Flip vs. Release in Golf

What is the difference between a proper golf club release and a flip in the golf swing? To ...

How to Get Perfect Shaft Lean at Impact

You want to hit those boring, hissing shots that scream off the face like a rocket? This g ...

Golf Impact Position Face On

After all your hard work on the backswing, it's time for the big payoff! Getting into the ...

Golf Impact Position Down the Line

As I discussed in the video on Impact Alignments Face On, impact is everything in RST. All ...

Cure Chicken Wing in the Golf Swing

You now have a 3-step drill to help you cure your chicken wing golf swing once and for all ...

Left Elbow Position at Impact

Find out a simple trick to hit straighter shots while also virtually eliminating your chan ...

3 Steps to better impact position in golf

Golf is a sport that can leave you frustrated round after round, but WHY? What exactly are ...

Day 1: Impact Control

Controlling impact is EVERYTHING in the golf swing and we're going to show you how to do i ...

Golf Impact - Part 2 of 7

In part 2 of this new 7 part video series, I'll discuss one of the most important parts th ...

Perfect your golf impact - 1 of 4

Compressing the golf ball like a tour pro can be very hard to do. In this new video series ...

Perfect your golf impact - 2 of 4

Effortless power in the golf swing is a difficult concept for many amateur golfers. In vid ...

Perfect your golf impact - 3 of 4

Learn how to add more speed to your golf swing by leveraging the ground like a tour pro.

Perfect your golf impact - 4 of 4

Lag in the golf swing is key for clubhead speed. In this video, I'll show you how to add m ...

Perfecting your golf impact - Bonus

Perfecting your golf impact video series. Special bonus video that will help you correct s ...

Overview of the Push Release

An overview to the push release for those who want to use the right side to help power the ...

Fix Your Swing Sway w/ the Wall Drill

Fix your golf swing sway with this awesome and simple drill! Swaying off the ball in the b ...

Intro to Weight Shift in the Golf Swing

Weight shift in the golf swing is the FIRST thing you must master before worrying about an ...

Weight Shift in the Golf Swing - Pt. 1

Using our Science and Motion (SAM) Balance Lab, we can pin point weight shift and weight d ...

Weight Shift Part 2 - Right Hip Line

In this second video on understanding weight shift in the golf swing, I discuss specifical ...

Weight Shift Part 3 - To the Left

The culmination in the three part series on correct weight shift in the golf swing gets us ...

Step 1 - Weight Shift

Step 1 of the RST 5 Step System - Mastering Weight Shift

Step 1 - Weight Shift - Drill Only

Step 1 - Weight shift drills

Weight Shift Sweep Drills

The best golf swing drill for weight shift right before you play or when you're just on th ...

5 Minute Golf Setup w/ Weight Shift

Once you've mastered the setup, you can add weight shift to your program to begin developi ...

Fixing Your Weight Transfer in the Golf Swing

In this video, I will show you 2 of the most common faults in downswing transition by not ...

Learn Perfect Weight Shift in Your Socks

Struggling with your weight shift? I'm going to show you how to diagnose your mistakes by ...

How Attack Angle Affects Compression

Ever notice how the PGA Tour pros take razor thin divots? That's exactly what you want. Th ...

Taking a Divot in Front of the Ball

Taking a proper divot is something that is critical to crisp and consistent iron play, but ...

Angle of Attack

Taking deep divots? Are you supposed to? What do the pros do? This video tells you how ste ...

Swing Faults When Your Stance is Too Wide

One of the most common problems with the setup, here's what happens when your stance is to ...

Fix Your Release - Trail Shoulder Back

This golf instruction video is for those who struggle to stop spinning their shoulders ope ...

Moving the Fulcrum & Hitting Shots off the Toe

It's one of my most important golf instruction videos ever, this will completely transform ...

How to Cure the Shanks in 3 Steps

The golf shank is the ugliest, nastiest, rottenest, and most frightening shot in golf. If ...

Getting Stuck on the Downswing

Tiger Woods used to always complain about getting "stuck" in the downswing; a position tha ...

Blocked Golf Shots | Fwd Shaft Lean

If you want to compress the ball for explosive distance, then you need to be working on st ...

How to Fix the Two Way Miss in Golf

Struggle with the dreaded two-way miss in golf? One shot goes right and the next goes left ...

2 Finger Release Drill

This awesome drill forces you to release the golf club like a tour pro! You're going to lo ...

Stop Coming Over the Top in the Golf Swing and Slicing

You're well aware that slicing destroys your distance and your scorecard. What you may not ...

Stop Slicing and Start Releasing the Golf Club

In this video, I’ll show you how to release your club to stop slicing and get better com ...

Square the Clubface Early

Learning how to properly square the club face at impact is something that most amateur gol ...

Hitting a Fade

Learning how to hit a fade is all about learning to control the release of the golf club. ...

How to Stop Hooking the Golf Ball

How to stop hooking the golf ball once and for all! If you struggle with hitting hook shot ...

Hitting a Draw

Once you've mastered the RST swing method, you realize that, due to the simplicity of the ...

