Weight Shift Part 3 - To the Left

Sorry, you need to be a member to access this video.
You Are Just Seconds Away - Become a member here!
Already a member? Log in now

The culmination in the three part series on correct weight shift in the golf swing gets us off the right side and loaded onto the left glute. This video shows how to correctly and safely shift your weight to the left in the golf swing. The activation of the right muscles is critical for stability and the application of power from the rest of the kinematic chain. Al Consoli of Rotary Swing Golf demonstrates the proper movements while Chuck Quinton discusses the movements, drills and exercises to train your brain how to move correctly.

  • The head drops a little as muscles activate in the weight shift
  • Weight moves back onto the left heel, placing the hip in neutral & activating the glute
  • Weight on the ball of the foot is unstable and puts strain on the knee
  • Drill 1 - Stand with feet together, then hop onto left foot & drive the weight into the left heel, activating the glute
  • Drill 2 - Practice lunges, keeping the knee stacked over the ankle as you go down

Must be Premium Member to Comment

64x64
bob
In the initial stage of transferring weight is it ok to have the hips closed until weight transfer to the left is accomplished? I'm finding that getting to the left, at any speed, while trying to squat to square my quads are over activated and I cannot get my glute to fire quick enough and I never get into the post up. in the sequencing here Al is dropping his head but the hips aren't square or open at all.
May 1, 2023
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Bob. Because you start shifting back into the lead side just slightly before the backswing is completed you will be in a tiny closed hip slide. Tough for me to say practice that move while sitting into the lead side as keeping the hips closed can cause a lot of other issues. If you look at the Tiger Sample from above after the first minute in this video "Pro Secret #2 - Maintaining Posture". You can see this a touch.
May 2, 2023
64x64
William
When I do the hop drill, my hamstring activates, not my glut. What am I doing wrong?
February 26, 2023
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello William. You may be hopping too far forward towards the toes/balls of the feet.
February 27, 2023
64x64
bob
Ive been making progress on my weight transfer but starting to introduce a club back into the move and trying to link the positions into a smooth movement a weakness has been exposed. In post up my left hip, as its rotating and im straightening the knee, vertically moves more to the trail side instead of remaining in place. Too much weight on right side due to my many years of throwing the club without transferring weight properly? I feel like most of my weight is left as I use the concepts of the clam shell drill and DD for transition but need to address this post up move. Thanks
January 23, 2023
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Bob. Work on the Tour Pro Downswing Sequence Drill. So you can learn to post will staying on the lead side.
January 23, 2023
64x64
bob
In this video Chuck stresses the dropping of the head once weight goes to left. Is this primarily a function of the increase in knee flex of the left, a slight change in spine angle, ie: clam drill or both?
February 2, 2023
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Bob. The trail knee will actually increase in flexion more than the trail during transition/squat. More of a function on increased flexion and pushing the pressure into the ground.
February 2, 2023
64x64
bob
Please clarify as you referenced trail knee twice. One of those should be lead knee. Thanks.
February 4, 2023
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
My apologies for typo. The trail knee will actually increase more than lead.
February 4, 2023
64x64
Jens
Back to the drawing board, the idea i had with what to feel unwinding still puts me onny toes and activate quad and extend the knee too much early. Figured i am missing something so bren looking back at key videos for setup and weightshift. Seems like the answer is i just have to be more over my angle back on heel than i am, no other reason than that for why my quads are activating hard right? Can't remember chuck mentioning this anywhere so maybe you can clarify Craig. At setup i want to feel i am balanced over the ancle on both feet which activates my glutes, correct? As i do my weightshift and start my backswing i want to feel that i am increasing the pressure through my right ancle which if anything moves my balance more over the heel, but as i do this what do i make of my lead leg? Do i want to keep the activation in my left glute for as long as i can in the backswing (staying over the ancle) or do i want to feel like I move out on the balls of my foot as i weightshift and get more into my quad during the backswing? Does it matter or do i just let my left leg do whatever and just focus on my trail leg pressure in the backswing? Is there any movement of the left leg that makes it easier to get the glute activated to start the transition? Same thing for the downswing, i know that the first thing i should do is an initial weightshift, getting pressure over my lead ancle to activate the left glute which i then use together with my obliques to rotate into impact, correct? but what about my trail leg now? Do I want to stay with pressure over my right ancle for as long as possible to keep the hip back and the glute activated, and only get more ok yhe ball of my foot as a reaction to getting all the weight over on my lead leg? Would love a bit of an explanation on what the "passive" leg (pressure on the foot and glute/quad activation) should do in the backswing and downswing
February 1, 2021
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jens. The quads will be used in the move, but just not a primary resource. More stability going back. You want to feel weight balanced over the ankle joints and increasing pressure in the trail ankle/glute. The left glute will be activated, but not overly engaged as you will work it hard in the downswing and it can't already be maxed out. The weight will stay pretty balanced in the lead and may work out a little more towards the toes because as you shift back the weight will start more forward in the foot to be able to push back during post. Keeping the lead knee stable will help stretch the muscles for better rebounding back in transition. The weight will move not to the lead ankle first during weight transfer. More towards balls of the lead foot. The trail leg glute will stay activated during this to keep from pushing. Why lots of players have the counter torque move.
February 1, 2021
64x64
Kevin
Impact position - too much axis tilt
September 29, 2020
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Kevin. The lead hip needs to clear better and the head is very static. It must return back to address or even slightly ahead during transition.
September 30, 2020
64x64
Kevin
Thanks Craig - just to clarify the clearing, should I focus more on clearing my hip up and back - post earlier as well?
September 30, 2020
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Kevin. A little early and up/back.
September 30, 2020
64x64
Kevin
I think I’m making some progress on this with some new pulling feels...lines on my head were drawn at setup and things look lined up at NJA better I think
October 5, 2020
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Kevin. Impact lines are for sure looking better.
October 6, 2020
64x64
Kevin
Hi Craig - I’ve been working on pulling more from the left and keeping the right foot down to stop from going past NJA with my hip. Also working on getting the upper body to get left and not let my head hang back with excess axis tilt. I have pictures of my setup and impact. It looks like I have no where to go - wondering if I need to post up earlier to stop sliding or widen my stance?
September 29, 2020
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Kevin. You may be able to widen the trail leg a hair. But, not that far off in the width department. Looks more like you added axis tilt by not bumping the lead hip.
September 30, 2020
64x64
Mohnishkumar
Hii guys,in this video of chuck(https://rotaryswing.com/golf-instruction-videos/full-swing-basics/setup/golf-setup-posture), he is telling that at address the weight is over the ankles and then in backswing, weight will go further the ankle onto the heel. Then in downswing the weight will 1st move over the left ankle and the onto the heel. But here in this video chuck is telling that the weight will move directly on the heels while we bend the left knee to start the downswing and then just unwind. So i'm little confused that in downswing i have to move the weight first over my ankles then to the heels or directly on the heels.Thank you.
July 30, 2020
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Monishkumar. Data continues to come out everyday for us the refine the principles better. The weight will move more from the ankle/center of the foot towards the heel. More like a figure 8 pattern with the feet.
July 30, 2020
64x64
Joe
Is squat to square considered a move for more advanced players? At first blush, it appears to be somewhat of a difficult move to make--esp for older players.
June 6, 2020
64x64
Todd (Certified RST Instructor)
Joe, squat to square is a standard move, as seen in DEAD Drill Step 2 and a number of other reference videos: Squat to Square in the Golf Downswing, The Tiger Squat, etc. It becomes a subtle move once you you're doing it at full speed in a swing. And far less difficult, especially physically on the body, than what players often do with things like ripping the hips open.
June 7, 2020
64x64
Mikko-Pekka
Hello Craig! I was a little amazed how little you yelled at me in my last review. I will keep the shoulders square from now on. I have a question about the left knee. Is my knee going past NJA because of sliding or too much weight shift? Should I feel flat footed or what's the correct fix? I found a RoadShow lesson and I wonder if I have the same issue? https://youtu.be/xfXGwIUeDXA?t=1964
May 8, 2020
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Mikko. Where you started that is the perfect explanation. You can't get outside with hip/knee without the help of push. You are more with the knee (side note).
May 8, 2020
64x64
Mikko-Pekka
Thanks Craig! I wish you had some leave from all the work you do for us!
May 10, 2020
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Thanks Mikko. Enjoy your Sunday!
May 10, 2020
64x64
Mohnishkumar
Hii craig,hope u r doing well. In this drill while taking backswing do we have 2 make a full rotation.When al consoli is moving back it seems like he is just using his obliques to rotate and after that he is not protacting his shoulders to make a full turn. 1) While doing the 5 min. To rotation drill we are not allowing our hips to move.So do we have to do the same thing here or we should allow our hips to move. 2)In downswing first al consoli is ditting into the left hell and letting his left knee to bend and the he is unwinding using the left obliques. So when he is completing his 3 inch weight shift, after sitting into the left or after unwinding .
May 6, 2020
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Monishkumar. By this time you need to start allowing the hips to move, and ideally with full shoulder rotation. A combination of both movements completing weight. Weight shift will happen during the sit/squat and complete itself during the post up move.
May 6, 2020
64x64
Christopher
When I do the drills to activate my left glute...I feel the left glute sqeeze and stabilize the left side, however, I still feel my quad activate as well. I also feel my pelvis come forward, i.e. when I activate my glutes, the pelvis wants to naturally shift forward (or to the front of my body). Is this feeling wrong?
February 29, 2020
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Christopher. The quad will still be supporting and the hips will have to move laterally towards the target. The glute should be the primary muscle activating however.
March 2, 2020
64x64
Mike
I'm having a really hard time posting up without feeling like I want to snap my left knee up. I know what I want to do but my brain will not comply. Its so hard for me to feel the weight go to my left heel. Any suggestions?
January 15, 2020
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Mike. Take a look at Perfecting Lower Body Stability and You Hit the Golf Ball with Your Legs Video. If you are snapping it back to a locked position you are simply being too aggressive.
January 15, 2020
64x64
Kevin
Hi Craig, In my swing review this weekend you mentioned that I am getting out ahead of myself because I "dont have anywhere to go." We talked about widening my right leg and more hip rotation on my squat to square move. Just want to make sure I understand your comment on "not having anywhere to go." Is the thought that if I clear my hip more and back (Post Up) that it will stop me from shifting laterally past NJA? I've attached a picture from my review when you made that comment.
January 13, 2020
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Kevin. Yes. The cleaner post up, but also the stance wide enough to shift the pelvis the proper width. We will be in a safer, more stable and powerful spot.
January 13, 2020
64x64
Kevin
Hi Craig - I’ve been working on my weight shift since this last post - I had a right hip line on which I maintained on the way back and drew a line on the right side of my head - looks like I shifted my weight and I’m not shifting my head laterally too much and NJA looks good - just wanted to confirm with you before my next review?
March 4, 2020
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Kevin. Maybe a little bit of secondary tilt. But, much improved. Lead shoulder a hair lower and we may have something.
March 4, 2020
64x64
Kevin
Thanks Craig...maybe some confusion on my part with the axis tilt. As I keep my head down and behind the ball during this move while I shift my weight and post up I'm not sure how to avoid this. I've been watching the release videos and throw the club at the ball and they all seem to focus on staying behind the ball more, maintaining posture and feeling the extension with your arms. Seems like a tough balancing point
March 5, 2020
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Kevin. The head will stay behind the ball. I think if you concentrate on lead shoulder tension from the pic above. It will be pretty darn close.
March 5, 2020
64x64
Kevin
Thanks Craig - when I post up the left shoulder is going up as well when I stop - I’ll work on keeping it down - might explain my misses off the toe
March 5, 2020
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Kevin. 100% explains it.
