs and core to get into a proper impact position. The trail side can be used for a little added juice, but the lead side must be mastered first.
December 19, 2019
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William (Certified RST Instructor)
is there anyone on here who has struggled with a late release and not being able to attain that feeling of really releasing the club on time, and overcome it. If so what was the feeling or thought that helped you start releasing properly? THanks
August 19, 2019
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Mikko-Pekka
Hello William. I answered your question in other video. Check that out.
August 20, 2019
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James
Hi Craig many thanks for your very complimentary review; it gave me a tremendous boost. Although I thought I had improved from the previous review, hearing it from you was great and confirmed my thoughts. You recommended this drill, which I had already marked as a favourite of mine and looked at it again. I worked on this in my study, as it does not involve a full swing. There are two things I'd like to address. First regarding my interlocking grip, that I have used now for well over four years. You told me to try the overlapping grip but when I use that I tend to lose control of my club and swing a bit. Even doing this drill with two hands, with the interlock grip I was able to get the butt over my left pants seam with the club still almost parallel. Whereas, when I changed it to overlap I found the weight of the club head almost dropping to the ground by the time I reached the seam. I know I am talking about two hands on the club but I needed to try that out to compare. With just the left only, no problem. The other point you raised was that extra turn at the top in the backswing not being needed. I must admit on seeing so much advice of trying to get as much turn at the top, including Chuck's advice of being able to see the right shoulder blade from face on is the result of that extra turn being done by me. The only way I feel I can cut that back now is to think of doing a three quarter backswing. I will work on this tomorrow; also Veronica is going to do some drills tomorrow. If all goes well I may well up another review. Many thanks again for all your wonderful advice and encouragement, you have made me a very happy man. P.S. I wanted to add in my review that after working on my review today, the swing was more effortless and more powerful plus I felt so much better and no tiredness, unlike my last one when I was knackered!
July 2, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello James. As long as you maintain that angle I don't care if you use baseball grip . Just something that caught my eye in your notes. Also, I don't have a problem with the extra turn. It's the added arm lift. I don't like seeing the disconnection at the top. Work on good rotation, but try to sync up when the rotation stops your arms stop. Effortless is the name of the game! Glad you enjoyed the review.
July 2, 2019
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Giap
how can you control the clubface doing this in the golf swing?
April 23, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Giap. Exactly. You don't. The release is a release. You are giving up control to gain control. The club releases on its own. No steerage. Proper forearm and wrist motion and allow the club to rotate freely.
April 24, 2019
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Christopher
Hey guys I have been working through the drills in 5 step system. Done thousands of reps on rotation and weight shift but still hit ball everywhere: high right, pull hook, fat, thin etc. the one swing thought that seems to get me on track is when I focus on my left hand and controlling club face. I am not sure why this seems to sort my swing out. I know I need to train my left arm and hand some more. Can you recommend the best videos for this? Thx!
April 17, 2019
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Dean
Hey Christopher, you can also open up the Full Course under the dashboard and look at all the embedded instructional videos/info within Step 3 and Step 4 if you haven't already. As you know, Steps 1, 2 are building blocks for the later Steps that put an emphasis on lead arm control, so it's normal to be inconsistent if you have only mastered Step 1 and 2. A review will also trigger the instructor to point you to additional videos that can help you the most. With all that you have going on; I would suspect they would need to see what you're doing to hone in on it for maximum effect.
April 17, 2019
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James
I don't believe this video is working on the website
October 17, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello James. The video is working on my end. Apologize for the error. Try logging out and clearing history/cache. Then, log back in. If that doesn't fix the error. Please Notify Customer Support.
October 17, 2018
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Dominic
Do we actually try to stop our hands near impact or is this just for the drill. I t seems like this would be hard to do in a full swing. Don
November 24, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Don. Take a look at Throw the Club Head at the Ball, Arms vs Body Release, and How Swing Speed Affects Compression. The club has to release. For the drill, it will feel a little more dramatic (the stopping) than in full motion.
November 24, 2017
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Charles
Learning the RST golf swing is very challenging, primarily because 90% people are right hand and right side dominated and few people can make the effort and commitment to change that. Do you think it is better off if a right handed adult who wants to learn golf starts as a left handed golfer?
October 6, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Charles. In an ideal situation the answer would be yes. But, there are so many factors when starting from the opposite side for a right side dominant person that the switch is still very tough.
October 6, 2017
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GC
This has helped tremendously for me. However my left hand shots push a lot to the right. What muscle and grip pressure can I get the shots straighter?
February 23, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello GC. If you are pushing to the right you need to make sure the club is squaring efficiently. Take a look at the Vijay Release Drill. You want the pressure in the last three fingers. Make sure you feel the wrist/glove logo turning through the shot. Also, use the Fix Your Release. You might need to exaggerate the rotation a little more.
