Hip Speed vs. Hand Speed in Golf Swing

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How fast should the hips and hands move in the golf swing? Can the hips move "too fast" in the down swing? Will moving the hips faster move the clubhead faster?

  • Research shows that maximizing hip speed does increase club head speed, but just by a few miles an hour
  • Keeping the hips as quiet as possible cut rotation speed in half, but improved consistency & control
  • Firing the hips as hard as possible contributes to back and hip strain
  • Analysis of pros' swings shows they do achieve high rotational speeds, but they do it much earlier in the swing
  • Hip speeds peak early in the transition, then decelerate into impact
  • Kinetic energy is transmitted up the chain, resulting in higher club head speed at release
  • The club is pulled down by the lower body movement, providing lag that also improves club head speed

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Stephen
What do you feel causes snap hooks with driver. I never do it with irons or my hybrid, just my driver? I feel I'm over active with my upper body and under active with lowered body with rotation? Is that right? Any idea how I can fix this?
February 23, 2023
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Stephen. That can be the cause, but also over active lower half leading you to being stuck and causing a flip. Take a look at How to Stop Hooking the Ball Video. It will help you diagnose and work on some drills to alleviate the problem. More than likely you need to calm the motion down and allow for a more passive release.
February 23, 2023
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Terry
Some confusion about the right hand, as Chuck mentions the "throw the ball" drill which implies the right hand has a function in the golf swing. Whereas the VJ Drill effectively loosens the right hand to where it has NO function in the swing and can only impede the golfer swing speed. SO which is it?
February 27, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Terry. The trail arm is a passive conduit of power. Most players way over use their trail arm. The throw the ball drill is for players that get stuck from excessive pull and have too much lag that they need to get rid of it. 99.98% of golfers don't need to focus on using their trail arm.
February 27, 2020
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Barry
when you squat to square and then post : Should you be completely posted going into impact. With the release of your arms pulling you into open hips? I ask because when I squat and bring my arms ready to hit it doesn't feel right . When I make my move from the top a feeling of weight shift and posting in one fluid motion I have more solid contact. I don't really feel the squat to square move when making a full swing. Obviously you aren't watching me on video , Just curious if what I am attempting to explain sounds correct? Thanks : Haven't been to a range or course in almost 5 weeks while doing the steps in this program.
July 27, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Barry. It will feel like one fluid motion and most players don't feel the big "squat" in sq to square. Shifting into the lead side, settling into the glutes and then pulling the leverage from the ground with the post. The posting will be done at impact. You will have a little bit more of lead leg to straighten (because it shouldn't be hyper extended at impact), but that will happen when the momentum of the release pulls you through to the finish.
July 27, 2018
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Barry
OK Great That's what it feels like :
July 28, 2018
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Peter
Hi I am surprised that the picture of the golfer in impact position behind you in many of your videos shows the left hip to be well outside the left foot. You postulate that the left hip should be stacked over the left foot or slightly inside. Why choose to display a picture which seem to be the antithesis of your teaching? Peter
July 2, 2018
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Howard (Certified RST Instructor)
Good afternoon Peter. The left hip socket is what we are trying to align in the downswing, not so much the hip itself. The actual hip socket is considerably farther in from the outside of the hip, giving the illusion that, when stacked correctly, the hips have slid too far laterally. The way in which the femur angles from the hip to the knee can also give the same false impression.
July 2, 2018
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Anthony
I have been playing so well lately, everything feeling so good and my handicap down from 16 to 13. However, I have suddenly lost that feel especially off the tee. With my driver I am hitting very high off the toe, ball flies generally straight but very high and no distance. I feel my right shoulder is spinning and try as I might I can't seem to stop it!! Why does the great feeling suddenly disappear? Are there videos to address the spinning right shoulder? Help!
June 29, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Anthony. Take a look at Keep Rear Shoulder Back to help with shoulder spin. You will get the move back.
June 29, 2018
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Gunnar
Chuck, in your research, did you later find an optimum in between no hip rotation and max hip rotation that yielded even better speed, or one involving earlier hip rotation? If so, what improvement, ballpark figure?
June 28, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Gunnar. I spoke with Chuck. He said, he never tried to max out hip speed as I found it more interesting to see how slow I could move them and produce max club head speed versus trying to move his hips faster to swing faster.