March 5, 2020
64x64
Fred
I'm over 50. My low back is usually tight so when I load into my back swing my left knee bends slightly tword my right knee to help rotate fully into my 90 degree turn. On a day I have real bad back pain my left heel also raises a bit. Is that ok?
December 4, 2019
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Fred. You want to keep the lead leg/foot movement to a minimum. But, due to your injury you may need to allow for some movement to facilitate full turn. If not excessive then you should be fine.
December 4, 2019
64x64
Tausif
Hello Craig. Is the rotation in the downswing passive, say if I do a proper weight shift? I mean properly going to the top, back facing target, shift weight back to the left by sitting into the lead leg with knee bend and down force on lead heel, proper post up etc. Because I notice some passive rotation. I don't know if that is what you refer to as using the box like obliques, adductors and core. I ask in reference to studying a lot of videos here from different timelines, namely "How to Swing From The Ground Up - Golf Swing Transition" and this one "Weight Shift Part 3 - To the Left". Do I still need to actively rotate? Should I pull/shift from the lead leg laterally or with external rotation like Chuck and Chris mention in some other videos?
November 23, 2019
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Tausif. The rotation with the upper half will be passive. You do not want to actively move the shoulders in the downswing. The weight and post will be more active. Lead knee external rotation, squat to square, and posting up to clear the hips. Some players already use their lower body well. But, you need to make sure the hips rotate in the downswing as they will do the heavy lifting to move the upper half.
November 23, 2019
64x64
Kevin
Craig - I’ve always like this video but wanted some clarification on knee flex in the squat to square move. Should both the right and left knees flex the same amount as I squat to square on does the left squat more as it starts to externally rotate? Just trying to clean up this move from my swing review you did for me yesterday - thanks
October 6, 2019
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Kevin. It all depends. Some players lose a little trail knee flexion in the backswing. Others allow for a little more lead knee motion going back. It can vary, but players will tend to feel more active with the lead knee flexion even though both are roughly squatting the same amount.
October 7, 2019
64x64
Anthony
I STILL really struggle with moving my upper body to the left first. I guess that's from 40 years of doing it wrong. Any suggestions as to how to break that habit are appreciated!
September 23, 2019
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Anthony. Chunk up the DEAD Drill Body Only, or Step 2 - Core Rotation keeping you back to the target. You may need to feel very exaggerated at first to get over the proverbial hump.
September 23, 2019
64x64
jane
R.J. You recommend I watch a rotary swing you tube video on my last review. Which video do you recommend? Thanks for the constructive comments on my review. Jane
September 13, 2019
64x64
R.J. (Certified RST Instructor)
This drill here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LFr8yx353LI&t=74s
September 13, 2019
64x64
Michelle
Hello Craig Just a question on weight shift back to the left on the start of the downswing. I know that there needs to be a slight move by the left hip towards the target at the start of the downswing. Is this move to the left parallel and or towards the target or is it about 45 degrees away from the target line?? I feel that in order to get my weight over my left hip joint knee and ankle joint when posting up my left hip needs to be pointing at a 45 degree angle away from the target. I intend to send a video shortly so hopefully to can see what I mean. I feel confident that this 45 degree left of target is wrong. Can you please advise??
July 22, 2019
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Michelle. Take a look at the Closed Hip Slide Video. As you shift weight back to the lead side the hips will need to rotate. You should try to picture it as lateral towards the target, but also rotational away from the target so they will square up properly.
July 22, 2019
64x64
Dean
I am getting very close, the first hole at my club is my measure. I am normally between 165 to 180 out after my drive. Today i hit it to 147 out, was my best swing of the day, but many were very good. My irons were longer and straighter. My question is, the way you guided me through the backswing, the descriptions along with that advice to sit on the edge of the seat of a cart and hound glide, I got it very fast. But the weight shift is not going as well, is there a different description, like left thigh in, or knee back, etc. I can not feel it like the back swing, I can do it a little but nothing has a feel to it. Also I got it today because I stopped thinking of the two move together,like one (shoulder) two (weight shift), I had to trust that my backswing was good a just think weight shift. Thank you for the great site and instructions. Dean
July 13, 2019
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Dean. Glad to hear the results are starting to show. Is it the sit of the weight, or the pull? Here are a few videos that will talk about both just inn case. Fixing Your Weight Transfer, Preventing Hip Pain, Which Muscles to Feel in the Transition, RST Tempo Drill, How to Swing from the Ground Up, and Perfecting Lower Body Stability.
July 19, 2019
64x64
Kevin
Great video, just a little clarification. Does the left knee open up to pull over to the lead side before the flex / squat move? Just a little confused on the left knee pronation move vs. the squat move
July 11, 2019
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Kevin. Take a look at Fixing Your Weight Transfer and Preventing Hip Pain. Lead knee external rotation, followed by inner thigh adduction and oblique to pull/square hip. The knee will externally rotate first as you start to settle into your squat.
July 11, 2019
64x64
Doug
I am working on my weight shift and maintaining the tush line. When I am on the range making full swings, I hit a lot of pulls 20-30 yards to the left. My ball striking is improving, (more consistent) but this pull is FRUSTRATING! Any thoughts? (I am also working on better axis tilt and posture, hinging from the hips).
July 9, 2019
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Doug. I would make sure that you are completing your weight transfer back to the lead side and the shoulders aren't spinning (open at impact with release). Take a look at Perfecting Lower Body Stability and Keep the Rear Shoulder Back.
July 10, 2019
64x64
Jaleel
In the downswing, does weight in your feet transfer from ankle to ankle … or heel to heel … or some combination of the two?
June 11, 2019
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jaleel. You goal would be center of ankle joint to center of ankle joint. Heel is a good trigger thought, but you don't want to get excessively on the back end of the foot.
June 11, 2019
64x64
Jaleel
Great Craig ... Thanks so much for such a prompt and satisfying reply. It was kind of a burning question for me
June 11, 2019
64x64
Joseph
Great video ... Couple of questions ... When I do the drills ( just started the course ) should I have axis tilt and should my left foot be angled out slightly as if in proper address? I try to do the drills from proper setup. Second, with regard to the lunge drill ... Shouldn't your head be up and eyes forward? I noticed Al is looking at the ground and not forward. Thanks In Advance
March 10, 2019
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Joseph. Yes, you should have axis tilt and a slight splay of the lead foot is fine. Looking forward or down is fine. The goal is to start feeling the weight move and the glutes engage.
March 10, 2019
64x64
Kevin
I’m experiencing some knee pain on my lead leg. When shifting to the left; does the hip rotate as the left leg internally rotates causing the weight to shift? What could be causing knee pain? I also fee tightness in my lower back, not sure if that’s just from working on the 9-3 drill
February 13, 2019
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Kevin. The lead knee should externally rotate first and the hips need to square as you pull the weight over. Take a look at Fixing Your Weight Transfer and Closed Hip Slide.
February 13, 2019
64x64
Ross
Looking face on when Al completes the move, his left hip is in neutral joint alignment over his left ankle but his left shoulder is a few inches out of alignment to the right. To get my left shoulder over my left hip and ankle at impact I seem to need to move my head a few inches forward of its address position. What should the alignments be at the end of this drill?
January 9, 2019
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Ross. The alignments should be stacked. Shoulder joint, hip, knee, and ankle. The head will have to move slightly. If it is hanging way back. Take a look at Preventing Hip Pain and Level Shoulders Drill.
January 9, 2019
64x64
Sam
I have tried over the years to incorporate this video into my transition/downswing move and think I finally got it. Looking at the swing analysis videos in slow motion I keep seeing this move, esp in Greg Leach swing, and it appears to be lateral movement. I understand this movement can be greatly exaggerated but am I correct in saying it is a slight lateral movement just to get weight on the left foot so we are able to unwind the hips to square and post up? Does this weight shift move the whole body forward and down slightly? Since the WHOLE body moves slightly forward, am I correct in saying that this is why we don't call it a closed hip slide? ( I am looking at Chucks FO 8 iron between 9:34-10-21, and Greg FO between 5:10-5:73....they all all lateral looking moves with no turn of hips/shoulders and appears whole body moves forward slighly) Thanks!
December 22, 2018
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Sam. It will be a whole movement of the body a little downward and lateral. However, the hips will have to rotate some to prevent a closed hip slide. Think about it a lateral and rotational.
December 22, 2018
64x64
Brent
Have good weight shift to left initially then pelvis moves forward as i try to straighten with hip turn
November 14, 2018
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Brent. Do you have a question about this move?
November 14, 2018
64x64
David
Besides this video can you point me to others the see drills for keeping weight towards the heels? I definitely struggle with this. I got shift and rotation going good but was still earlyr struggling with pull hooks. When I started focusing more on keeping the right heel down (left) I started hitting much more draws that stayed left of the Target
November 7, 2018
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello David. Take a look at How to Fix the Two Way Miss, How to Swing from the Ground Up, Chair Drill and Perfecting Lower Body Stability.
November 7, 2018
64x64
David
I'm a lefty. Besides being too left side dominant, have you seen bring too much on the balls of your right foot at impact as a cause of a too steep downswing? I'm thinking of a sort of tipping-over look from the top to the bottom.
November 7, 2018
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello David. Getting out towards your toes can definitely aid in a steeper swing.
November 7, 2018
64x64
Hector
In my takeaway and back swing , I move everything at the same time , meaning my shoulders and my hip at the same time and I don’t feel the coil etc , any help
October 25, 2018
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Hector. Try to isolate the issue. Take a look at the Body Rotation in Golf Backswing Video. Sitting in a chair will keep the hips from moving as you rotate around the spine. You should focus on feeling the stretch/coil against the lower half.
October 25, 2018
64x64
Scott
Hi, just starting the program and am excited to get some consistency to my game. When I start the weight shift from my right heel to my left heel going forward I'm noticing that my left knee has a pretty decent bend to it. Is it supposed to be fully straightened but no locked when I make the shift? I'm having trouble getting rid of my left knee flex.
September 22, 2018
64x64
Howard (Certified RST Instructor)
Hi Scott. The bend in the left knee is ok when you shift because it will allow you a chance to activate the left glute, subsequently followed by a powerful post-up move. There's really nothing to post up on if your left leg is already straightened when you shift. Watch Squat to Square and You Hit the Golf Ball with Your Legs for more information on this topic.
September 23, 2018
64x64
Andrew
I have just joined the RS site and following the program solely via the dashboard. There seems to be many mentions of videos that don't appear in the dashboard but I assume are meant to explain the concepts in better depth. My question is whether the dashboard is the best way way to navigate the core program and ensure I do the drills correctly or is there a more in depth part of the website I should follow so I don't miss anything? The Weight Shift section of the dashboard is an example where I am confused. When I get to the first Weight Shift drill it doesn't explain the need to turn the hips during the weight shift or whether the drill needs to be taken from a proper set up position. It just says to step between legs first and then move to keeping the feet on the ground. It also uses a golf club in the left hand whereas I assume you only introduce the left hand in section 3? Perhaps because I used the Dashboard I missed some videos that would have explained the drill better? I guess I hope you can guide me on how best to use the website and ensure I do the drills correctly from the start. I don't want to miss anything and I don't want to do the drills incorrectly because I missed a certain video which will just be a waste of time. Cheers Andrew
May 13, 2018
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Andrew. The dashboard will guide you through the exact pieces you need for a great swing. AS mentioned above, the hips and rotation of them will be mentioned in the Step 2 - Core Rotation Video through the dashboard. The in-depth videos are geared more if you struggle to attain a certain position solely using the dashboard. You won't be missing any key components. But, to help simplify items. The dashboard keeps it concise while there are more in-depth videos if you need them.
