5 Minutes to the Perfect Golf Club Release

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Releasing the club properly is something that few golfers do but is the key to effortless power and squaring the clubface through impact. If you've wondered how to hit a draw your entire life, this multi-step drill will make drawing the ball and controlling trajectory simple. The drill is challenging at first, so hang in there, it will take time to perfect and train the movements.

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Peter
Would it help to grab the left wrist with the right hand to get the proper feeling when using two hands?
July 12, 2024
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Peter. That would be useful for the takeaway portion so you don't roll the club inside, but I don't think for the release that would help as much.
July 13, 2024
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Michael
doing this drill does this result in a straight draw that starts left and moves further left a bit or does this result in a push draw that starts out to the right and draws back to target without having to playi the ball back in your stance slightly or turning your knuckles of your left hand towards the ground a bit
April 7, 2024
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Michael. This should be more a push draw or straight draw. If you are pulling it make sure your shoulders aren't spinning open too soon and/or the release is being done manually. The club will release itself.
April 7, 2024
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Ronald
Is this suitable for every club
February 13, 2024
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Chuck
Absolutely
February 13, 2024
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Calvin
Will this drill work with a fairway wood?
February 7, 2024
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Calvin. Absolutely! Really helps you have a shallow AOA.
February 7, 2024
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Calvin
Thank you! I’ll give it a try today.
February 7, 2024
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stephen
You have confused me over the the years. I have been through the University, the Dead Drill, The Axion and the C4 level 2. Now the Goat. What do you suggest to bring it all together? I remember Chris telling me I would benefit from the Axion because of its right foot emphasis but it had taken the C4 to get me to weight shift and complete the figure 8 foot and hips movement ie. Swing with the core. As I said in my previous note I naturally add the right arm and hand at the release point and that combo release produces a smooth movement through the ball when I get it all right and it feels great. It sounds like I could benefit from the goat stuff but with my natural tendency to sidearm through the ball on release, I am confused by potential improvement. If I can now blend it all together but only have to think about moving with and off the right side in the downswing it would be terrific. Please explain the intention of the training for swinger like me. Also note too dominant a left side focus on hip turn hurts my hip when I over swing.
November 27, 2023
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Stephen. After Phase 2 you create a nice balance in the swing using both sides. Phase 3 will introduce power from the trail. From here as you venture into finishing the swing GOAT Theory will be there to provide whether you want your trail side or lead side motion to be your dominant trait of choice for the swing.
November 27, 2023
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stephen
Okay Chuck I was a right side dominant swinger with all the faults that lack o proper weight shift brings. Been working with your videos and getting help with online coaching from your swing coach’s for years. For the last year have been going through #2 of the current approach on the website along with Craig’s comeback videos and his online help. Am about to graduate to #3 level where you add power to the 9 to 3 swing. I think in those videos you will instruct to throw the ball. Since I was a picture in high schools I naturally add the right arm sidearm throw at the release point, however the training in the 9-5 drill has gotten me shift weight properly and lead with the left arm and create a proper release point. I have not yet gone through the goat lesson videos yet here is my question: do we cover the right arm move you are talking about in the goat videos sufficiently in the level 3 and 4 series in the current training program or have you got something else in mind? I am about to graduate from level 2 and begin level 3 rep routine.Will now send Craig a new video for review in combination with that move to make sure my 9-3 swing is ready for the move up
November 27, 2023
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Stephen. The GOAT Theory will expand upon some sequence talk and position of trail arm before release. Phase 3 however is the perfect spring board to start the basics of GOAT Theory. When you want to add more power with the full swing (Phase 4) GOAT will be the place to venture to.
November 27, 2023
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Kyle
Back at this video after your prompting in the swing review, Craig. One issue I always seem to have with trying to do the one handed swings left handed (or even with loose right hand) is just letting the club fall and chunk in to the ground in front of the trail foot. Guessing I’m taking “no tension in the arms” to the extreme?
October 18, 2023
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Kyle. Either no tension, or pushing with the lead thumb. Try to allow for some lag angle. I suspect you are releasing the wrist angle too soon. Almost try to "feel" the club is parallel to the ground by the time the lead hand reaches the lead thigh. Carry the angle deeper into impact.
October 18, 2023
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Kyle
Ok, thanks Craig. I have heard people say don’t hold on to the lag and to be loose but I think I need the opposite feel to get past what’s causing my issues there. Sort of how feeling the extremes helps you get through something
October 18, 2023
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Kyle. You are correct that you don't want to hold on too lag. But, your goal in the swing is to create, maintain, and release lag in that order. You are missing the maintain. You can see this in the 9 to 3 Lag Building Drill or Golf Swing Transition Drill. If you push away the lag too soon manually the club cannot release correctly.
October 18, 2023
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Kyle
I’ll revisit those drills and report back, too. Thanks Craig!
October 18, 2023
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
October 18, 2023
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Kyle
Hey Craig, thanks for pointing me to those videos. Been jamming on those for the last couple days and that downcock motion really helped me to feel for the first time and describe a major piece I was missing. I was getting very excited! So then I started filming some practice swings incorporating the swing thoughts from those videos of downcocking and getting the left hand to the left thigh and even the practice swings had shaft lean for once. I couldn't believe it! Then I of course got too excited and did some real things and once the little white demon re-appeared, straight back to scoopy-looking release, dumping the lag early, and a small chicken wing. It was somewhat improved, but not majorly. I obviously didn't do enough reps with that feeling, but I find it kind of hard to have the downcock/floaty feel in the 9 to 3 drills. Should I just camp there for a while before returning to C4 Phase 2 based on this and what you saw in the lesson? I took video this time of both practice swing and hitting a ball that I could send over in another swing review if that seems best. Thanks!
October 20, 2023
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Kyle. Great to read that you are starting to get the feel for lag/shaft lean. Hard to say where you need to camp out. The 9 to 3 should be long enough to help you start mastering the better lean/release which is the same length as Phase 2. If you can't get it in a 9 to 3 the problem will only get worse as the swing gets faster/longer. I would recommend staying in the smaller version until it is automatic with lag/lean/release.
October 21, 2023
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Lance
So thankful for this video! I am new to the website/program (signed up a few days ago). I played golf occasionally when I was younger and have only played a couple of times a year lately. This fall I decided to really study and work on my golf game. After watching several Rotary Swing videos and putting in the practice, I hit the best shots of my life today! This video, in particular, made it “click” for me. I used to average 150y with my 7 iron. Today I averaged 180y and even nailed one 200y!!! The ball flight and penetration was beautiful to watch! Thank you so much for your coaching!!!
October 3, 2023
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
That's awesome Lance!! . Thanks for sharing the good news. We look forward to seeing some great results from your new improved release!
October 3, 2023
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Jonathan
Hey Craig, Revisiting the video has really helped me to dial in the release. It seems I can control the clubface a heck of a lot more, even though it's hard to trust that the ball isn't going dead left at first. I do have one question. I'm experiencing pain in the radial (thumb side) of my left wrist from this wrist motion. I am a chronic flipper (before this drill) and/or at least used to having my wrist slightly cupped at impact. Is the pain due to just getting used to the new motion? Every once in awhile I'll bang the ground cause I used to be more active with the release process. I would say there is minor pain in the elbow, but more in the wrist. Thanks
June 3, 2023
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jonathan. You are either pushing with the thumb or need to bow/flatten the lead wrist correctly. Take a look at Angle of Attack and Golf Left Thumb Videos. Yes. Giving up control actually gives you more control. Weird feeling.
June 5, 2023
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Kyle
Hi, this has probably been asked before but what would be your take with someone who has left misses and using this release? My misses for years has been lefts mainly due to early extension and hand flipping. I always fear left if I release the club too much. Thanks!
March 16, 2023
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Kyle. It would typically be due to spinning shoulders combined with active release/flip. The beauty about the release above is it should be passive and you can be as aggressive as you want without fear of a hook.
March 16, 2023
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Ron
Craig, is this the drill to do if you’re trying to add “snap” like snapping a towel and the “crack” when cracking the whip? In both of the above you actually stop the hand and then pull it back to snap the towel or crack a whip. No way to do that in a swing so I’m guessing this is the next best thing
March 4, 2023
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Ron. The snap of the towel will be a biproduct of proper sequencing. The above way to release will allow the club to speed up independently of the body creating that whip affect. Proper release technique with sequencing the legs will provide lots of speed. I would also suggest the Tour Pro Downswing Sequence Drill.
March 6, 2023
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Ron
I watched the video and will give this drill a try. I’m definitely not getting as much zip through contact as I need. I’m hitting it pretty straight and contact is pretty consistent but distance is not what I think it should be.
March 8, 2023
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Ron. I would be happy to look at the swing to see where the zip is missing. You can post in the Swing Review portal or the Community. If you force the release with the arms you will power it too much with arm musculature slowing the speed down.
March 8, 2023
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Ron
Craig, I think I finally figured out what I should be doing to get a decent release. I have been working to keep the right shoulder soft and back during the beginning of the transition and then basically letting the shoulders spin open through impact. Still too much of a body release. (I’m now thinking about keeping the shoulders parallel to the target line through impact and parallel as long as possible after impact). Does this make sense to you?
March 15, 2023
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Ron. Makes a lot of sense. The shoulder spin throws the club and links the speed to body rotation. By slowing your shoulders you are allowing for more an independent release so the club can speed up.
March 15, 2023
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Ron
Craig, I know you hear this all the time but I have to laugh at myself for not getting this sooner. Sometimes for some unknown reason something just clicks when you hear it. I watched the lag pump drill and Chuck said just about everything we do in the backswing and transition is about preserving lag down to just before contact. Or the reason a golfer does just about everything we do is primarily to retain lag until it’s time to release it. The light bulb turned on and it made a lot of things make sense. The post up and letting go of the lag angle is what creates the snap speed in the swing. I’m finally starting to get the arms and hands to play nicely with the body. Thank you for all of your help
March 22, 2023
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Great Ron. Absolutely. You goal is to create, maintain and release that lag. The added leverage for more speed!
March 23, 2023
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Michael
Hello – Question/concern/confirmation about release and swing path. With the down swing being with the lead side, and the club will shallow and the path should be "in to out". Therefore; ball flight should be baby draw to a draw (right to left) due to path, club face at impact of the ball. Ball flight will not be fade. A fade is only the result of "out to in" path. True? I ask, because I have done the drills in this video (and the DEAD drills & many others, and I came to this video because I have / had issues with releasing the club) and now my ball flight is a mess, I am doing "Army Golf". I slice it, block it -or- Pull it or a pull hook, both of which is something I never done before. I need help. I am frustrated, I have spent a lot of time and energy doing drills (as well as $) and seems things get worse. This is not fun, it doesn’t make sense to continue investing in this game if its not fun. What I think is left for me to do is to submit swing reviews, which I was trying to save and use them to tweak my swing after doing the drills on here, but it seems like I am worse when I started…..it makes zero sense. My apologies for the complaints, everything on here (RST website) make absolute sense. I have learned so much about the mechanics of the swing. I can do the drills, but putting them together …… is an epic fail.
January 16, 2023
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Michael. Sorry to hear about your frustration. Never wait to get a swing review when you are stuck. You don't go to the doctor when healthy, so why wait until perfection to get some much needed advice. You can also post a release on the community and I will be happy to provide you with text/guides to the issue. 85% of ball flight will be dictated by club face. So, out to in or vice versa does have an effect but not near the degree to the club face. If you are playing army golf it sounds more like a flip. The release is passive and you allow the club to rotate by not impeding it with wrist positions. If you are hitting the correct sequence and body positions with release maneuvering the ball is tougher than the straight shot. Sounds like you may be a little out of sequence and over working the hands,
January 17, 2023
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Michael
Thanks for getting back with me. Well….me waiting was because I thought I was healthy….lol. Until I went and hit balls. So I have an idea….how does this sound; work the C4 Ballstriking Mastery Program and submit swing review at each step. Good? Thanks
January 17, 2023
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Michael. Sounds like a great plane. Start working on Phase 1 and let us help/check on the movements each phase you are ingraining.
January 19, 2023
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Michael
Thank you
January 20, 2023
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Mark
I can't get into the fully extended release position without cupping my left hand.
December 17, 2022
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Mark. If your lead hand grip is really strong you may see a slight cup. Also, take a look at Knuckles Down Video. It will help show you the exaggerated bowed release which may help you find common ground.
December 17, 2022
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Michael
Question about the 2nd drill in this video, the point in which the back of the hand will be flat will be past the fwd leg because there is only one arm swinging, correct? It will not be at the lead inside thigh, correct? That position is only when there two hands on the club, correct?
December 7, 2022
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Michael. With only the lead arm/hand swinging the position will be further forward to almost outside the lead thigh because the trail arm/hand isn't on the club.
December 8, 2022
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Michael
Craig, Hello. Thanks. I was concerned....lol I was all messed up
December 8, 2022
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Tony
I've had trouble with almost a pull slice, and working on releasing the club. Making progress but when I put both hands on club back to old ways. If I barely touch the club and completely let go with my right hand I hit my 7 iron 150 and fairly straight and even a slight draw. Is it just a matter of focusing on the release drills?
August 30, 2022
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Tony. Yes. You have to start deleting the over usage of the trail hand. It takes some time and letting go is a very good technique. It will start to improve with reps. However, I would also check your shoulders while working on this. Take a look at Trail Shoulder Back - Fix Your Release Video as well.
August 31, 2022
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Mark
This feels so easy i wonder if I am doing it correctly but the club is completely turning over with the toe up each time . When I reach for the club to put my rt arm on and when I swing with my rt arm on I do feel some stress in my lower back and spine even though using the mirror I have not lost my axis tilt or head Position. Is this normal and my muscles just not adjusted?
July 30, 2022
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Mark. The side bend position at the end will be a tough one to hold. You move through that so quickly in real golf. If you are experiencing a little pain. Add the right, but try to not hang there for a lot of time.
July 30, 2022
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Kevin
Hey everyone. Best lesson ever for me from Phase II which emphasizes the influence (or role of) right hand grip on the swing. I am a lefty by nature but play golf right-handed. What has been hard to figure out in the past is I could take a single-handed full swing and it felt so natural and perfect with weight shift, follow thru, neutral spine control, head position, etc., thru the shot. Generally when I place that right hand on the club all hell breaks loose with respect to complexity. I could not groove consistency and improvement thru my game. I knew something strange with right-hand was happening but never came close to making sense of how to solve, improve. FYI, I'm an 18 handicapper. Thank you Chuck! Incredible. Doing the progression in Phase 2 allowed me for the 1st time to finally feel the natural rhythm and release of a proper swing. Almost every shot was clean, straight. Now, I am not disillusioned to think this is in any way a cure for my misdirected interpretations, but this hacker is seeing the light . Pressing on !
July 29, 2022
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Chuck
You’re welcome!
July 29, 2022
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Awesome Kevin! Thanks for the post. When you start releasing the club correctly it makes golf a lot more fun
July 29, 2022
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David
Great lesson by Chuck! I stumbled across this accidentally. I've got a question. As a newcomer to Rotary Swing, I've been starting with the DEAD Drill, then figured I'd progress onto Axiom and then finally onto C4. My question is: For somebody who's new to the whole system like me, should I just start with C4? Thanks.
July 2, 2022
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David
Thanks, Craig
July 5, 2022
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello David. You can certainly start with C4, but I would do some DEAD Drill body reps as well so it will be much easier to hit your checkpoints.
July 4, 2022
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Brian
I can get too square at impact, so this drill slightly confuses me because there is the drill where Chuck is pushing the left leg back from the ball and away from the target. There's also the new C4 drills where open hips are one of the checkpoints. Which one is best for me to do?
May 23, 2022
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Brian. The hips need to be open at impact to trigger/clear the way for the release. This is primarily focusing on the function of the lead arm during that phase.
May 25, 2022
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Tony
Hi, I hope you can help me with something related to releasing the club. I've tried releasing the club with only the lead (left) hand on the club. I have no consistency in the impact area. So I tried it with the trail hand lightly on the club and then letting go at impact. The consistency is better but the ball curves off to the left but with a good contact. Is this what is intended? When I leave my right (trail) hand on the club (lightly) the ball doesn't curl but then I feel that the trail hand is holding back the club and stopping the hands turning over as shown in the video. I'm not sure if I have lost my way here. Can you help?
June 26, 2021
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Tony. If the ball is curving a lot you might be flipping the hand over. The release may not be passive enough. Take a look at Flip vs Release, Vijay Release, and Play thee Best Golf of Your Life in 6 Weeks 2 of 6 Videos. These will help in a few different ways. It will check how tense, flippy and over active if any the trail hand may be.