June 30, 2018
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Gerald
Really interesting argument that early hip rotation matters more than hip speed. But the key in this "sequencing" is getting the hips moving while the upper body remains passive, right? I seem to have trouble creating this differential--when my hips start rotating my upper body goes with them instead of lagging back. What can I do to create more separation, assuming I'm thinking correctly here? Best, Gerald Graff
April 2, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Gerald. Yes, allowing the lower half to start and the upper half to passive or unwind too soon. The upper half will have to rotate, but you don't want it moving too fast or beating the hips. Try the Start the Downswing Before Completing the Backswing Video to help with a little separation.
April 3, 2017
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Dave
Love this video. My focus on this drill is to sit into the left side and REALLY focus on staying connected with the right arm (upper interior bicep connected to the right exterior of the chest). By doing this when I post up my club drops right into the release position without even doing much with the arms and I get a ton of lag. Is this correct to feel this strong connection almost like the arms and chest are one piece until the very last second? Feels very robotic with the upper body. But the plus is I am no longer casting.
March 7, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Dave. Don't clinch too much, but using the lead side and pull without feeling much disconnection doesn't sound off base. Similar to the Step 3 Video (but, with trail arm added), or Rotary Golf Downswing Overview.
March 8, 2017
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Donald
I haven't applied it yet, Craig, but the suggested videos make perfect sense to me. Thanks much.
February 7, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Don. No problem. Glad it makes more sense now.
February 7, 2017
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Donald
I'm struggling with the concept of pulling the left hip back to start the downswing and still keeping my left shoulder down as Chuck suggested in his recent video on creating lag and the ensuing release of the club. When my hip turns it is impossible for me to keep my left shoulder down/closed to the target. Any suggestions?
February 6, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Don. It sounds like you are rushing a little to open up the hips. Take a look at the Level Shoulders Drill and Squat to Square to help with the initial move of hips and lead shoulder.
February 6, 2017
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rick
As a student of Anatomy, I have an odd take on Hip Spinning. Moving that hip out of the way during the transition, I envision how the Femoral Head Rotates (ball on top of the femur connected to the hip). Understanding how that works helps me to not spin/rotate the hip too fast and actually helps me slow it down. Just another take.
February 5, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Thanks Rick. That may help with some imagery for other members.
February 5, 2017
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Lee
Hi, enjoying your program immensely. The pro at our club suggested RST as THE program that he supports. In fact, we speak weekly as to my progress or questions. I told him I have not a good feel of my left hip externally rotating on my downswing. He said it might help to open my left foot a bit more at address? Also, the concept of my left wrist bowed at the top seems not to happen naturally, however when I practice this consciously the clubface seems to square up much better. Any factual basis to this? Lee
December 31, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Lee. Take a look at Should You Splay Your Feet. Chuck will walk you through if it is necessary for you to open the lead foot or not. Also, the lead wrist should be flat at the top (not bowed). I can see that you wouldn't have to work as hard squaring up the face in the downswing with a bowed position at the top (normally the face will be shut with a bowed lead wrist). However, I would work on flattening the lead wrist and allowing for better gradual rotation down.
January 2, 2017
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Lance
It seems that the hips are a loaded spring if the shoulder blade glide starts the backswing properly. It don't feel like I "fire" the hips at all to start the downswing - the hips just release like a spring and everything follows.
May 23, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Lance. You probably won't feel a fire or snap until you post up. Sounds like you are on the right track.
May 24, 2016
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Lance
Hi Craig. is posting up simultaneous with impact?
June 4, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Lance. Take a look at the Step 3 Video in the RST 5 Step System and Perfecting Impact Part 3 Video. You will start posting up just prior to impact.
June 4, 2016
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Jian
Hi, as Chuck mentioned about hip injury, I have a question which I meant to ask you for some time. I had my left knee cap fractured when I was in 20's, and it was not healed perfectly so I suffer from pain when I don't swing correctly or the knee is strained. I am wondering if you have any advise in relation to how to protect my left knee from being injured by bad or violent golf swings so I can play golf for many years to come. I am right handed and over 40's. Thanks, Jian
January 7, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jian. Sorry to hear about your knee. The big strain on the knee would be the snapping back of the leg at impact. You need to post up correctly, but not look to leverage from the ground being your only source of power. Take a look at the Perfecting Lower Body Stability Video. Make sure the lead leg straightens. But, you don't snap it back "Tiger in the early days" which led to his complications as well.