May 14, 2018
64x64
Andrew
Thanks Craig I realise that I hadn't seen the videos in the Weight Transfer RST drills section at the time I had sent my query. So is it correct that the drills in that RST Drills section are what I need to specifically follow and also tally my repetitions? If so for example when I need to do the drill where I step between the left and right foot while swinging a club with my left hand what would constitutes a repetition? Each back and through swing? How about the drill where you shift the hip one inch to the right and 3 inches to the left? Is a repetition counted as every 10 of those moves (5 done with eyes open and 5 with eyes closed) or every single move? Cheers Andrew
May 14, 2018
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Andrew. Yes, the RST Drills are exactly what you need to follow. Stepping and shifting correctly constitutes a rep. The latter drill you asked about (5 Minute Drill). All proper transfers will add up. Eyes open, or closed. The goal is continual reinforcement of moving correctly from setup in that drill.
May 14, 2018
64x64
Vahe
Hi, i'm really struggling with shifting back to the left, I keep ending up on the balls of my feet. Thanks V
May 3, 2018
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Vahe. Try the How to Swing from the Ground Up Video and RST Tempo Drill.
May 3, 2018
64x64
roger
Is 'loading the left side' and you lateral shift back towards target the same thing?
April 13, 2018
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Roger. Shifting into the lead side is a lateral and rotational move loading into the lead glute. But, yes the same thing.
April 13, 2018
64x64
roger
Hi Craig, I seem to feel the majority of the rotation only start when I post on my left leg ie. Me so for: There is actually a lateral move in the backswing (which is sort of hidden by the hip rotation) - that's new - good. The lateral move back is with (try) the upper body still away from the target. Left arms drops in to place (have chopped off my right arm, shoulder and pec - didn't hurt much) during this lateral move and then everything only happens once i post on my left leg. As i post on my leg legs it makes my hips go around, which brings my shoulders around and then my arms (all feel very late to me which must be good!). And then my hip rotation slows or stops at 30 -45 degrees (thats new) letting the shoulder to accelerate thru. Is that OK?
April 13, 2018
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Roger. As you shift back to the lead side it may feel completely lateral. However, the torso will square the hips (Squat to Square). And, after you post up and clear the hips. The shoulders will follow due to the release. No active motion with the shoulders at all in the downswing. Everything else in the note seems on par.
April 13, 2018
64x64
roger
Thanks Craig, will even take a bogey
April 13, 2018
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Roger. Sorry. We teach you to be in the birdies only club.
April 13, 2018
64x64
roger
ha yep am officially 1% done so far !! (have learnt more in that 1% than 12 months at other place - thanks)
April 13, 2018
64x64
jason
Hello For a right handed golfer is it ok to lift the left heal a little in the backswing or should it stay planted?
March 11, 2018
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jason. Take a look at the Laser Beam Drills and Weight Shift Video Part 2. You want to maintain as much stability as possible. Allow for more hip turn if you feel restricted. Also, if you are having pain. There must be something improper about your move.
March 12, 2018
64x64
David
When i shift back to the left my hips want to open and i feel my upper body and right shoulder wanting to in on the action and so my big miss is low left and going left. What should i work on?
March 3, 2018
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello David. The hips will start to rotate when you shift to the lead side. Sounds like the upper half is spinning open. Take a look at How to Fix Plane and Path. You need to get the shoulders turned off and club on plane.
March 4, 2018
64x64
Chad
Hello, question on downswing transition. As you transfer weight to left side, is the goal also to keep your back to the target as long as possible? Thanks, Chad
February 16, 2018
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Chad. Yes. It can be over done. But, that would be in the minority of golfers.
February 16, 2018
64x64
Hank
ok, I have had a membership for about a year and have strayed off the path so I am starting over. Doing the Weight shift drill only, I feel that I am getting the weight shift. However when I am doing the weight shift to the left in this video I am doing something wrong. I am doing it very slowly to try to get the feel, but after the squat and posting up and pulling with my obliques/abs, I am getting some discomfort in my right hip/back. Using the mirror but having difficulty seeing if that is not fully transferring the weight or if maybe I am doing something with my spine angle.
January 31, 2018
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Hank. You may be pushing which is increasing your secondary tilt too much and hurting your hip/back. Even though it is for the lead hip. Take a look at Preventing Hip Pain to make sure you are pulling the weight properly.
January 31, 2018
64x64
David
How do i shft my weight to the left without my upper body getting ahead of the ball and feeling i just cant get through the shot. Thanks.
January 22, 2018
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello David. Work on Step 2 - Core Rotation. If you start from the ground up and the upper half is passive. It will be hard to get ahead of the ball.
January 22, 2018
64x64
Charles
Know what I love about this series? All the focus on a safe, pain free golf swing! I'm sick of advise from pros that end up hurting my elbows, knees, and feet. It's so clear that you've done your homework on the dynamics of the body to ensure that we can swing without messing our bodies up. Thanks for that!
December 28, 2017
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Charles. We have certainly done our homework. I know more about anatomy than I ever cared to know . Thanks for the post. RST is the only way I can swing the club without pain from numerous injuries in the past.
December 28, 2017
64x64
Anthony
There seem to be a number of drills / moves to consider under the various videos in the 'Weight Shift' step. However, there is only one drill covered by a rep sheet 'weight shift in address position'. What work should I be doing here? I am attempting to have a swing review. Will the review identify exactly what moves I should concentrate on?
December 19, 2017
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Anthony. A swing review by one of our instructors will give you exactly the area of need you should be focusing on. All the videos will help you with proper shifting. Step 1 - Drill Only will have a online rep counter as well. I would suggest using that one for right now until you have a review.
December 19, 2017
64x64
Anthony
Thanks Craig. I have my video and will upload today. I have viewed it in slow motion!! There is much work to do. I seem to have most of the amateur faults!
December 20, 2017
64x64
Curt
TO CRAIG MORROW: I was pretty upset with myself when I received my last review. After reviewing some of my last reviews, Pre-RSA, and my golf swing videos...it's clear that I never "got it" with weight shift. I've reviewed most of the videos and drills on the site for weight shift. I need drilling on the entire shift...back and down.I feel like the downward shift is the cause of my premature left leg post. Is there any particular drill(s) you recommend for me to focus on in conjunction with the Step 3 drills? Am I on the right track in my self evaluation?
November 27, 2017
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Curt. You are on the right path. Focus on some Weight Shift Sweep Drills, How to Swing from the Ground Up and Preventing Hip Pain. You almost have it.
November 27, 2017
64x64
John
On the downswing does the spine move to the left as well, as part of the downswing. Or is it a shift to the left with the lower body and a rotation around a fairly fixed spine ?
November 25, 2017
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello John. There will be a slight increase of secondary axis tilt in the downswing. Also, the upper half will have to move slightly to help you reach proper impact alignments. Take a look at Preventing Hip Pain to understand if the lower half solely moves the affects on impact alignment.
November 27, 2017
64x64
John
Hi John here. I tried this out but believe I misinterpreted something along the way, upshot was I woke up with a pain in my left hip. So can you clarify please. The weight shift to the left (downswing) is primarily a lateral move with the body, after you have achieved the weight shift to the left is it then a rotary movement movement but not a movement into the left hip (which I think is what I did to cause the sore hip)
November 15, 2017
64x64
John
Craig many thanks the explanation and drills were top drawer. I am a new member I found the videos by going to the search function. Could you tell me from a navigation perspective where these videos reside. Thanks John
November 15, 2017
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello John. As you shift there will be lateral and rotational movement. If you don't allow for any rotation you will achieve a closed hip slide. Leading to the potential of pushing the lead hip against the hip socket wall causing pain. Take a look at the Fixing Your Weight Transfer Video and the Preventing Hip Pain Video.
November 15, 2017
64x64
Jason
I have watched all of the weight shift videos (and reviewed most of the Q&A) and I am still a bit confused on this one issue: how much of the weight shift to the left (I'm right-handed) is accomplished purely by a lateral movement of the body vs rotation of the hips towards the target. I'm having some difficulty putting those two movements together in the right combination. Thx.
October 28, 2017
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jason. The movement has to be lateral and rotational. You won't be shifting weight during the post up. But, in your initial transition you need to get 80% of your weight back to the lead side before posting up.
October 28, 2017
64x64
Ted
I'm continuing to work on weight shift, specifically 1) how the right side is supposed to hand over the reigns to the left (this is I supposed a kinesthetic awareness question) and 2) really training that left side (adductor and glute) to pull the hips left and square. I've worked on this enough that I'm now find little to know problem doing this without the club. But when I put a club in my hand and get to the top of my backswing (which I'm told is in pretty good shape) the core muscles just don't seem to be talking to each other in the same way. The left hip and adductor are just not engaging easily and I"m feeling the need to "start" the transition with my right side....which for me is a recipe for the inevitable closed hip slide. Is there a reason I'm having such a hard time feeling the transition with the club vs the ease with which it's now happening when I'm in "no club" mode?
October 22, 2017
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Ted. Not really. More due to the fact you are right side dominant. Focus on shifting the weight and keeping your back to the target longer. Your lower half will have to be more responsible to allow your movement to the lead side. Also, take a look at Fixing Your Weight Transfer and Preventing Hip Pain for some more tips.
October 23, 2017
64x64
Dominic
Great tip. Never really felt the gluteal until doing lunge exercise. Does the core above the pelvis or oblique play less of a role in rotation of the core. Don
July 12, 2017
64x64
Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Don, Not sure I understand your question but the obliques are part of your core and they will definitely be playing a role in your rotation along with the rest core muscles. Check out the "getting into the box" video for further info.
July 18, 2017
64x64
Daniel
Over the years I developed the bad habit of kicking my right knee to the right to start the swing. Sort of as a start motion. It has also turned into a sway. Its causing inconsistent ball contact. Do you have any sort of thought or motion that you suggest to start the swing and resulting weight proper weight. I am now conscious of the knee and sway. I am overcompensating and sort locked my right side preventing weight shift.
June 1, 2017
64x64
Benjamin
As you start the weight shift to the left, is it fair to assume that the weight on the right foot starts converting to the inside of the right foot and the right side of the right foot begins to lift off the ground? Which will enable an easy transition into standing on the right toe? I struggle with maintaining balance in my downswing so I want to make sure I have the transition correct. My hips are in alignment, but I find that when I finish my swing, I am off balance (on heels/on toes). This could also be a symptom of something else in the swing, as I am completely re-tooling it (working hard to stay off the range for a few weeks and just doing drills/quarter swings/half swings at home).
May 18, 2017
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Benjamin. Take a look at the Role of the Right Foot Video for more info on the trail foot. It will tend to roll onto the instep and a little of the ground by impact.
May 18, 2017
64x64
Benjamin
Craig, I figured I'd just comment on this chain with a follow up question: when I put my weight into the right side/heel, should I feel a small dip? Nothing over pronounced but enough to load the glute?
May 18, 2017
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Benjamin. You will feel a slight sit. But, you shouldn't be increasing the knee flexion that much or dropping your levels to a big degree.
May 18, 2017
64x64
Benjamin
Another question (I'm literally doing this drill right now): as I drop into the left side, my right foot is rolling over via the instep, but sometimes my right knee gets awfully close to my left leg on my finish. Is this a case of my stance being too narrow or something else? Even if I just take my normal stance and turn my left hip right away and let my foot roll, it can occur. Is this an issue?
May 18, 2017
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Benjamin. Gets close on the finish or impact? The knees shouldn't get too close coming into impact. They will start to get closer after you fully release the club. Sounds like you might be adding a little push with the trail. Turn him off. Take a look at Perfecting Lower Body Stability.