February 23, 2017
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jeff
Hi, where should the ball position be for the left hand only drill? I find that just naturally with the left hand only, the club bottoms out further ahead. If I would swing with the right hand only, the impact position is much further back. Or should be ball position stay constant? Thanks, Jeff
October 17, 2016
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Micah (Certified RST Instructor)
Hi Jeff. Ball position for all stock shots should be inline with the logo of your shirt on the left chest. If you are going past that you are shifting weight way too much and or your spine axis is going towards the target. If you are behind that, you are hanging bag on the trail leg and not shifting weight enough. Check out Problems caused by poor ball position and proper ball position videos
October 17, 2016
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Joel
After my last review with Craig I have worked out I need to do more reps on my left hand control so I am loving this drill. With this comment I'm just trying to get my understanding of the combination between this left hand controlled swing/release and the throw the ball drill. We want to avoid the right hand side of the body from taking over so we keep the right shoulder back until after the release. So the involvement of the right side in the swing or release is by firing the right hand at the ball as we are releasing our left hand/arm making sure that we don't push the right hand through impact? With that concept in mind we should be able to fire the right hand at the ball as hard as we want without affecting our release or swing plane. Is that a correct understanding?? I've been too right side dominant but I'm getting better. I want to make sure I don't fall back into those habits with my right arm release.
September 11, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Joel. The trail side throw can add speed, but is unnecessary for the vast majority of golfers. Almost every player I have coached already uses the trail arm/hand too much. Therefore, when adding the trail hand back to the club you shouldn't have to think about using it. For right now, focus on mastering the lead side release. Trail arm throw off. Let it be reactionary. If you get to a point where the lead side is mastered and adding the trail hand could help. I will let you know in the reviews. The throw the ball drill is more for players that pull too hard and get stuck with excessive lag. Needing something to help them get the club going and unstuck.
September 12, 2016
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Joel
Thanks Craig. That's a helpful explanation. I must admit it feels strange trying to get all the speed and distance from the turning of the core and left wrist alone. I'm going to focus on the left arm drilling from now on. At what point would you consider you've made adequate progress? Hitting balls left handed or when impact alignments are correct? Lots of lag? Just looking for a short term goal to aim for.
September 13, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Joel. I believe all three. When you can consistently hit is solid with lead arm only, nice amount of lag and your impact alignments are correct. Hitting those 3 points means the lead side is working at proper efficiency.
September 13, 2016
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Marc
Following up on my earlier comment, it would appear that the bowing of the lead wrist takes place pretty much when the left arm is parallel to the ground in the downswing phase. Is this correct?
June 23, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Marc. I answered below.
June 24, 2016
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Marc
Dear Craig, I am confused by this video and the step 3 "Add the Lead Arm" video. In the add the lead arm video, the lead arm comes automatically into position in front of the shoulder as a result of the posting and it is the posting that seem to rotate the lead arm / hand. Here Chuck talks about taking the left hand to the seam of the pants before allowing the wrist to rotate so the club can release. I can do this well when I am not posting with the club in the left hand but if I post right after the weight shift to the left the hand will rotate before reaching the left seam. This is a bit confusing. Also in a video from Clay, Clay mentions that you have to close the club face by turning the writs as it did not do this you would send the ball way right if you hands are forward to achieve good compression. When is this bowing of the left wrist happening at the beginning of the release or when the hand reaches the seam of the pants? Thanks in advance, Marc
June 23, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Marc. Some players still have to train how to work the lead arm/wrist. The pull from the lead side will help bring down the lead arm, but won't force the club face to square up if you hold on too tightly or restrict the motion. The vast majority of face rotation will begin when entering the trail thigh. Chuck is trying to demonstrate or help players in this video that tend too lose angle early and flip the club. Those players need to feel the release more at the inseam to release more consistently. The club is always rotating, but you will feel the rotation and bowing more as you work into the trail thigh.
June 24, 2016
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Todd
what if the ball is pulled or hooked with this release, isn't this really a big timing issue with this release? As I watch Chuck in this video his left hand is going from a square to the target line position to turned down in a very short and abrupt period of time i.e. from his left leg to impact , smells of a flip to me , very hard to time consistently.
May 25, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Todd. Actually, it requires less timing than you would think. If you don't fight the design of the club. The pattern becomes very repeatable. A flip would see more of a trail hand push or breakdown on the lead wrist. I can assure you this is the furtherest thing from a flip, but I can see how it might be misunderstood. Take a look at a few videos. Rotating Body vs Releasing, Throw the Club Head at the Ball, Vijay Release, and the Fix Your Release Video.
May 26, 2016
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steve
Hi I've been following the practice points in the video for some time now, I can repeat the left hand drill and it looks fine, I've been keeping my right hand grip relaxed to stop it getting too involved. However, when I try and replicate this on the range or in a shot I end end up hooking the ball, sometime quite considerably. Appreciate there may be a lot of other things at play here but simply isolating the left hand and practicing the release isn't helping.
April 12, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Steve. The face has to be closed at some point during impact. Use the Taking a Divot Video and the Fix Your Release. Hit some impact shot to feel the face being square. It should straighten the issue out. Also, monitor your tension - Play the Best Golf of Your Life 2 of 6.
April 12, 2016
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steve
Thanks Craig, I'll give these a try.