June 26, 2021
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Matthew
Would it be fair to say that with a Driver (and/or progressively more so with longer clubs) the back of the left hand faces the target at impact more and more - whereas it faces a little more toward the ground with, say, a wedge, or progressively with shorter clubs?
June 18, 2021
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Matthew. The lead wrist needs to flatten/bow. With shorter/higher lofted clubs you will tend to see a more aggressive bow than say with a wood.
June 18, 2021
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Matthew
Hey Craig, thanks. Got it. Is that because we are typically trying to keep a lower trajectory with those shorter clubs or just due to the physics of the club shape (like length or lie angle or whatever)?
June 18, 2021
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Matthew. Yes. Lower flight/penetrating/downward blow.
June 18, 2021
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Matthew
Got it. Great. Thanks!
June 18, 2021
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Gary C
After getting out in my backyard, swinging a club and trying both left and right side approaches I am definitely a right/trail side dominant swinger. My backswing is better when it’s shorter and overall my swing is better when I get more speed from my arms versus the body turn. So now, executing a trail side dominant swing with a crossover release, and a goal of trying to consistently hit a draw, what things do I need to keep in mind or watch out for, particularly when trying to hit a draw. With trail side dominance will I be fighting myself more trying to hit a draw? I assume a fade would be easier with this approach. Also, my hands are definitely crossing over each other so I am not sure if I am actually doing a push release as described in the tape drill video. Curious how the pieces fit together on that release if in fact I’m not doing a push release or is it possible to create speed with the trail side without doing a push release.
May 31, 2021
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
If you are having a big crossover early that would be more a lead side release. The trail side/push will be much more stable into and through impact. You don't want a ton of face rotation. If you try to create speed with trail side and don't execute push release you will tend to put more stress on the body through rotation, or have to time a lot of hand action. Usually leading to two way miss. You can keep the club shallower/shorter backswing and still be lead side dominant as a side note. To hit more a draw you are going to have to keep the chest quieter and focus on more the arm motion versus rotation to get the trail arm into impact like the Overview to Push Release.
June 1, 2021
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Gary C
I keep feeling like if my right hand feels more active in the downswing and release I generate more power and my follow through seems better. Curious the right hand driving the release can add power and if doing that requires me to roll the hands over each other more actively to ensure I don’t leave the club face open at impact? Not trying to deviate from the RST fundamentals but curious why the right hand being more active feels more naturals to me overall and what domino effect is created when doing that. I am right handed so I wonder if it’s old bad habits of being too arms dominated is what makes it feel more powerful and comfortable or if it’s just that my dominant hand wants to be more dominant. If I keep my right hand lighter and release with the lead arm it feels correct according to the drills but less powerful. Maybe that means I am not yet hitting with my legs properly yet? Am I going down a worm hole of variables or compensations here?
May 29, 2021
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Gary. The trail hand can add power in the lead side release, but you really want it to be pretty passive. You want in to be a passive conduit of power versus active and controlling a lot of face rotation. I would say the power loss without any trail hand is coming from lack of legs, or leverage in the wrists. That is why it is an option in Rotary on which one is the driver of your swing. Take a look at Left vs Right Video.
May 30, 2021
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Gary C
Having trouble finding that video. Nothing comes up with that exact title when I search...
May 30, 2021
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hmm. It's not on the search box. My apologies. Go to Video Menu--> Axiom Dashboard --> Fine Tune --> Left vs Right.
May 31, 2021
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Gary C
Thanks. Rewatched it and it was helpful in clarifying some things. Now my question is more what approach would be recommended in my situation. It seems that one method/approach will likely feel more natural or easy to me but I have also spent the last 18 months working through all the DEAD Drill steps and all that stuff seems to be very lead side dominant. Now that I am back to the range and beginning to hit balls I want to make sure what I’ve practiced and learned wasn’t for nothing but I also don’t want to reinvent the wheel or be swimming upstream for what my body seems to do better naturally. Would you recommend that I try to stick to a more lead side swing type to build on the DEAD drill stuff even if a trail side dominant swing feels easier for me? I have noticed I feel like I have more control with a shorter backswing (which, if I understand correctly also incorporates a bit less body turn) versus the lead side. I suspect my first trip to the range was full of me trying to mix and match and my body ending up confused. I like the idea of a slower, easier swing and want a draw as my stock shot shape so that makes me think I should stick to lead side but I do also like the more compact swing with a shorter backswing. Curious your thoughts for me here.
May 31, 2021
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Gary. Tough question for me to answer because I can't feel what you feel. However, trail side swing, lead side swing. It is still the DEAD Drill just more of a change how you deliver the club. My suggestion is to try both at the range. When you find one more comfortable. Only the last half of the downswing during release would you really need to change from all the work you've done. Which really wouldn't take much time at all to start to configure. Just like the Tape Drill Video. You can see to the naked eye it hasn't made a monstrous difference in appearance.
May 31, 2021
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Gary C
Thanks. I’ll do some experimenting. If I understand the Left vs Right video correctly, a lead side swing will be one that more easily produces a draw ball flight and will generate a slower tempo and more effortless power with a light trail hand (very Ernie Els or Vijay Singh type of swing) whereas a right side dominant Ed swing will be quicker tempo and shorter with less rotation since power is coming more from the trail arm? If my goal is the fastest path to a consistent draw flight and an easier/more reputable swing, then lead side might be more what I should strive for?
May 31, 2021
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Lead side will tend to be more draw bias and effortless without a doubt.
May 31, 2021
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Tim
I am trying to feel this but I’m just not making good contact. I look good past the knee with my knuckles rolled under and logo down but I feel like it’s presenting the toe to the ball. I’m a life long right hand flipper. What am I missing here with just left hand on.
May 5, 2021
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Tim. Sounds like you are actively working the club too much. Take a look at Play the Best Golf of Your Life in 6 Weeks Video 2 of 6 and Fix Your Release. Delete the tension.
May 6, 2021
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Tim
Thanks Craig, working on it. Still really struggling to avoid the wrist cup and find a constant point of contact with the ground. Is this just something that can only be fixed with time and repetition? I find it difficult to hold the club loosely as it feels really heavy. Will this seem easier with time? I have yet to hit a crispy one ugh!
May 7, 2021
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Tim. You have to have enough pressure in last three lead fingers. Don't go too loose with those. If the wrist is cupping you are performing that motion. Some Perfect Shaft Lean Video will help with the feeling of non-cup. It is initially tough, but will get easier the more you realize it's about doing less.
May 7, 2021
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Gary C
I keep having little epiphanies each day as I am drilling 9-3 and focusing on light grip pressure and training the lead side release. I notice that without the right hand on the club my lead hand rotates over further on the follow through such that the logo faces more down towards the ground. When trail hand is added that rotation is minimized a bit so the logo faces more behind me BUT the lighter my trail hand grips the club the more closed the club head is at 3:00. Something about this reminds me of vijay’s release. My question is, is all this acceptable and how will that affect overall shot shape? Is this leading to a more closed club face at impact or if the club is rotating naturally (due to my light grip) does it still arrive square at impact and just turn over more after impact. A local fitter and teacher mentioned to me recently that a proper release should end up with the logo facing the ground. Given what I’ve observed with lead arm only it seems like all this would be acceptable and proper but I just want to make sure. Thanks.
April 23, 2021
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Gary. If you aren't manually squaring it and the club is freely doing it on its own I wouldn't worry much. Facing the ground with both hands may be overkill unless you are extremely loose. But, I would shy away from that excessive with both hands when the club reaches 3 O Clock.
April 23, 2021
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Gary C
It looks and feels like it is happening that much naturally if my right hand is gripping the club so lightly that it feels like it’s just barely gripping the club (maybe 1 or 2 out of 10 grip pressure in the trail hand) but if my right hand grips the club slightly more firm in my trail hand (still lighter than the lead hand though) then the club releases to 3:00 in a row up or slightly closed position naturally. Seems it all depends on how firmly I grip the club with my trail hand. Biggest follow up question here: would it be a bad thing to grip the club that loosely at this stage of my golf swing development? Is it a good practice focus temporarily to really ingrain the light grip so the club releases naturally and then grip a bit firmer later?
April 23, 2021
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Gary. Zero issue with working on lighter pressure. Players will always increase it when going faster. So keeping a good check on it now is a good thing.
April 23, 2021
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Gary C
Would it be correct to understand that keeping the right hand as light and passive as possible throughout the swing is as important or more so than maintaining a light lead hand grip and soft wrists? I notice on my 9-3 drills that even as my lead hand grip and wrist firms up slightly as I lengthen the swing, so long as the right hand remains light and passive (along for the ride so to speak) that the club still rotates and releases naturally. I am still focusing on maintaining a light and relaxed lead hand throughout as well. Just curious if what I’m feeling and seeing is accurate overall.
April 22, 2021
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Gary. The trail hand needs to be very passive in a lead hand dominated move. Your assessment would be on par with learning how to control the swing with the lead side.
April 22, 2021
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Gary C
After watching several players slow motion swings, paying particular attention to their left hand throughout the swing and particularly at impact it doesn’t seem that the pros are doing anything to actively turn their hands or roll their knuckles under as they approach impact. This obviously plays into your comment that the hands need to remain passive. Where or how does the hand get into the proper position while keeping hands passive? I am noticing that when I focus on keeping my thumb and forefinger light (almost just barely touch the club) and really just grip with my last three fingers that my wrist flattens out almost immediately during the takeaway (from being slightly cupped at address). Is this feel correct? Does the hand get into the proper position more throughout the swing rather than as a result of a conscious effort to turn my hands or roll them over? How does all this work together as far as keeping hands passive while also getting my hands into the proper position at impact?
April 19, 2021
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Gary. The hips are pulling the shoulders, arms, then hands. The pull from the lead side help the hands arrive in the correct spot. However, as I mentioned in the reply to the post below. Some players have to train the correct spot. I can't tell you how many students I've had to teach flat lead/bowed lead wrist at impact. From here, once they know the feeling and have corrected the old movement pattern they can start to diminish the control to hit said position. The lead wrist will maintain some cupping from address. It shouldn't push or bow out. When doing lead arm only you may lose a little more of that cupping then generally seen in a two handed normal swing. Take a look at Using the Wrists in the Golf Swing and Left Hand Power Release Drill. You gradually lose cupping throughout the swing. Not a quick burst from cupped to bowed.
April 20, 2021
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Gary C
What are your thoughts on creating a forward press with the hands, at address, that mimics or reinforces the position I want my hands in at impact? Is it possible to simply lean the hands forwards the target slightly and create the flat wrist and shaft lean necessary for a good release at setup? Does doing this remove variables and simplify things either as a practice tool or as a general step? What potential problems arise from doing this and should it be avoided or used only as a practice reference until I gain consistency over the release. Not wanting to become Mathew Wolfe here or anything but curious if a forward press would allow things to be more simplified overall or if it would create other problems.
April 20, 2021
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Gary. You would not want to create impact position at address. They are two different animals. One is static and the other is dynamic. In the long run it would actually hurt the chances of proper positioning at impact. It also would tend to put the wrists in a position of roll for the backswing which would diminish how the face should rotate overall from back to front.
April 20, 2021
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Gary C
I am struggling in the first drill from this video to “stuck the club” in the ground in the exact same location and a proper impact location as I practice. I am getting the club face square with the wrist flat/bowed and the top of the glove facing the target but the club hits the ground in a variety of places as I practice. I am practice at home, on carpet, without a ball. Not sure if this is contributing or if it has something to do with grip pressure (I do notice it improves a bit when I keep the thumb and forefinger light and try to swing more in a slow tempo) or the fact that I am preset onto my left side and therefore not moving my lower body to pull the arms. How concerned about this should I be given this drills primary focus seems to be getting the left hand in the proper position. Will things synch up better as I begin to make it more of a fluid dynamic motion and especially once I add the right hand and begin having hip rotation involved as it becomes more the 9-3 drill?
April 19, 2021
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
When you start to make it more fluid and dynamic ( 9 to 3) it will help. But, more than likely tension. Release the tension with the Play the Best Golf of Your Life in 6 Weeks Video 2 of 6. Sounds like you are thumb pushing, or forcing said items.
April 19, 2021
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Gary C
Just watched the video you suggested and I think it clarified some things in a big way. It did give me a question or two. 1. Would it be correct to understand that if I am using a light grip pressure that allows the club head to rotate freely that just that one thing synthesizes all the important points from 5 Minutes To The Perfect Release in that it allows the hands to be passive and the proper release to happen automatically without any active manipulation of the hands or arms? 2. If question one is true, would it be equally as fast and effective or more so to focus on say the 9-3 drill slowly and with the proper light and relaxed grip pressure when trying to achieve a proper release technique? In other words, does a light and relaxed grip that allows the club to function as designed actually shortcut or eliminate the need for the drills in the 5 minutes to the perfect release video? Not trying to be lazy but it seems getting out of your own way and allowing the club to work as designed may actually solve multiple problems without developing a mental habit of trying to actively turn my hands over. I find myself thinking about my hands a lot during the release drills when maybe just playing more relaxed is a more efficient and effective focal point. Is this also what makes it seem as though the pros don’t have to actively manipulate their hands when viewed in slow motion? I suppose I am always looking for the most streamlined thought process to the desired goal. Seems relaxation might fit that where the release is concerned...
April 19, 2021
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Gary. You still need enough pressure to not lose the club, but the main point is to allow the club to freely rotate and have a passive release. Light grip and 9 to 3 would be great. I would caution going too slow though because you need some of the speed and momentum from the moving components of the body. Some players scoop, flip , etc. and/or trail hand dominant. I had to train proper lead hand usage in order to make it passive/correct. Yes, this can be seen as why it looks like pros don't actively manipulate their hands because in a lead side swing they are just the conduit.
April 20, 2021
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Gary C
So would the most effective approach to really training a proper lead side release be to both focus on the light grip and doing a 9-3 drill with some tempo but also using the drills from the 5 Min to perfect release video as a way to train the feel of the lead hand being dominant and what a proper hand position is? How would you prescribe all of those drills to work together so that I maximize my practice time. Also, would it be possible that my struggles to stick the club into the ground in the same spot each time also be a sign I am trying to do that drill too fast? I have actually done some reps with the thumb and forefinger off the club entirely and I still seem to stick the club in a different spot each time. I don’t suffer this problem when I add the full release and think about the club just brushing the carpet. I don’t want to overthink the 5 Min drills but also don’t want to try to lazily shortcut any drills that may be really helpful to that development by just focus only on a 9-3 with a light grip. How should I approach all these drills in a cohesive way?
April 20, 2021
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Gary. I would practice impact only from 5 release, and then move it into 9 to 3 lead arm only with release. Sticking it in the ground usually more a control and push issue. Trying to do too much. Keep it simple a light. Start at an impact position. Get used to free swing from fulcrum. Plug in body motion keeping same tension in arm/hand.
April 20, 2021
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Gary C
When you say start by just drilling impact position with lead hand only, is that drill 1 from the 5 Min release video? Just do that and focus on letting the club fall into position with a light grip so as not to to push with the thumb or otherwise inhibit the natural rotation the club is designed to do? In other words, don’t try so hard to make it to impact rather than getting out of the clubs way and allowing it to fall into impact so I can stop there and feel and see the proper position. Hopefully beginning to develop a proper relaxed mental and physical approach as I do this drill... Thanks for all the clarification and patience with me here.
April 20, 2021
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Gary. Yes. Nice and relaxed free released club from body impact position. Therefore, you don't interfere with club design. If you get a good feel for impact you can start letting it release once you have it then blend into 9 to 3 with body.
April 20, 2021
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Gary C
Also, since I’m still doing this drill in front of a mirror without hitting balls, what would be the result of a slightly closed club face at impact if the club is travel on an in to out path? Does this still create a draw but bigger? Is this a bad miss or is that preferable to leaving the face open at impact. And is an aggressive crossover part of what creates shift lean at impact/hands in front of club head, in conjunction with make sure the hips pull the arms?
April 15, 2021
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
It would create a bigger draw. The aggressive crossover shouldn't be that aggressive. The release will be more passive. The hips leading the way and the lead arm hand/being pulled into impact with flat lead wrist creates the lean.
April 16, 2021
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Gary C
Spent several hours working on the drills in this video today. Very illuminating! I had no idea what I was missing before. Another question comes up from my practice. I was noticing after getting to the right arm staying on the club through impact that from a timing perspective I get a better and more consistent result when I focus on allowing my right hand to help speed up the crossover. This seems to help me reach the proper impact position and gives me a split second to make sure my hips fire first so I don’t end up having arms and hips moving simultaneously or arms outpacing my hips and leading to an closed club face at impact. This is at least the thought that seems to be helping my sync things up properly but am I playing with fire here or can the right hand help out so long as the lead hand is driving the crossover so the hand and forearms rollover each other properly?