How to Hit the 3 Yard Draw

Learn how to hit the delicate little three yard draw and why you're struggling with gettin ...

Cure Reverse Pivot w/ the Necktie Drill

Axis tilt is a necessary fundamental of the golf swing that many golfers ignore or fail to ...

How to Fix Golf Reverse Pivot

A reverse pivot golf swing can cause a whole lot of bad shots, from hitting it thin to hit ...

Fix Your Swing Sway w/ the Wall Drill

Fix your golf swing sway with this awesome and simple drill! Swaying off the ball in the b ...

Fix Reverse Pivot - Trail Side Dominant Setup

This golf setup check is critical to getting rid of a reverse pivot and over the top downs ...

5 Minutes to Master Rotation

This video holds the 5 step pathway to mastering rotation in the golf swing. At the end of ...

Keep the Right Arm Straight to Turn

One of the most common faults that destroys a powerful turn in the golf swing is how the r ...

How to Fix a Flat Shoulder Turn

Fix a flat shoulder turn in your golf backswing with this simple and easy to do drill.

Simple Fix to Make a Full Shoulder Turn

Struggle with making a full turn, even though your fit and flexible? Lacking the distance ...

Using the Core

Using a side by side face on view of Tiger Woods with a driver and a recent swing of mine ...

The Bucket Drill - Golf Shoulder Turn

The Bucket Drill is one that provides a very simple and clear picture on how to rotate cor ...

Intro to Core Rotation in Golf Swing

The rotating core is the "engine" of the golf swing and the primary mover of the entire sw ...

Step 2 - Core Rotation

Step 2- Adding body rotation

Step 2 - Core Rotation - Drill Only

The drill only for Step 2 - Body Rotation

Clamshell Drill - How to Cure Early Extension

The Clamshell Drill is the key to the golf swing, no seriously! If you want to see how the ...

Eliminate Early Extension in Golf Swing

The REAL causes of early extension in the golf swing and the only TRUE way to fix it.

Closed Hip Slide

A closed hip slide is detrimental to your golf swing when learning how to shift your weigh ...

Live Lesson - How to Stop Losing Tush Line & Boost Consistency

Struggling with a 2 way miss and lack of consistency? Watch this Live Lesson to learn a si ...

Losing the Tush Line

One of the most common questions I get regularly is how to stop losing the tush line, or s ...

Squat to Square in the Golf Downswing

If you watch golf on TV, it seems that you can't turn your hips fast enough or far enough ...

Squeeze the Cheeks for Consistency

The glute muscles (your butt cheeks) are some of the most important muscles in the golf sw ...

Role of the Right Foot in Downswing

Footwork is a bit of a misnomer in the golf swing but you hear it every week on TV. What i ...

Fix Your Over the Top Swing by Fixing Your Hand Path

Learn how to fix your over the top golf swing by simply being able to read a clock. If you ...

Stop Coming Over the Top in the Golf Swing and Slicing

You're well aware that slicing destroys your distance and your scorecard. What you may not ...

How to Shallow the Golf Club

Do you swing over the top and struggle to drop the club "into the slot"? Want that look of ...

How to Shallow Your Golf Swing Fast and Easy - Live Lesson

Do you struggle with shallowing the club in the downswing and keep hitting a pull cut or e ...

How to Shallow Your Hands During Transition

Do your hands go straight out toward the golf ball and don't shallow out during the transi ...

Over the Top Stick Drill

Are you tired of yelling “Fore!” when you hit big, nasty slices off the tee? If so, he ...

Drill to Learn Inside Path to Golf Ball

Tired of the over the top slice? This drill and training aid will teach you how to approac ...

How to Fix Your Over the Top Move - Live Lesson

Do you have a steep, over the top golf swing? No matter what you try and do, you can't sto ...

9 to 3 Lag Building Drills

Learn how to build lag in your golf swing with these 9 to 3 lag building drills. You'll le ...

AXIOM Lag in the Golf Swing

Producing incredible lag has never been this easy - or fast

Increase Lag - Impact Cube Drill

This awesome drill will teach you to not cast the club and maintain lag into impact.

Speed vs. Power in the Golf Swing

Speed vs. Power - Which is it that you want in the golf swing? Many golfers think they nee ...

Reshaping Your Golf Swing for Lag

It's no secret that you want more lag in your swing. In this incredible video, I give you ...

RST Student Success - Building More Lag

RST student uses a simple 3 step process to shallow his golf swing and build in a ton of l ...

Intro to Fix Losing Lag and Weak Release

Find out how to work through this section on how to cure your golf casting / loss of lag o ...

Sklz Gold Flex Lag Trainer

This KILLER training aid will help you master a smooth, one-piece takeaway and help you bu ...

Rickie Fowler - How to preserve Lag

Lag is the most efficient way to increase clubhead speed. In this video, RST Instructor Ch ...

Lag and Speed Drills

To get more distance in golf, you've got to get maximum speed from your arms and not let y ...

Key to Creating Lag

The secret key to creating lag has been an elusive thing for most amateur golfers. In this ...

Downcock Pump Lag Drill

Every golfer wants to know how to create more lag in their swing to hit the ball further. ...