April 13, 2016
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Roderick
(I accidentally tapped the Add Comment button ) I was not aware of any release except a body release. I spent countless hours practicing the moves Chuck is demonstrating as the "don't do." A LOT of folks teach this as proper form. I've been with this site for about six weeks. I am still on the 5 Minutes to the Perfect Release left hand drills and I've just discovered this drill. I also use the 9 to 3 drill. My point is that until Chuck showed the error of continuing to pull with the left arm instead of allowing the hand to turn over I somehow missed the point. I think you have to change the swing concept that is in a golfers mind before you can change his swing shape. I'm really enjoying this ride as I try to retrain my left wrist to flatten at impact and stop my rotating thru the ball. Thanks!
April 4, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Roderick. Happy to hear you found the video helpful. I would also add the Rotating Body Versus Releasing and the Stop Slicing Start Releasing Videos for more good visuals. I certainly agree you have to change the concept in the mind in order to trust better the changing of the swing shape.
April 4, 2016
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Roderick
Where do I start? I have been a serious student of the game (meaning practice more than I play) and a single digit hdcp for at least twenty years.
April 4, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Roderick. No worry. I see you accidentally hit the add comment button.
April 4, 2016
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Loran
Then, the left hand release is a soft swift motion coming through? Just the motion is fast? The flip of the left wrist is a light motion or deliberate?
March 22, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Loan. There should be little tension in the lead wrist. Enough to control, but not inhibit whip or speed. The controlling of the bow and wrist position will be deliberate, but speed/whip aided by physics.
March 23, 2016
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Jerry
How do I record my video on here so I can send it in to you guys thanks
March 4, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jerry. You can record your swing with any device. Camera, IPhone, IPad, Android, GoPro, etc.. The goal would be a swing no longer than 30 Secs from both view (DTL and FO) - (Take a look a Proper Camera Setup Video). Then, visit the Swing Reviews Tab at the top of the page and upload both swings. If you are struggling with more of the how. Customer Service will be happy to provide a tutorial.
March 4, 2016
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Sanjay
Hello, Only problem with left hand release drill, I noticed I am not able to transfer weight from right to left with hip rotating slight open at the time of Impact. Can it be because I do not have as good control as like two hand release?
March 3, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Sanjay. When drilling at slow speeds you should be able to still get proper lead wrist release. However, remember at impact the shoulders will be square with the hips open 35/45 degrees. The hips will have to rotate. Take a look at the Perfect Impact 2-3 & Bonus Video to shy away from closed hip slide.
March 3, 2016
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Tom
Hi Craig, I can repeat Chuck's drill multiple times using my left hand and it's fairly easy. I duct taped my smash bag like you suggested. I keep my grip soft but my right shoulder still seems to engage during my downswing. I may have too much lag or I am releasing my swing too late. I am also trying to keep my arms and upper body relaxed and emphasize the big muscles on my lower body. So, is it just more and more practice or a different drill? Thanks!
March 1, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Tom. Take a look at Perfect Impact Part 1. Make sure you are releasing at the proper time. Also, the Sledgehammer to help turn off the trail shoulder push.
March 1, 2016
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Loran
Then, on the downswing, it is all about the hands and wrists? Arms must be soft on the downcock? Shoulders stay relatively still, compared with the hands release? After the release of the lag, the swing just naturally wraps around the body, with little effort?
January 16, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Loan. In the downswing, the wrist need to be soft for downcock (increase in angle). The shoulders will stay relatively passive and still compared to the forearm/wrist release. The momentum of the release will carry the body around to a full finish.
January 18, 2016
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Paul
Hi! In my video review you told me to take mi right hand away of the grip and just practice hip to hip swing focusing just on the release I ve been practicing for 4 days and video taping my "new release" and look better... I`m suppose to start hitting some balls? only left handed of I might try to release the right hand before impact and then with the two hands? Thanks!
January 14, 2016
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Steven (Certified RST Instructor)
Paul, if you feel comfortable with it hit some balls, start put with just the left hand hitting small shots and then work into the lose the right hand video.
January 14, 2016
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Paul
Hi Steven When I do the kunckles/logo down release, the club ends a little on the outside in the follow thru?
January 15, 2016
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Steven (Certified RST Instructor)
Sounds like you're just coming very inside to out when doing the drill. The club should be parallel to the target line at hip height in both side.
January 16, 2016
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gary
videos are awesome! came across Mushin Golf on the website but can't find the series. Any Help?
January 14, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Gary. Thanks for the compliments. Mushin Golf is mentioned in the Truths of Instruction Video Part 3 with a couple of related articles. To my knowledge, we do not have a series on it yet.
January 14, 2016
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gary
A series on that would be fantastic. Read that one article went out and shot 73 trying to clear my mind which by the way I couldn't do for even 1 shot but I was so much more relaxed and just let it go.
January 15, 2016
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Nick
I've been doing this drill for about 3 weeks with hitting 1/2 shots. I notice I have a tendency to hold on to the flat left wrist through impact which this drill helps tremendously. But Ive noticed a lot of my balls are starting left of target line. Would this be caused to over releasing, shoulders open at impact or too much left elbow rotation?
December 22, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Nick. It is more than likely cause by a mixture of lead elbow rotation and shoulders opening too soon. Get a good feel for impact first and slowly start releasing the lead hand again. Fix Your Release Video.