April 14, 2021
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Sounds like you are playing with fire. You don't want the trail hand having action/control over how the face squares in a lead side move. The trail should be pretty passive. Can it help add a little speed. Maybe a touch, but it will be very easy for it to take over quickly.
April 15, 2021
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Gary C
After watching Left vs Right in the Axiom series and noticing trail side feels more comfortable when swinging club one handed I am curious what, if anything, changes in how the club gets released if I am trying to think about things more from my right side. Noticing that thinking of pulling the club up and back during the backswing feels more comfortable/natural/easier. When doing this, following chuck’s explanation in the AXIOM video the left hand grip is slightly lighter and left hand feels more along for the ride. How does a takeaway/backswing like that square with the release. What should my thought/focus be? This drill seems very lead hand dominant. Also, if thinking about trail side does right hand grip need to be stronger than left or both equal? Chuck mentioned he felt right hand gripped firmer for a trail side swing but not sure if that’s equal to or more than the left. Lastly, if I am wanting to try to drill an impact position/release that would train me to hit a draw or baby draw consistently what should I be looking for in the face angle at impact? I’ve heard a slightly closed face with and in to out club path creates a draw. Also heard that knuckles should roll under as or through impact (which looks like what chuck’s left hand does in this video) but not sure what the face alignment should be or if at first just getting the club face square is preferable. Lots of questions there. Sorry. Thanks for the help amd clarification.
April 13, 2021
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Gary. Takeaway and backswing don't change regardless of release. The drill above if for a lead side dominant release. For trail side release the trail hand will have more pressure into and through impact. Take a look at the Tape Drill. I would focus on just squaring and free rotation first. Being off a degree can change the ball flight by 15 feet. Would be impossible to guide/place it at perfect angle. Lead side release will tend to be more draw. Shallower AOA, more in to out, and club face squaring with quiet chest. Trail side will tend to lend itself more towards slight cut/fade.
April 13, 2021
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Gary C
I’ve always naturally had a slice or fade and was a very arms dominate swinger. My goal when starting this system was to learn to hit the ball straight or draw it and try to get out of the fade being my natural shot shape. Given that, I wonder if diving into a trail side release might lead to me falling into some old bad habits again... If the release is independent of the takeaway/backswing then I am very likely overthinking it as the mental thoughts/focus that really help me get into a proper backswing position shouldn’t have any bearing on how I execute the downswing, correct? In other words, I could be okay thinking of the right arm pulling the club up to the top in the backswing and then still think of the left hip pulling my arms down and through impact and everything would blend together well?
April 13, 2021
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Gary. Yes. The backswing won't have any effect on how which side you choose to release it with. You will see lead side swingers may have a more relaxed longer backswing, or trail side pushers more compact. But, in the end the components required stay the same. Weight shift, good rotation and the arms staying in front. Don't think of it as the right arm pulling the club back. The arms are quiet. More the shoulder and core, then hips lead the way coming down.
April 13, 2021
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Gary C
When drilling the release is it equally important to focus on how my left hand is rotating as much as is the club face getting squared at the impact point? Will these two aspects also inform how strong or not my grip needs to be? I know the RST grip video advocates for a slightly stronger grip but I can imagine too strong and the hands would need to flip to square versus being allowed to simply roll over. Right now I notice that my left palm seems to end up more facing out in front of my at 3 o’clock rather than towards the sky (as I understand is more correct). I notice that with my current grip setup when I allow my hands and forearms to rotate over each other that much the club face becomes very shut at impact. This makes me think my current grip is too strong and therefore I need to revisit the release drills and sort those aspects out simultaneously. Also, as the release becomes natural I shouldn’t be focusing on actively doing anything with my hands but letting arms and hands remain soft and passive so the club rotates over on its own, correct?
April 13, 2021
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Gary. Don't worry so much about the club. Take care of the wrist/forearm. The club will square itself. The grip strength will have more to do with overall swing components - lag plane, etc and how it would affect squaring. Too strong the hands would be more aggressive. At 3 O'Clock the glove logo should be facing behind you (Fix Your Release Video). Yes. The goal is to make the release passive so you aren't over controlling the club through the hitting area.
April 14, 2021
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Gary C
Sorry for so many questions but I have one more. How does the grip taught in the RST grip video align with the crossover release outlined in the release video above? I am confident I have got the grip right as shown in that video with the lines between my thumb and forefinger running parallel and straight up my right arm but I read in the supplemental articles that the crossover release works better with a more neutral or weak grip. I may be way overthinking it but I am now unsure if I defer to my grip or to the release style. Whichever way it seems that the important focus is the hands and wrists and if that’s right then the club face should square on its own. So is it just getting the wrist/hands in a position at impact where the left wrist is slightly bowed and glove logo is facing the target amd this rolls over to the glove logo facing behind me? If I don’t see a square face when achieving that position do I alter my grip strength? Again, sorry if I am going in circles....
April 14, 2021
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Gary. Same grip. Slightly stronger then neutral. The lead hand "v" should be in-between shoulder and neck. Trail hand "v" to trail shoulder socket. Trying to get wrist flat/bowed and then allowing to roll over logo facing behind you. If you don't see a square club you more than likely have way too much tension and not a grip placement issue.
April 14, 2021
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Donald
My goal has been to eliminate the flip release & chicken wing. But I can't seem to bow the left wrist & rotate the left hand. I played too many yrs without even hearing the words flip Or chkn wng to change now. I would prefer a left hand release, IF POSSIBLE. Im not confident. DON
March 26, 2021
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Don. You can shy away from chicken wing with proper trail release. But, no worries wanting to stay lead. Once, you get this Axiom we have to do release drills by the pool .
March 27, 2021
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Stephen
Hello, In '5 min to perfect Release' Chuck uses 2 terms to describe the left wrist at impact, namely, 'straight' and 'arched'. Which one should I aim to achieve? Steve G
March 23, 2021
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Stephen. Either one. The goal is a flat lead wrist at impact. You may add a little bow if you want to de-loft the club a little more.
March 24, 2021
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Dean
HI, I'm trying to release the club with just the bottom 3 fingers on my left hand, but I feel a lot of pressure with my left thumb. I try hard to tone the pressure down, but it is a struggle. Will this thumb pressure lead to issues? If so, is there any method to reduce the thumb pressure?
March 10, 2021
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Dean. The key is not to push with the lead thumb. It will help with stability and control. But, it doesn't need to be actively doing much. The more you practice release and letting the club do the job itself the hand will relax and the tension to push will diminish.
March 10, 2021
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Blake
Hi, Chris. I sent you a swing review yesterday, but is it too late to cancel that one and send in some videos I like better?
March 10, 2021
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
You should be able to delete the current pending review and resubmit the new videos. If you cannot find how to do that, let me know and I will figure out a different solution for you.
March 10, 2021
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Ray
Thanks for the review Craig and the explanation i now understand what i'm doing incorrectly with the hands and arms. Will do the impact drill from this video correctly with passive arms and hands and slowly build it up to lightly add the rear hand finger tips. Once i feel i'm doing it correctly will send in another video to make sure i'm heading in the right direction. PS- Hope all is good with your mum cheers
February 4, 2021
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Ray. Awesome. I'm glad the picture, or details make more sense now. I want you to take advantage of all that hard work. Thank you for the well wishes.
February 4, 2021
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ADRIAN
5 minutes to the perfect release . . . in a 9 minute video hehe
February 1, 2021
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Adrian. Maybe back to the drawing board with that title.
February 1, 2021
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Donald
Craig: I can do this drill & understand it perfectly but on a full swing the wrist breaks down & the big chicken wing appears. with a lot of study, I discovered most of the problem is in my tense left upper arm from elbow to shoulder--at impact, I feel as if I'm trying bust down a door with a lunge. thus the left shoulder raises & the big chik wing appears along with the scoop. Solution would seem to be to relax, but cant seem do it.
January 8, 2021
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Don. Let me see it . To keep the fulcrum better watching the progression will help me see if it is solely tension, or a function of something else. Like Moving the Fulcrum and Early Extension Videos.
January 8, 2021
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Mark
So I should pull my hands down at the start of transition or it’s a combo of pulling hands with weight shift ?
October 14, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Mark. Weight will the driving force with a blend of pull/gravity. You are trying to shy away from yanking the arm. Take a look at Play the Best Golf Of Your Life in 6 weeks 2 of 6 and Left Hand Power Release Drill.
October 14, 2020
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Kyaw Thet
Hi Craig, When I checked myself in a video, I was not releasing properly losing a lot of distance. I was doing like what Chuck showed here which is cupping the wrist. I thought like if I rolled over my hand the ball would not fly and would roll on the ground.
October 5, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Kyaw. You want the lead wrist flat, or slightly bowed at impact. You need to shy away from cupping. Take a look at Stop Slicing Start Releasing and Fix Your Release.
October 5, 2020
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Alan
Hi, when I do this with my driver I keep the ball off my left ear - with slightly more spine tilt - but I get a push fade. Can you assist please? Alan
September 22, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Alan. The face is still open. I would work on adjusting the setup to allow some more time for the club to square. Proper Tee Height Video. Also, check to make sure the shoulders aren't opening too soon leaving the face open.
September 22, 2020
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Kyaw Thet
Hi Craig, I could release the iron club pretty well and feel the club rotating through impact, but I can't feel the same with fairway woods. Seems like they don't rotate through impact. Please help!
September 5, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Kyaw. Take a look at Hit Your Fairway Woods Solid Video. Make sure you setup/swing parameters first aren't allowing it to release.
September 7, 2020
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Gerard
Great drill, problem for me is when I try putting the right hand back on the club, it’s killing my back. Is this a problem with my positioning or the fact that I’ve never been close to a good release position, and as such, it’s stretching “new muscles”?
August 13, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Gerard. We may need to check the positions. However, you are more than likely stretching new muscles because you aren't used to letting the club release independently of the body. Take a look at the Vijay Release Drill Video. Good news is you can even let it go if need be,.
August 13, 2020
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Christopher
What a great drill! I never knew what a proper release felt like, always had a follow through with a broken down left wrist, club close to the body. I never understood the mechanics of it until now. Thank you very much for this. I have a bad left shoulder from football and two surgeries, and have limited external rotation, so I feel like I have to stretch and mobilize in order to release properly. But thanks again!
August 4, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Christopher. Thanks. A proper release is vital. Take a look at Left Hand Power Release and Stop Slicing Start Releasing for more information. We have tons of videos on this subject.
August 4, 2020
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Ian
I have been working on the Dead drills for a few months now and feel I am getting the body movements somewhere near. On the course however I have been feeling I am not getting enough energy into the ball. After watching this video again I have realised that I have been starting to release the club when my lead hand is in front of my trail leg. It seems however I need to wait until my hand is in front of my lead leg before the wrist rotates. Am I correct in this assumption.
June 26, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Ian. The release will begin around the trail thigh. However, the vast majority of players release early. Feeling that it doesn't rotate until you get to the lead thigh is perfectly acceptable when training. You can see this in the Golf Swing Transition Drill and Left Hand Release Drill.
June 26, 2020
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Kevin
Thank you guys for all the info you provide here, this is great! Just a quick question about maintaining the arch in the left wrist. I can see that I am squaring the club OK, but my release is "scoopy" as Chuck describes. What is the correct focus to maintain the arch through release? Is this just a bit of palmar flexion to maintain the proper arch?
June 8, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Kevin. You're most welcome. Take a look at Fix Your Release and Knuckles Down Videos. Yes, you will add a little bit of palmar flexion flat to slightly bowed.
June 8, 2020
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James
This is probably one of the best golf instructional videos on the planet. So much good content here. Going to work on this today.
June 7, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello James. I concur!
June 7, 2020
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Bill
Quick questions on this release: 1) how much additional speed (mph or % increase in mph) does this release action create; and 2) how much more speed does the right hand add to this release? I'm curious if this release adds more speed over a flip or body turn release, or is it just more distance with low trajectory of ball flight? Thanks, Bill
May 27, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Bill. 6-8 MPH in a properly released club vs body release. Trail hand does add speed, but speed is generated through multiple sources. Take a look at How to Maintain Club Head Speed as Your Get Older to know where power comes from. The proper rotation of the face combined with leverage, rotation and width. Leverage will be 2/3 of your power source.
May 27, 2020
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Bill
I like that answer! Thanks, Bill
May 27, 2020
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Jonathan
Hi Craig, couple things. I am doing pretty awesome at letting the right hand come off the club during the release, and getting good consistency with the shorter irons. However, with the longer irons, I'm having trouble getting consistent contact, and seems that I come in pretty steep. So, how do we know what plane (shallow vs. steep) to swing on with short/long irons and woods/driver? (specifically during the 9-3 drill as well) Moreover, I lose control with the long irons because the club is just heavier and harder to stabilize during impact (shifts when it strikes the ground). With the longer clubs it feels more natural to want to keep both hands on the club too - for stability, speed and power. Plus If I keep width (even if I lose lag) it seems that the longer clubs are way more consistent and go far. Also, do you have any drills to sync up the right and with the left hand during the release? My right wrist tends to be extended through impact (not slightly bent) and most often causes the club to release early and I tend spin the hands thru impact quicker, and my left arm flips over almost immediately after my front thigh (in contrast when I release the right arm, the left arm has nice forward extension where it releases where it should - see pic below). I've tried the reaching over with the right arm drill after impact, and it helps but not perfect. What is the action of the right arm through impact? How do I throw the right arm and still keep wrist supple while still not overpowering with the right (so I can maintain the strong right grip on the club - where the right thumb isn't spinning over the shaft). Also, where and how am I supposed to feel the pressure points on the right hand? That part always confused me. Thank you
May 22, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jonathan. There are a lot of topics in this post. It would be tough to cover and explain all without some visuals, but I will try. Shallow vs Steep. Take a look at How to Fix Plane and Path, and Stop Coming Over the Top and Slicing Videos. The big component is the shaft pitch isn't getting more vertical during the transition and almost like laying down on the plane. Take a look at How Swing Speed Affects Compression for a good way to blend both arms into the release. During the release the trail hand should be passive and not controlling face rotation. Take a look at Right Arm Release for how it works through the strike. If you were throwing a ball you wouldn't have your wrist locked. To let go it would have to be soft. That is the feeling you are looking for. Don't worry so much about the pressure points of right arm right now until the lead side is completely mastered. I haven't needed to teach that, but to about .01% of golfers. Master lead side, and trail hand very light.
May 23, 2020
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Todd
So , it seems as if your saying ,the shoulders are square to the target line at impact and the hips don't fire first on the down swing ? but they are square to target line as well?
March 11, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Todd. At impact the shoulders will be square and hips 35-45 degrees open.
March 12, 2020
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Darryl
2 questions. Is it ok to do the first part of this drill with an impact bag? At impact and through release, does the lead upper arm maintain contact with the chest though out? Thanks.
January 11, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Darryl. You can experiment with an impact bag for the first part of the drill. Lead arm only will tend to come away from the chest. With both arms you will still have a little connection in upper bicep/pectoral region.
January 11, 2020
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Mark
Craig, It appears to me that the perfect release is automatically generated when using the proper dead drill body movement in combination with the Rotary Swing connect training aid (that locks in a narrow elbow separation and forces the right arm folding over the left after impact). Is this observation correct? Based upon observing my swing in a mirror, this appears to be the case.
December 9, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Mark. Yes, it should work that way.
December 9, 2019
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Robert
No matter what I do my 7i will go about 135 yrd and the ball goes about 135 ft into the sky. how can I reduce height and increase distance.
December 6, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Robert. We would really need to see the swing to understand all the movements that are making the shot go off kilter. However, sounds like you have a lot of loft at impact. You need to learn how to get a little more lean and de-loft the face into the strike. Take a look at Fix Your Release, Knuckles Down and How to Get Perfect Shaft Lean.
December 7, 2019
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Albert
When I start my downswing I have been focusing on feeling the lag angle get bigger (forearm and shaft get farther away from each other)...the "feel" is that the angle does get bigger but when I check in the mirror I hit all the correct positions with appropriate amount of lag. Is that a normal "feel" that I should be focusing on? It makes the release more of byproduct than me forcing something when my hands are at my tail thigh. Hopefully I described this well enough for you to understand. Thanks!
November 3, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Albert. Proper lag is a byproduct of body/arm motion. You don't try to hold and float load lag. However, lag is going to be when the wrist angle increases and the spacing between the club/forearm decreases.