January 7, 2016
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Jian
Thanks. Just two more questions to follow on: 1. I watched the lower body stability video, and had some practice. I notice when my leading leg posted up, I heard some kind of hip popping noise, not once but quite often. Do you know such issue? Is it normal hip joint reaction when the left side is straightened? 2. Can you explain please how the interna/ externall rotation work such as hip muscle, thigh, heels? I think correct rotation will help my left knee cap? 3. Can you elaborate the snapping back movement you mentioned please? How does impact my knee? Thanks.
January 8, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jian. Chuck sustained a hip injury in the past and experiences popping every now and then with his trail hip. But I haven't heard of any other popping issue. The lead knee will externally rotate to stack over the ankle joint. You will pull with lead hip adduction/left femur rotation (Impact Series 2-3) to achieve the weight shift. The weight should be stacked and planted into the lead heel. When you push into the ground with the lead heel (posting up at impact). The lead leg/knee will straighten and lose flexion. You don't want to snap back the leg when posting up into the release too much (Straighten Left Leg Video).
January 8, 2016
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William
I have continues cramps in my glutes and pelvis that make it feel like I have golf balls at my sit bones, for 12 years. The cramps give me fits with starts and stops on timing because my feel is not real. I just came from the range trying to work on synchronizing my body rotation with the arms through the ball. I was having a really hard time transferring slow motion work to full speed. Since I could feel my sit bones as 2 points being inside the ends of the green sticks, that are used to illustrate the hips in this video, I decided to focus on those points as a key for hip rotation. I used them to feel the hip shift to the left, followed by the rotation. I made sure that they felt like I was turning them at slow speed and felt the rest of the body and arms were carried by and accelerated by those 2 points. The results were amazing with an effortless low tension swing that flew 2 clubs further and straight over the pin with extreme accuracy. It felt like the swing that I had when I was shooting sub par rounds and winning amateur tournaments. I stopped all my jerking and slashes that I was making at the ball for 10 years, due to grapping the club, racking with the shoulders, and trying to time rotation of the forearms. Does the add anything to your discussion of the swing bio mechanics? By the way, the points that I was talking about are where your rotator muscles attach to bones. The muscles are called obturators for internal and external rotation of the legs.
September 27, 2015
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey William, I am a bit unclear in your questions/explanation and was hoping that you could give me a little more information that may help us best answer the question. I assume you are speaking of internal vs. external rotation of the femur and the muscles that support and rotate the pelvis during the swing. Can you clarify your question on how this adds to a discussion of biomechanics, so I can help you out as much as possible. Thanks
October 5, 2015
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Joel
Hi guys. I recently had a lesson with my local pro who said that I had a little problem with my sequencing. He said I needed to develop more separation. He told me to start my transition with the feeling of firing my hips and then release the club. Is this reasonable advice.? It did seem to provide the separation between the hips and upper body. It seems to match what chuck is saying here. I've worked on belt buckle drill and squat to square. I just want to make sure this advice doesn't go against that. Just to clarify he says fire the hips to start but he isn't talking about firing them as hard as possible to get belt buckle to target. Interested in your thoughts.
June 13, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Joel. I'm a little confused. When I hear "fire the hips" that means rotate hard. If he isn't wanting you to get them wide open from the start, then no worries. But, I would be interested in seeing why all the need for massive separation and why "you " need to fire them so hard. Do you tend to under use the hips in the swing? Have them square at impact? Take a look at the How the Lower Body Works Video in the Downswing Section. Fire the glutes and not the hips too much.
June 13, 2015
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Eugene
So does the weight shift begin the down swing and continue until impact with the ball with a 'slow down' or is there more of a stop of the forward motion and a posting up (straightening of the leg) at impact? I keep hitting the ball fat when I squat to square and have a hard time straightening my lead leg.
May 28, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
There is more of a stop of motion and posting up. Approximately 90% of the weight should be on the lead foot at impact. Not much left to transfer or move forward anymore. Take a look at Perfecting Lower Body Stability in the Weight Transfer Advanced Section for more help with the lead leg.
May 28, 2015
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Eugene
I'm a little confused on where the butt of the club is supposed to be when you release the club. In one of the videos he mentioned that we need to pull the club end to the left seam the pant leg, but now were talking about beginning to release the club at the right thigh. Where am I going wrong here?