Golf Grip's Effect on Lag

As you've no doubt seen, my golf students have been picking up some serious distance throu ...

Become a Golf Swing Lag Monster: Shocking Success Story

In this video, I’ll show you how RST student David became a "lag monster" with RST swing ...

4 Step Golf Swing Lag Builder

The 4 steps to building INSANE lag in your golf swing - and you can do it TODAY!

Golf Left Thumb: Fix Pain, Soreness, Casting

Casting the club in the downswing is a sure way to destroy club head speed. Check out this ...

Right Arm in Downswing: Stop Casting

In this video, you’ll find out: 1) How Tiger Woods builds lag for power, 2) What to feel ...

Sequencing the Downswing - Dump Truck and Drag Racer

Sequencing the downswing is the HARDEST overall part of the golf swing - and also the MOST ...

The Post Up Move - How to Use Lead Leg for Power and Maintain Posture

Have you ever wondered how the pros use their legs for power in the golf swing? This video ...

My Golf Power Secret

How do the pros hit the ball so darn far? I tell all inside with this power secret!

Using your wrists for speed in golf swing - 5 of 7

Your body uses tension as its primary mechanism to sequence the golf swing. In general, th ...

Vertical Ground Force and Double Peaks

Should you be trying to increase vertical ground force in your swing and if so, how should ...

Throw the Club Head at the Golf Ball

Unlock the leverage, speed and power of your golf swing by understanding the physics behin ...

Throw for More Natural Golf Swing

Do you want a more natural golf swing with much more speed? Then you need to focus on how ...

Using the Wrists in the Golf Swing

The wrists play a very dynamic role in your golf swing. In this video, I'll cover the term ...

The Tour Pro Downswing Sequence Drill

If you are looking for a golf swing drill that can INSTANTLY improve your ball striking po ...

Trail Arm Release - Throw the Ball Drill Pt 1

This is THE key drill for really understanding how the downswing sequencing works. This 20 ...

Trail Arm Release - Throw the Ball Drill Pt 2

Are you ready to maximize your club head speed at impact? If so, you need this missing pie ...

Tim Burke - Kinetic Chain

Tim Burke wins his 2nd World Long Drive Championship. In this video, I'll show you the key ...

Golf Takeaway | Overview

An overview of the RST takeaway by RST Founder, Chuck Quinton. This video walks you throug ...

AXIOM Refine Your Takeaway

Simplify your takeaway with a simple 2" movement that moves the club 6 feet!

Learn a Perfect Golf Takeaway with Just a 2 Inch Movement!

Learn the simplest golf takeaway humanly possible for a massive boost in consistency. Simp ...

Fix Inside Takeaway - 4 Square Drill

You probably overuse your hands during the first half of the backswing, like most golfers, ...

Understanding Shoulder Blade Glide

If you have questions about exactly what the shoulder blade glide is or what it should fee ...

Golf Takeaway, 5 Minutes to the Perfect Golf Takeaway

This 30 minute long golf instruction video is key to setting you on the right path for the ...

Right Wrist in the Takeaway

The role of right wrist in the takeaway is often misunderstood and has been the source of ...

Fix Inside Takeaway - Pushing with the Lead Side

An extremely common swing fault, so common that many golf instructors actually teach the s ...

Role of the Right Arm - Takeaway

Collapsing the right arm early is something that at least 90% of amateur golfers struggle ...

Pull for a perfect takeaway - 6 of 7

So many golfers try to perfect the takeaway in the swing and they constantly fight an uphi ...

Thorbjorn Olesen - Perfect your takeaway

See 2 key moves that Thorbjorn Olesen uses to build a picture perfect takeaway position ev ...

One Simple Key to Fix Your Takeaway

In this video, I’ll show you the one swing change that’ll fix your takeaway once and f ...

Posture's Effect on the Takeaway

Posture at address is something that Tiger Woods always does right and it's something that ...

How to Fix an Inside Takeaway

This one simple trick will fix an inside takeaway instantly, I guarantee it!

Fix Inside Takeaway - Shake Hands Drill

This is the best golf swing drill to teach you exactly how your hands should work during t ...

Golf Swing Takeaway & Drills

The golf takeaway has been described by golf instructors countless ways, so many ways that ...

Fix Inside Takeaway - Belly Button Drill

This simple takeaway drill will give you that one piece takeaway you've been looking for o ...

Fix Inside Takeaway - Forward Press

If you've ever wondered whether or not you should have a forward press at setup, this golf ...

Wrist Cock vs. Wrist Hinge in the Golf Swing

Do you know the difference between wrist cock and wrist hinge in the golf swing? The diffe ...

AXIOM Body Backswing

Eliminate your reverse pivot, handsy inside takeaway, your head swaying off the ball and y ...

AXIOM Refine Your Backswing

Dial in your arms during the backswing to start easily shaping the ball, changing trajecto ...

Body Rotation in Golf Backswing - Chair Drill

If you want to power up your swing in golf, body rotation in the backswing is crucial. Unf ...

Left Shoulder Push in Backswing

This "Left Shoulder Push in the Backswing" video is for you ONLY if you already pull perfe ...