November 3, 2019
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David
I am quite a handsy player and when i practice the release i feel my hands start to get active just above the hip. How can i release using my forearms rather than my hands. Thanks.
November 2, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello David. You need to practice a passive release. Try the tension drill in Play the Best Golf of Your Life in 6 Weeks Video 2 of 6. Feel the weight of the club rotate and you not forcing it.
November 2, 2019
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Albert
when I work on the left hand release I have found that sometimes my left hand rotates/knuckles roll under properly, but my wrist does not fully extend (having that slight arch on top of the wrist bones). Do I just need to focus more on extending the wrist downward? Or should this be happening naturally?
October 31, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Albert. To reach full extension (ulnar deviation) that is a byproduct of a proper release. You shouldn't have to force that position. Sounds like tension to me. Use the Vijay Release Drill and Fix Your Release for further help. Also, you Throw the Club Head at the Golf Ball to see it happens naturally.
October 31, 2019
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Stephen
When doing the swing, not the drill, how much grip pressure on lead hand, since you are indicating very supple , very light pressure on trail hand. On a scale 1-10.
October 14, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Stephen. Typically, tour pros start with a 2 at address and end with an 8 at impact (1-10 Scale with 1 being the lightest). This will naturally increase and you don't need to manually make this happen.
October 14, 2019
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Kirkland
How long is the wrist hinge held after posting up?
October 4, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Kirkland. From here you start releasing. You shouldn’t be retaining hinge much longer.
October 4, 2019
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Darryl
When I am doing the one handed drills, I feel a lot of pressure with the left thumb pushing down on the shaft. I know that, with the full swing, the pressure is supposed to be in the last 3 fingers of the left hand and not the thumb. Does this mean I'm doing the drill wrong?
October 4, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Darryl. The thumb should be supporting, but not pushing against the shaft to throw the angle. Take a look at the Frisbee Drill.
October 4, 2019
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Paul
On the first drill about sticking the club into the ground how would you perform that drill indoors on a hard surface.also in the other drills is it going to be effective to hit soft foam golf balls
September 23, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Paul. In answer to your first question: VERY CAREFULLY! Especially if you are married. I would try to find a thick piece of carpet. Certainly will help to start with foam ball.
September 23, 2019
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Ardell
When I do the squat to square move referencing the desddrill from our bootcamp club seems to want to release. Is that feeling correct? Thanks in advance for answering my question.
September 23, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Ardell. The post up is what triggers the release. The squat to square you should be shifting to create and maintain the lag. Take a look at the Frisbee Drill.
September 23, 2019
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M. (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Craig, I hear Chuck saying in this video to take of loft from the club by having this "flat left wrist" at impact. Is this what you also want for slow swingspeed players. With low loft it is difficult to get enough height in ballflight to get optimal distance. Do I make a mistake in my thinking?
August 27, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello M. Ideally, you should still strive for a flat lead wrist at impact. You can make adjustments later on if you require more height.
August 27, 2019
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David
I understand what Chuck is saying here and since I have been trying to "hold off" the clubface forever because that is what I have been taught it's difficult to change. Am I wrong to think there is a bit off timing to this because I end up getting the clubface shut to much on some swings. It may be because my shoulders are not square at impact but just wondering. When I "time" correctly the power is amazing. Secondly, when does the left elbow fold after impact? Mine seems to want to go skyward straight up, it's easy to fold right elbow on BS but do you physically have to pull the left back to your body after impact to get left to fold?
August 12, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello David. Timing will be related more to a flip, or shoulder spin issue. Remember, the goal for the release is for it to be passive. You need to train initially the components, but newton will be taking care of the squaring of the face (not you). Take a look at Flip vs Release, Power Release Drill and Moving the Fulcrum. The lead arm won't fold until after fully released and extended in the 3 O' Clock Position. You don't need to manually make it do anything after that point.
August 12, 2019
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Stephen
Hi - unsurprisingly I find this the most difficult element of the Rotary Swing programme to master - alongside using the left leg to post up. Probably because I have never done either properly before! I suspect I hold onto the club too hard with my right hand so when it comes to impact the club face is still open and I fade/slice. What is the best 'feeling' to have when it comes to the Release - is it to have the left hand knuckles facing down - or is it more the have the right hand knuckles facing up? Thank you
July 15, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Stephen. Lead hand knuckles facing down and rotating over. The most common issue is trust. You need to allow for the release. Let it go!. Take a look at Play the Best Golf of Your Life in 6 Weeks Section Video 2 of 6. Great drill to release tension and proper feel.
July 15, 2019
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Dan
Is there any consideration given to the direction of the club head, at all? What I mean is that it seems possible to have a flat left wrist and a rotating left forearm but to be releasing the club too far inside. Is there any sort of conscious thought to releasing the head toward target or "down the line" or anything like that? Should that hands continue toward target? What is the key to not pulling the club head inside while releasing?
July 9, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Dan. Sounds like you may be flipping the elbow. It would be very hard to get inside without flipping. Your feeling will tend to be that the hands and club go straight out towards the target. But, you need to check elbow positioning. Take a look at Left Elbow Position at Impact and Flip vs. Release.
July 10, 2019
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Dan
I reviewed both videos and I still have some confusion. In Flip vs Release, for example, Chuck talks about the two types of flip— but in this video, it’s super confusing that Chuck says to get your hand to the back of the lead thigh and then roll it over. That sounds an awful lot like the second flip from the other video. I also can’t make sense out of how the humerus is supposed to stay internally rotated against an externally rotating forearm. Once the lead forearm rolls to a certain point, the elbow pits seem to begin to face away from me, no matter what I do (though the point of the elbow stays relatively the same.) How do you resist humeral rotation against that rolling forearm?
July 10, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Dan. Take a look at the Left Hand Release Drill. You are allowing the club to rotate. Not forcing the rotation. In the beginning, you may have to train yourself out of holding the face. Hence, the drill to correct lead forearm/wrist motion. But, then you need to allow for Newton to be your guide (Play the Best Golf of Your Life in 6 Weeks Video 2 of 6). Depending on flexibility and genetics the lead elbow may point slightly away, but your goal is not to flip the elbow to try and release the club. The forearm motion is what you are trying to hone in on. This is also briefly discussed in the Left Arm Only Downswing Drill (Ladd) Video.
July 10, 2019
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Dan
That makes sense. It's allowing the forearms to rotate (essentially at the wrist, like opening a doorknob) and doing nothing regarding humeral rotation. That's what I do, already (I think.) I don't finish as wide as I should post-impact, I don't believe (maybe that's path and not release?), and I have two-way misses due to face control. Pulls, pull draws, push fades, and push slices. The whole smorgasbord. Just trying to to make sense of why that might be.
July 10, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Dan. Yes, more like the door knob. Not having extension I would check the Chicken Wing Video and Side Bend in the Golf Downswing Video. But, as a side. Check to see how ball flights are created. Go to the 9 Days to Amazing Ball Striking Section. Understand how to create the draw, fade, and straight to see if you can find some balance.
July 10, 2019
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Colin
There is video on the site that talks about starting to square the face early in the downswing. This confused me because I always thought that the rotation has to happen, rather than actively manipulating the face which would involve too much timing? So, do I just let it go and let the face do what it does or actively use the wrists to 'make it release'?
June 29, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Colin. The key to remember is the face is always rotating. Some players need to un-train the improper motion of changing the face too early. The goal is to allow the face to rotate freely back and through. Your focus may not need to be squaring the face early, but making sure you allow for the release to happen.
June 29, 2019
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Ardell
I feel as if i have a late release. Should I start to release the club when the club is in the L position in the downswing after the squat move or when the club is parallel to the ground like the takeaway position? I am left-handed by the way... thank you in advance for answering my question.
June 22, 2019
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Mikko-Pekka
Hello Ardell. My understanding. I am not sure what you mean by L position but as you squat that brings the hands to trail thigh. When you post up that triggers the release. As Chuck says in the video you should feel that release happens at the lead thigh. But because everything is at speed the release actually happens later. But feeling is at lead thigh. The 5 min. to perfect release is awesome video and as you go trough the progression you gonna have a world class release! Harderst part is to let go control. Try to let club do its job and not steer or anything that nature. Hope that helps.
June 23, 2019
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Jack
I have an issue with early release and I am not sure if it is a left shoulder bailing out issue or too early post up issue. Making sure I have this correct - the post up initiates the release. Where should the hands be when the squat to square ends, the post up begins and ends?
June 12, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jack. Once, you squat to square the hands will be entering the trail thigh and then you will begin to post up. The post up will trigger the release by the time the hands are in front of the trail thigh. Take a look at Rotary Golf Downswing Overview Video.
June 12, 2019
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Nick
Thanks Craig, I’ve got it now.
June 11, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Nick. No problem. You're welcome.
June 11, 2019
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Nick
Hi Craig, hopefully my last question on this subject: if the left wrist is bowed at impact and bowed/flat at 3 o’clock, wouldn’t the club shaft be pointing right of target at this stage, rather than parallel as it was at 9 o’clock? Wouldn’t you have to cup the wrist to get the shaft parallel? I don’t want to start flipping again!
June 10, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Nick. It should be pointed down the target line. Remember, the forearms are rotating over. If you start holding off the release with a bowed hand and spinning chest. The hands would be left, but the club head still out side and pointed right of target.
June 11, 2019
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Nick
If the left wrist is slightly cupped at address, at what stage does it start getting bowed for impact, both in these drills and in longer swings? Also, wouldn’t it be simpler to pre-set it flat at address?
June 10, 2019
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Nick
Thanks Craig. That’s clear now. I’m finding it challenging to repair many years of flip release but the upside is an immediate improvement in my ball striking.
June 10, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Nick. Great. No flip release!
June 10, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Nick. Take a look at Using the Wrists in the Golf Swing Video. You start cupped and gradually lose it throughout the swing. Cupped at address to flat at the top. And, flat to bowed as you come into impact. The flattening to bowing stage happens as you start entering the trail thigh. If you preset the position at address it actually hurts the chance of having a dynamic impact position and proper takeaway. Take a look at Should You Have Forward Press at Setup Video.
June 10, 2019
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Nick
Should the left wrist still be flat when the club shaft reaches the 3 o’clock position?
May 24, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Nick. Yes. Unless you are doing some type of specialty shot and/or very strong grip.
May 24, 2019
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Robert
I think i have some bad habits to break here. one, i think i might be starting my lead wrist rotation too early which results in a steep shaft on the downswing. does that make sense? presumably i should focus on keeping my lead wrist quiet longer during the downswing and maybe think more delaying the rotation until closer to my lead thigh? two, i'm not sure if quite understand the proper wrist rotation. should the lead hand stay quiet and just let the wrist turnover? (That would seem to encourage a steep shaft). or should i also turn the lead hand from the small fingers for a bit of corkscrew motion? or twist the lead hand from the index/thumb (kind of like revving a motorcycle engine) to encourage a bowed wrist at impact? or all three or something?
May 22, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Robert. The club is always rotating. However, if you start rotating the face down too much too soon it will start to steepen the plane. Trace the Plane Line talks about how players that need to steepen their plane will feel more of that rotation earlier. Yes, you want to focus on allowing weight and gravity to start the club down with little to no action of the arms. Most players tend to overwork the arms initially and trail shoulder which steepens the plane. Feeling very quiet with the arms and hands until the trail thigh and as you post up start allowing for the release to happen. More focus on the last three fingers like revving a motorcycle with rotation. Take a look at the 9 Days to Amazing Ball Striking Section Day 1 Impact Control. Good way to see how the rotation happens and affects the face. The tough part is not making a last second split decision, or save with a flip. Watch the Left Hand Power Release Drill to see the gradual nature and free speed in the release.
May 22, 2019
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PATRICK
I have a quick question on what club to use while doing the club drills, does it make sense to change the club I'm using intermittently or is it better to use the same club? specifically for the 1 hand drills, as I get to the 4 and 5 iron the extra length really starts to work the hand muscles much more than say a pitching wedge, 8 or 9 irons. Just curious what the recommendation is.
May 20, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Patrick. You can change the clubs a little once you get used to the motion. But, most players do the drills with a 8, or 7 iron.
May 20, 2019
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PATRICK
Thank you very much
May 20, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Patrick. No problem. Always here to help.
May 20, 2019
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Jack
I also have a question with respect to the position of the left wrist at the end of follow through. Chuck says the left wrist should still be straight or mildly flexed all the way through until the club is horizontal. This seems to be an unnatural position. The natural position seems as though the left wrist should gradually change from slightly bowed at impact to slightly cupped/extended at the end of the release. Is keeping the left wrist straight/bowed something specifically for this drill or something that should happen on every swing? Could you also please respond to the question below wrt the role of the right wrist. Thank you. So much to learn. Love the site.
May 9, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jack. Depending on the grip strength the 3 O' Clock position the wrist should still be flat, or slightly bowed. From here it will start to re-hinge as you finish. Only cupped if you are trying to manipulate ball flight. Take a look at 9 Days to Amazing Ball Striking Day 1. I apologize Jack. When you responded to your own comment the system believed it to be completed. When you need to add to a question. Either delete, or start a new question.
May 9, 2019
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Jack
Hmmm. I guess I’ve been doing this wrong forever. It feels natural to me to end up with the club horizontal, toe of the club straight up, and wrist minimally extended. When I do it like Chuck it feels like a forced supination of the wrist and holding back the natural extension of the wrist that I have at the top of the swing. I guess I just need to retrain what I feel as natural.
May 9, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jack. Take a look at Fix Your Release and Stop Slicing and Start Releasing. You will see lots of different views. The club should be toe up, or slightly toed in. But, you want to shy away from cupping/flipping.
May 9, 2019
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Jack
I’m not sure exactly where to ask this question, so I guess I’ll ask it here. In the downswing, we want to keep our forearms and wrists relaxed to build up lag. Once the hands get to the back thigh, do we want to activate the forearms and wrists to actively accelerate through to release the club or is it strictly a passive action created by the squat and post up ?
April 25, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jack. The post up will trigger the release. You are allowing for the forearms and wrists to release passively. Not actively. You may need to train the proper motion (drill above) before that will happen correctly though.
May 9, 2019
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Jack
The reason I ask is it seems like there are conflicting statements and videos. Many say it is passive and yet the throw the ball drill and others seem to say the opposite. Below you say the pros have a grip of 2 which increases to 8 at impact. It seems as though you would have to activate the forearm muscles and increase forearm/wrist tension to do so.
April 25, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jack. The Throw the Ball Drill is for players that are too lead side dominant and have excessive under plane/lag issues. The grip pressure naturally increases. Most amateurs start at an 8 and go to a 10 plus. Take a look at You Throw the Club Head at the Golf Ball. You are allowing for the release and not solely relying on muscle strength in the arms to create good distance.
May 9, 2019
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Mikko-Pekka
Hello Jack. When you answered to your question the system doesn't notify instructor that there is a question posted. However this is my understanding. I am in Unlimited Group and have worked with Craig and have dealed with issue like this. Basically if you move your body correctly then in ideal situation the arms would automatically do the correct things. However if you have trained bad movement patterns before RST you now have to indeed train your hands to do what they should. But main focus is on body movements. We don't want active arms in any part of the swing but if they aren't responding correctly they have to be trained. Hope this helps and if not delete your comment and post again.
May 4, 2019
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Christopher
Does this same principle apply to driver and woods? Besides set up, is there anything different I should be doing in my driver swing?
April 17, 2019
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Dean
Yes, you don't need to try and change your swing just for the driver, only the setup. Craig is very clear on this throughout this thread. Craig (Certified RST Instructor) In Reply To Phil Hello Phil. Take a look at the Proper Tee Height Video to understand proper setup adjustments. However, you don't need to try and change your swing just for the driver. Craig (Certified RST Instructor) In Reply To Earl Hello Gregg. The release will stay the same with all clubs.
April 17, 2019
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Lyndon
Question ...so the rotary swing concept is different from the “exit left” concept or can you still perform the perfect release with a “left exit” concept?
April 12, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Lyndon. The club will exit more towards the target. But, it is still swinging on an arc/circle. The hands shouldn't go quick left, nor the club. But, as it rotates it will start to match more of the arc. Just not quick left.
April 12, 2019
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Justin
Not sure if i am 100% doing this right .. but it almost feels like the butt of the club is coming alightly up and behind me by my right thigh as i post up.. and then everything rolls over .. is that the right feeling?
April 12, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Justin. Feel is a little subjective. It sounds like the feeling you have is almost the club head passing the hands as you release through. Which is something common I hear.