May 18, 2017
64x64
Benjamin
Yes! That was it. I didn't even realize that. The movement feels a lot smoother now and my left hip isn't taking as much of a beating. I was keeping it in alignment but with the momentum of the right, it was making it difficult. I was also having a problem with hooking a ton of my shots.
May 18, 2017
64x64
marco
Hi, just started RST, focusing on takeaway and weight shift. Went to the range, hit 100 balls approx and already saw some improvement. But I also felt sharp pain in my lead leg, about 3 inches above my ankle, especially when I finished with most of the weight on my heel. Is it a common symptom of a wrong weight shift movement?
March 18, 2017
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Marco. You shouldn't experience any pain if the weight is planted correctly and you were stacked over the ankle joint. Were you rolling onto the outer edge of the foot, or hip pushed far beyond neutral?
March 19, 2017
64x64
Cornelius
I was a student of the Nicklaus swing. Driving of the right foot so much, the sole of my golf shoe would separate at the toe end. Could get good distance and very good control. However, I have had both my hips replaced and now need to have my knees replaced. Wish I knew about the Rotary method many years ago, it may well have saved me a lot of pain and a great deal of discomfort.
March 16, 2017
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Cornelius. Sorry to hear about your knees. Sadly you aren't the only one dealing with knee and hip issues from the Nicklaus Era. All the best to your new swing work and hopefully we will help you shy away from too much pain.
March 16, 2017
64x64
Hank
From the point you transfer 70-80% to your left side/heel and then pull with your left oblique, how much does your left leg stay bent vs straightened. I find if I straighten it, the I tend to open up my hips too much and lock in my left hip. If I don't straighten, I don't feel like I am using my legs.
March 1, 2017
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Hank. I believe we will have a new video out soon on this topic. However, you don't want to lock out the lead leg/knee. You would start to due unnecessary damage. The lead leg is straightening and not locking out. Allow is to lose the bend gradually versus snap to locked out.
March 1, 2017
64x64
jerry
Moving onto my left side on the down swing has the sensation that I am squeezing my buttocks, particularly my left buttocks. Is this what is meant by firing the glutes?
February 14, 2017
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jerry. Yes. Getting the glutes to fire and feel some engagement/contraction.
February 14, 2017
64x64
Douglas
At the top of the backswing, after you have started the weight shift with a squat - the head drops a little and the left leg bends slightly further as the left glute activates. Your shoulders have not moved and still your back is to the target. What weight is on the left foot? Is it still predominantly on the right side or 70/80 % on left side?
February 12, 2017
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Douglas. When you sit into the lead side and into your squat. Yes, the weight should be 70-80 on the lead side.
February 13, 2017
64x64
Dave
I have maybe a dumb question. I am trying to understand the feeling in the left foot as I progress through the weight shift. I see the weight shift as two steps. Step one is getting to the left side with exterior rotation and pulling from the left leg and then once shifted driving the left heel in the ground. When I do this I feel balanced in the left foot first and then pressure in the heel follows. My question is should I go straight to pressure in the left heel and skip the balanced feeling first. In other words have a feeling of pulling from the left heel or pulling from the entire left foot. When I pull from the left heel my hips open up sooner and square sooner. I wonder if I would get more whip through the hitting zone by going to a balanced feeling first and driving the heel second. I am able to do both moves easy enough but I don't know which is more correct if either.
January 9, 2017
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Dave. It sounds like the balanced feel is your Squat to Square Position (see video - Squat to Square). However, most of the weight will be planted on the lead side by then. You should move through the balanced feel to the weight planted in the heel position. You don't jump the weight from one side to another. It is a blended motion to shift the weight back to the lead side.
January 10, 2017
64x64
Stuart
In the discussion of the video "What Move Starts the Golf Swing" you mention starting the swing with a bump start, but the video itself doesn't use that term. Is there a video or explanation of the bump start in another video?
November 18, 2016
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Stuart. Take a look at Fixing Your Weight Transfer and the Step 2 - Core Rotation Video. It will help explain the very first movement.
November 20, 2016
64x64
joseph
Having a difficult time making contact ... thin shots with a last second flip to save the shot ... had my local pro video me with his tablet camera & software to make real time analysis (logistics of my high speed camera and self analysis feature no good for real time) ... he wasn't impressed with what I'm trying to do ... 'splained to him about the lateral shift, impact position of straight line thru ankle, knee, hip, and shoulder, and no hip turn ... he said the head is moving 6 inches to the left ... I said the head has to be allowed to move ... he tried to get me to turn the hips as the engine for the downswing ... I said no way ... he said good luck and left. So I try to mitigate the flip with a harder pull with the left arm ... ball goes real low but more solid. Moving the iron position to even with the left heel helps a little. Any thoughts? Thanks.
September 10, 2016
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Joseph. The legs will be the engine to start the downswing, but you definitely don't want to go straight into spinning or rotation. The head moves a little in the golf swing. You don't want it perfectly stagnant or it will affect weight shift. Moving the ball up changes where you catch it. The angle of attack will be less and closer or even passed the bottom of your swing arc depending on exact placement. Don't use excessive speed or yank with the lead arm to shy away from flip. Focus on a more gradual rotation (Flip Versus Release Video).
September 10, 2016
64x64
Frank
Great drills to really feel activation of the left gluteal muscles!
September 6, 2016
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Thanks Frank!
September 7, 2016
64x64
Daniel
This no doubt gets asked a lot, my apologies, but when in reference to impact is the left leg straight? Furthermore if my left leg doesn't quite straighten 100% is that an issue? Thanks
July 2, 2016
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Daniel. Take a look at the Straight Left Leg Video, Perfecting Lower Body Stability, and Step 1-2 (RST 5 Step System). You don't want to lock out the lead leg at impact. But, the leg should be straight. Try to shy away from snapping it back too aggressively or you will end up with a Tiger like injury.
July 3, 2016
64x64
David
When i shift into my left side, my upper body wants to come too how can i stop this? Also i feel my arms get a bit disconnected on the way down too. Enjoying the process.
June 19, 2016
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello David. You don't want to spin the shoulders, but you need to allow the upper half to move a little. Take a look at Preventing Hip Pain and Fixing Your Weight Transfer.
June 20, 2016
64x64
Les
Whenever I shift into my left side/ left heel in the downswing I notice I still slide my hips outside of the nutueral joint alignment. I understand it is only a 3 inch shift back to the right but how I can I shift without overshooting? Is it a really small push into the left heel and then rotate the left hip back or what? Thanks
June 7, 2016
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Les. Take a look at Preventing Hip Pain and Perfecting Lower Body Stability. You need to post up properly and more than likely not create a closed hip slide.
June 7, 2016
64x64
Denis
Noticed I did not shift weight properly when I try to hit ball hard. A lot of shoulders and arms brings into action to early because of this. How to remove this wishes from my head?
May 10, 2016
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Denis. You need to train at pace. Slow and methodical reps until you can change your motor patterns. It is very hard once the ball gets in front of us to not resort back the the "kill it" instinct. Use the How to Swing from the Ground Up and the RST 5 Step System to help you get over the hump.
May 11, 2016
64x64
Braden
Hi Craig, do you still want to start this move before you get fully to the top of the swing?
May 6, 2016
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Braden. You are more than welcome to start the downswing before completing the backswing. It will help with lag and over swinging. I personally like a pause in my own game. But, yes would still perform this same move. Take a look at Starting Downswing Before Completing Backswing Video.
May 6, 2016
64x64
Lewis
I should have said keeping my back to target as opposed to keeping upper body back. Ill look for that video. And submit a swing video. Tks
May 3, 2016
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Lewis. No problem.
May 4, 2016
64x64
Lewis
I am struggling thinking about 2 separate actions from the top. Weight shift followed by pulling. When i think of the downswing this way i really get disjointed and feel no fluidity. However when i start the downswing by feeling like i shift my left glute back toward my left heel or feel like i rotate my belt buckle toward mid of left foot, the hands and arms just react. I never feel like im pulling and i seem to make solid contact. May not be as powerful as it could be yet but its solid. I almost dont even feel like i have arms. They just react to the lower body rotation? My question is, is this ok? the rotation back of the left glute or the belt buckle seems to work better than the sit into it move. Im not sure why. I do have to focus on keeping upper body back a bit so it doesnt spin the shoulders out but thats not too hard. Hope Im on right track????
May 3, 2016
64x64
Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Lewis, did you see the fixing weight transfer video??? You need should be focusing on the lead side of the lower body pulling your hips and torso back into the hitting area. If you keep your upper body back, you could be leaving too much weight into the trail side at impact. Have you submitted for a swing review as of late? We would love to be able to take a look and give more feedback to help you in the process.
May 3, 2016
64x64
David
Hi Craig, I have been a member of RST for 2 month's now and in that time every aspect of my game has been changed. Some aspect's have been relatively easy to learn and I have seen remarkably rapid benefit's in these. Some are a little harder to learn but these just need more time I think. There is just one aspect I am in real difficulty with and that is the sequencing from the top of the back swing together with the associated weight shift. This is no problem on a practice swing but I get into all sort's of trouble over the ball with many shot's hard left from a rush to shoulder rotation from the top. I have the knowledge from RST on the correct motion sequence and how to do it but it is very, very difficult for me to execute. I have tried some spin off from the pitch shot's which are of course much slower and I can almost feel a pause at the top as I 'swing' the club but this does not require a weight shift as the weight is already forwards. Somehow I need to slow down (or feel to slow) at the top. Any help appreciated but I am really enjoying the RST experience and thank you all for that.
April 15, 2016
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello David. Thank you for the compliments of the site and RST process. You have to practice at pace. If you understand the sequence well from the top. We need to go from the practice swing to a ball in front of us, but we can't rush it. My advice would be the same way Chuck helped me master the swing. Take a short iron. Make a practice swing and film it. Once, the practice swing is proper on camera. Move to a ball and do it very slowly. For ex: Use a 7 iron and hit it at 20% power and only 30-40 yards. If you can do the motion properly at that pace, then slowly increase. When you notice on camera things start to go astray. Back down in pace. Fix the issue and slowly increase in pace. Figure out the weak link when adding speed. Push yourself through the change.
April 15, 2016
64x64
Kyle
Seems difficult to have different muscle groups to initiate the weight shift-left flute- and then the follow thru--left oblique----is it possible to only think of engaging the left oblique to be the main muscle to perform both movements ....have the left oblique to initiate the weight shift and to continue to pull the left oblique to initiate the turn and follow thru
March 15, 2016
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Kyle. The only issue if you focus on solely the oblique would be that you would rotate the hips without pulling the weight over. You have to use the adductor muscles to pull the weight. Take a look at the Weight Shift Video Part 1, Fixing Your Weight Transfer and Preventing Hip Pain.
March 15, 2016
64x64
Kyle
Thx for the prompt reply
March 15, 2016
64x64
David
Hi Craig, Great video's to demonstrate the weightshift - can you synch the hand position's with particular reference to the initial loading into the heel of the left side and the end of the left hip rotation caused by the straightening of the left leg. I suspect the end of the sequence is the 'delivery position' where the club is horizontal just prior to the release?
March 14, 2016
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello David. Yes, you can sync the positioning of shifting and getting the hands/arms into the trail thigh area. Take a look at the Weight Shift Video Part 1 in this section. However, into the trail thigh the lead leg won't be fully straight yet.
March 14, 2016
64x64
David
Hi Craig, Presumably the final straightening of the left leg is the move that assists in the speed of the club into impact.
March 14, 2016
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello David. Correct. For example: Why Tiger had more club head speed, but tore his ACL/MCL because of over doing it.