5 Minutes to the Perfect Golf Backswing

Once you've mastered the takeaway using our "5 Minutes to the Perfect Takeaway" video, you ...

My Golf Backswing Secrets

My keys to success for a perfect golf backswing - how to make the backswing simple and rep ...

How Much Shoulder Elevation

It's time to help you decide how to power your golf swing. And it all starts with how you ...

Right Elbow Pit in Golf Backswing

Do you struggle, like most golfers, with a flying right elbow at the top of the backswing? ...

Understanding Arm Elevation

In this video, Ill show you what arm elevation is, why you need it, and exactly how much y ...

Live Lesson - How to Fix Your Arms by Fixing Your Legs in the Backswing

Do you struggle with your arms getting too deep or too disconnected during the backswing? ...

Right Arm Backswing Drill

This is an excellent drill to train your mind to use your torso rotation to move the club ...

Should You Restrict Your Hip Turn in the Backswing?

For years, you've been taught to restrict the hips in the backswing. Is that what's best f ...

Simplify Your Backswing with Shallow Arms

Make this one simple change to reduce tension in your backswing to start hitting more EFFO ...

RotaryConnect Backswing Training Aid

Learn how to use the RotaryConnect to assist you in building the perfect golf backswing.

Stop Overswinging | Get Your Backswing Under Control

A powerful, compact backswing is essential for creating good contact with the ball. If ...

Fix Hip Overturning in Your Backswing

If you're letting your hips over rotate in the backswing, you're costing yourself a ton of ...

Torso, Hips Over Rotating in Backswing

How much shoulder turn is too much and how much is not enough? Depends on how it's measure ...

DEAD Drill Step 1 - The Backswing

Here's the first step in building your perfect golf swing using the DEAD Drill. It's criti ...

Golf Backswing, Completing the Golf Backswing

Once you've mastered the setup, weight transfer and takeaway, it's time to progress to the ...

Winter Golf Training Program - Backswing

Snow on the ground? Too cold out? No problem! NOW is the BEST time to work on your golf sw ...

Upper vs. Lower Body Rotation in Backswing

Confused about how your upper body rotates in the backswing compared to your lower body? T ...

How to Keep Your Left Arm Straight in the Backswing

The secret to why you can't keep your left arm straight at the top of the golf backswing.

How to Avoid a Cupped Left Wrist at the Top

Learn the cause of a cupped left wrist at the top of your golf backswing and how to fix it ...

How to Fix Trail Leg Straightening in Backswing

Is your trail leg straightening in the backswing? Do you know what kind of issues this sim ...

Do You Start Backswing w/ Hips or Shoulders?

To start the golf swing with the upper or lower body, that is the question! I think Shakes ...

Checkpoints - 5 Minutes Backswing

If you who have already watched the complete 5 Minutes to the Perfect Backswing video, thi ...

5 Minutes to a Perfect Backswing Pitfalls

In this premium video, I am going to cover some of the common mistakes that RST students m ...

3 Functions of Right Arm in Backswing

In this video, I'll show you the 3 functions of the right arm in creating the perfect back ...

Henrik Stenson's Backswing Moves

See how Henrik Stenson's idiosyncrasies work in his powerful golf swing. Check out these ...

Jason Day - Perfect Backswing

Swing plane is a very common term used in golf and has become a primary focus point for a ...

How to Fix Swing Plane & Path

If you want to truly, once and for all, fix your golf swing plane and path, you must heed ...

Creating a Swing Plane

So many golfers struggle with their ball striking because they misunderstand the concept B ...

Fix Swing Plane - Lead Arm Two Club Drill

Here's a simple golf swing plane drill to get your swing back on track fast with a trainin ...

How Knee Flex Determines Swing Plane

Do you struggle with swinging too far from the inside? Part of the problem could actually ...

Trace the Plane Line

Do you tend to get "stuck" in the downswing? Do you hit blocks and quick hooks? Do you wan ...

Golf Grip's Effect on Swing Plane

Having a proper grip is crucial for club face control and lag in the golf swing. In this v ...

Stop Coming Under the Plane in Golf

Coming into impact under plane kills your consistency, often resulting in blocked shots, t ...

AXIOM Body Tour Impact

Learn the secret of how the pros are so consistent with this tour impact position.

AXIOM Body Downswing

Learn how to cure your flip, stop hitting fat and thin shots and how to get into the perfe ...

AXIOM Release Left vs. Right

Discover the release that is best for you and your swing that will give you the fastest re ...

AXIOM Release Overview

Finally, understand what it means and feels like to fully release the club

AXIOM Compression Drill

THE drill that will give you the consistency you desire with effortless distance you didn' ...

AXIOM Unleash Your Inner Speed Demon!

Learn how three tiny changes can unleash 30+ more yards on your drives when you need it.

Golf Swing Sequence - How the Lower Body Works

Struggle with coming over the top or don't know how to use your lower body in the golf swi ...

The Magic Box - How to Check Your Lower Body in the Transition

The "Magic Box" is a term created by Chuck Quinton to help golfers learn the proper transi ...