April 12, 2019
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Werner
If you are already in the impact position, what force do you use to move the arms/club? No weight shift possible anymore. You can’t use the arms/shoulders. Obliques?
March 21, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Werner. This is putting hyper focus on feeling the weight of the club and allowing the forearm to release. These are very small shots. You don't need any movement. Feel like you are just allowing the club to fall on the ball and rotate over. Once, you get the motion correct and plug in weight shift/post up. The post up will trigger the release. Chris talk a little bit about just letting the club "plop" down on the ball in Perfecting Your Golf Impact Position Video 1 of 4.
March 21, 2019
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Werner
Thank you Craig. At the moment I fail to get more speed by releasing the club. I suppose the speed will get better in time when synchronisation gets better?
March 21, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Werner. Exactly. The release will help with some speed due to the toe rotating around the heel. But, when combined with the lag, post, and sequence you will see the increase.
March 21, 2019
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Christopher
Does the wrist position differ with the driver swing? I notice Chuck talks a lot about pointing the logo of the glove down, slightly bowed wrist etc. What is the proper left wrist cue when using a driver? Is it different?
March 15, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Christopher. The wrist position really won't vary much. You don't want excessive bow like the Knuckles Down Video. Anatomically flat which may feel like a slight bow is fine.
March 16, 2019
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user145552
I've been stepping through all the videos and drills quite religiously and its been going well. I just had to say of all the videos so far this one gave me a good laugh. I have always struggled with chicken wing on the follow through. When I got to the last step where you put your right hand back on the club it felt totally alien to me...lol. Can't wait to take this outside. Just saying thanks a bunch to you and Chuck.
February 18, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello User145552. Thanks for the post. You now can feel/see how much the trail hand tries to dominate the swing. Now, get that lead side working properly while the trail behaves itself.
February 19, 2019
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James
Have started on these reps this evening and did 20 reps + on all 5 sets from the printout of 5 minutes to the Perfect Release. Have to say to do all 5 sets of 20 reps takes more than five minutes! However, I feel I can continue now doing just the last set as the back of my left hand is constantly in the flat or slightly bowed position. The 4th drill of lightly holding on with the right hand to impact and letting go; then with the club at 3:00 bringing the right hand under and lightly on to the club does cause me some strain on my left oblique, which I take is normal.I feel confident enough to do just the last set every day as I can see my left hand is remaining slightly bowed through impact; in fact I just did another 50 reps on this and felt that the left hand was controlling the club and the right hand was there just adding speed.
January 6, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello James. Maybe a wee bit more than 5 Minutes . Feeling some new oblique engagement is normal. Great to hear your awareness is lead hand control with trail not over powering, but able to add speed as needed.
January 6, 2019
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Phil
Quick question re release. Without any R hand control I find the I still pull/hook the driver but not the 3 wood off the tee. Is there a momentary delay in rolling the L hand under if you're hitting up on a higher teed ball for the driver?. I think my L wrist is rolling under too soon and closing the face/ should I tee up the driver lower? Only happens with driver
January 1, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Phil. Take a look at the Proper Tee Height Video to understand proper setup adjustments. However, you don't need to try and change your swing just for the driver. I would check to make sure you aren't getting slightly steep, or spinning the shoulders at impact while releasing.
January 2, 2019
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Paul
Now I'm getting confused, I am fairly new to the website and have not really been diligent so far with the training and reps, but I am using bits and pieces in my swing and it is improving. The other day I was jumping around on the website and I watched one of chucks videos where he says to use your right arm towards the bottom of the swing like you are throwing a ball towards the ground, this seems to challenge everything else I have seen chuck is teaching and it really has me confused ?
December 6, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Paul. The throw the ball drill is for players that already pull too hard and tend to get stuck. 99% of golfers need to stay lead side focused. Stick with the lead side motion control first.
December 6, 2018
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Fred
Toward end of this season I finally learned how to "lose the right hand" and man ... what a difference! I spent a lot of years trying to hit the ball with my right hand which amounts to pushing the club face into the ball ... does not work because there is no pushing in golf .... all pulling. So now my right hand barely stays on the handle during my backswing all the way through the follow through. I found this also fosters leading with the hips and pulling everything down and through the ball. I am really looking forward to next season to continue improving on this swing gem ... gives more accuracy and POWER !
November 13, 2018
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Andrew (Certified RST Instructor)
Awesome. Glad to hear that RST has been helpful for you. Keep up the great work!
November 13, 2018
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Christopher
As I watch Chuck's left arm when he releases the club (with two hands on), I notice that it is not connected at all to his left side. When I do this drill or watch one of my full swings, after I release the club, my left arm is connected to my body still. Is this wrong? Could this cause me to hook the ball?
August 28, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Christopher. Sounds like some trail arm takeover. Take a look at Arms vs Body Release and Cure the Chicken Wing. If the trail arm dominates too much it will tend to cause the lead to stay glued to your side and may shut the face down early.
August 28, 2018
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Anders
When you are talking about releasing the Club, i have learned it means to let go. Does it imply that the Club has passed my handsm For instance my hands at impact and the Club has moved to the lead side?
August 17, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Anders. Yes, it will fell like the club is passing hand/chest through impact. A good visual is the Left Hand Release Drill Video. With your swing it is good until impact and then slightly held/steered through.
August 17, 2018
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Jack
I'm actually embarrassed to make this comment. Just came off a Golftec lesson in which I noticed my upper body moving forward with the club as Chuck describes in his opening statements. Pro said I needed to keep my upper body/head back. He also said my release and lag looked good. It was obvious I was not keeping my head/upper body back. My lag was good because my upper body was ahead of my hands. I instinctively felt my arms needed to be more involved in the downswing. Came home to find this email open on my computer from yesterday and after watching it went into the backyard and worked the drills. Amazing and very obvious difference. If any of you are ever in Phoenix your money is no good if I'm in the bar.
August 8, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jack. Better watch out or we might take you up on that bar offer. Remember, we are all golfers here . Great to hear you saw the light.
August 8, 2018
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Stan
I'm committed to Chuck's system but he barely talks about how to increase speed or the use of the right arm/hand except to keep it light. You can't get speed with the left hand and I don't care how many pros use his system when you watch them in slow or normal swing they are using that right arm to muscle thru for power and speed ( i.e. Hogan's comment on wanting 3 right arms). Is Cuck's system just a trade off of speed for control etc.? He never/barely talks about increase speed or the use of the right arm.. thanks.
August 7, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Stan. The vast majority of players over use their trail arm. We don't talk about it much because the motor pattern and kinetic sequence are usually ingrained. Hogan wanted 3 right hands because he fought a hook. And, lots of the stuff he mentions in his book he didn't do in his swing. It is sad because if Hogan had today's technology I believe he would've come up with possible the best information for golf that matched more of what is actually and should happen in the golf swing. Nevertheless, players use their trail arm to help add speed, but it can't over dominate the lead side control. Take a look at How Swing Speed Affects Compression for training on both arms how to deliver them properly.
August 7, 2018
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james
Craig - I have played golf at a high level but after 8 hand surgeries and two rotator surgreies I lost the ability to get the flat left hand release and no flip. Your comment about the arms feeling like they are separated from the body (even though it is a forearm release} and the five steps has allowed me to move my efforts in the right direction. thanks Jim
June 22, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jim. Awesome. Sorry to hear about the health issues. I suffered numerous injuries due to golf. Hence, why I am here trying to protect people from those pitfalls.
June 22, 2018
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Ian
Hi Craig, Chuck says that it should feel like the hand stops at the impact position . I simply can't get this feeling . How can I solve this?
June 9, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Ian. There are many factors why someone may struggle to feel this. First items you need to diagnose. Are your shoulders spinning? Lead arm only they must remain square at impact to help you allow the club to release (9 to 3 Video). Are you continuing to pull the lead arm? You need to train impact (How Swing Speed Affects Compression Video). Also, experimenting with different feels especially impact and the draw in the( 9 Days to Amazing Ball Striking Section) will help you slow the body to allow the club to accelerate.
June 9, 2018
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Ian
Hi Craig. Yes shoulders spinning and I am continuing to pull lead arm . You have recommended the 9 to 3 video in this and another post . I can do the move up to release properly but cant get the release right . I have been doing the 5 step program and am up to -add the lead arm . should I now divert to 9 to3 until I get it right or should I move back to the 5 step program.
June 15, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Ian. The 9 to 3 Drill and Left Hand Release Drill will help. Practicing a smaller motion and then blending it back with the full motion from the 5 Step should make it easier for you.
June 15, 2018
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Ian
Hi Craig. Doing what you suggest - definitely improving -thank you. I recall reading somewhere ( I think on your site ) that it is helpful to imagine that the shoulders are attached by bolts to the torso thus preventing any separation from the body only allowing and up and down movement. I can see the pitfalls in taking this to the extreme ie until completion of the backswing and the downswing but regarding only the downswing and more especially the release it seems to help with the left arm release in that it prevents the separation that results from pulling through and forces the roll over of the hands while the shoulders are still square . In my case it appears to work very well but I am cautious and don't want to spend time going down the wrong track. What do you think?
June 17, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Ian. The upper half and lower half will have separation. But, yes you don't want the shoulders spinning ahead of the torso. A good visual for this would be the Arms vs Body Release Video. Glad to hear you are improving and appreciate the thank you.
June 18, 2018
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Lyndon
Light bulb moment!!! Sorry to message again but I’m super excited. This may help someone else. I can properly release the club doing one arm drills. As soon as I add the right arm...my left arm would collapse right after impact which wasn’t allowing me to have full release as well as causing a small chicken wing. I was also seeking the correct release and full extension after contact. Well I watch the level shoulders and 5 min to perfect release for the 5th time. Lol. As it turned out, I was trying to slow my hips down (hip spinners nightmare) BUT I didn’t think about the shoulders. I started to keep my right shoulder back as explain and BOOM THERE WAS THE CORRECT RELEASE AND FULL EXTENTION I been trying to do for the last 6 weeks. Lol. The swing felt a lot smoother and effortless speed. Crazy how one small piece put it all together!!
May 18, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Lyndon. Awesome. Spinning shoulders equals death of a proper release. Appreciate the post for our members.
May 18, 2018
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Mark
I was going to post something similar regarding my shoulders being too open... I was thinking more from the perspective of the lead shoulder though and keeping the back more to the target for longer : would that help get that flat /bowed wrist at impact and helping avoid the cupped wrist in the release?
August 9, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Mark. The feeling of the back staying towards the target longer is perfectly acceptable. Still have to make sure though you don't throw with the trail hand too early.
August 10, 2018
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Anders
Is the lead arm/wrist controlling the impact conditions such as clubface etc while the trail arm/ wrist provides speed by rolling the wrist over the lead wrist? So you throw with the trail wrist ?
May 18, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Andres. Take a look at Right Arm Release for details on the trail side. But, you are correct. Lead side doing all the control. Trail adding some power.
May 18, 2018
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Lyndon
Ok so I’m trying to master the correct release. When I’m at the top of my backswing, I shift my weight...it drop my hands but when I work my way down, to and through the impact position...it almost feels like I’m throwing the back of my lead hand at the ball. It almost feels like it’s kinda “bowed” from about half way down my downswing through the ball and it releases. You would say that’s the correct feeling I need to look for vs the feeling of more of a “cupped” feeling during the downswing? I hoped I explained it right to where you understand my question. Lol.
May 17, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Lyndon. Makes sense to me. Feeling is subjective, but your notes seem on par. Sounds like Knuckles Down Video.
May 17, 2018
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Lyndon
I did watch that video. I’m about 6 weeks in but work on my swing every single day. I will look at the knuckles down video again bc I always pick up something different as I re-watch the instructional videos. Thanks a bunch.
May 17, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Lyndon. Don't overload the brain too much. Work on simple and precise movements. I know the video catalog can get one wanting to work on everything at once.
May 17, 2018
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Lyndon
I may have a grip pressure issue....
May 18, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Lyndon. Grip pressure (too tight) easily hurts the release.
May 18, 2018
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Lyndon
I been working on weight shift and club release mostly. Cub release is my biggest flaw. Been at it for 4-5 weeks and still having trouble turning off my right side.
May 17, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Lyndon. Training the lead side requires a lot of patience and time. Worth it in the end though.
May 18, 2018
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Niall
In the last part where you release with the left hand then pause and raise the right arm up to join the left hand I the club what actually happens to allow this to happen ie do your shoulders tilt with left shoulder going up and right shoulder going down or is it a combination of tilting and rotating the shoulders? Obviously we are trying to avoid it being pure shoulder rotation but I'm just trying to know which muscles to use in this manoeuvre as this makes it very understandable to me.
May 14, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Niall. Take a look at the Side Bend in the Golf Downswing Video. The shoulder plane will steepen and you want to shy away from a lot of rotation.
May 14, 2018
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Scott
Hi I am currently going thru the 5 step program just completed reps on first 2 steps. The other day I hit one of the purest iron shots ever and my key was to actively rotate my hands with the logo on my left hand rotating down to the ground at impact. Although the result was great, if i understand correctly the rotation of the club and release should happen naturally. I do not want to get side tracked by a good result and stay on course. So should I keep the hands passive and less active to create the rotation and trust the process? I am right handed. Thanks
April 26, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Scott. If you are used to under doing the release you will need to train the proper motion. However, the overall/end goal is to allow the release to happen due to the nature and design of the club.
April 26, 2018
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Hank
I have always felt it difficult to maintain the bow in my left wrist through impact. If I aggressively rotate my forearm (at left thigh) it does. Does that mean that if I do not fully rotate my forearm to release the club, and do not over rotate my body, then the momentum of the club would end with a flip or partial flip ie no where else to allow momentum of club to go?
March 21, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Hank. You don't want to manually flip the club (Flip vs Release). You want the soft arms and the design of the club to help you rotate it. If you did stop the forearm from rotating and still let the club go you would tend to fire the wrists and flip because the momentum has to go somewhere.
March 21, 2018
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Shane
Hi Craig, is it ok for the toe of the club to be pointing slightly behind you at the 3 O'Clock position? So if straight up was 12, when I finish the swing at the 3 O'Clock position (With the right hand barely touching) the toe is probably more like 10.
February 20, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Shane. Finishing with a tad over release or slightly toe down position as you describe is fine when starting to learn the correct movement. Take a look at Fix Your Release for more helpful tips.
February 20, 2018
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Marc
Hi Craig, when I bring my right hand up to reach for the left hand after I released with the left hand only, can you confirm that my right wrist and right forearm are about 30 degree angled to the left when the club is parallel. It is amazing how with soft hands the rotation of the club face seems to move the hands and the forearms. I have always tried to move the club face with the hands whereas the body seems to be doing a much better job. Best, Marc
January 17, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Marc. It would be tough to judge the exact angle depending on how hard the release is and softness. But, it sounds like you are on the right track with the trail side. The club wants to rotate. Don't inhibit the design. Looks like you are starting to be aware of that.
January 17, 2018
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Rich
Is the description or feel of the proper release like this: When the club is in the impact position and your arm and club are momentarily in pretty much a straight line, is the release rotation feel such that the forearms/hand/club rotates counterclockwise around the line of the club shaft? Obviously with all the motion going on this is a microsecond of location/position. But is that the general idea or feeling? My long time release is pretty much what Chuck shows as "a release, but not the right release" or as he calls it a "flip", and I am trying to get the exact motion/feel as to what it should be.
January 15, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Rich. Yes, it could give you that sense of counter clockwise rotation. I would supplement this video with the Vijay Release, Left Hand Release, Stop Slicing Start Releasing and Fix Your Release for more images/info.
January 15, 2018
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Rich
Thanks, I started practicing that move last night. Very slowly only so far, I first felt it while doing weight transfer and post up practice reps with one hand and an upside down club, and have played around with it a little since then. This video got me thinking more closely about it and wanted to get a clarification if it was right. During my practice I compared it to my "normal" release and could easily see the difference after passing the impact position. The difference in my flip vs correct release position of my left hand is very noticeable. Now that I know it is correct, I will continue to build up reps to full speed. Thanks. I think I see how that will make a big difference for me and I can work towards that correct release. Thanks also for the other video recommendations. I'll go through them tonight.
January 16, 2018
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MICHAEL
With the release of the club at the 9 o clock position (follow through) should the right hand be cupped at all? I understand until this point you want the left wrist flat or slightly bowed. However in the follow through (after 9 o clock) does this continue, I.e the right hand becomes cupped again?
December 11, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Michael. The trail wrist at the 9 O'Clock position will be flat. As you continue up from the the lead wrist will start to re-hinge a little.