March 14, 2016
64x64
Robert
When do the obliques start? Once we've engaged the glute or a touch before when we've abducted
March 6, 2016
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Rob. When you pull the weight over you will then begin lead oblique pull.
March 6, 2016
64x64
Robert
Thanks Craig. So pull weight over with abduction -> begin with the obliques -> begin to squat?
March 7, 2016
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Rob. Shift -- Start to squat (settle into the glutes) -- Pull with lead oblique. Take a look at How to Swing from the Ground Up or the Perfect Impact Part 2/3.
March 7, 2016
64x64
Robert
Perfect Craig, many thanks.
March 7, 2016
64x64
bill
Hi , Half way down it seems as I have moved into the left side correctly - my hip is over the middle of my left knee and foot but between the club horizontal position and impact my left shoulder raises thus increasing my spine angle so I am not stacked at impact I am noticing abit of left hip pain after practice today. When I hit an impact bag all looks ok. I have looked at the belt buckle drill but cant seem to keep this shoulder down. Thanks , love the website
March 4, 2016
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Bill. Take a look at the Level Shoulders Drill and the Preventing Hip Pain Video. Thanks for the compliments of the site.
March 4, 2016
64x64
Doug
Totally understand the concepts from these 3 videos. Question: I have been told and have heard it numerous times the weight transfers to the front foot toes before it goes to the heel.( I'm a left handed golfer so weight sequence is left heal-right toes-right heel) Incorrect?
February 19, 2016
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Doug. Yes, that would be incorrect. Take a look at a few videos for me. How the Lower Body Works, How to Swing from the Ground Up and the Perfecting Lower Body Stability Video.
February 20, 2016
64x64
Loran
Is this shift back to the left side predominantly and foremost lateral than rotational? I feel the left hip joint does not rotate at all but just extends upward at the end of the shift?
January 6, 2016
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Loan. It will feel lateral. But, as you shift the lead knee will externally rotate and the hips will start to open slightly to more of a square position.
January 7, 2016
64x64
Denys
How do you shift to the left with your heel, glute and left shoulder without moving your head? I can get to the left with my lower body, but my upper body ends up leaning away?
November 26, 2015
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Denys. When you shift to the lead side the head will have to move some. It won't stay completely static.
November 27, 2015
64x64
Cavan
The side of my lower left hip has started to hurt / ache from all the the squatting and shifting into left side heel practice I have been doing. I've checked myself routinely in the mirror and on camera and I am not going outside neutral joint alignment during the transition, impact, or through follow through. I don't know if this is muscular soreness or something else. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
November 8, 2015
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Cavan. Some glute soreness is to be expected while working on the lead side shift for the first time. However, you might be over doing it a bit. Calm down a little on the squat motion and focus more on the proper weight distribution from trail to lead side.
November 8, 2015
64x64
Cavan
Many thanks Craig. Could this be also partially caused by not having a wide enough stance? Initially I had too wide a stance but I'm realizing I may have brought it in too much. I'm thinking this maybe forcing me past neutral joint alignment on my lead side during the downswing and through impact
November 8, 2015
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Cavan. Stance width plays a big part in the golf swing. Take a look at How to Ingrain Perfect Foot Position to help.
November 8, 2015
64x64
Peter
The most masterful description of transition I've ever heard. As your supposed "anatomy-consultant" I've been fiddling with this move since I read Hogan's book. It's not a turn, it's not even a lean. it's an...OK..a bump. Only it's not even a bump, because when you get to "bumm"..it's already done! Tying the "bumm' to the gluteus is not only a terrific way to explain the move, it's anatomically correct!!! (If you'll consider the glut and the bum as more or less the same part of the body.) I know the "tush line" is more p.c., and "squeezing the glut's" was a good start, the "bumm-p" says--and does--it all, for me, at least. Thanks so much! in personal follow-up, I'm out about 15 months from the last back operation, getting the crud beat out of me three times a week with a personal trainer, and MY glutei are strong enough to keep me stable in transition. If I could only feel where my feet were, balance would be sure-r. Peter Kennedy, M.S., M.D. **This may be an inappropriate place to pitch, but my first book was just published on Amazon. "Medicine Man memoir of a cancer physician". Pick one up....or I'll send you folks a couple of comps. Whether you know it or not, you all are in there. You helped me through some trying times in the past year, just by exchanging a few comments with me. My family and II are deeply grateful. pk
November 2, 2015
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Peter. Appreciate the compliments as always. As well as helpful comments for our members. Happy to hear that you are starting to get your "bumm-p"! Thanks for the info on your book. I see that for prime members it will be very easily obtained. Knowing that we were a little piece to your journey back to health and better mental state means the world to us. Continue working hard and getting better with your swing. Always here to help or even listen to some new insight.
November 3, 2015
64x64
Seth
I know at impact the left ankle, hip socket, and shoulder socket should all be in a vertical line. Is this different for the drive since you're hitting up on the ball? Most tour swings I see the shoulder appears to never make it over to that left ankle vertical line but instead the shoulder appears to be working up and around the body. Is that a correct observation? is there a video that demonstrates that difference (if there is one)?
October 15, 2015
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Seth. Take a look at the Driver Launch Angle Video and the Jason Day Get More Extension Video. The shoulder might be slightly behind due to launch conditions with the driver.
October 15, 2015
64x64
Brian
Does this video series advocate shifting the weight into the right heel and then back into the left heel? I've heard many teachers advocate staying on the balls of your feet and not the heel?
October 11, 2015
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Brian. Yes. Take a look at the Weight on the Balls of Your Feet Video.
October 12, 2015
64x64
Seth
In the related article section, there is talk about a bump to start everything in the body moving together, I assume this bump is due to a weight shift to the trail side and getting the glutes to fire?
September 29, 2015
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Seth. You can use a weight shift to trigger the start of the backswing. A little early shift into the trail glute. It is also important that the first thing to trigger the downswing is a sit into the lead glute.
September 29, 2015
64x64
Raphael
I have currently been assigned the task of dialing in my weight shift and regardless of the speed I drill this at, when I get to the finished position of the follow-through, I find my weight pressing down on my heel but rolling onto the outside portion of the heel. I am not losing any balance due to this. As I check everything when I finish, it seems like everything is in alignment and I achieve neutral-joint-alignment. Not sure if I should feel like my weight distribution on my lead foot (left) should be evenly distributed on that foot. So is it correct for me to feel as if most of my weight is pressing through my heel but I am rolled onto the outside portion of the heel or should it feel like something else? Thanks for the help.
September 12, 2015
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Raphael. You want to feel the pressure work more from the instep to the center of the heel/ankle joint. Try to shy away from rolling to the outside of the foot.
September 12, 2015
64x64
Raphael
Is it possible that my stance is a little too narrow and that is why I want to roll to the outside of my foot. I have seen Chris' video and understand that I should be two inches (width of a sharpie pen cap) outside of natural joint alignment...so I might be doing this incorrectly and that is why I am rolling to the outside portion of the heel. Will widening my stance, ever so slightly, help me with this? Thanks again
September 15, 2015
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Raphael. You can miss too narrow. Experiment a little bit. If you widen a touch, but get too wide. You will notice its harder to shift the weight properly.
September 15, 2015
64x64
soumitra
HI, Must say this has definitely helped me. however, i am unable put my weight on my left heel and arrive at neutral joint position (generally i am outside and i do feel the back pain as mentioned in the video). can you help in addressing this issue. i do try to stop consciously but all my attempts have failed. thank you.
September 6, 2015
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Soumitra. You might be pushing from your trail hip to achieve the shift. Take a look at the Level Shoulders Drill and the How the Lower Body Works Video. The Level Drill will help with less push and getting stacked. The Lower Body Drill will help with proper shift.
September 7, 2015
64x64
Seth
At a slow speed, what is causing the actual weight and body shift to over the lead ankle? Does the heel stomp cause the external rotation of the lead knee and thigh? Is there something else I should be considering there too? And at full speed when hitting full shots at the range or on the course, is it solely the heel stomp that does everything or is there other movements I need actively feel there as well? Thanks!
August 25, 2015
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Seth. The first thing will be the lead knee externally rotating over the lead ankle joint to get stacked. You will then start to press the heel down and activate the glute as you pull yourself over with lead hip abduction. Don't make it too complicated on the course. If you use the RST Tempo Drill it will help simplify how to feel a good shift.
August 25, 2015
64x64
Joseph
Craig: RJ's response of 11/6/14 in this tread is what I was looking for as none of the vids specify what RJ did (how to pull your self left without pushing). However, in english, does he mean one should try to rotate one's left knee/thigh counterclockwise (not sure what meant by a groin muscle and sure as hell cannot feel my adductor longus activate). And is Slammin Sammy's left knee a good example?
August 22, 2015
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Joseph. Yes, the lead knee will first externally rotate to get stacked over the ankle joint. This helps put you into a position to pull the weight over. Sam Snead is a good example.
August 24, 2015
64x64
jack
PS.......it also promotes great impact position and the corresponding maintaining of the angles throughout the swing
August 13, 2015
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Yes it does. Get to work on your shift to attain that great impact position!
August 13, 2015
64x64
jack
Wow...I've heard a lot about starting the downswing with a lateral "bump" towards the target but have never heard what the mechanics look or feel like. This simple shift to the left heel brings everything together at impact. Excellent and thanks
August 13, 2015
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jack. Great. Glad you like the video!
August 13, 2015
64x64
andrew
Once hips are open, are we firing the left glute and posting up in an attempt to stall the hips? Ie should this feel like an active hip stall move?
August 5, 2015
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Andrew. Take a look at Increase Swing Speed by Hip Deceleration in the Advanced Downswing Section. You will practice the post and how to stall.
August 7, 2015
64x64
andrew
Thanks Craig. I guess my question more specifically is whether this is an active/conscious hip stall move or should it happen passively as a result of correct kinematic sequencing and upper body speeding up?
August 7, 2015
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Andrew. Some people may naturally stall the hips. But, the vast majority of amateurs spin without stalling.
August 7, 2015
64x64
Preston
I have been with RST for about 3 months now, and I cannot keep from spinning out my left foot through impact. My left foot literally turns I would say atleast 20 degrees through impact and my right foot "breaks the line" as mentioned in the role the right foot video as well. I notice on many of Chuck's swings, especially when he is talking conversationally and swinging in the videos, I notice (he may unconsciously or consciously do this) flares his left foot outward, just slightly, but enough for me to notice. So how do I stop spinning my left foot? If I am spinning my left foot, I surely must be a hip spinner correct? And to compensate for this, should I flare out my left foot ever so slightly as Chuck may seem to do?
July 30, 2015
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Preston. Spinning the foot doesn't exactly mean hip spinner. It could be lack of weight planted properly in the downswing. You can splay the foot if you would like. But, understand cause and effect with it in the Setup Section Should You Splay Your Feet Video. Make sure you anchor to the ground. Setup Section Anchor to the Ground. And, get the weight planted. How the Lower Body Works in the Downswing Section.
July 30, 2015
64x64
gerald
When I swing down my left foot ends up pointing at my target.I do not know if I spin my left heel backwards or I spin my left toe around. Is this move caused by improperly weight shift? Any suggestions on how I can correct this?
July 14, 2015
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Gerald. Take a look at Anchor to the Ground in the Setup Section. Make sure the weight works over the lead ankle joint, but maintains the pressure more towards the inside of the foot.