Start Downswing Before Completing Backswing

You need to start your downswing before completing your backswing. This pro-style transiti ...

Golf Swing Transition Drill

Most instructors consider the transition in the golf swing the most difficult, if not impo ...

Which Muscles to Feel During Golf Swing Transition

Learn exactly which muscles you should feel and in what sequence during the golf swing tra ...

You Hit the Golf Ball with Your LEGS!!

You hit the ball with your legs, specifically your lead leg, not your hands in RST. Learn ...

Golf Downswing, Rotary Golf Downswing Overview

Mastering the setup, weight transfer and takeaway are critical to a great golf swing. But ...

Right Arm Only Downswing Drill

Once you've worked with the Throw the Ball Drill, you'll want to begin mastering this much ...

Drill for Golf Downswing Sequencing

In this video, I'll show you where you're losing power and a simple drill that'll get it b ...

5 Minutes to the Perfect Golf Downswing

All the work you've done on your RST golf swing to this point has culminated in this next ...

Golf Swing Follow Through

The follow through is a result of all things you have done in your golf swing up until thi ...

Adam Scott Driver Swing Follow Through

In this Adam Scott follow through video, you'll find out: 1) How Adam Scott finishes his p ...

What You Should Think Over the Golf Ball

I get asked all the time what I'm thinking over the ball. This video finally answers it - ...

Taking Your Golf Swing Drills to the Course

How to take what you're doing with your golf swing drills in front of the mirror to the go ...

How Much Shoulder Elevation

It's time to help you decide how to power your golf swing. And it all starts with how you use your arms in the golf swing going back. In this video, I go in depth on how the amount that the arms move vertically during the backswing directly impacts how you will be able to and should power your downswing, no matter how you swing the golf club. Check out the video now because the consequences of using leverage or rotation improperly can be disastrous!

  • Shoulder elevation (arm height) is a variable, not a fundamental in the golf swing
  • Raising the arms so the elbow is at the base of the pectoral muscle is ideal for most golfers
  • Golfers using the body very aggressively should keep the arms lower to keep them from getting stuck
  • In an aggressive swing, imagine swinging the club with the weight of the body, like a sledgehammer
  • Golfers protecting the body from stress by using it more passively should get higher arms for leverage & potential energy, harnessing gravity in the downswing
  • In a passive swing, imagine swinging the club like a hammer, with wrist snap for speed through impact
  • Drill with an impact bag to see the difference & choose the right elevation for your swing