December 11, 2017
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Alan
Been working hard at the 3 finger left hand drill and this left hand release drills. I'm doing ok swinging where take right hand off at impact and getting release. Now when I try to put my right hand at follow thru my left elbow still chicken wings. I think I'm not rotating enough for both arms to extend fully. Or should right shoulder dip slightly (after impact in folliw thru) so you can extend the right arm out to meet the fully extended left arm? Looks so easy on the video and not sure if I lack flexibility or am in the wrong position/bad posture. Probably need send in this exercise for review.
November 19, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Alan. A review should definitely clear things up. In the meantime, I would check your shoulder plane. The trail shoulder will be slightly lower and the shoulder plane a little steep to help you fully extend.
November 20, 2017
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sambhu
Is it contradictory (with other statements) when the instructor says right hand adds speed? The other times he says right hand holds the speed down! Confusing .
October 24, 2017
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Chuck
The right arm adds speed and then must release the club through the hitting area. Most golfers hold on tight at impact with the right hand and that is what slows the club down.
October 25, 2017
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Bryon
I'm having troubles getting a feel for the timing of the uncocking, rotation, and bowing of the lead wrist. Should the release feel more like unhinging on plane with a twist to square the face, or a swinging door with more rotation and less unhinging feeling?
October 13, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Bryon. I rarely need to tell a student to unhinge during the release. More of a natural occurrence with the rotation, bowing and posting of the lead leg. More like swinging a door gradually through impact.
October 13, 2017
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arthur john
i will be sending for another review now that i have my lap top repaired. thank you, your system is still the best. john
September 19, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Thanks John. Happy you are enjoying the site.
September 19, 2017
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arthur john
i have taken on board chris tyler's advice from my review. it was great. i see from recent videos of my swing i think i am getting too much secondary axis tilt at impact causing me to hit an odd one fat and blocking my release. perhaps i am allowing my right shoulder to go too low. regards john
September 19, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Arthur John. That may be a cause. Take a look at the Level Shoulders Drill.
September 19, 2017
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Peter
Just to ensure I'm doing these 5 steps correctly, are you ok with me taking a video of me doing these 5 steps and then sending the video in for your comments? My concern is going pass the max time allowed on the video submission. Best Wishes Peter Myrtle Beach, SC
September 5, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Peter. Yes, you need to be careful on max time. But, completely a good use of a swing review.
September 19, 2017
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Andrew
I have been working on this drill with the left hand only. When I make contact with the ball it always goes hard left. I've done this really slow and the only way i can get my hand to roll over causes the face to be very closed at impact. How do I roll the left hand without having the face so closed at impact?
September 1, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Andrew. Sounds like something is ajar. You may not have the proper bowing or flipping at the last second. Take look at Flip vs. Release and Fix Your Release.
September 1, 2017
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Jim
The first few steps of this drill can be done with an impact bag?
August 30, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jim. You can start with an impact bag to try and feel the proper motion. Ideally, though you wouldn't need it. Because the goal is the position and not whacking into the bag too hard for speed (at this point).
August 30, 2017
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William
Hi Craig, Around my home all of the ranges use mats, similar to what you were using in this video. Obviously I can't take a divot. A few ranges also have bunkers that can be used as a fairway bunker. A local highly regarded teaching pro recommended to my friend/his student that at the range he hit practice hitting balls out of a fairway type bunker rather than mats. I tried this and it really highlighted how much I was using my right hand/arm, much to my surprise. I must have been hitting 8 feet behind the ball at first. I found that the only way I could consistently make good contact was a feeling that my swing was almost entirely left arm and hand oriented, with my right hand feeling like it was almost falling off the club on the downswing, while also taking a sand divot in front of the ball. The right arm probably wasn't really falling off the club because I was still chunking 1 out of 2 or so. But the improvement was significant. Do you think this is a good way to practice full shots, or are there things that can easily sneak into my swing hitting a lot of range balls out of a fairway bunker that I really don't want in my swing? Thx very much.
August 29, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello William. My only reservation is the lower half. When hitting out of a fairway bunker the lower half needs to be really stable. You want to shy away from a lot of hips or leverage pull from the ground. On occasion using your method is fine to help turn off the trail hand throw. But, eventually you will start to want a good lower body motion to trigger the release which will be harder in the bunker.
August 29, 2017
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tim
I have a tendency for my lead elbow to hyper-extend at impact causing the fold of the elbow under the bicep to face forward as opposed to away from the target. Is this bad? Should the lead elbow be slightly flexed at impact? If so, any thoughts on how to achieve this? Thanks.
August 27, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Tim. Take a look at Left Elbow Impact Alignments and Curing Elbow Pain. It should clear up your thinking.
August 28, 2017
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Dave
When adding the right hand what should I be feeling that it's role is? Is there a good video on the role of the right arm and hand in downswing please? Thanks
August 26, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Dave. For the vast majority of players you will not need to train a big trail arm motion. It will show up regardless. For more information, take a look at Right Arm Release or the Sledgehammer Video.
August 28, 2017
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David
I hit the most vicious snap hooks when releasing as you instructed. Moving my hips, torso (the big muscles) AND releasing as you instructed lets me hit the ball the most accurately and furthest. Please tell me why I'm wrong. David
August 22, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello David. I'm slightly confused, but happy to help you figure out the issue. I agree we want to use the big muscles to sequence down and then allow the release to happen. The video above is merely hyper focused on what the lead arm/wrist do during the release. If you are hooking it while drilling you might be flipping or not having the proper impact. Use Fix Your Release to help.
August 22, 2017
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Hector
in the follow up, the club should follow the target line ? the toe line? inside the toe line?
August 9, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Hector. The club will feel like it is following down the target line. But, will be slightly inside because it is rotating on an arc.
August 9, 2017
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Hector
until when in the downswing the left elbow should see to the target line? because in this video the left elbow it is externally rotated all the time . when should I feel the left arm release ? there is another video says is in the right pocket, this video says left thigh ? help me
August 9, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Hector. The release will begin about the trail thigh. Some players need to feel it later or earlier depending on how well they pull in the downswing and maintain angle. If you take a look at How to Keep the Left Arm Straight and the LADD Video. You will see the lead arm has to rotate from the shoulder socket to reach the top and have a little rotation to help get the elbow lined up in the downswing.
August 9, 2017
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Hector
ok this is my problem. I know the forearm rotation should be gradual during the downswing, but when I do the downswing gradually rotating my left forearm my left elbow is not looking to the target, it is externally rotated. so my question is , or please give me a hint for doing the release , how I do it without moving my left elbow? when I should start starting the release of the club? when I start the release in my right pocket , I come over the top and the club face it is closed and the shoot is always an straight line to the left.
August 9, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Hector. Take a look at the Left Hand Power Release Drill to get the proper sensation of release. The club is always rotating, but at a different rate into impact. Unless you were over using the trail hand or flipping it would be hard to start coming over the top at the trail thigh if you shifted correctly in the transition to help set the plane.
August 9, 2017
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Amaury
Hi, I have noticed that my trajectory and distance will tend to be better when I release the right hand on impact. When I do it with both hands all types of issues come up. Does this happen with amateurs regularly?
August 2, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Amaury. Yes, the trail hand usually messes up the proper dynamics at impact. It will help with speed, but the lead side has to be in control first. Most people overuse the trail hand so much that even when trying to turn it off they still are using it too much.
August 2, 2017
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Amaury
So in essence continually doing the right hand release drill should help me with the sensation when I have both hands on the club and train my body to move correctly with both hand on...
August 2, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Amaury. It will, but make sure the lead is completely mastered first.
August 2, 2017
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Amaury
Ok, thank you.
August 2, 2017
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Mark
I notice/feel that my clubhead does most of its rotation near the bottom of the swing (at least in the drill). I think it feels like a quicker swing; like the fast rotation adds speed or something. Should I be trying to make the clubhead rotate at a more constant rate from some point further back in the downswing through to the release? Thanks.
July 31, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Mark. Take a look at Flip vs. Release. The club head will be moving faster or rotating at a different rate. But, you don't want to start speeding up the hands.
July 31, 2017
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Mark
Thanks Craig. I found Squaring the club face early video has a good explanation too. Still gotta nail my takeaway and backswing first though
August 15, 2017
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Craig
Hello I have just hit 100 balls practising the rotary swing technique however, the last 20 balls i hit i tried to fade and hit 19/20 straight down fairway. i thought i was always a natural drawer of the ball but find fading seems to be more consistent / natural for my type of release. Does the RTS technique teach ore for a draw? or does it apply to fade shots to? Thanks
July 26, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Craig. Proper releasing the club with RST typically equals a straight shot. However, other variables may lend a player to have a slight fade or draw. You can still release and get both results.
July 26, 2017
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GC
Does the club lag start releasing when the hand feels like it is moving up?
July 13, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello GC. You will start losing lag as you start to release.
July 13, 2017
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Vahe
Hi, I'm one of those golfers that swing my body around as you said to strike the ball how do I stop that to release the club properly. Thanks, Vahe
July 12, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Vahe. You need to practice in smaller portions to beat. I would take a look at Arms vs. Body Release, Fix Your Release and Start working on the Perfecting Your Golf Impact Series.
July 13, 2017
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john
Hi: I'm very frustrated with my game. In a word, it's a disaster. Even if I fix my takeaway (which I believe I have) I still suffer from an overly inside-out swing, and an incomplete weight shift (hanging back), resulting in pushes and hooks. I hook it when I flip my hands to try to save the shot. I cannot focus on posting up on the front leg and trying to release the club at the same time. In fact, I'm not sure how to release the club; to feel like I'm throwing the club at the ball. And shaft lean is a mystery. I don't think I've ever accomplished it, although most of the time my divots are in front of the ball. Where do I begin?
June 15, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello John. I would work on smaller drills and motions. Then, build yourself back up. Make sure you can perform weight, post and release in a smaller motion before trying it in a full version. Start with Perfecting Your Golf Impact 1 of 4 and work your way through the series (located in the Video Menu - Bonus Series).
June 15, 2017
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john
Okay thanks, Craig. Can you tell me where I find the information on recording reps??
June 15, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello John. We have printable workout sheets for certain drills in the Swing Reviews - Checkpoints for Practice Section. Also, the 5 Step System Drill Only Videos have an online tracker.
June 15, 2017
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Benjamin
I have been working hard on my downswing as I am a serial over the topper. Now that I am utilizing the squat to square move, my hands are coming through the 'slot' properly, but my club face comes inside its initial starting point with an open face. I'm assuming this is due to the release? I'm going to work on the drill in this video, but wanted to make sure I'm in the right place.
June 15, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Benjamin. Sounds like you are in the proper place. I would add in addition to the video above the Left Hand Release Drill and Fix Your Release.
June 15, 2017
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Clive
How tight should I be gripping the club with both the left and right hand during a normal swing. I have had mixed messages on this all my life
May 17, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Clive. It varies a little from player to player. When monitoring tour pros and grip pressure. The typical pro starts at a 2 at address and ends up around an 8 at impact (1-10 Scale 1 begin weakest). Grip pressure will increase in the swing the key is not to increase the trail hand more than the lead hand which would cause it to over dominate the downswing.
May 17, 2017
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mark
Hi I have been constantly thinning the ball while working on the weight shift drill,it feels as if i am lifting my arms at impact or maybe i am raising at impact,could this also be due to a poor release also?it is very frustrating.
May 14, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Mark. Could be poor release and lack staying down with proper post up. Work on your release as in the video above and take a look at You Hit the Golf Ball with Your Legs to see how you will stay down and through the shot with good leg usage.
May 15, 2017
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mark
thanks Craig
May 16, 2017
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Shane
Does the release square the club face?
April 16, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Shane. Yes, the club face will square during the release.
April 17, 2017
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Shane
Ok i must be releasing with more of a flip then. Does the wrist in the release go downward or feel like pure rotation. When i get proper lag on video i cant get the club face to square.
April 17, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Shane. When you have proper lag do you feel over plane, off plane or under? It feels more rotational with slight bowing turning down (Knuckles Down Video).
April 17, 2017
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Shane
Well on video id say under plane my hands stuck behind me so i relase early and hit a pull if i try to wait its usually a push slice.
April 19, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Shane. If you are under plane. I would take a look at the Trace the Plane Line Video to help with the stuck feeling. Also, Level Shoulders Video to keep push from dropping you under.
April 20, 2017
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Bradley
I'm having a hard time understanding keeping lag in the downswing with doing gradual rotation. It feels like to maintain lag the wrists are hinged up and doesn't allow for rotating (at least naturally). But if I wait as long as possible to release the lag than I end up flipping trying to get rotation to keep up by impact time. Hard to get that timing right and be consistent. If I leave everything relaxed and loose it doesn't feel like I'm maintaining lag in the downswing. How does maintaining lag and rotation interplay with each other? Thanks!
April 11, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Bradley. The rotation is gradual as you mentioned. The key is allowing yourself to create good lag, preserve it and deliver it at the proper time. If you pull too much you will tend to get under plane and have to flip (Trace the Plane Line). You need to work on having a good sync and using the lower half as your trigger to let it go. Combine the work with Step 3 and 4 with a proper release. Then, start to use "You hit the Golf Ball With Your Legs" as a trigger to know when to let it go.
April 12, 2017
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Antonio
Have been struggling quite a bit with my release lately as I come from a "rotary hitter" type of swing and was not used to this concept of letting the club go. The thing is when I try to feel I hit the ball with my left hand it is quite difficult to rotate the hand/wrist at my thigh, however when I do it with my right hand it feels more natural. I know this is wrong, could you give me any tips to correct this? Besides I'm hitting my irons (especially shorter ones) a bit on the toe, I tend to come a bit from the inside and then get a bit handsy to correct the path, could this be the cause? How can I get a path that feels more from the outside without getting over the top? Thanks
April 4, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Antonio. The Trace the Plane Line Video will help if you are tending to come too far from the inside. It sounds like you aren't allowing for a gradual release. Trying to focus on speeding up the hand versus a natural letting go of the club. Work more on feeling a bowed impact and then release a little tension and let the face gradually rotate instead of feeling a steer. Take a look at Day 4 in the 9 Days to Amazing Ball Striking Section. Practice getting a bowed and low straight shot. Then, take the same feeling and start allowing for a gradual release feeling the same impact (Flip vs Release).
April 5, 2017
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Corby
How is a flat/bowed left wrist achieved at impact with a strong grip? The face would be extremely shut. I have to be, at most, neutral in my grip to avoid a shut face. Am I missing something?
March 23, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Corby. The grip in RST is only slightly stronger than neutral. Take a look at the Golf Grip Tips Video for perfect placement and the Using the Wrist Effectively and Efficiently Video to understand how the wrists will reach the proper position.
March 23, 2017
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Michael
I am having trouble with my left wrist breaking down. The only way I can get my left wrist firm is to increase the flexion as I am supinating at impact.....snap hook. Any suggestions?
March 2, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Michael. Is the lead wrist breaking down because the trail hand is taking over too much? Take a look at the Knuckles Down, Flip vs. Release, and the Using Your Wrist Effectively and Efficiently to understand how better to reach the proper position.
March 3, 2017
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Steve
This one video changed my game. Never hit the ball straighter. Thanks!
February 11, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Great Steve. Keep up the good swinging.
February 11, 2017
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Hector
I had the orange whip and I practice with my left hand the lag and release and everything is perfect , like the release video but when I take the club in my hands , the slap hinge release comes again !!! I can crossover my hands , my left hand flips !!! Any help
February 10, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Hector. You need to work in smaller pieces first if you are experiencing the flip. Work on smaller 9 to 3 lead wrist release shots first. Then, build into the longer motion. I would work through the Perfecting Your Golf Impact Series.
February 10, 2017
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Corby
Making much progress...one final wrinkle. An old swing habit I can't shake. Working hard on left hand release drills. Love the feel at impact! But I hook the ball. I examined my swing - all positions were good. Noticed something on slow mo. At impact, left arm isn't straight. Actually bend elbow slightly at impact (causes me to lose a bit of lag too). From old footage, I see this is a relic of an old flip release to square club. Note - this happens even when I rest right hand on club - so not even gripping w/right hand. Need direction on how to fix this - what drills to do.
February 9, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Corby. Is the arm bent at setup? Is it straight at the top? And, if it is straight at the top you notice the bend increasing coming down?
February 9, 2017
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Corby
Subtly bent at set up. Not straight at the top. But...straightens out when left arm is about 45 degrees down (with good lag maintained). And there after, I begin to "pull it" in to my left side (a habit I developed to square club) - so that I get the impact I described. Very much like a hockey slap shot move. Very frustrating.