July 14, 2015
64x64
Stuart
I recently found that swinging an old fashion way--that is, lifting my left heel slightly and turning the my left knee inward helps me to shift fully to my right heel on the backswing and then driving the left heel to the ground with a weight shift to the left side, on my back left heel on the down swing. What do you think of this method to help in shifting my weight? After a while practicing this, I was bombing my shots consistently down the middle. Thanks
July 1, 2015
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Stuart. Take a look at Swinging from the Ground Up in the Introduction Advanced Section. You can use it as a drill. But, in the long run try and tone it down the lift as much as possible.
July 2, 2015
64x64
Stephen
Hi Craig, when performing hip abduction in the weight shift to the left. do you want the feel that you are pulling the left leg away from the right. Stephen
June 7, 2015
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Stephen. The lead leg will have to pull towards the target. It should be pulling away from the right if the right is passive.
June 7, 2015
64x64
Stephen
i Craig, on my swing review on the 8th of May. You said I was ripping my hip and oblique open to soon. You also said to shift then pull with my oblique. I thought I was shifting and then pulling with my oblique. Should I try and concentrate on loading my left glute first like on this video. Does this mean I am pulling with obliques to shift? It appears that chucks assistant loads or shifts without squaring his hips. Then pulls with oblique. Is this what should happen? If u pull aggressively with obliques like I do does this reduce lag? Stephen. Thanks for your help
May 30, 2015
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Yes, you were pulling with the oblique in an effort to transfer the weight. Left hip abduction and pull the weight over. Then, use the oblique to pull the hips open. If you pull aggressively with the oblique too soon it definitely can reduce lag for more of a spin. Not allowing time to build lag and the arms/hands to get better in sync.
May 30, 2015
64x64
Stephen
Thank you, it would be good in the future for rotary swing to make a video. Where the demonstrate hip movements in the golf swing such as hip abduction and adduction. For me I find it very
May 31, 2015
64x64
Stephen
Hi Craig, in the drill chucks assistant shifts to the left or loads up without squaring his hips, then he pulls with his oblique. From a previous review I was told that I need to shift then pull with oblique and that I was pulling with my oblique very aggressively. Should I be doing it just like his assistant loading the left glute first then pulling with my oblique?
May 30, 2015
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Stephen. It doesn't need to be as dramatic or split as Al represents in the video, but yes that is the process. Shift to the lead glute without spinning then pull the lead oblique to open the hips.
May 30, 2015
64x64
Shawn
When I do the Glute strengthening exercises by going down to one knee it leaves me with several question. 1) As far as I can tell I am doing the exercise correctly and I feel my glute being strengthened. However I still feel my quad being used. Is this okay? 2) How many of these should I do, and should I do them with both legs?
May 24, 2015
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Shawn. The quad is helping you, but not the primary muscle. No worries. You can do them with both legs. Both glutes have a role in the swing. Work your strength up. 2 x 10 each leg and continue further with improvement.
May 25, 2015
64x64
Seth
I've noticed in videos when I shift my weight to the left and swing through that the front of my lead foot (toes) rotate toward my target. Am I placing too much weight on my heel?
April 30, 2015
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Seth. Take a look at Anchor to the Ground in the Setup Section. You might be letting the weight get too far to the outside of the lead foot.
April 30, 2015
64x64
mark
Wondering what the move at speed is because Chuck says to set into the left heel, then he says "you won't actually set into the left heel at full speed." Would you please clarify? Thank you
April 27, 2015
64x64
R.J. (Certified RST Instructor)
Mark, Chuck says that "you won't REALLY set into the left heel" and when he emphasizes the word really he's saying that you will have the weight centered more over the ankle than the actual heel itself when at full speed. When we do it in slow motion, it feels almost like we're moving our weight to the back of the heel to the point where our toes are going to start lifting off the ground, but at full speed it will be a lot more balance over the ankle. I hope this clarifies the drill for you and that you develop a great weight shift to the lead side. Play some great golf! R.J.
April 27, 2015
64x64
Joaquin
Hi, i cannot access the full video. it stops right after .38 seconds. thank you so much. im pertaining to this video "Weight Shift Part 3 - To the Left"
March 30, 2015
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Joaquin. I tried several times on mine. Everything seems to be loading correctly. Make sure you are suing Firefox/Chrome as your web browser. Clear you browser cache. If none of these do the trick. Please contact customer support and they will be happy to help.
March 31, 2015
64x64
Joaquin
Thank you Craig. Will do. have a great day.
March 31, 2015
64x64
Matthew
Which video would help with too much right leg movement in downswing? I seem to have a lot.
March 25, 2015
64x64
R.J. (Certified RST Instructor)
Matthew, a great video to watch for this issue would be the "Role of the Right Foot in the Downswing". R.J.
March 25, 2015
64x64
Antonio
Hello! Every so often I shank the ball with my wedges. any advise on what can i do to stop this. thxs.
March 13, 2015
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Antonio. Take a look at the 3 Steps to Cure the Shanks in the Advanced Downswing Section. Let's figure out the culprit first and start solving the problem.
March 13, 2015
64x64
Evan
Since working on this I have lost the urgency to push off the right foot. But I am finding it hard not to be in the middle of foot and using thigh to rotate because I think your moving toward the ball. I also think it is a small move to the heel.
March 8, 2015
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Evan. Try the "stomp drill" in the How the Lower Body Works Video in the Downswing Section. Get the left glute to fire and pivot correctly.
March 9, 2015
64x64
Seth
Are you essentially locking your left knee in the shift to the left?
March 8, 2015
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Seth. The left knee will externally rotate in the transition to help you shift the weight properly and get into proper Neutral Joint Alignment. You don't want to lock the knee.
March 9, 2015
64x64
Alan
The spine is tilted away from the target at setup. Does this tilt increase as you squat into the lead heel in order to keep the head behind the ball?
March 4, 2015
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Alan. It will change slightly. But, not enough that you need to focus on adding secondary axis tilt on the downswing.
March 4, 2015
64x64
Stephen
Doing this drill chuck States (@ approximately 9 mins) that you pull from the left oblique, and you might notice weight on your big toe. Then go through to a follow through. In going through to the follow through on this drill, Do I continue to pull with my left oblique to reach the follow through position? Stephen
March 3, 2015
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Stephen. Momentum will be the big force that carries you through to the follow through. There will still be a little pull from the lead oblique. But, don't try and actively force pull. The body and hips need to decelerate into impact to maximize speed in the release.
March 3, 2015
64x64
Mike
I notice that when Al shifts left and loads into the left side or heel there doesn't seem to be a lateral move to the left, what I see is Al squatting or lowering his body to shift backwards onto his left heel then he begins to rotate. When I watch the video I watch his belt loops in the transition and his left side belt loops do not rotate they stay in place while his weight moves backwards onto his left heel. I have a difficult time getting into neutral joint alignment because I shift to much laterally and wind up with my knee and left hip out of neutral joint alignment, my left hip doesn't move back and away from the target like it suppose to I probably side and use my right side to much which pushes me out of neutral joint alignment. So my question is, have I correctly assessed this FIRST move back to the left? Thanks for all the info that we receive on the website.
March 1, 2015
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Mike. The majority of people tend to hip spin too hard while learning the weight transfer. Al is exaggerating the principle of the shift. It will be a little lateral movement and rotate. Pulling with lead hip abduction and lead oblique to shift and rotate the hips.
March 1, 2015
64x64
Alan
Great video. I've been a long time hip and shoulder spinner. I was always fighting a pull hook (not a good combination). I can really feel the difference when I shift forward and squat into the lead heel. It automatically limits the amount of turn my hips and shoulders can do on the down swing. With my old swing I would shift forward but my weight would be mostly over the ball of my foot. I did a test where i stood with all my weight on the ball of my lead foot then rotated my chest to the target. I could face the target with my chest and even go a little further. Next I put all of my weight on the heel of my lead foot and turned my chest to the target. This time I couldn't come close to facing the target with my chest and my hips could barely turn. I'm hoping that once I groove the squat move into my swing that I can finally eliminate the dreaded pull hook.
February 9, 2015
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Alan. Thanks for the post. You are correct. Posting into the lead glute and stabilizing more with the weight on the lead heel should limit the amount of body spin through the shot. Get that hook taken care of.
February 17, 2015
64x64
Alan
My question is about activating the glut muscle. I only feel a partial activation of my glut when I shift to neutral alignment and squat into my lead heel. As I'm squatting on my heel I'm able to squeeze my glut further to get it fully activated. Do I need to squeeze my glut or should I be able to fully activate it by squatting and stomping on my lead heel?
February 7, 2015
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Alan. You want to engage the glute, not stress it to max capacity. As long as you have some tension and activation (the squat/stomp) should have you sufficiently engaging enough.
February 7, 2015
64x64
David
When I shift my weight to the left and straighten my left leg I find it difficult to not stand up somewhat and lose my spine angle. Any suggestions?
February 7, 2015
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello David. Make sure you aren't stalling the hips out too much. Getting a little more lead oblique pull to open then hips and aid in straightening the lead leg.
February 17, 2015
64x64
nathan
Have struggled with this, when I transfer weight into the left heel my left knee bend does increase but not dramatically. Then my left leg straightens to prepare for rotation but this always seems to throw my weight back to my right leg and I swing up on the ball. I am not reverse pivoting I have good axis tilt. I have watched all the videos it is never addressed but should I feel like only the left side of the hip is rotating while the right side is staying back. I have watched the tush line video but still don't have clarity. I hope this makes sense thanks
December 10, 2014
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Nathan. The lead oblique will pull the lead hip open coming into the strike. From the notes, it seems like the upper half would be falling back a touch. Even though you have kept good secondary axis tilt. A little push from the trail hip is probably the culprit. Try these videos for your cure. How the Lower Body Works in the Downswing Section. Learn about the "stomp drill" and lead oblique pull. Also, the Level Shoulders Drill in the Advanced Downswing Section. Make sure you aren't pushing with the trail hip.
December 10, 2014
64x64
joseph
A question about proper downswing sequencing ... at the macro level the sequence should be weight to left heel, hips rotate, left leg posts up. What would be the result if I shift weight to left heel, post the left leg, and finally rotate hips? I ask because I think I get into this bad sequence occasionally ... usually accompanied by the feeling everything is getting fast.
November 22, 2014
64x64
R.J. (Certified RST Instructor)
Joseph If you don't rotate the hips first and you post your leg first, you're likely not going to be able to rotate the hips very well unless you stand up out of your spine angle and pull your hips away from the tush line. The straightening of the lead leg does two things, provide power and decelerates the hips so, if it is decelerating the hips, then if you never get your hips going before you post it up, you'll never be able to get your hips in the right position. R.J.
November 22, 2014
64x64
Greg
Hi R.J., I have been playing around with posting on the left side. If I don't get the weight over my left ankle on the weight shift it becomes very difficult to fully rotate my left hip leading to a loss of spine angle just before impact and disrupts the flow of the swing. When I keep the weight more on the instep of the right foot as you suggested earlier and feel like the transition of weight goes through the ball of my right big toe straight across to my left heal, it seems to make it easier to get the weight into the left ankle on the initial weight shift of the downswing. Any suggestions to make this transition from right leg to left heal easier and more consistent. The wedge shot I was referring to on my last post was Chucks' 80 yard wedge shot with a 60 degree wedge. Once again I need help on how the weight moves when he says he leaves the weight on the left side throughout the swing.
November 8, 2014
64x64
R.J. (Certified RST Instructor)
Greg, During the downswing, you need to get your weight over the left ankle and rotate the hips open 35-45 degrees before you post the leg. The right leg in the downswing needs to stay on the ground. In order to do that, your ankle will roll in and the outside edge of your foot will come off the ground, but the right heel will still be on the ground. You're not actively pushing any weight into the right foot, this rolling of the ankle is a result of the right leg being pulled by the left leg being pulled over. As far as the right leg goes, just focus on not letting your heel come off the ground until after impact. To hit a 60 degree wedge 80 yards, you're going to be using a regular, full golf swing. To hit it 30 yards, that's a different story. R.J.