December 23, 2015
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James
Just finished the 9 to 3 drill video. Is the "feel" of totally releasing the club Chuck refers to in this Left hand release drill the same release feel I should get with the 9 to 3 drill?
December 6, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello James. While using the 9 to 3 if you release properly as described in this video. You should get the same feedback.
December 6, 2015
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James
Do you have any suggestions for improving strength and coordination in the left arm/wrist?
September 21, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello James. Towel twists and dumbbell wrist curls will help. Just some standard forearm and wrist exercises.
September 22, 2015
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Jonathan
Hey Craig, it appears this video and another video "the three types of releases" both discuss the crossover release. I like the thought of hitting a low penetrating ball flight using the crossover release. However, in the "three types of releases" video you say this release relies on good timing. The release that doesn't rely as much on timing is the Push release. So for consistency I prefer the Push release. Am I correct in my thinking? If so, is there a way to get both a low penetrating ball flight and a release that relies less on timing?
September 16, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jonathan. The push release can be effective. However, you are limiting the potential power and ultimate control over trajectory. I have definitely found the cross over is less timing dependent when trained correctly. Its a lot easier to hit it straight when you don't steer the face. Take a look at the Knuckles Down Video fro good release and penetrating flight.
September 17, 2015
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Stéphane
I would like to know what should be the result of a downswing a) Pulling only from left side(shoulder) versus b) pushing from right side(shoulder)? Is a)(pulling) would be very from the inside and b) out to in path or the opposite? Thanks a lot!
August 7, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Stephane. There are a lot of different variables to your answer because the face angle determines 85 % of your ball flight. You could push or pull on the downswing and still manipulate the face contrary to the shoulder movement. Pulling from the inside would typically start to the right off your intended target (right handed player), and left with pushing.
August 7, 2015
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Stéphane
Sorry, maybe i wasn't clear. I didn't ask about the ball flight but I asked if I start my downswing let say only pulling from left side versus pushing from right side(shoulder), what would do the club in each situation? Would the club drop way under the plane(inside out path) if I only pull from the left shoulder on the downswing without using lower body or will I come over the top? Same question if I only push hard from right shoulder on downswing? Thanks!
August 7, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Stephane. Take a look at Proper Muscle Activation and the Stop Coming Over the Top Video. If you solely pull from the left shoulder. The club will tend to shallow out more and swing inside to out. The opposite for the right shoulder. Outside to in. Nevertheless, you need lower body movement and proper weight shift to ensure the club doesn't steepen or go outside to in.
August 7, 2015
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James
I looked at that video and it has helped to point me to the correction. My elbow was just starting to turn over at impact, likewise my left hand but think this was being caused by an over rotation of my hand prior to impact, plus I think there was a slight outside line approach. I slowed things down and made sure that the back of the left hand and elbow were pointing to the target area at impact; whilst doing this I noticed that the swing plane became slightly more to inside to out by about 3-4 degrees from the line of target before impact, keeping my left arm straight through and after impact and the rotation completing with the back of the left hand point behind me. When I added the the right hand I got a more extended feeling of the arms through and beyond impact. Just got to work up on the speed now, I am certainly not flipping though. Regards James.
July 10, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Great. Looks like you are on the correct path now.
July 10, 2015
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James
Craig I do the left hand drill ok just setting myself up at impact position and then gently swinging the club with my left hand without a ball fine. However, when I try it with a ball I hit it fine, feeling my left wrist rotate so that the glove logo points backwards at completion but the ball goes straight left of my target stick some 30 yards away. I then tried holding my right shoulder back using my right finger as you do in the video and that helped a lot and got a lot of shots on line with the target stick. Should I not worry about those shots going left without my applying that light pressure to my right shoulder or is this an issue? James
July 9, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello James. It still sounds like you are on the right track. The trail finger helped a little with the release and stabilization. Nevertheless, take a look at the Left Elbow Impact Alignment Video in this Section Advanced. Make sure you aren't flipping the arm through.
July 9, 2015
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Stephen
hi craig, in my review. you mentioned that I am over cooking the release. Is this cause I am rotating my wrists so my left palm is facing the sky. thanks. Stephen
June 17, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Stephen. Yes. But, not necessarily a bad thing for you right now since you used to hold off more. Ideally, glove logo facing away from body, at target, then back behind you.
June 17, 2015
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Stephen
Hi Craig, should you be trying to whip the release? Some of my shots our going right. would this be because I am not releasing quicker? does the club face close through impact. Stephen
June 7, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Stephen. The release does feel like a whip, but you need to let it whip. The club face is rotating into impact and should be square. Think like 9 to 3 Drill. Glove faces away, towards the target, then back behind you. If you are hitting it right makes sure you are allowing face rotation and not steering it through.