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Bradley
Assuming I have a proper set-up and assuming I want to achieve above average arm elevation in order to maximize leverage, should my hands move in a straight line back from their position in my set-up parallel to the target line in the initial phase of my take away (rather than moving in and further away from the target line)? Is it ever appropriate for my hands to move away from my body in the take away? Does the answer vary depending on the club (e.g., a driver is swung on a flatter plane than a wedge)?
June 1, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello. Yes. It would be a little closer to straight back. If the hands start moving away (pushing away) you will get disconnected early and need a recovery move at somepoint in the swing. Most players that do this stop rotating their shoulders.
June 2, 2020
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Todd
Guys, when I focus on REF concept solely, ( I purchased the Connect ) I can get a nice compact arm set up compared to when I'm not thinking about it alone and focusing on set up, tempo, etc...When I'm not focused on REF completely, I've noticed that my forearms get a tad wider and the right elbow flares out a bit at the top. How critical is it that I keep my forearms close? Also, this compact position should be from set up until release, no?
March 14, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Todd. The trail arm needs to shy away from flying away because the connection is vital for power/rotation. Take a look at the 3 Functions of the Right Arm Video. Yes, the spacing shouldn't change much at all. If the trail arm is flying you simply are using them more than you think. For added info on the fly take a look at 2. Overview: Fix Overswing/Across-the-Line Swing Video.
March 14, 2020
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Kevin
I need to work on my right arm depth - see picture but also read about width and extension in the back swing. I tend to get stuck and flip with my current move...curious on your thoughts on where to focus
April 3, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Kevin. If you get your arms more in front instead of behind your trail shoulder you will have more width. Getting deep tends to force you to make a manipulative move in the downswing to get the club squared up. Take a look at the 4 Square Drill and 3 Functions of the Right Arm.
April 3, 2019
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arthur john
From Arthur John. Reference my last. I now have more time to hit the ball. This is great
June 8, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Great. Let's keep it going!
June 8, 2017
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arthur john
Great video. I was worried that I could not get my hands high enough. Also for the first TIME I noticed the distance the hands/right elbow from body. I also noticed when going to hit hard and using power from legs I tended to trap the club behind me. Now I can swing at different paces to hit ball without missing 30%. Thank you. Arthur john
June 8, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Arthur J. Glad you found the video helpful.
June 8, 2017
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Kevin
Can more shoulder elevation happen earlier in the takeaway? I find if my hands are only at belt height in the takeaway in order to get into a high hands position it feels like I am bringing my arms straight up in the air to complete my backswing. I am simply looking for a smoother backswing and am wondering instead of what feels like a shallow takeaway followed by a steep backswing if I could simply add more shoulder elevation initially without messing other things up in my "loading" fase.
August 25, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Kevin. If you start to elevate too early in the takeaway it could lead to a lifty or more disconnected move. You want rotation to be the central element. Feeling the body rotate horizontally and the arms moving vertical is the proper feeling. To help with the blend. Take a look at the Winter Series Program Backswing Video.
August 25, 2016
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Paul
Hi Craig, can I just confirm the body rotates horizontally to the ground, not diagonally around your spine angle. Thanks.
May 1, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Paul. Take a look at Golf Backswing Shoulder Plane Drill. It might change your thinking. You rotate around the spine. My reference in the post earlier was more thinking about left and right and up and down with regards to horizontal and vertical.
May 1, 2019
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Paul
During my backswing I have been trying to rotate my shoulders right and up, with no shoulder elevation. When I rotate my body, more left and right, I am still maintaining my spine angle. So just to clarify, I should not be trying to rotate my shoulders up or down. They do move up and down naturally because of my spine angle. Thanks.
May 1, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Paul. Yes. I think you are on the right track now.
May 1, 2019
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Paul
Wow, thanks craig. Only taken me 35 years. Maybe I will be able to master stance width in the next 35. Lol.
May 1, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Paul. Woah woah woah. Let's not get ahead of ourselves .
May 1, 2019
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Paul
Hahaha
May 1, 2019
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James
Will should elevation affect the degree of should turn?
July 25, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello James. Adding proper elevation should help with a little more shoulder turn.
July 25, 2016
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Jukka
Is this same like "old vs new school" swing? In "old" swing you have deep lag and much faster roll release threw impact and you use more your wrists than your body. ( Phil Mickhelson, Fred couples, Davis love) In "new" modern swing you square club face earlier and hands are rolling slower threw impact and you use more your body rotation. ( Adam Scott, Justin Rose, Chuck Quinton)
January 1, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jukka. Sorta. The RST Swing you use more of your arms/hands to square the club face without relying on hard body rotation to do it for you (Quinton, Jason Day, McIlrory). The older model swing would be to hold the hands and the club face allowing bigger rotation to square it (McDowell, Mahan, Z Johnson).
January 1, 2016
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Jukka
Thanks for answer! I undesrstand what you mean. I actually was thinking this "old swing" like Sam Snead or Bobby Jones and more wrist snap release. Hogan is "old" too and more hold and body rotation. RST is "new" and blending this both. Or maybe i am just blending all swings methods You can think it so manyways...
January 1, 2016
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gary
Any drills for slamming on the brakes other than the impact bag which will be the 1st drill I use? What is the feel I'm looking for on the start down because I'm trying to get on my left side 1st and the club never catches up unless I feel like i'm throwing it which leads to poor contact
November 28, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Gary. Slamming on the brakes or stalling out the body? If they are one in the same. The impact bag is your best bet. However, also take a look at the Increase Swing Speed By Hip Deceleration and Belt Buckle Drill.
November 29, 2015
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Robert
I have a body type question as it relates to the golf swing and arm elevation. I'm ~6'4" with very long legs, narrow hips and a short torso. I'm what you'd call lanky . Similarly, my arms are almost comically long. I've been considering adopting a lower backswing (not Kuchar low or anything) but low. My reasoning is as follows. When I transition, my core and hips get square real quick. Being narrow, they don't have a long way go. Conversely, my monkey arms can get stuck in a heartbeat if I don't let them drop. Overall I feel like I'm more prone to being stuck due to my body type. Does that make mechanical sense? Would a lower set of hands help assuage being stuck as I work on the sequence, considering my body type?