November 8, 2014
64x64
John
should the right heel be off the ground at impact?
November 7, 2014
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey John. The trail foot will be rolling off the instep. You don't want the right heel way off the ground at impact. Take a look at the Role of the Right Foot in the Advanced Downswing Section.
November 7, 2014
64x64
John
thanks Craig. Do you happen to have the url for that video? You guys could use a search feature!
November 7, 2014
64x64
Greg
Hi R.J., Thanks a lot for your last comments on posting the leg too soon. It has really freed up my swing. I can't tell you how long I have fought losing the tush line. Despite my complaints, no instructor has mentioned this as a possible solution. I noticed on the Sang-Moon video, that at impact and slightly beyond his upper torso has a slight tilt away from the target. I have been trying to get my left torso more in line with my left leg, likely causing me to over shift my upper body. I have also had trouble building the proper resistance in the right side during the backswing causing me to overswing. Now if I maintain the knee flex I started with at address in the right knee during the backswing, I get good resistance and can feel my left obliques engage. From there if I shift slightly to the left side while turning my left hip toward the left heal(which to me feels like pulling with the left obliques) and maintain that slight tilt away from the target with the upper torso, I feel like I am flinging the arms and club out in front of me during the release. I then finish in a stacked position, just in case you thought I was headed for the reverse C. What do you think? Before I noticed this slight upper torso tilt, I was in the back yard pitching and was having trouble with the proper weight shift(i.e. too much right hip) but I suspect it was due to trying to get my left upper torso to align with my left leg. I have also struggled with Chucks' wedge shots where he leaves his weight on the left side throughout the swing, so any help in that area would be appreciated. Thanks!
November 7, 2014
64x64
R.J. (Certified RST Instructor)
Greg, You're welcome, brotha! I'm glad I could help you out. As for the slight tilt back, as long as you're not leaning your weight back on to the right side of your body, you're fine. He is using a driver in that video so he has the slight tilt back in order to shallow out his angle of attack a bit; whereas with his iron shots he will be closer to having his left shoulder stacked over top of the left hip in order to steepen his angle of attack. Being stacked over top of the left ankle also keeps vertical consistency in striking the ball, but if you lean too far back or too far forward, you'll end up having issues with topping the ball or hitting it fat. Having a small amount of tilt away from the ball at impact with a tee shot helps with the vertical consistency with that particular shot being that the ball is not resting on the ground. I'm glad that you're supporting the lower body properly in the backswing and downswing now. I would hate to hear that you or anyone else were to get injured trying to play the game that we all love so much. The biggest thing about hitting the pitch shots that Chuck shows us is being able to use the bounce of the club properly to slip the club head underneath the ball in the turf. I think that with your pitch shot, you might be too tense. It should be a lot more of a fluid motion. Your body should feel as much like a limp noodle as it can without losing any of your angles or stability. And then for the pitch shots only, make sure that you're hinging your wrists immediately and keeping the club face closed (pointing towards the ground). Then just a tiny weight shift forward as you release your hands towards the ball. The reason that you want your club face closed is because in such a short swing, you don't have the time to get the club face closed consistently if you're rotating it open in the backswing. This should help your pitching a lot more. Also, I'm not sure what kind of a wedge that you use, but I use a 64 degree wedge and many people use a 56 or 60 degree wedge when pitching the ball. If you use anything much lower lofted than a 56, you're going to have issues getting the club face underneath the ball. R.J.
November 7, 2014
64x64
David
it looks like Al uses his right leg to sit into his left side is this correct? thanks.
November 6, 2014
64x64
R.J. (Certified RST Instructor)
David, No, he is pulling the with the groin, hip adductor and glute muscle of the left side to get himself back over to the left side. We never want to push a joint from the opposite side because it will allow us to move past neutral joint alignment which will cause you a lot of pain and possible severe injury to the joint. R.J.
November 7, 2014
64x64
JP
I don't want to over simplify it but does the golf swing basically involve going from a neutral position at setup to a weight shift towards the right heel and then transferring the weight to the left heel. Swing thought: "Right heel going back and left heel coming through" ?
November 2, 2014
64x64
R.J. (Certified RST Instructor)
JP, Essentially, yes, but you're moving more towards the left heel in the downswing than you are moving towards your right heel in the backswing. So, you should concentrate on 1 inch back then 3 inches forward (1 inch to get back to center and then 2 inches to get over top of the left ankle joint). R.J.
November 2, 2014
64x64
Terry
Hi I have just become a premium member prior to this I was watching a free video about getting the hips through something I do not seem to be able to do the video was talking about the left hand keeping the lag and not having the right hand on the club pulling it down practicing swinging with the left hand only I wonder if you can tell me where I can locate it I seem to be able to load the weight into my right side ok get the correct turn but the trouble seems to come wheN I start my downswing with my arms can you also please give some drills to fix this. Thanks terry
October 26, 2014
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Terry. Welcome to the site. Unfortunately, we have numerous videos that relate to the topics in your post. Here are a few to help you on your way. Introduction Section - RE-Shaping Your Swing For Lag, Downswing Section - Ladd Video, 5 Mins to Perfect Downswing, How the Lower Body Works "stomp drill", 5 Mins to the Perfect Release.
October 27, 2014
64x64
Mark
I have recently found that after rotating my shoulders to the top of the backswing, if I first plant my left heel and then rotate my shoulders during the downswing along the same plane that my shoulders rotated to get to the top (to maintain a consistent spine angle), the proper weight shift to the left occurs very naturally--without my having to think about it. Is this correct? I believe Tom Watson advocates the shoulder rotation along the same plane approach as his secret to the golf swing and consistent spine angle.
October 26, 2014
64x64
R.J. (Certified RST Instructor)
Mark, Planting your left heel into the ground is how you shift your weight. In order to put any pressure into the ground with your heel, you have to use your muscle in the lower body to pull your hips over top of the ankle joint. So, it actually has nothing to do with trying to trace a plane with your shoulders. If you try tracing your shoulders in the downswing, you're going to get too active with the upper body in the downswing too early and you're going to cause a loss of lag, the degree of separation between your hips and shoulders will be decreased and you'll have a tendency to come over the top. What you need to feel after pressing your left heel into the ground is your obliques and your lats pulling your hips back to square as you sit your weight into your left butt cheek, while your shoulders are still closed to the target. It's a lot easier to feel muscles activating than it is to try to trace a plane line at full speed. After that you'll feel those same muscles turn your hips back away from the target behind your original starting position. Watch the Sang-Moon Bae Hips for Lag video in the new video section R.J.
October 26, 2014
64x64
Mark
R.J., I find that when I begin the downswing by planting my left heel and getting my weight on my left glut--but also maintaining the spine angle by tracing the original plane, my first move is naturally to the left without rotating my upper body and with my shoulders still remaining closed to the target--- so that I am without thinking about it replicating the rotary swing movement. I actually believe that I am now using the exact muscles you are suggesting--but just triggered by a different swing thought. Is Tom Watson's swing in his "secret" to the golf swing on you tube replicating the weight shift to the left that "rotary swing" is teaching?
October 26, 2014
64x64
R.J. (Certified RST Instructor)
Mark, What Tom is saying in that video isn't completely incorrect. However, he's suggesting that it's okay to build compensations into the golf swing as long as your shoulders follow the same plane. We could say the exact same thing about any plane. The problem is any plane, regardless if it is a shaft plane, elbow plane, shoulder plane, what have you, it's not a fundamental of the golf swing. Planes are results of fundamental movements, not the cause of the fundamentals and focusing on trying to create a plane will never allow you to be a consistent golfer. We are trying to build the perfect swing that does not require compensations. Also, this focus on only moving the shoulders the same way and not allowing the squat, which brings your head down, robs you of a lot of club head speed. In order to have the perfect swing, you need to follow the RST lessons from start to finish and put the work into each section of the swing in order to ingrain those movements into your brain so that they can be reproduced without having to think about things like swing planes. When you're hitting golf balls, the only thing you should be thinking about is what type of shot am I trying to hit for this situation, then you walk up and hit that shot. If you're thinking about things while trying to hit a golf ball, you're doomed to create problems in the swing. R.J.
October 26, 2014
64x64
R.J. (Certified RST Instructor)
Mark, I will check out that video that you're referring to and then I will get back to you with my thoughts. R.J.
October 26, 2014
64x64
Peter
I gotta be honest im not sure what to think of the 'weight more in the heel' on the transition. Ive only ever been taught the opposite (weight more central between heel and balls, if anything more on the balls because that is a more athletic position to be in). What you say makes sense in the fact that weight on balls activates quads = less stability. However, ive just googled as many pressure plate sites for the pros and all the commentaries and explanations point to pros putting more weight on their balls coming through than they do the heels. Im not saying you guys are preaching different, i just want to mimic as close as possible to what the pros do as they have this game figured out way better than me
October 7, 2014
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hell Peter. Take a look at the Swing Faults Caused by Poor Setup in the Advanced Takeaway Section. We are trying to transfer the weight efficiently and safely as possible. Moving too far forward won't stabilize the body movement and put stress on the knee joint.
October 7, 2014
64x64
Peter
Hi Craig, i appreicate what you are saying but everything else i read out there contradicts what is being said here. I just feel if the pros on tour are placing more weight on the balls than the heels of the lead foot on the downswing then i feel thats what i would want to do. Maybe the misunderstanding is mine - can we attach some numbers to the weight across the heels and balls on downswing? there would be a huge difference in balance/power etc if you were talking about 60% heel rather than 95% heel compared to balls of the feet on the lead foot
October 8, 2014
64x64
Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Peter -- There is certainly a ton different information to be read all over the place. Just to expound a bit on what Craig had to say and also try to help answer any further questions you may have in regards to to weight shift and stability. For years, golfers have been told to set up on the balls of their feet with really the only clear explanation being that it is more athletic. Baseball players, basketball players etc, all are taught to stay on the balls of their feet so that they can move quickly or react in an athletic way. Our question to that is...where are we trying to move to in the golf swing? My point is this, we need to use the lower body for several different reasons. We use it for stability, transfer weight during the load and unload and to help build more power into the golf swing. With all of that said, we have some requirements that need to be fulfilled. We need to stay balanced while being anchored to the ground and we need stability of the hips. We also need to be able to protect the hip and knees during the golf swing as those areas are common for injury in golfers. The point of having the weight more underneath the ankles in true anatomic balance, is to fulfill all of the requirements listed above. Each and every tour player out there, even Adam Scott, who sets up over his toes, gets the weight back to the lead heal/ankle area at impact. If they did not, they would put a ton of pressure on the knee and move the central pivot point down to the knee rather than the hip. Try this out.. Stand in a static address position with your weight forward in your feet. Shift your hips all the way to the the lead side to where you feel 90% of your weight over that foot. With the staying forward in the lead foot and your trail foot heel staying down on the ground, try to pull the lead hip open as much as possible. You should feel some tension down in the knee and the outer portion of the hip girdle. Then repeat this process with the weight shifted back into true balance. Let me know if that doesn't help clarify and I will gladly add more. All the best - Chris
October 8, 2014
64x64
Peter
Hi Chris, thank you for the clarification. I have actually been focusing on both ways coming back to the lead side and i do see what you mean. I am more stable in the heel side of things compared to the balls of the feet. the only difference is i seem to lose power with the weight in my heels on the way down! however i would rather stay injury free. Regardless, thanks again to you and Craig for the explanations. Much appreciated
October 8, 2014
64x64
Martin
I'm getting the weight shift right about 50% of the time. Sometimes I feel my top half just swing over my hips for a really cruddy swing. Anyway, When I focus on pushing in the left heel and squatting down then up really quickly I can get it right. My right glute is sore as heck from all the practice, but my left is no-where near as sore, I barely feel it. It seems so hard to activate the left glute, it's kind of random at this point. What part of the body activates the 3 inch move to the left, and what else can I do to get this left glute going?