June 7, 2015
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Stephen
Hi craig, in my review when I am performing the left hand release drill. you mentioned in my takeaway that im rolling the left arm back. Should I be performing this left arm release drill as if I am performing a proper takeaway, minus the right arm? You also mentioned that I should be more vertical with the club, do you mean in the 9 O' clock position, that I need to cock my wrists up slightly whilst performing this drill? you also say that the club face has to be out in front of me. I take this that you want me to perform a takeaway like you would perform in your full swing. is this correct? I feel that I just swing the club back when performing this drill
June 17, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Stephen. Don't over think my words too much. All I was trying to get across was don't roll the arm too much going back and get the club inside. Yes, more like you see in this video. You can let the wrist set more, but the issue was rolling inside. The swing back should mimic more the look of a normal takeaway with two hands, just minus the right arm.
June 17, 2015
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Stephen
Thank you. Stephen
June 17, 2015
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James
I like some other guys found controlling the club single handed a bit much. I have been using a 9 iron and found that if I just lightly rest my middle two fingers of my right hand and I emphasise here VERY LIGHTLY I am able to do the reps at ease and can see the benefit of releasing the left hand as I rotate the wrist through the strike area. I might add I am coming up to 74 in a couple of months and can feel the club shaft lean through the ball. I think this is an excellent tip and will continue to work on this until that left hand club release comes natural.
June 3, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Thanks James. Appreciate the post. Keep the good swings coming.
June 3, 2015
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James
Just to re-emphasise the right hand does not control the club, I have the hand open with just those 2 middle pinkies slightly curled touching the grip with the top joint of those fingers. I find this just steadies the club and allows me to swing and rotate the club with my left hand in complete control.
June 4, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello James. Yes.
June 4, 2015
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Patrick
Hello, I am comfortable doing these drills for the release, however, I find that my direction is now off target for most swings. I typically have a pull left about 70% of the time, compensation sometimes gets me right of the target 20% of the time and straight 10%. Yesterday, while evaluating the divot, I saw that for the most part, all my divots are straight in line with my aiming stick, which I use to align my feet, hips and shoulders before the shot. I find that I can hit the ball, then take a nice divot completely parallel to the aiming stick, a couple inches wide and continuously the same width for a 4-6 inches. I would expect a straight ball, but get a 7 iron that is 20-30 yards left of the target at touchdown. This happens with the most frequency. Thanks for your consideration and help with this.
April 29, 2015
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Patrick
I failed to mention that most balls have little to slight movement [draw or fade]. These are simply off target straight shots.
April 29, 2015
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Francis
Hi, Been having difficulty with the one handed drills with the golf club. Particularly with the left hand. The club (7 iron) is heavy and it takes a lot of effort to do the short swings (especially the takeaway) where you stop at impact point and allow the club to follow through.
March 4, 2015
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Francis
ps. I can do the drills but because of the weight of the club, I don't think that i'm doing them properly and am nable to get the club and hands in the right positions
March 4, 2015
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Grant
I have started to do these drills daily (approximately 50 reps on each segment) and am noticing a soreness occurring on the outer area of the wrist. The soreness flies in after the hand turns over with the fingernails facing up. Is this something that is quite common when doing the drill. I am using a wedge to do this and holding with the grip. I don't want to over do it but want to make sure I'm doing this correctly. I have never felt this kind of position with my left hand before starting this drill. Thanks, Grant.
March 4, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Grant. Try using a 8 or 7 iron while doing this drill so you can gauge loft a little better. It is typical to have some soreness in the lead forearm and hand due to working a new set of muscles. Just make sure your aren't cupping the wrist and using the last three fingers properly. Take a look at the Vijay Drill in the Advanced Downswing Section.
March 4, 2015
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Terry
This is a good drill to learn the release. The push with the right shoulder is one of my many faults. Where or what drill will follow this to get to a full speed swing / release?
March 3, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Terry. The 5 minutes to the Perfect Release in the Downswing Section and the Vijay Release Drill in the Advanced Downswing Section are good follow ups to this video.
March 3, 2015
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Benjamin
If I perform the drill incorrectly and start pushing with the right side, will it result in a block and/or a hook.
March 1, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Ben. If you start pushing through with the trail side and hold the face. More than likely a block. If you push with the trail side and allow it to over rotate the face. The hook will sneak in.
March 3, 2015
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Alejandro
Hi there, I'm sorry but maybe I'm missing something here. I'm not seeing in this drill an effort to keep the left elbow pointing to the target, which as I understand it, it's the most important thing to learn about left arm motion. I noticed that Chuck puts an effort in pointing the elbow to the target only when we wants to mark the parts of the drill but NOT when he actually PERFORMS the drill. I checked the comments and no one said anything about this. I tried doing the elbow thing (which was specifically suggested to me from a video review) and I found it to be quite hard to adopt. I believe in it and I noticed that Tiger does it and many other players. What I don't understand is what good will the drill from this video be if we don't make sure that the elbow is pointing to the target at impact time ?? Or is the purpose of the video to only show a general feeling of left arm rotation ?... Right now I feel it contradicts the earlier video explaining the left arm motion, the one with the impact bag that "had seen better days". Thanks for your comments / thoughts on this.