September 24, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Rob. I wouldn't want you to give up the tremendous leverage you can create with your body. We have lots of students with your frame/build. Without seeing your swing it would be hard to say lower should be acceptable. I actually think flatter might make you a bit more stuck than keeping the body more passive on the downswing.
September 25, 2015
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Robert
10/4 Craig. No band-aids. I'll submit for review
September 26, 2015
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Ryan
In my most recent swing review, I was told that I have too much shoulder elevation at the top of the backswing. My only question with this is, if I do not elevate my shoulders as much as I am now, then my club does not get onto the proper elbow plane during the backswing. As I understand it, drawing a line from the hosel to the bottom of the elbow is the proper plane for the swing. As the club goes back, the elbow should pretty much follow that line. Could you maybe clarify this a little for me so that I understand maybe what I should be looking for as I analyze my swing plane and shoulder elevation? Thanks for the help.
September 9, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Ryan. Take a look at Proper Swing Plane Video to understand more the elbow plane line. Also, if you follow the 3 Functions of the Right Arm you should match that line without having to add too much elevation.
September 9, 2015
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Ryan
Ok I have watched both of those videos and I am still unsure on shoulder elevation. When I analyze my swing on video I am constantly looking to try and basically keep my elbow following the line that runs from the hosel and to the back of the elbow. This allows club will be parallel to that "proper swing plane" until right at impact where the club lines back up on that plane line. As I look at my swing on video I feel that my elbow many times will fall below the line because of my hands rolling to much to the inside after the takeaway portion of the backswing. However, in the swing analysis I am told I have too much shoulder elevation at the top. I get what the right arm should be doing, however in order to keep my elbow going up the correct plane, I feel that I have to get some pretty high elevation to in order to stay on plane so I am just a bit confused still about the concept after watching all videos on the takeaway and backswing several times each. Thanks again for the help, I just want to make sure I am doing this portion right. Could height have any factor in this part of the swing? I am just under 6' 4", so would I need less shoulder elevation and be more "flat" than a person who is shorter? It's always kind of stretch to find a good position at set up because of my height and the length of the clubs.
September 9, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Mmm. Height can sometimes play an issue because elevation can still be relative. As in the Understanding Arm Elevation it can be a little variable. If you wouldn't mind. Email me on your next review. I would like to take a look before your instructor completes it before I give you the go ahead for somewhat flatter. Craig@rotaryswing.com.
September 9, 2015
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Ryan
Thanks so much. I have sent you an email with the video clip of my swing.
September 11, 2015
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Jukka
Hi! Interesting video. How the arms lenght effect this. If you have short arms are you getting less power from arm elevation than guy with long arms. I mean Fred, Davis Love, Mickhelson, Bubba have lot arm elevation and it looks that they have long arms also. If you have shorter arms you are not maybe getting so much benefit from arm elevation. Maybe 5 yards longer and always missing the fairway Off cource you can play how you want it.
April 7, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Jukka. Thanks for the post. Your swing is starting to look better. Keep the learning and good work up!
April 8, 2015
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Boris (Certified RST Instructor)
This video helped me out tremendously. Especially the idea that the height of your arm elevation determines the amount of body rotation that is involved. I have good flexibility but I have a big chest and long arms. I tried the swing with less shoulder elevation and an aggressive body rotation, and maybe that swing would have worked when I was 25, but I am well past that now. Before RST, I had tried a high hands swing, but I didn't have a template like RST. It was an classic old school swing where I was pushing off my right leg therefore getting my left hip well outside neutral joint alignment. Some of the RST moves I was doing back then, but as I said I didn't have RST model and I was guessing on much of it. This is a breakthrough for me because I can go back to a swing that I loved, but I don't have to get hurt. Thanks.
March 27, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Boris. Great. Can't wait to see the new improvements! We all want better swings, but also safer.
March 28, 2015
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David
In my last two video reviews Steven Maes has said I still need to get my hands higher up in my back swing (at the moment they are going to about my ear height. Every time I consciously elevate my right arm/elbow a bit higher to get them further, I don't feel as connected at the top or as powerful through the downswing and don't hit the ball as solid. My question is, if the arm movement at the start of the downswing is just mainly a free fall (while maintaining lag), as I sit into the left side and the real speed starts with the release/snap of the right arm/wrist in the release zone, why do we need to get our hands up to the top or above the head level? What is the real benefit of those few extra inches of height?
February 23, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello David. Try not to think of it as "get the hands above the head". But, the arms to the base of the pectorals. Extra height means extra leverage. It allows you to maximize more than just rotation for speed. Higher arms leads to good potential energy. It takes stress off the body to use rotation, leverage and width versus just rotation as your energy source.
February 23, 2015
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David
Thanks Craig. Yes, I do try to focus on getting my right elbow up to the base of my right pec muscle and my fore arm is vertical. When I do this in front of a mirror in my RST back swing position my hands are level with my right ear. To get my hands up level with the top of my head, my elbow (and humerus bone is horizontally straight out from my arm pit (way above base of pec). I am a normally proportioned 5' 8'' fifty-five year old so can't fathom how to get my hands higher without breaking the 'elbow/pec' guide?
February 23, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey David. If you have the arms at the base of the pectoral, no more than 90 degrees of trail arm flexion and maintain good external humeral rotation. I wouldn't worry too much. Although, not having seen your swing I do trust Steven's judgement. Make sure you are getting gradual wrist set and not getting to max set too quickly from the takeaway to the top. Also, take a look at the 5 Minutes to the Perfect Backswing Pitfalls Video in the Advanced Backswing Section. It will give you a good reference for elevation with your arms.
February 23, 2015
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Miguel
I rotate with the gradual elavation. I am hitting it well, just hard to elevate to the level that James recommended without fighting it.
February 6, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Train the trail arm first. See if you can reach the proper positioning. 3 Functions of the Right Arm in the Advanced Backswing Section.
February 6, 2015