May 28, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Eugene. The club will start to release around the trail thigh area. However, most players release early or cast the club too soon. Therefore, the feeling of the butt end being in front of the lead thigh helps that kind of player. In actuality the club will start releasing around the trail thigh.
May 28, 2015
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Chan
Where is the video where Chuck mentions throwing the club at the ball? I don't think it's the throw the ball drill because I have watched that one many times. I remember one video where he described the swing as simply throwing the club at the ball. Can't seem to find it.
May 19, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Chan. Hmm. I can't think of the exact one, but will go on a search. Maybe Re-Shaping Your Swing for Lag? 3 Sources to Increase Power?
May 20, 2015
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Chan
I don't think its the re-shaping swing for lag because I have watched that one over and over. I know he says it but I cannot for the life of me remember what video that is in. He says something like this, "you are basically throwing the club at the ball..." Let me know if you find it.
May 20, 2015
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Tony
He references it quite a bit in the Lose the Right Hand Video?
May 26, 2015
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Loran
What starts early in the initiation of the downswing? Would that be the arms or the transition?
May 12, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Loan. The shift back to the lead side starts early in the initiation into the downswing. The lower body and weight transfer back towards the target.
May 12, 2015
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mike
With all the analysis available and data regarding club head speed. A lot of talk from pundints regarding "hand speed". Saying if you want to increase club head speed, well you got to increase or have good hand speed. I may be missing the boat, but with the rotary swing, and having good lag, couple this with decelerating your hips thru the impact zone,,using the ground, resulting in the ol "sling shot" type release (free release),,,,why would hand speed be a major factor. long winded, but was just wondering how much a factor "hand" speed is in relation to resultant club head speed.
February 24, 2015
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R.J. (Certified RST Instructor)
Mike, I used to release the club head with my hands and tried to use my hand speed to release the club. The problem with that is, the more I tried to control the club head, the less control that I actually had. Also, my hands actually slowed the club head down. Loose wrists will allow the weight of the club head to move on it's intended path that we setup with all of our body movements prior to the time of release. So, "hand speed" is really just how supple we allow our wrists to be so the club can do what it's supposed to do. It's called a release because we're supposed to let go and let the club do its thing. I have incredibly fast hands, but even I can't actively release the club as fast as physics can. R.J.
February 28, 2015
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Vincent
Chuck, I noticed with you shifted your weight and started your hips that your HEAD did not shift with you. The Lag Doctor did his video and he shifted at least 6 inches towards his front foot. I've had a heck of a problem figuring out why I'm losing power while practicing the shift. I see all the videos of the pros and their heads are behind the ball at contact. So, my question is, by watching you on this video...Do I shift while keeping head behind ball. I'm struggling with distance and control. My divots seem deep. Vince
January 18, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Vince. You want the head to stay behind the ball at impact. The head will shift towards the target on the downswing. It's a 3 inch shift into the lead glute coming down. The head will move because it is connected to the body. However, with the proper secondary axis tilt and release the head should stay behind. If you are getting deep divots you are more than likely coming into the ball too steeply. Shallow out the plane and use the lead arm correctly. That should alleviate the issue. LADD Video and Stop Coming Over the Top Video in the Downswing Section.
January 20, 2015
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Gavin
Hi, I have improved a lot since practicing the swing model. I am now working on tryng to increase lag in the swing, i find that while i have increased slightly and have soft wrists and am seated left, when the club is horizontal, it is evel with my hip but perhaps a foot behind. The tour swings i see have their hands in front of their right hip with the club horizontal. is there any way to move the right hand closer to the right hip before impact? Thanks.
January 9, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Gavin. Take a look at the Transition Drill in the Advanced Downswing Section. It will help you work the arms and hands more into the trail thigh position maintaining the lag.
January 9, 2015
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kelly
Hi! I read where chuck has stated the pros get their hips moving/peaking as fast as they can earlier in the downswing! If the pros get their hip rotation maxed out earlier in the downswing so they can decelerate and release the club with far more club head speed, is there any drills I can do to practice the? And I understand they shift their weight and their sequencing is almost perfect ,as I will continue to work on shifting my weight to the left heel at the start ,but I wanna start peaking my hip speed earlier as well,as I think my hips are exceptionally fast now,probably why I hit big blocks lol any feedback would be great ,regards,Kelly Conway
December 6, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Kelly. Take a look at Increase Swing Speed by Hip Deceleration in the Advanced Downswing Section.