October 2, 2014
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Martin. You need to feel that left glute fire. Try the "Stomp Drill". How the Lower Body Works Video in the Downswing Section.
October 3, 2014
64x64
Lawrence
Craig: Just watched again before heading out. "Is the backswing initiated with the weight shift to the right and then with my body rotation and then a shifting to the left leg and glut?"
October 1, 2014
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
You can use the weight shift as your trigger to start the swing. Right Heel, Right Glute. Rotate back, then Left Heel, Left Glute.
October 1, 2014
64x64
Lawrence
Craig: Thanks for your most recent feedback and I am off to the range for the second day this week to work on my right arm flexion to support my backswing as well as practicing my weight shift. Question - what is a good ratio of practice swings to actually hitting golf balls. I have been doing 25 practice swings to each every ball I hit which equates to about 20 balls actually hit. trying to concentrate on the drills and how I should feel the proper positions. Thanks
October 1, 2014
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Larry. You ratio sounds pretty good. They key is to make sure you are doing things correctly. If you just start whacking away at balls, thinking you are getting the movement. You need to back away and focus. Learning is a process. I like where your head is. A lot of good repeated movements and a few balls. Rinse and repeat.
October 1, 2014
64x64
Martin
Does the momentum of the right hip moving behind the tush lead to the natural weight shift to the left in any way?
September 30, 2014
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Martin. Not necessarily. You can load and turn into the trail glute, but still push and spin the hip through. You still need to pull yourself back to the left.
September 30, 2014
64x64
Martin
with the left foot, right foot, or both?
October 2, 2014
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Martin. For player that under uses the hips in the golf swing (somewhat rare) it will be both. However, for the majority of golfers the left foot. Plant the left heel, activate the left glute, and begin to pull the weight of with a little left hip abduction.
October 2, 2014
64x64
Kenneth
When you shift back to the left onto the left hip/glute and then start to rotate, does the left leg straighten or remain bent?
September 28, 2014
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Kenneth. When you shift to the left, then knee will keep its flexion. The knee will begin to straighten as you come into impact.
September 28, 2014
64x64
kam
when you load to the left do the shoulder turn too?
September 12, 2014
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Kam. As you shift to the left try to keep the shoulders very passive. Don't rotate them first thing. Allow them to be pulled open as you start down.
September 12, 2014
64x64
Jason
I tend to get my upper body going too much with my lower body. I tried to hold back the upper body in my transition and I can really feel a stretch in my left hip & oblique. 1- Is this right? 2- Is this stretch what should pull the upper body and club thru?
August 26, 2014
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jason. You will feel a slight stretch. The pull from the lead side is what helps the arms and the upper body work thru the shot. Using lead hip abduction, lead oblique, and lead lat pull to complete the sequence down. Don't drive with the trail arm and shoulder too soon.
August 26, 2014
64x64
Don
In the full swing, when I transfer my weight to the left heel and then rotate my left hip, it automatically make my right shoulder come over the top. I can't seem to maintain the same spine angle because the weight is back on my left heel. Does this have something to do with my hip rotation as I can't seem to correct this and is causing me to hit thin or weak shots.
August 14, 2014
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Don. Its sounds like its from years of training. Work on keeping the shoulders square at impact and not taking off too soon from the top. Use the Stop Coming Over the Top Video - Downswing Section (to keep the shoulder back), How the Lower Body Works - Downswing Section ("stomp drill"), and the Increase Swing Speed by Decelerating (Square Shoulders) to get the sequence. Weight, pivot, and shoulders stay back.
August 14, 2014
64x64
Dennis
When we drive our weight into the left heel,where exactly should we feel the weight: inside,middle,or outside? When I get to my finish,I feel most of my weight is on the outside of the heel/foot.
August 10, 2014
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Dennis. Don't worry too much about the exact placement. Push the weight into the ankle. Heel distribution will be inside to middle. You don't want outside heel when shifting.
August 10, 2014
64x64
Gabriel
Hi, my understanding of this is a "bump & turn". So (1) from the top of backswing, I do a slight lateral bump, thus shifting weight to the left leg (heel). Then (2), I feel like I am turning using the left leg as a post. Is that correct. I read previously the weight shift was like a figure eight (lying horizontal) -- so it goes to the trailing (right) leg, then back, then diagonally across to the left leg and then back again. Not sure if that makes sense but if it does, does it match with your version?
August 9, 2014
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Gabriel. The weight shift will be between the glutes/heels. The figure 8 sounds like the weight is moving from front to back on the foot. Or, going balls of feet to the heels. We want to stay away from trying to shift with the balls/toes. From the top. Shift the weight into left heel/left glute. The pull of the obliques will start to open the hips to the target. Take a look at the How the Lower Body Works Video in the Downswing Section for some good info.
August 9, 2014
64x64
David
I had my swing review and this is one of the drills my instructor had me review. I understand what needs to be done but when I get to impact and try to rotate around, it sounds like I need to drive with my left arm and right hip. When I do that, I seem to stop just past impact and stop rotating. It appears that I'm stiff in the lower back which reduces my ability to rotate. I can stand upright and rotate very easily. Any thoughts on how I can continue to rotate. I'm only hitting with an 8 iron so I realize it won't be like rotating with a driver.
August 5, 2014
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello David. You need to make sure you are pivoting off the left hip correctly. Take a look at the How the Lower Body Works Video in the Downswing Section. Use the Stomp Drill to get the left glute firing properly and using the pivot point.
August 5, 2014
64x64
Gabriel
Sorry. My left knee (outer part) and Achilles area.
July 22, 2014
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
You are probably pushing yourself outside neutral joint alignment. Take a look at the Face On Impact Alignments Video in the Downswing Section. Make sure you aren't pushing the knee beyond the hip joint and shoulder joint. A straight line from ankle to shoulder joint.
July 22, 2014
64x64
Gabriel
My left has started to hurt a little. Is that because my weight is not transferring correctly.
July 21, 2014
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Gabriel. Which part of the left exactly? Glute, Hip, Knee, etc.?
July 21, 2014
64x64
Howard
More great instruction Chuck. Thanks. I need to really work on the shift. I have a problem with my left knee, but think this will minimize the pain when I do it this way.
June 26, 2014
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Getting the weight to your left and more stacked, will dramatically help the knee. Your swing won't be going against your knee's proper function.
June 26, 2014
64x64
Rob
Great video. I've just done 15 minutes of mirror work and I can really feel I've been working hard using those big muscles. Am I correct in thinking that when you do these moves in the mirror they should be slow and deliberate and therefor it's more tiring? Cheers.
June 24, 2014
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Yes, the more deliberate the better. The brain will learn it better and you can concentrate more on the proper engagement. It will be tiring. You haven't used those muscles correctly before. Getting this part down is a huge advantage in making the downswing as efficient as possible.
June 24, 2014
64x64
Edward
to get to your left side don't you have to push with right leg??
June 17, 2014
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Edward. We would like to stay away from pushing off the right. You pull your weight over with left hip abduction. And plant the weight firmly by pushing the left ankle into the ground.
June 17, 2014
64x64
yuji
I really hope this is a great video for correcting all my faults of the weight shit to left which I have never get it right. I have a few questions before I start practicing your technique. When Al loads his weight into left glute, is he basically dipping (squatting)? Furthermore, in order for me to feel left glute I need to focus to put weight to left heel from get-go, yet the weight should be move to left heel when Al unwind. When is the proper timing of moving the weight to left heel. I am under the impression after seeing your jumping exercise that I should be moving the weight to the heel immediately after loading. I would love to understand fully how I am supposed to feel when I practice. Lastly I have one more question. When I unwind which point am I supposed to straight my left knee? I notice Al is stretching his left knee as he unwinds but I can't tell if his knee is straight or not. Thank you so much!!!!
June 11, 2014
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
It's not a dip. We don't want to start lowering the spine angle too much. Just a settle into the left glute blending into a squat. The weight will be moving to the heel during the transition. A fraction before you complete the turn. Almost goes unseen. The left knee starts to straighten into impact. Check out the Straight Left Knee Video in the Downswing Advanced Section. This is the order of movement. Externally rotate the left leg to move the knee directly over the left ankle. Pull the weight over to the left with left hip adduction. Plant the weight firmly by pushing the left ankle into the ground and activating the left glute.
June 11, 2014
64x64
yuji
Thank you so much for your prompt response. So as I blend into a squat, should I feel a sense of sitting on a chair toward a left heel? not toward a target nor backward but somewhere in between? In addition, would it be safe to assume that I need to put weight to left heel in order to create a good stacking position? Making left hip, knee, ankle stacked straight for creating a pivot?
June 11, 2014
64x64
Donna
You did not speak of pushing off with the right foot. ??
June 7, 2014
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello user145210, take a look at the Role of the Right Foot in the Downswing Advanced Section. Chuck will have more info regarding the push.
June 7, 2014
64x64
rodney
Hi, are we wanting a slight lateral shift of the hips or external rotation of the adductor and left leg to pull into NJA? What is the best feel for this. I feel a strong contraction of the adductor as the left leg posts up and alot of pressure in the inner leg up to the where the hip joint and pelvis meet in the inner thigh.
May 24, 2014
64x64
Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
This is the order of movement. Externally rotate the left leg to move the knee directly over the left ankle. Pull the weight over to the left with left hip adduction. Plant the weight firmly by pushing the left ankle into the ground and activating the left glute. Try the stomp drill in the How the Lower Body Works Video in the Full Swing Downswing Section for learning the proper sensation.
May 24, 2014
64x64
Seth
How should this feel at full speed at the top of the backswing, more as a shift to the left or more of a drop/squat?
April 29, 2014
64x64
Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
It should feel like more of a shift while working to keep the hips back. Often times, students are trying to get too much squat and running into an immense amount of posture/extension changes into the hitting area
April 29, 2014
64x64
Seth
thanks chris, just to clarify when you mean hips back you are talking about them not opening up until impact and post impact correct?
April 29, 2014
64x64
Andrew
Just a quick question about the 2:36 time in the video. I understand the concept of the weight shift into the heel, but I'm finding that in the position (2:36) I have difficulty getting the club face to close on time. It looks as if the hips are too open for the hands to catch up. Lately my shots have been fading to the right (I'm right handed) and I'm thinking I may be over exaggerating the weight shift too much. Is that an issue that is seen?
April 27, 2014
64x64
Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
At the point you are seeing in the video, the body is stalling and the hands and arms are working independently through the release and extension. Make sure that you have spent some time working the release. We are wanting the hips to be open about 30-40 degrees at impact and the shoulders to be square as demonstrated in the video as well at that point.
April 28, 2014

We're after one thing: Real Results - Real Fast. And that's exactly what our members achieve. And that's why they say the AXIOM is: Mind-blowing. Game changing. Revolutionary.

Check it out ...

Here at RotarySwing, talk is cheap and the proof is always in the pudding. Come see the massive transformations we can achieve together in your swing.

See for yourself ...

From beginner to pro, we have what you need to get you where you want to go.

See how inside ...

RotarySwing was founded out of frustration with the current state of golf instruction. Quinton knew a better way had to exist to learn this game we all love.

Learn more ...