January 30, 2015
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R.J. (Certified RST Instructor)
Alejandro, I paused the video numerous times when Chuck is at impact, which would be at the logo of his shirt or just off the left ear, and the elbow is pointing down the target line. His arm externally rotates as it passes the lead leg. The main purpose of having the elbow pointing down the target line at impact is to keep your elbow from getting injured. If the elbow is pointed down the target line at impact, then any shock from hitting the club on the ground will hinge the elbow, the way that it's meant to move. However, if the elbow is not pointing down the target line at impact, any hitting of the ground will cause the elbow to attempt to shift laterally, which will cause tendinitis or worse, a tear. Let us know if you have any other questions. R.J.
January 30, 2015
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Alejandro
Thank you RJ, will incorporate the drill. I hope I can quickly allow the arm to rotate after impact so it does not get affected by the momentum and speed from the right hand
January 30, 2015
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R.J. (Certified RST Instructor)
Alejandro, You're welcome. Once you can coordinate the left hand and right hand together properly with some hard work, your club head and ball speed will increase dramatically. R.J.
January 31, 2015
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thomas
Craig, thanks for the review and the extra time you took to explain what I need to focus on. The light bulb has turned on a bit. I think I fight the release to try keep the face square at impact. My question is, as I start to release the club through impact should I expect the ball to wildly left? That is my fear. If so, do I just work on timing it or perhaps modify grip?
January 5, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Thomas. No problem. Actually, if you release the club correctly the ball will fly straighter. Not fighting the design and proper movement of the club head. If the trail hand takes over too much or you start flipping the lead elbow the ball will go left. Hit very small shots with the 5 mins to Perfect Release. You should be able to hit crisp, compressed and straight released shots.
January 5, 2015
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David
Hi Guys, can you confirm do I want the forearm to be rotating as well as the hand in the release? thanks.
January 2, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello David. The lead forearm will be rotating. Just be wary of flipping the elbow over too much. If the elbow starts to externally rotate too much the forearm will as well.
January 3, 2015
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Mike
My old teacher taught a complete body release and this is the polar opposite. My old instruction was to get the club parallel to the target line and then turn as hard as I could to square the face. It seemed unnatural to me and I feel a lot more speed letting the club release. I feel like he was teaching the old tiger/foley release.....thoughts?!?
December 19, 2014
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R.J. (Certified RST Instructor)
Mike, Well, the body doesn't move very quickly, no matter how strong or fit you are, certainly not 100 mph. I'm not surprised that you're feeling a quicker release now. Tiger's always been able to release the club really well. The main issue with what Foley was teaching Tiger are things that were getting him hurt, mostly the secondary axis tilt at impact that was putting a lot of stress on Tiger's lower back. I wouldn't compare Tiger's release at any point in his career to what you described that your old instructor was teaching you. I'm glad that you're with RST now! You'll be able to swing efficiently and safely. Good luck to your improvement and we'll always be here on the site to help you when you need it! R.J.
December 19, 2014
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Hans
Hi Guys, Nice video, this one was recommended trough a review. When practice this i keep ending up hitting balls to the left club face is closing at impact. With the right hand on the club it goes strong left. please advice. regards Hans
November 18, 2014
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R.J. (Certified RST Instructor)
Hans, Check your impact positions when you're getting to the ball because if you don't sequence the lower body properly, the club face will be closed down. With this drill, people tend to forget about the lower body. Let us know on the forum here if there some other issues that may be causing this R.J.
November 18, 2014
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Seth
I am having a little trouble knowing if I am releasing club correctly. When I am working on it slowly and when I am hitting 1/4 or 1/2 shots, is the main feeling, my knuckles rolling under, which in turn rotates my wrist, how should I be feeling the release in my hand?
October 11, 2014
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R.J. (Certified RST Instructor)
If you get yourself an impact bag, you can use your full swing and see how your hands are setup at impact. This will give you the necessary feed back to see if you're releasing the club correctly. This is how I can best describe the feeling of what the release of the left hand should feel like. Lean on a door with the trailing side of your body and reach back to the doorknob (this only works with a round doorknob) with your left hand using only your thumb and first two fingers. Now turn the door knob counter clockwise. Now imagine that you're repeating this motion as you're moving your hand down to the impact position. When you get to the impact position, your arm should still be internally rotated and your left elbow pit should still be facing your body (this allows for shock absorption and proper alignment). Now pick up the speed at little bit and add in the uncocking of your wrist as you get to that impact position. After you make impact, that's when your left arm externally rotates and the right arm fully extends next to it as it works its way over top of the left arm. Once you add in the uncocking of the left wrist, you'll feel more speed at impact and the proper feeling of the release of the club will be much more apparent. It's also kind of like lighting a match stick against the box if you were holding the box in your right hand and the match in your left. You don't keep your wrist at the same angle when you're running the match down the side of the box to get it to strike. You naturally release your wrist because if you didn't, you'd get very little speed and you could even hurt your elbow. Try using the doorknob or the match stick analogy to assist you with how it feels to release the left hand to the impact position. Just after impact, the left arm will externally rotate to make room for the right arm coming through. I hope this helped Rusty
October 11, 2014
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Marc
This is really great analogy. I will try this in my next practice session and provide feedback. Thanks R.J. !