December 7, 2014
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Steve
I think that this video is confusing as it relates to the belt buckle drill. It seems like the belt buckle drill encourages you to face the ball and not spin your hips so that you can cover the ball. This video has the hips turning as you sit into the left side. Isn't the first move in the downswing to sit into the left glute with a bent left knee? Followed by driving the heel into the ground and turning the obliques to get a straight left leg as you release? Or, is this done at the same time?
November 13, 2014
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R.J. (Certified RST Instructor)
The point of this video is to teach people that it's important to start the transition to the downswing with the lower body and that hip spinners will increase a great amount of accuracy, consistency and limit their risk for injury with a 50% reduction in hip rotational speed at only a 3% loss of club head speed, which can be made up for in other ways. Any confusions that you have in sequencing the downswing can be absolved here: http://www.rotaryswing.com/videos/tour-pros/sang-moon-bae-hips-for-lag R.J.
November 14, 2014
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Peter
I've been working my tush off in P.T. lately (The brace is off-for 6-8 hours a day), and I'm finishing my first book. As a result, I've been slow to catch up on your videos. But I'm incredibly impressed at your teaching techniques. I can quite literally see the wheels turning as you folks gain more information and use it so effectively in your instruction presentations. The result, to me, is not a ree-peat of old stuff, but NEW concepts, and an expanding understanding of the biomechanics of the golf swing . But your videos give us a blended complex of information (a finished quilt?) instead of a bunch of loose strings for us to try to grab at. That's not said well. Sorry. During my Oncology career what I loved best was teaching-physicians, nurses, and most of all patients. I discussed cancer of the 'whatsitz' thousands of times. But with each repetition, I didn't just pull out the old info. I started from scratch, researching the most basic stuff as well as the newest experimental treatments. And each time my presentation was a little better, a little more effective, whatever the audience because my command of the subject was fuller. That's why I have such deep respect for your abilities and your efforts as you strive to fulfill your mission. This is not about golf, and it's surely not about cancer. What it is, I guess, is an expression of deepest gratitude for what you folks are doing. More important, it's my appreciation and respect for what you are all about-inside. Kudos! Again. pk
November 3, 2014
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Jordan
hey guys i have seen myself on camera and first i drop my hands on the inside and hit a hook/pull and i finish my swing with a reverse "C" any remedies for this? thanks Jordan
November 2, 2014
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R.J. (Certified RST Instructor)
Jordan, Yes, watch the "Merry Go Round" drill and the "Impact alignment Face On" drill. If you do the merry go round drill with the reverse C, your club will be pointing towards the target or up to towards the sky when you get back to the ball. If you straighten yourself out, the club will point at the ball when it is over top of it, during the Merry Go Round drill. Also, if you video tape yourself, put a target out in front of you and stretch yourself out in the perfect post impact position without the reverse C, make sure your club is a couple inches away from being able to touch the object. A large trash can works well. Then when you swing full speed, try to hit the trash can. Obviously, you won't be able to because you measured it out before hand, but if you have a reverse C, you won't be able to come close to the trash can. So, by getting closer to the trash can, you'll ultimately will have to lean your torso more forward at and after impact, straightening yourself out. R.J.
November 2, 2014
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Lee
I think I asked a version of this in the wrong place and so didn't really get an answer to my question as after thinking about it, I think it would be considered more of an advanced move as I understand you do not normally want to do this and that there are risks in doing it. I was wanting to know, if you want to hit the ball harder and step on one for a shot, what do you do? How do you do that? Do you speed up the squat or what do you speed up and when? In other words, what is the best possible way to do that? Again knowing there are risks involved with doing that and that you should not even attempt to do that until you have the basic downswing sequence down. There are a few times in a round where it is helpful to know how to do that (ie when it is best to be short than long so you would rather take less club and try to get a little more out of it). Thanks in advance for your reply.