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Miguel
Take makes sense now!!
February 6, 2015
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Miguel
Thanks!!
February 6, 2015
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Miguel
From my last lesson, it was recommended to add elevation. I know I need this, but I feel I am fighting the elevation. I stretch, workout ect, but I am 50. Any thoughts or exercises on this?
February 6, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Miguel. Make sure you aren't over doing it. Elevation isn't too high. From your notes age and flexibility shouldn't be an issue. Base of the pectoral is all we are looking for.
February 6, 2015
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Paul
Do you rotate and elevate at the same time? Or, do you rotate and then elevate?
December 27, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Paul. It will be more of a blended move than separate pieces.
December 27, 2014
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Paul
So, as you start to rotate, after about a foot or so you slowly start to elevate so that when you finish the rotate your elevate is finished? Am I thinking about this correctly?
December 27, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Yes, you are correct. You want the arms to stop adding elevation and other keys as you finish your rotation. You don't want the arms moving independently of you not rotating.
December 29, 2014
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Paul
Thanks Craig.
December 29, 2014
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Michael
Hi Craig this video leaves me with an either or decision, can use body or not, I have been following RST which up to now as been clear in the instruction. In fact older student and I fall into that category can only elevate the back swing as far as they can actually turn, lifting the hands higher moves my head which I am being encouraged not to do. I have spent years moving my body hard and that leaves me stuck or a hip spinner. Mike
September 8, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Michael. The issue is shoulder elevation is variable because of discrepancies of body type. If you can only rotate and elevate to a certain point there is no need to swing any further. The key is to keep everything in conjunction. Once you stop turning, the arms need to stop. Don't force the added movement. Stay in-sync. You will still be able to use the 3 keys for distance (leverage, width, rotation).
September 8, 2014
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Michael
I don't think How much shoulder elevation video does anything to help, in fact I found confusing as it leaves the student in no mans land. I think RST should be definite in its instruction.
September 6, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Michael. I am sorry you found the video to be confusing. Is there anything I can help with to clear things up?
September 6, 2014
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Kevin
If you trap the ball correctly ( delofted at -4 degrees/ clubface) as a reference point, and your posistioning throughout the swing is correct, what are a couple of things/ positions you can do/ be in to give yourself more ball elevation?
July 22, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
To get the ball up you need left hand angle control. Take a look at the Bonus Series-9 Days to Amazing Ball Striking-Day 5 High Trajectory. Learn a little more left hand control for higher flight.
July 22, 2014
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Kevin
OK, so in reference to the , " How Much Shoulder Elevation" video. We have shoulder elevation being taught as a variable, and acceptable within the RST swing. The variables are A) On the flatter end where we would use our hips, core, and shoulders more aggressively to square off the clubface and not get blocked, slices/ blices. And B) The leverage swing, where the hands are higher and we have time for gravity to help accelerate the arms and hands down. I have a few questions. 1) for the higher leverage RST swing: When we transition back toward the target with our lower body and the arms get pulled down; is this considered gravity? If not what is the sequence? 3rd. Again the higher arms/ leverage RST swing: would this swing fit more into the, " Increase Golf Swing Speed by Decelerating", video or can either swing fit into this video? Thanks.
June 27, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Yes, it is considered gravity and pulling from the left. As you start pulling with the left side and left oblique. Gravity and the pulling force will shallow out the lead arm and work it in front of the body. Decelerating will increase the speed with more of a arm release in the "higher swing". The more body release swing would make it difficult to want to decelerate and square up the club at the same time.
June 27, 2014
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Alejandro
Hi Craig, Kevin. Even if I appreciate RST in being flexible regarding one type of swing or the other, now I think they should make videos or change existing ones to reflect on one or the other. It seems that downswing thoughts change quite a bit in either case
May 10, 2015
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Kevin
Using the leverage-technique- golf swing. i have slammed on the brakes, i have cracked the whip (released the club head). 3 questions: 1) Does slamming on the brakes mean stopping the rotation, cracking the whip, and momentum finishing the swing? Or 2) is cracking the whip releasing the entire right side once i am at the delivery stage of the swing? or 3) Does my second question fit better into the, use the body more aggessively golf swing?
June 20, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Number one is correct. Rotation will decelerate, allow whip (club) to crack, and momentum will pull you to a full follow through. It's not about aggressively rotating the whole right side through the shot. More the firing of the right arm which is is your only link to the club to add torso rotational speed to the swing.
June 20, 2014
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don
Question, is too much shoulder glide when the shoulder (my right) comes out of the box? I find that if I elevate too much (which actually is the amount that is recommended - I have shoulder mobility issues) I start to shrug and then that shrugging really motivates a right side, over the top move as that shoulder is so unstable at the top. Would I want to stay in the box and stop elevation at that point even if that means what looks like a 3/4 swing? and in fact with this low elevation I don't need much flexion to fully rotate at top? thoughts?
June 19, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Don. You can overdo the shoulder elevation leading to the right shoulder wanting to disengage from the box. Its only from belt high to the base of your pecs. If you have flexibility and mobility issues. It would be better to stay in the box. Rather than worrying about getting enough shoulder elevation.
June 19, 2014
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Darryl
how does your build factor into how use your body during the swing
April 24, 2014
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Some players with not have as much flexibility or range of motion and will not be able get a ton of elevation in their swings. If there is less elevation, you are going to have to use the body quite a bit more in transition. Some players that are tall and linky in the arms, will use more elevation which would allow them to use the body less in the downswing. These are just 2 of many examples per say.
April 25, 2014
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Leon
Does height and arm length play a part in deciding the best swing option? I am 5'7" with a 32 " shirt arm length.
April 19, 2014
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
It should not play much of a factor on your option. You may just need to take a good long look at your build and determine how you want to use the body during the move to help determine the best elevation point.
April 21, 2014

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