February 9, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Corby. Take a look at the Golf Grip and Being Out of the Box Video. Try to adjust to keep the lead arm straighter in setup and straighter to the top. You can have a soft lead elbow at the top. But, it sounds like you are making a lot of compensations from the start.
February 9, 2017
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Corby
Grip and Box video not really applicable. I don't role my shoulders out and slouch. Any other ideas?
February 9, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Corby. You need to get the lead elbow pit pointed away from the body. It's going to be hard to have a bent elbow with it pointed away. Have you uploaded a swing for review? I would be interested in seeing swing/setup.
February 9, 2017
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Corby
Jackpot. Right on about the left elbow. Found the "Left Elbow Position at Impact" video.
February 9, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Corby. Yes and correcting that will keep you away from elbow pain.
February 9, 2017
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Corby
Nothing since Oct...very early stages. I will try to get one up tomorrow! Will reply back to you when it is up. Thanks.
February 9, 2017
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Roger
I'm practicing the perfect release, weight is already on the left side. If I pull my arm down it seams that it is more difficult to release the club. If I let gravity drop the club the release is much easier. So in a full swing should one let more of gravity vs left arm pull bring the club to the ball. Thanks for your help. Roger
February 2, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Roger. The downswing is a blend of pull and gravity. You pull the arm down with the weight shift, core and gravity. You don't want to yank down the arm. If you feel weight/lead side pull/gravity (which it sounds like you are now), then you are on the right track.
February 3, 2017
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Roger
Roger I found that if I power up my left arm in the downswing its more difficult to release the club. As in the release drills if I let gravity just drop the club the release is much easier. As you said the downswing is a pull with the left arm. Thanks for your help!
February 2, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Roger. The downswing is a blend of pull and gravity. You pull the arm down with the weight shift, core and gravity. You don't want to yank down the arm. If you feel weight/lead side pull/gravity (which it sounds like you are now), then you are on the right track.
February 2, 2017
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Ross
Hi, I think this video used to be in the downswing menu but it doesn't seem to be there any more. Stephen Maes recommended it to me. Is the menu reorganisation complete yet?
February 1, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Ross. The video above is on my toolbar. Click "Show More" on your left. It will be video 18.
February 2, 2017
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Ross
I stand corrected. It is under the "add the lead arm" menu in the 5 stage system.
February 2, 2017
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Stephen
Hi, am one of those golfers that has never released (or felt the release of) the club properly and never used my left arm/hand in the golf swing in the way instructed here. Have been trying these exercises and found, on the range, that a lot of shots are pulled or pulled hooks. I am a typical golfer who has been using his right side for years to not only perform the backswing but also 'effect' a release through (what I thought!) was a powerful rotation back through the ball. I suspect this is now wrong - so are my pulls/hooks coming from the fact that I am trying to release using my left hand but my body is still trying to rotate aggressively from the downswing through? Steve
January 23, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Steve. A combination of aggressive body with a proper lead arm release could be the culprit. A few checks though in the meantime. Make sure the release is gradual (Flip vs. Release). Also, that your lead elbow isn't flipping over (Left Elbow Position at Impact).
January 23, 2017
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Stephen
Thanks Craig, will do. Just for clarity though should I stop trying to rotate my body hard through the downswing and rely more on the left hand release? Chuck talks about 'pausing' the body turn while the lead arm gets into position and the lead hand 'releases'? Thanks
January 24, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Stephen. Yes. RST is more of an arms/hands release vs body rotational release. You still use the legs (You Hit the Golf Ball with Your Legs), but you need to allow for the club to release (Arms vs. Body Release).
January 24, 2017
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sambhu
Chuck says , the right hand adds speed at 6:0.. but I was told here and saw in many other videos posted here, that the role of right arm is to support the club at the top of the swing...help..confused!
January 21, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Sambhu. The trail arm does support the club at the top of the swing. And, it can add a little speed in the downswing. The issue is when the trail hand starts over dominating the lead hand. Once, the lead side is in full control a little of trail hand can add an extra boost from time to time.
January 22, 2017
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sambhu
Thank you!
January 22, 2017
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Joel
Regarding wrist release. Since the rest joint does not permit rotational motion (i.e. the hand does not rotate about the joint with the forearm), should club rotation occur via rotation of the forearm about the elbow joint (with the hand/wrist just following the rotating forearm) or should the proper rotation movement include rotation of the upper arm about the shoulder joint?, Or both? hope I'm not making a simple process too complicated. You line thanks. Joel
January 20, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Joel. It should be below the elbow with the forearm. If you go to high up the arm you will have the tendency to flip the elbow. Take a look at Left Elbow Position at Impact Video.
January 20, 2017
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sambhu
I shot a79 the other day at a fairly tight course. First time I broke 80. I attribute this to rotary swing. That being said,,my release is non existent especially with longer clubs. I was not happy with my 79. I came home and for the last few days went back to focusing only on this video. My goodness, what a night and day difference it makes. I applaud Chuck and team on making golf instruction practical.
January 17, 2017
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Congrats on breaking 80!!! Keep working at it and lower scores are in your future for sure.
January 19, 2017
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Barry
Hi Chuck, When I do this release and aim for the back of my hand facing the target at impact my club face is about 30 to 45 degrees closed. What am I doing wrong, my grip is a neutral grip as detailed on the site, thoughts!
January 17, 2017
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Hi Barry, when hitting an impact bag and seeing your lead wrist flat, do you have forward shaft lean or is the shaft ore vertical???? If you do not have any forward shaft lean, the clubface will appear to be shut.
January 19, 2017
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Barry
Hi Chris, thank you for the reply. Yes I have forward shaft lean but to have a square club face I need a huge amount of forward shaft lean, my hands need to be well outside my left leg and this pulls me off balance?
January 20, 2017
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Hmmm are you by chance trying to take your lead wrist from a static address position and then moving it into an impact position? Or are you seeing the clubface 30-45 degrees shut at impact when making swings and moving through hitting area???
January 20, 2017
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Barry
Hi Chris, I'm trying to set myself up in a good impact position with the back of my left hand facing the target, my hips open and weight on my left foot but my hands are way ahead of my left leg. When I try it on the range I have a massive hook
January 20, 2017
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
If you are 100% sure that you are spot on with your grip, you have enough secondary axis tilt at impact AND you're wrist is anatomically flat (NOT bowed), when trying to achieve this position, and you are still seeing it shut, then we will need to look at your issue in the swing review system.
January 20, 2017
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Hector
I read the ball striker article but what about the release of the club and the ball striker training ais are associated? this training aid does not help in the release of the club also keeping the shoulders parallel in the downswing to the target, I have a little of confusion ?? can you explain me , thanks
January 15, 2017
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Hi Hector, can you point me to which article you are speaking of and what training aid you are talking about for me to look into this??
January 19, 2017
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Hector
Ben hogan - pure ball striker for the rotary hitter
January 19, 2017
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Thanks Hector. We do not sell that training aid in our store any longer nor and we tend to try and move students away from the "rotary hitter" style of swing as RST evolved passed it. Hitter was more focused on the mechanics of the plane, face, rotation etc that the club is on, where RST as it is now, wants you to focus on primarily on the body movements that make the club move properly through the swing. Hope that helps.
January 19, 2017
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Ray
I am working through the Winter Series videos and would like to incorporate the release drill into the training. Can this be done at the same time. If so, where is the proper place to incorporate this drill.
January 15, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Ray. I would wait until you start the Winter Downswing Video. Spilt up working on the transition and release drills. Make sure you devote a proper amount of time to both.
January 15, 2017
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Sebastian
I was thinking to buy this divice: ImpactSnap (www.impactsnap.com). Do you guys recommend it for practising? Or is it useless?
January 15, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Sebastian. I haven't use the device personally. But, I have heard some positive notes from other players.
January 15, 2017
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Stephen
Is this release video, and drill, appropriate for a golfer that throws with the right hand, rather than pulls and leverages with the left hand (for a right handed golfer?
January 14, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Stephen. This is a very vital video for the right handed player that doesn't use their left hand enough to release.
January 15, 2017
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David
In the Left Elbow video, Chuck talks about how important it is to have the left elbow externally rotated at impact, for safety and directional control. The wrist in this position is only able to rotate 45 degrees to get to its flat position at impact, which Chuck mentions is great because it eliminates hooks to the left. So my question is, at what point does the elbow internally rotate to allow a full release, which from the video appears to be immediately as the butt of the club reaches the middle of the left thigh. To avoid a flip (fast rotation through contact) which would have to be timed, how do you determine when exactly to release the club, if you are working to maintain an externally rotated elbow and flat left wrist at impact? Do you wait for impact and then rollover the wrist, or are you concentrating on a slow rotation and release to be timed through impact? Any help would be appreciated and how to practice this move. Thanks.
December 18, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello David. The release will be gradual. You don't want to try and create a fast timed motion. Take a look at a few videos for me. They will help with your questions. Left Hand Golf Club Release Drill, Flip vs. Release, Vijay Release and Fix Your Release. The club is always rotating. You don't need to speed it up or try to steer the positioning.
December 18, 2016
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claudio
This lesson looks confusing to me. In this video Chuck is promoting to power the club by just using the arms and rotating the wrists. I have always thougth that the arms and wrists have to be passive and be powered by the core rotation and pushing the ground creating a snap at impact. Can you plase clarify? Thanks
November 3, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Claudio. You are correct. However, a lot of players have been trained to steer or hold onto the face. Therefore, needing to correct the motor patter of releasing or letting the forearms/wrists rotate. Once, you train the proper motion. The goal would be to turn the motion over to the sub-conscience and allow the snap to happen through good leg/core work.
November 3, 2016
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David
Hi Craig, can you tell me what are the videos talking about snapping the club with your legs and core? I really struggle with adding speed to my club. I really changed my swing for the better but though my technique as improve my distance didn't improve do much. I'm much more consistent but I'd like to add some distance and I really have a hard time understanding how to do so. If I try to force my way I ended hitting fat. Thanks
January 15, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello David. Take a look at You Hit the Golf Ball with your Legs, Throw the Club Head at the Ball, and Lag and Speed Drills Video.
January 15, 2017
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David
Thanks, I'll watch these videos.
January 15, 2017
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Randall
Christina, I do have one more question that is confusing to me. In the RST "release" videos does Chuck want us to consciously role the left and/or right hand over? Or are we supposed to keep the clubhead square to the arc after impact like this Rickie Fowler video? https://youtu.be/VeNcZncmyYc The reason I ask is because in Chucks golf swing he looks a lot like Ricky, however, in his RST "release" videos he's consciously rolling his hand down instead of letting it cup after impact and keeping the club head "square to the arc". Please advise.
October 18, 2016
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Randall, Chris here, when training the releases, you will want to be conscious of the rotation in the lead wrist if you struggle with not letting the club rotate. When training a new body movement of any nature, you want to make sure you are completely aware of what your body is doing and how you are performing it. After training the movements and ingraining them, you will not have to be conscious of the movements providing they are fully ingrained. Hope that helps.
October 19, 2016
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Randall
Chris, thanks for the respond I understand where you're coming from and fortunately I've practiced a lot of rolling the hand down the left hand that is and I've practiced a lot about keeping the clubface square throughout the ark. I'm just trying to figure out in rst which type of release is Chuck trying to explain. Is there anyway you could give me a quick phone call at your earliest convenience? I promise I won't hold you long. 404-663-9988 Thanks, Randall
October 19, 2016
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Randall, we do not advocate anyone trying to hold the clubface square through the hitting area. Golf clubs are designed to rotate as well as be swung on an inclined plane. With that said, if you are trying to hit and hold a certain position with the lead wrist, then you are getting in the way of what the club is designed to do. The toe of the club is travelling nearly 7-8 mph faster than the center of the club at impact, if you are allowing the club to rotate. So, Chuck is teaching a release by allowing the lead wrist to rotate at a constant rate through the hitting area. Phone calls are extremely hard for us instructors to handle due to the size of our membership. Hope this helps you understand and if not, there are other videos on the website that discuss the release. Check out the vijay release drill, perfecting your impact series etc.
October 20, 2016
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Conor
Hello. I was just wondering, if you continue to rotate the left wrist (into the bowed position) after impact why is it that your right wrist will be cupped in the follow through? (looking from the down the line position) But when you look at all the pros their right wrists are flat in the follow through. Thanks!
October 11, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Conor. The trail wrist won't be flat until after impact. If you are maintaining too cupped of a trail wrist coming through you might be bowing too much. Try releasing the trail wrist with the Vijay Release Drill. And, allowing for a good lead wrist snap.
October 11, 2016
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Lynn
OMG this is soon different than Leadbetter where he teaches that the rotation controls the release(supposedly with a more stable club face through impact). I prefer a more passive approach with the left elbow pointing down the target line and just letting rotation release the club. Sean and I were a bit at odds over this. I'm excited to use this approach and will not get down if I lose a couple to the right. I'm in Florida all winter training so I should come and work with you guys directly.
September 16, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Lynn. We would welcome the opportunity to help you in-person. One of the major reasons why I left Leadbetter's principles. I lacked distance and it wore me out trying to keep the club face stable with body rotation. If you watch the guys on tour. They release the heck out of it. You should check a couple of our Youtube Videos and you will see Chuck discuss Sean's philosophy and why it effected Tiger so much. If you like this video above. Take a look at Throw the Club Head at the Ball, Left Hand Release Drill, Arms vs. Body Release, Release - Part 3 of 7, and Using Your Wrists for Speed.
September 16, 2016
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Lynn
Ok thanks Craig, I will. I'm rather enjoying the fact that my surgery on my right knee is "keeping" this time, that I'm not in pain from pushing instead of pulling and that I can release the hell out of it. Shaping a cut is easier too. I could never cut before. I'll check out those videos. Thanks!
September 20, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Lynn. Nothing like a released cut. Great. Happy to hear less pain. The more you own the proper bio-mechanics. Less pain to be had.
September 20, 2016
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David
should you be using your left arm and your left hand to release the club? or just your left hand? thanks.
September 6, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello David. Wrist and Forearm. Take a look at the LADD Video (Left Arm in Golf Downswing) and Curing Elbow Pain.
September 7, 2016
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Greg
I forgot to mention that I am using left arm only, so there is no pushing with the right hand to break the wrist down. Thanks!
August 25, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Greg. Try focusing on the Knuckles Down Drill and the Fix Your Release to help cure.
August 25, 2016
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Greg
When I do these drills slowly, I can retain the bowed wrist. When I speed it up I start to get some cupping on the follow through. Any suggestions?
August 25, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Greg. Depends where on the follow through. After belt height the wrist will start to re-hinge some. But, before is where you would be in a little trouble.
August 25, 2016
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Christian
Hi, I am a natural left handed players and i played 15 years right side. 4 years ago I decided to change to left side cause i was reading a book that i should use my left hand in my swing. Now as i can understand from this video i may be better move to my 15 years of right side ? My release from my left hand is better from my right side... iam confuse now should i move to my right side again ? THX
August 23, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Christian. I can't determine which would be your best side because it is hard to keep flip flopping. However, I would think that if your dominant arm was your lead arm (switching back) it might be easier for you to swing efficiently.
August 23, 2016
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Michael
I am trying to work on my release, and hit short shots as suggested. I can get the club to stick the ground fine, but a lot of shorts are squirting out to the right - a straight block. Is there any way to tell if I am performing the release correctly?
August 6, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Michael. Straight right sounds like tension. Take a look at the Left Hand Release Video and the Fix Your Release. Make sure you are allowing the face to have a good constant rotation through.
August 6, 2016
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Ronald
I have the same question as Kyle..............what does Hogan mean when he says that he wishes he had three right hands?
August 5, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Ronald. I answered below.
August 5, 2016
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Kyle
I assume Chuck agrees with Ben Hogan re: supination of the left wrist as shown on pg 102 in Hogan's 5 Lessons book...what I don't understand is why does Hogan say on pg 101 that he wishes that he had three right hands? Thx
August 3, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Kyle. Yes, we agree that the lead wrist will be supinating at impact (a little bow). Hogan pushed hard from his trail side and always fought a hook. He wanted 3 right hands because he used the right to help hold the face open at impact.
August 5, 2016
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johnny
I've just started on this drill and at least half my shots are going left because I believe my face is closed at impact because i'm trying to make sure that i rotate rather than flip. i may be over rotating because i'm afraid to flip the club, Is it common when you start doing this drill to close the face and hit it left or could I be doing something wrong.
June 10, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Johnny. You could be pulling your lead elbow around too much and not getting a consistent pace. Work on the Curing Elbow Pain Video and the Fix Your Release. Focus on lead elbow alignment and hit some impact shots.