October 15, 2014
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R.J. (Certified RST Instructor)
Lee, There are three ways in which we generate speed in the golf swing. Elevation, Leverage and Rotation. We don't want to focus on moving any one part of the swing faster than another. If we do that then we're going to throw off our synchronization in the downswing. If you rotate the hips faster, then you'll need to rotate the shoulders faster, then move the arms faster and release the club faster and chances are one of those pieces of the swing aren't going to be able to keep up. So, with rotation already being maximized with our normal swing, it would not be a viable option adding more distance when you really need it. Plus, rotation adds the least amount of distance of the three because the body moves much slower than the arms and wrists. We could increase our angle of lag, which is a force of leverage, and this would generate more club head speed. However, the more lag that we create in the backswing, the quicker and harder that we need to release the club to ensure that the arms are fully extended shortly after impact. This can be very powerful, but wildly in consistent. The easiest way and most reliable way to get more distance on your shots would be to get more elevation in your backswing. Make sure that your right arm is staying straight in the backswing so that we're getting as much width as possible and keep the right arm straight until you pull your arms up to shoulder height and then fold the right elbow to complete the backswing. You'll most likely become disconnected from the box when you do this so, you'll have to practice a move after this elevation that gets you back into the box on the downswing. That's the reason why we don't do this normally, we try to build an efficient golf swing where we don't need to make impromptu compensations in our swing. You can use any combination of these to increase your club head speed, but you're going to need to be physically gifted to overcome the challenges of trying to increase club head speed in these ways with any consistency. Remember, ball speed is more important in hitting it far than club head speed so, if you can't hit it solidly, then you're not going to make it to your target. Try more elevation first, if that doesn't work, move down to lag increases and then quicker rotation, if all else fails. R.J.
October 16, 2014
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ilan
Thanks Craig , but what about the first part of my question , are the pros doing the same movement ? chuck said that the long hitters have a very fast hip rotation and than they stop.you say , if i understood correctly , to make a lateral shift and than the hips will decelarate naturaly while the wrists will release.
October 2, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
I apologize IIan. Yes, the pros are doing the same movement. Some better than others. Most pros either spin the hips harder and a little more open, but leads to a little inconsistency at impact. Take a look at the Increase Swing Speed By Deceleration Video in the Advanced Downswing Section to practice the slowing/stop. If you make the lateral shift into the lead glute and squat. Loading the glutes, preparing yourself to pull leverage out of the ground and stabilize the rotation. Then all you would do is release that energy through the arms and hands. The hips will start to naturally decelerate with the proper load, pull from left (not push from right) and release of the club.
October 2, 2014
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ilan
chuck mention that the pros make a very fast hip rotation movement and than the hip decelarate.Is this fast hip rotation identical to the squat movement you advocate or dhould we target a more lateral move so that we will not be spining the hips while staying on the right side?
October 2, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Ilan. You will be shifting to the lead side lateral, then the lead hip will start to pull away as you engage the lead oblique. If you shift and squat it will help the hips not spin out and correctly decelerate.
October 2, 2014
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James
How do I stop hitting everything fat?
September 30, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello James. Better lead arm control. Take a look at the Taking a Divot Video in the Advanced Downswing Section.
September 30, 2014
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David
Any thoughts on Somax? Rob Prichard, founder of Somax, states that average golfer hip speed is 1 MPH and pros are 2.5 MPH and that's the difference. He actually has students driving straight 375 yards.
September 29, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello David. I don't have a lot of information on the device. However, I would be careful. Some of the concepts he talks about on his website seem to contradict science. I've been in the golf world for a long time and never have come about players/students that consistently hit 375 yard drives.
September 29, 2014
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Phil
I seem to hit off the toe of the club a lot and my divots go to the left. Can you tell me what might be the cause?
September 22, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Phil. Typically, you would be above the plane line coming into the strike. Take a look at the LADD Video and the Stop Coming Over the Top Video to help shallow out your swing plane.
September 22, 2014
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Jeffrey
CHUCK loved this video Hip and Hand Speed. It explains alot. I could never reconcile the advice on this website and others (as well as Ben Hogan) that the Downswing begins from the ground up including rotating hips, with the idea to transition to left side and that the belt buckle is or should feel like it is facing the ball at impact....It seems that spinning out the hips is such a common problem because no one has ever emphasized how they do, and must, decelerate so the hands do get in front of right hip/belt buckle at impact.....Question: Is the advice to Hit Against A Firm Left Side/Left and to Transition to Left side by falling (sliding) backward into the left side in any way explain or related to this idea that the hips decelerate....One would seem to have a tough eliminating Hip Spinner tendencies, correctly transitioning to left side, and hitting against a firm left side etc if the hips started (before Shoulders/hands) and simply continued their rotation at same rate of to and thru impact to downswing
September 1, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Posting into the left leg and using the left side transfer definitely helps with the spinning. Take a look at the Sitting Into the Left Side Video in the Downswing Section to learn how transfer and glute engagement keep those hips calm.