July 17, 2015
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GREG
Is it possible to hit the ball with good speed with just the left arm and wrist? (right arm off the club)
October 10, 2014
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R.J. (Certified RST Instructor)
Good is a relative term so it is difficult to answer this question directly. However, the primary function of the left arm in the downswing is to control the club face, whereas the right arm is used to produce power. Please check out the right arm only downswing drill and the throw the ball drill, then combine those with this video. If it is difficult, check out the lose the right hand drill
October 10, 2014
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Jesse
Question regarding the result of pushing the right shoulder through impact [Chuck demonstrates this beginning at 00:46]: Chuck mentions that this results in a high, weak ball flight. Can it also cause you to pull your shots? I have been having problems with pulling shots, particularly with my high irons. I thought it was a hip-spin issue, but seeing Chuck’s demonstration, I'm wondering if it could also be some over use of the back shoulder in order to try to force more power, rather than trust the swing mechanics. Thanks.
September 23, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jesse. Yes, pushing with the right shoulder can cause a multitude of issues. Keep that trail shoulder back and let the club release.
September 23, 2014
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kelly
hello! when you are releasing the club,your wrists are cocked should your left wrist feel like ulnar deviation through impact? in other words should I feel like my left wrist is cocking downwards?
September 22, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Kelly. You will feel like the left wrist is un-cocking and turning downwards. Take a look at the Using the Wrist Efficiently Video in the Introduction Advanced Section and the Knuckles Down Video in the Advanced Downswing Section for more information.
September 22, 2014
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KJ
hello when i observe chuck release club, i can see his left wirst is slighted bowed when club reaches 3 o'clock. Am i wrong? In fact, I realized that my left wrist is getting cupped after impact. I still try to rotate the left wrist, naturally, but this part is very challenging for me. Especially, when i increase swing speed, I can hardely keep my wirst flat / bowed, and I feel hight tension on my forearm, is it normal?
September 1, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Tension is the forearm is normal. However, take a look at the Knuckles Down Video in the Advanced Downswing Section and the Using Wrist Efficiently Video in the Advanced Introduction Section. They will help you with the knowledge and cupping.
September 1, 2014
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David
Not sure if this is the right place to post this, but I'm confused by the apparent contradiction of not slamming your right shoulder toward the ball vs "getting your right hand in there to provide power." Hogan talked too about "I wish I have four right hands." But how exactly does this "right hand providing power" work, if it is not the right arm going down hard to the impact zone? Thanks
August 30, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello David. Take a look at the 5 Minutes to a Perfect Release and the Throw the Ball Drill to understand how the right adds more juice. You don't want to be throwing the shoulder from the top, but maximizing the release of stored energy from the backswing.
September 1, 2014
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Joseph
Love this drill, Question do you feel "stress" on the left inner forearm when done right? Kind of like doing forearm curls. BTW the lag happens automatically when done right. Next time I play I'll have plenty of practice using this drill. BTW since I started using the Rotaryswing program 2 years ago my handicap has gone done from a 7 to scratch. Awesome job guys. I wish I'd know about your program since I've spent probably 20K on golf lessons during this time. Regards, Joe
August 3, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Joe. At first, there will be a little stress in the inner forearm. You are using new muscles in the swing. It should die down fairly quickly. Thanks for the kind words and glad you are enjoying the program. Don't worry. We all have spent too much on golf lessons (myself included). This is rehab for golf instruction addicts.
August 3, 2014
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Dave
Craig did my last review and directed me to this video. After watching the lightbulbs went off ! I have been literally bunting my driver because of no release from a body turn. Another reason I am glad I went with RST!!!!
June 30, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Dave. Thanks for the head up! We appreciate that you chose us to help you with your swing. Now, get that left hand release and start nailing your drives!
July 1, 2014
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Seth
What are the other awareness points that I am completing this movement correctly, considering the wrist, hand fingers can make the release happen in a couple different ways which can drastically do stuff to the ball's flight. From looking at Chuck's video closely it looks like the wrist rolls (much like tennis forehand). But be careful not to roll too much and too early as you can end up hooding the ball. When I am releasing correctly should feel it a certain way in the the 3 gripping fingers? My hand/wrist where my logo is? or both? When I'm progressing in speed want to make sure I am doing this properly. Thanks
June 25, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
It shouldn't feel a certain way except for letting the club release with its own momentum. The logo will point down/towards target at impact then work towards pointing behind you. Start from the proper impact alignment. That will make sure you grasp the feeling of not letting it roll or release too soon. Removing the hooding sensation problem.
June 26, 2014
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Todd
when I do the left hand release and the other move correctly, I tend to hook or over draw the ball, the club feels closed the closer I get to impact, any thoughts?
May 12, 2014
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Sounds like you may be overdoing it a bit. You need to make sure that the club isnt shut going back and you arent trying to over cook the release by making the toe of the club face left post impact. It should be more to the sky.
May 12, 2014
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I am having trouble releasing the club; it seems as if I'm raising up to hit the ball good so I either hook or push. I'm striking the ball good.
May 2, 2014
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Check out the tush line video and the merry go round drill in the downswing section. Also when working on the release you may want to work from the 9 to 3 region. You can even stand with your tush up against a wall and when swinging through to 3:00, try to keep the right tush lightly touching the wall so you can feel how to maintain posture into the hitting area
May 2, 2014
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ramon
I have had some success with this drill and actual application in my game. However there are times specially with the driver that I hit pop ups where the ball hits on the upper portion of the club face. Is this caused by this left hand release. Is there a different release with a driver? How do I prevent pop ups?
April 23, 2014
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
You may be overdoing this sort of thing with the driver and trying to deloft the club to much. Make sure you have checked out the driver set up adjustments video and then work to make sure that you are not seeing any excessive bowing in the left wrist at impact.
April 23, 2014
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jeff
I noticed the same thing, low and left. Is it possible that I've been playing with a somewhat closed clubface (by not ever really releasing), and now have to open the face a little (square, really) in order to hit the ball straight? I might have to try that. BTW, how do I change my screen name to what it used to be?
April 30, 2014
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
This drill is geared towards getting you to overdo it a bit since the common mistake at impact is a flip causing a thin shot or a scooped out to the right shot. It can easily be toned back once you add the right hand back to the mix. You may need to logout of the site and log back in. If it does not have a pop up box appear to enter your name, then you need to navigate to the profile and there should be 3 tabs at the top that you can change your personal info. Let me know if you need any further help at all.
April 30, 2014
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Tom
is it normal for the ball to come off the club pulled and drawing.. to the left.. being right handed.. or do i have some serious issues.. and if i do.. what should the path and shape be ?
April 21, 2014
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
When just working with the left hand you should start out seeing the ball go low and left and then you can gradually tone it back as you add the right hand to it. Overdone is not a bad thing when working the release as it can be toned back fairly easy.
April 22, 2014
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Jesse
When you do this drill, if the thumb of the forward hand [I am a lefty golfer, so my right thumb] becomes sore, is it because I am doing the drill wrong by trying to use the thumb to leverage the club down and through the impact point?
April 14, 2014
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René (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Jesse. I am a lefty to. Yes I think that's the cause. You should use soft hands and let physics do the work. Instead of trying to push with your thumb, gradually roll your fore arm trough impact releasing the club. The pressure points of the leading arm are the last three fingers. Too much pressure with your index finger and thumb will block the movement.
April 14, 2014
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Jesse
I'll give that a try, Rene, thanks!
April 14, 2014
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Jesse, yes that can cause pain in the lead hand for sure. The lead thumb needs to just be on the club as more of a support and not for additional speed.
April 14, 2014
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Jesse
Ok, I am trying to do this without using too much pressure with the thumb, but it is very difficult to do this correctly without some pressure by the thumb so the club won't move around during the drill.
April 14, 2014
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Tom
Am I getting this sequence right: the right hand practically comes off the club, the left hand stops at the left thigh with some forward shaft lean and the momentum of the club carries the club past impact? Also, are the shoulders still square at impact and then point to the target after releasing the club?
April 6, 2014
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Sounds like you have it pretty nailed down here. The shoulders are square at impact as the hands and arms are working idependently from the body and extending/releasing down the line which will pull your shoulders open as you work into the finish position.
April 8, 2014
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Jack
No Full sWING basic on my IPAD app?
April 6, 2014
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey John, It will be coming very shortly along with a ton of other enhancements. Sorry for any inconvenience.
April 8, 2014
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Kevin
I am a hip spinner that does not release the club very efficiently....yet. I am currently working on keeping/feeling my body closed to the target. When doing this drill, is there any way to increase clubhead speed? I hit the ball nicely on the range doing this drill but would like to start hitting the ball further. Is this just something that will come over time or should I be pulling with my left lat? ( I do realize by pulling with my left lat I am not consciously keeping my body closed to the target. Any advice on this would be greatly appreciated.
July 16, 2015
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Kevin, Speed is going to start to ramp up the better your sequence is along with the stalling of the body while you are releasing the club through the hitting area. Are you getting your body to stall in the hitting area and are you feeling like you are releasing the club properly with no excess help from the right hand?
July 16, 2015
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Kevin
I am stalling my body in the hitting area. I actually simply pull my weight to my left heel to begin the downswing. I then stop my hips and shoulders and then my hands once they reach my left leg pant seam. I am having trouble not using my right side ( I have done that for years) I continue to work on leaving my right side out of it but old habits die hard. I find soon as I try to apply any speed, my right side engages.
July 16, 2015
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Training the right side to be quiet is very hard to do. Maybe try the lose the right hand drill or the vijay release drill for a bit and see if that helps you out.
July 16, 2015
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Kevin
As I said things are looking up, I just wanted to know if there was any way to add speed while doing this.I wanted to be sure I was not supposed to be pulling with my left lat. I find soon as I try to use my right side ( even like with throw the ball drill) my right hand grip gets tight on the club and I am unable to release the club properly. I will continue to work on this now that I know I am doing it properly. Thanks for your prompt response
July 16, 2015
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
No problem and try not to be aware as much of the left lat but more aware of the left oblique. Keep working at it, speed will come to the less your right hand does in the hitting area.
July 16, 2015

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