September 1, 2014
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Jim
Great video to understand that the hips must lead the downswing. My problem seems to be that I push off to hard off my right foot during the downswing, causing me to push my left knee past the neutral zone at impact. Should I be trying not to push off my right side during the downswing?
August 7, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Jim. The only time you need to feel push of the right is if you don't use the hips enough. Which is a rather rare occurrence.
August 7, 2014
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matt
Chuck, When I got fit for my driver, the fitter mentioned that the high dynamic loft I was seeing (17-20 degs) from the Trackman was coming from not clearing out my hips. I can't find anything on the Rotary Swing Tour that would suggest that is the case? Could you explain what part of sequencing might be causing a mini-flip?
July 26, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Matt. A flip can happen for a multitude of reasons. Correct the Release with the 5 Minutes to a Perfect Release in the Downswing Section. Also, watch the Acceleration Profile Video in the Downswing Advanced Section and the How the Lower Body Works Video in the Downswing Section. Understand the hips do play a role into impact. They will be roughly 30-40 degrees open. You just don't want to spin or push from the trail side.
July 26, 2014
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Wayne
Good Morning - I have improved my ball striking and scoring just by reviewing and implementing the take away videos. However, I do struggle with the down swing and release as I tend to come out of my posture caused by (I believe) an over active right shoulder and side. I do not stay in by posture and allow the harms to release and turn over - help please. Thanks and keep up the great work!!
July 17, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Wayne. If you are coming out of your posture. It is typically the lower body. Take a look at the Sitting Into the Left Side Video in the Downswing Section to make a proper shift. Losing the Tush line Video in the Downswing Advanced to maintain the glute engagement. And the Stop Coming Over the Top Video in the Downswing Section to keep the right shoulder back.
July 17, 2014
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Ola
I gotta say that i really struggle with some parts. The fact that the head should be behind the ball but the hands should be well in front feels like a fysical impossibility. If im behind the ball I really have to push over to left not to hit it fat resulting in hippain. When I try to have forward press I tilt my spine wrong but I hit the ball really well anyway with penetrating flight. .. overwhelmed today how little I have improved after 8 months of almost everyday doing something. .. However, my ballstriking has improved but my misses are way to big and cost way to much. Frustrating. I hit shots I haven't been able to hit before rotaryswing but scores badly.
July 5, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Ola. I'm sorry to hear your frustration. Take a look at the Taking a Divot Video in the Downswing Advanced Section to help with the concept of consistent strike with the lead arm forward and the head back. Golf does seem like a backwards sport at times.
July 6, 2014
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jeff
Hi, I have hopefully a quick question. In an earlier video Drills to Avoid Being Stuck in Downswing, Clay talks about how to avoid being stuck, and suggests that the arms should stay in front of the chest. Chuck seems to suggest that the hips go very fast early. Wouldn't this lead to possibly getting the arms stuck? Thanks, Jeff
July 1, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Jeff. It's not that we want to fire the hips really fast from the top. The hips reach impact very fast because of a short distance to travel. They get there fast and peak out quickly. We definitely want the arms working in front of the chest. Thats why many of are videos are geared towards hip spinners.
July 1, 2014
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chris
I don't seem to be able to stop coming into impact with a closed club face; which videos do you recommend to help me cure this. Thanks!!
June 19, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
5 Minutes to the Perfect Release. Work on how the Left Hand will control the club through impact and release properly.
June 20, 2014
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Dave
I know this question has been asked before but just want to make sure I understand the tee the ball drill. The ball should be teed about a half inch above the ground (as opposed to normal height) and another tee is placed a couple inches in front also about a half an inch. Is that right?
May 31, 2014
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Dave yes that is correct.
June 1, 2014
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scott
Hello, I am looking for a video that had watched a few times that I can no longer find... It was a video addressing under the plane that Quinton was doing in the Rotary studio. He demonstrated the problem and provided a solution to fix. It was about 8 minutes long. I have found what seems to be a part two type video that has Tiger in it but cannot find the original. Thanks for your help.
May 19, 2014
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Scott, are you referring to the trace the plane line video in the downswing advanced section?
May 19, 2014
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ken
It seems that I hit different iron shots the same distance, how can I fix this.
May 1, 2014
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Ken, we would need to see your swing in order to be able to help you out the best way possible. I would send in your swing for a review and note just that and let us have a close look.
May 1, 2014
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question, as i am a lefthanded golfer can you please give me advice how strong i should hold on the lead hand grippressure right hand to compensate the strong left arm over taking in the hitting area. on a scale 1 to 10 and how lose the left hand grip?
April 29, 2014
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
You want both arms to be equally passive. You are looking for the pressure to be in the ball park of 4-5. You may have to train the trail arm very lightly as outlined in the lose the right hand video in the downswing section
April 29, 2014
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andrew
Question, if I can swing a normal pitching wedge in the mid eighties without much lag, what do I stand to gain by creating more lag? I can never square the club when I try to lag it big time.
April 18, 2014
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
That is one of the downfalls to having too much lag that is over looked. Make sure the release is fine tuned, impact looks good, and then try to build more lag slowly. At your current speeds, you could gain a bit more but impact and release will be far more important on a prioritized scale.
April 21, 2014
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Roger
chris, I lose my lag late in the downswing. Is this from too much push of right leg and arm in downswing? Are you recommending that I start my downswing before completing the backswing in order to better time my armswing?
April 17, 2014
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Roger, it could be from you pushing on the shaft with the left thumb or too much right hand. It could also be attributed to having your wrists in a fully set position at the top which will cause you to throw the club very early. This sort of drill can help you with sequencing and parts of this drill can help with gaining lag but I would focus on the areas that I mentioned above first and make sure those are not the culprits and then fine tune the release and then work on 9 to 3 lag building drills.
April 21, 2014
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Michael
Are they any videos or drills for correcting the left arm chicken wing during the down swing follow through? Thank you, Michael M
April 6, 2014
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Micheal, there is a cure the chicken wing long arms drill in the advanced dowswing section.
April 8, 2014
1.1 Introduction to The GOAT Code 1.2 The GOAT Delivery Position (GDP) 1.3 The GOAT Grip 1.4 The GOAT Setup 1.5 GOAT Ball Position 1.6 Trail Hand Putting Drill 1.7 Tiger Woods Tee Drill 1.8 Add Lead Hand to Putting Stroke 1.9 Skills Assessment Challenge: Putting
2.1 Trail Hand Chipping Stroke 2.2 Trail Hand Ripper Chip 2.3 Add Lead Hand to Chipping Stroke 2.4 Progressive Drill to Add Lead Hand 2.5 Add Lead Hand to Ripper Chip 2.6 Clubface is KING 2.7 Skills Assessment Challenge: Chipping
3.1 Transferring Power from the Core to the Hand 3.2 The GOAT Pitch Shot 3.3 Pitch Shot Starting Line Drill 3.4 Fundamentals of Compression 3.5 Skills Assessment Challenge: Pitching
4.1 Core Activation - Chair Drill 4.2 Core Activation - Medicine Ball Throws 4.3 Core Activation - Slam Ball 4.4 Core Activation - Punching Bag Power 4.5 20 Yard Wedge Shot Basics 4.6 Skills Assessment Challenge: 20 Yard Shots 4.7 40 Yard Wedge Shots - The Magic! 4.8 GOAT Power Sequence 4.9 The GOAT Drill 4.10 The GOAT Takeaway 4.11 The GOAT 9 to 3 Drill
Webinar 1: The Core Webinar 2: Core Power & Putting Webinar 3 - Compression & Clubface Control Webinar 4 - Fascia & Effortless Power
Squish the Bug for Effortless Power - Pt 3 of 3 The GOAT Release The GOAT Release Intro - Endless Conveyor Belt GOAT Code Secret to Effortless Power - Pt 1 of 4 GOAT Code Effortless Power - Head Movement - Pt 2 of 4 GOAT Code Effortless Power - Using Your Head - Pt 3 of 4 GOAT Code Effortless Power - Take it to the Course - Pt 4 of 4

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