June 11, 2016
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Ashar
Hi Craig i am also facing the same problem. Please let me know which video you recommended for "curing elbow pain"
July 29, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Ashar. Take a look at the video Curing Golf Swing Elbow Pain as well as the LADD Video. Both in this section.
July 29, 2016
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Robert
What really helped me get this down (with the left hand only part ... still working on incorporating the right hand) was to feel the handle in fingers of my left hand. Making sure I have consistent, soft and constant contact with the ring and middle fingers of my left hand all the way to follow through makes the drill tons easier. Of course it's one more thing to think about until it's ingrained but you can really feel the whip. Is this feeling mechanically sound?
May 26, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Rob. Maybe not the Ring Finger (Vijay Release Drill). But, your pressure points and logic seem correct.
May 26, 2016
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Edmund
You did it again. This release drill has helped put more zip in the shots. I like it, however, it is easy to get to mechanical with it. So what I have been doing is take a 7 iron, hit 80 yards using the perfect release, then up to 120 yards trying to use perfect technique, then a full shot. This has helped me repeat the exact movements. My game is coming around. I am looking forward to the competition this summer.
May 19, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Edmund. Happy to hear the game is coming around. I would also advise if you like this video the Left Hand Release Drill, Vijay Release Drill and the Fix Your Release Video.
May 20, 2016
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Todd
Sorry , I know this is just a drill, I was talking about when you have drilled this feeling for a while and then put it to use.
May 9, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Todd. I answered below. No worries.
May 9, 2016
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Todd
Hi guys , I love this drill , I did not have a hard time with it ," but" your right the contact is really good , I have one problem , the ball draws hard to the left , it goes out straight for about half of the shot i.e, 21 degree hybrid, and then turns left, hard ? Now if I back off of the feel of letting my left hand turn down and under and just think about squaring the left hand at impact and holding it more square thru the release , the ball goes straighter but the ball flight is higher than I would like. If you could tell me how to find the equal medium , I would appreciate it . thanks
May 9, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Todd. Take a look at the Fix Your Release, Left Hand Release, and the Curing Elbow Pain Video. Practice some impact shots, work on a more consistent face rotation and make sure the lead elbow isn't flipping through impact too much. Those videos should allow you to still let the release go without over rotating the face to a closed position at impact.
May 9, 2016
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David
Hi Craig, I am still hung up on distinguishing between lag and bent left wrist which look can look like the same thing at impact e.g. if I see proper shaft lean at impact it could come from retained lag and/or a bent left wrist. I can see that lag is the variable that will increase club head speed as long as it retained and released correctly into the hitting area whereas shaft lean is a result of the action of the left wrist from this position i.e. if it is pronated the hand's will stay in front of the shaft at impact. Therefore if you had a swing where the lag was lost early, the shaft would still have forward lean as long as the lead wrist was pronated at impact. I think my confusion has arisen because on some of the video's when the club is passing the hand's at impact reference is made to 'loosing the lag' whereas in fact the left wrist has lost being flat or bent and may be cupped (flipping). Really I am saying that forward lean at impact is only influenced by the left wrist and not as a result of loosing lag? Any thought's to unravel me appreciated.
May 5, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello David. It is hard to have forward lean at impact when casting. However, you can do it by maintaining a forward or bowed wrist at impact. You can lose lag and end up without any lean. Also, you can cast and have lean. The problem that would arise from that would be lack of power. The vast majority of golfers when they cast will not have shaft lean. Typically, due to trail side push and not using the lead hand correctly. But, you still can attain some lean even if you cast from the top.
May 5, 2016
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David
Hi Craig, OK, getting there. Developing this one more step - let's assume I can retain lag into the hitting area with a flat left wrist i.e. hand's in front of right thigh with shaft horizontal. From there the club releases into impact with the left wrist either staying flat or pronating depending on the trajectory of shot required e.g. for the shot to be low, the wrist would start to be pronated as the lag was released from the delivery position. Clearly, this setting of the wrist should not interfere with the release or speed of release of the club.
May 6, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello David. Yes. That sounds correct to me.
May 6, 2016
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Alasdair
Hi. I am still very confused about the release of the club. I have been told i flip my wrists but when i watch this drill it looks very similar to what i do. I am probably trying to rotate my wrists through impact, when I have been told i need to feel like i 'trap' the ball with my hands/club and then they will naturally rotate after this. I havent seen you guys use the term 'trap' - is this right?
April 28, 2016
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Chuck
The club should rotate and release naturally, sounds like you may be actively doing with your wrists which is impossible to time consistently.
April 28, 2016
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Terry
WHen I took a lesson with Chuck back in Sept, he said that the clubface should be no further left than 12:00 after release. This is showing clearly more than that...what do you advocate as a proper clubface angle after release?
March 30, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Terry. Take a look at Perfect Impact Part 1. The club will rotate from a square position at impact to a toe up position at 3 O' Clock or roughly belt high in the release. Some players that lack release though need to exaggerate slightly to get out of overly steering the club too much.
March 30, 2016
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Roderick
Right now this is my primary practice routine, drilling in the flat left wrist from a stacked impact position. My question is: how long do you keep the left wrist flat (or even bowed out slightly) into the through swing? I swing through to about the 3:00 position. when I add the trail hand, at impact if the lead hand is bowed then the trail hand is bent back (Phil Ritson says this is his primary feeling through the ball). In a full swing, does the momentum of the clubhead move the wrists back into a neutral alignment at some point after the release? I'm trying to determine how long I should try to maintain the flat/bowed lead wrist into the release and follow through. I hope I've been clear. Thanks
March 14, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Roderick. The lead wrist will be flat or bowed out slightly till just after the 3 O'Clock position. The trail hand/wrist won't be straight until after impact. The momentum carried through the release after the 3 O'Clock position will cause some natural re-hinging of the lead wrist.
March 15, 2016
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Roderick
Ty. Now I don't have to develop my left wrist till it can withstand 'G' force without giving way!
March 15, 2016
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Dan
What creates the "flip"? Is it the stopping of the hands/arms?
March 10, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Dan. There can be numerous sources to the cause of a flip/scoop into the ball. Stopping of the arms/hands, lack of weight transfer, spinning shoulders, over the top, trail arm dominance, etc..
March 11, 2016
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charles
I am confused about the function and feel of the right hand in the full swing. In your video "5 minutes to the perfect golf club release", it seems the right hand is greatly deemphaized and is just along for the ride. In your 'throw the ball with your right hand' video, it stresses the power provided by the right hand when done properly. Ben Hogan said "As far as applying power goes, I wish that I had three right hands!" It seems to me that the timing of the right hand in the downswing is the critical part of delivering power (like swinging a baseball bat). I struggle a lot with that. Please explain how the right hand should be applied, and how it should feel during the downswing.
March 9, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Charles. Ben Hogan also fought a massive hook . To help clarify, the trail hand does add speed in the swing. However, it is most often way over used. Because the vast majority of right handed golfers are right hand dominant. The "Throw the Ball" drill is geared more for people that pull too much with their left and have a hard time getting rid of lag. It is much more pertinent that a player masters the left hand and usage, than worrying about apply more force from the right. Take a look at the Golf Swing Release Drill to understand more about the right, but also the Vijay Release Drill and Fix Your Release to know why the left is so important. Hogan would say "3 right hands". I would say "I would cut it off if I didn't need to make a backswing."
March 9, 2016
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charles
Thanks for your prompt reply. I will take your advice.
March 9, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Charles. No problem. Happy to help. In addition to the last notes. Take a look at The Big Picture Video.
March 9, 2016
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Tom
Hi Craig, When I do this drill I still have a tendency to pull or hit the ball a little bit left. I was a pull-hooker (swinging too much fron the inside) before I started RST. I am just using my arms and think I have a proper grip. What should I do? Also, with my new RST stance I am finding that when I sole my club the tip of my club is 1/4 - 1/2 inch off the ground. Should I get them adjusted so that the lie is correct? Also, Chuck has mentioned that most clubs are fitted too long for most players. I bought my Nike irons from Golf Galaxy almost 10 years ago that they measured for my lie angle and proper length. If I take them to say Golfsmith how will I know they a measuring correctly? Thanks again!
March 8, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Tom. Check the path and face. If you are straight pulling the ball it might be a little steep with a shut face. Try some Long Arms Drills to turn off push. Not exaggerated too much inside though due to past problems. Make sure the face is square at impact (Fix Your Release). Hard to say what your exact measurements would be. Most people do miss their clubs too long. It is okay for the toe to be up a little. You don't want it perfectly flat at setup. You need to find an experienced fitter to rectify if the clubs are setup incorrectly.
March 8, 2016
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Anthony
My biggest problem is releasing the wrists (club) too early in the downswing and this is leading to no power and fat and thin shots. I'm not sure of the cause or how to fix it. Can you provide some of the reasons why this is happening and a good video or drill to help correct this early release. Thanks
March 2, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Anthony. Make sure you aren't loading the tension in the wrist too soon. Part 5 Using the Wrist for Speed and Part 7 Keeping Speed as You Get Older (to stay wide). Also, The Frisbee Drill and Throw the Ball Drill to teach both arms to release at the proper time.
March 2, 2016
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David
Hi, I am a new premium member for about a week now and am really impressed with the quality of information you have made available and even in this short time have experienced a greater understanding of the golf swing. This is starting to show on the course but it is early day's yet although I am expecting greater improvement's to follow as I assimilate more of the information. If you could help me with a couple of issues I would greatly appreciate it. Just to explain, I have been down a few road's including square to square body release and casting from the top. My issues are that my grip pressure increases during the downswing to inhibit release and I loose the lag so the club will pass the hand's before impact. I look forward to getting to grip's with your video's but any pointer's on these fundamental issues would be greatly appreciated.
February 29, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello David. Welcome to the site and thank you for the compliments. I would suggest a swing review from one of our instructors to give you a good overall look at your golf swing. In the meantime, take a look at a few videos for me that deal directly with your issues. Golf Grip Tips, Frisbee, Rotating Body versus Releasing and the Vijay Release Drill. The typical pro increases grip pressure from a 2 to 8 (address to impact with 10 being the strongest). It is okay for grip pressure to increase, but you need to watch out for wrist pressure increasing too much.
February 29, 2016
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David
Thank's Craig, From the video's I have seen I am sure the majority of problems I attribute to grip pressure arise due to unconscious use of my normally dominant right hand. I am leaving this very loose and concentrating on just using the left arm as per the drill's. This is a feeling I am not used to so it will take a while to learn but I am confident this will sort out the bulk of my problems. I must add that I have been playing golf for around 12 year's but genuinely feel I have learned more in the week I have been with RSG than in all those previous year's. Thank's for that and I will send a video ASAP.
March 1, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello David. Looking forward to the video and happy to hear you are learning! Yes, it will take some time to get lead arm dominant. But, thats why it is the glove hand.
March 1, 2016
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bryan
Around the 4:25/4:30 mark of this video Chuck shows the exaggerated look of the release and mentions that it won't look like that when you keep the right hand on. I get in this position even when I keep the right hand on. I think this has been the issue with my release for a long time. I understand how the release is suppose to happen but when I turn my left wrist over the club face gets shut and my body/right side reacts to the it to save the shot by joining in on the release to avoid hitting a big snap hook. When I get the toe facing up, it definitely feels like my body is more in play because I'm not turning over my left wrist as much which from my feel is releasing the club. Any advice here? When there is no ball, I have no problem because there is nothing going on in my brain to tell the right side that I need to save this shot or a big snap hook is coming. Once the ball is there, I would have to do less with my lead wrist but my body feels more active.
February 23, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Bryan. Work on the Perfecting Impact Part 1 Drill. You will focus more on the toe up. Also, work on keeping a good constant rate with the lead hand. Curing Elbow Pain Video and the Fix Your Release. I think you are trying to speed it up too much and leaving the trail wanting to help out.
February 23, 2016
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So Chul
Hi Craig, thanks for wonderful instruction. Would this release drill work for driver and wood as well?
February 22, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello So Chul. Thanks for the compliments. Absolutely it will work. Make sure you adjust the setup with the driver though. Take a look at the Driver Launch Angle Video and Driver Setup Adjustments Video.
February 22, 2016
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Lance
Hi Craig I been reviewing all my swing reviews and recommended videos tonight. My question is about the position of the head relative to ball position as the weight is shifted to the left side (squat to square / down-cock drill). Should the head move toward the target before the club is released? Most videos I have looked at don't show the head moving toward the target. My ball position is about 4 inches down the line from the center of my sternum (logo/left ear). Should my upper body/head be translated the 4 inches to be directly above the ball as I squat into the left side? Thanks
February 20, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Lance. You still want the head behind the ball at impact. You don't want to sway or get the head pushing ahead. The head will move in the golf swing due to weight shift. But, for optimal performance at impact. The head will be just behind the ball so you can maintain good secondary tilt into the strike.
February 21, 2016
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Lance
is the secondary axis tilt a conscience move or does it just happen by keeping the head as still as possible behind the ball?
February 21, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Lance. Don't force a static head. You don't want to lock movement. It will move a little back and through naturally. Secondary tilt is more a by product of proper ground up swinging and release.
February 21, 2016
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Roderick
hey guys...I'm a new premium member and I've yet to upload a swing for review. I've been working with the free videos and learning to reshape my swing...primarily the release which is new to me. I've been a Phil Ritson student which means I have ingrained a body release through the years...passive hands with the club facing the belly button and turning through the ball. I started with the RST because you taught me how to shift my weight without lunging and sliding...(I started golf in the 70's). So Iv'e been practicing releasing the club past the body...not hitting balls yet. Then I read an article onsite called Arms vs Body Release in the Golf Swing. Now I'm thoroughly confused! Here I find that my body release is actually advocated (ABT) and the arm released is disparaged noting that it takes extraordinary timing and coordination to perfect. That's the problem with conventional teaching...listen to one guy and he teaches this...the other teaches that...each contradicting the other! What gives? Is there an argument among the instructors? As I say I'm a newbie to the site but not to golf...What am I missing? By the way, having just worked my way through the intro vids, the set up, and weight shift...other than this rather large discrepancy, this is the most comprehensive, knowledgeable, and effective teaching I've EVER encountered. Please advise as to what I've missed.
February 15, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Roderick. Thanks for the compliments of our site. Golf instruction has definitely danced around this topic for awhile now. The all body release or using the body to square the club face is a very common method. It is easy to teach and can produce consistency. The problem lies in is it efficient for the body and for speed. Sadly it is not. I would like you to take a look at the Rotating Body versus Releasing Video. It does take time to learn the proper motion, but is actually easier and more forgiving once the move is trained.
February 16, 2016
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Roderick
thanks Craig...I'll take a look at the video...I know the release I've been taught hits a straight ball. I've always worked on keeping the dish angle on my left wrist/hand constant through the swing. I used to hit it acceptable distances...9 iron from 150...but I've lost nearly two clubs in the last few years...very aggravating! the release you advocate seems like it would get some distance back but would be tough to time...I'm working on it...thanks
February 16, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Roderick. After some quality practice time you will see it isn't that tough to time. I actually hit it much straighter now because I am not fighting physics. Yes, you should definitely get the speed back.
February 16, 2016
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Justin
I am so confused. At my club the instructor says the body should turn through impact and hands are passive. In seeing this video, he argues we are simply flipping or using the hands too much to square the club. If you hit a million balls like Michelson it works, he said, but for someone like me who plays once or twice a month learning to use body with quiet hands is best. This is where golf gets tough. So many conflicting styles. I would like to find one and just implement. More confused than ever.
February 15, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Justin. I want you to take a look at the Rotating Body Versus Release Video and the Frisbee Drill. The release we teach isn't a flip. It's a true release to allow for proper face rotation. I only play about once a month if I am lucky and can tell you I don't have to practice with a million balls to hit it well. It actually is easier and more natural. If you were to throw a ball, shoot a basketball, etc. You would have to release. You wouldn't throw a football trying to heave it at a target just using body rotation. You would have finesse and touch of the finger tips. Same deal here.
February 15, 2016
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Dan
Doesn't this video conflict with the "Right Arm Only Downswing Drill" that teaches you to use your right arm to release and get power into the swing. When you have only 3 feet to generate power it has to come from somewhere to achieve 90 to 100 mph at impact.
February 10, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Dan. Both arms/hands have a job to do in the swing. The trail hand does add power, but the vast majority of golfers over use it. You want the lead hand to be in control during the release. Master the lead hand movements first and then you can slowly start adding the trail add for additional speed.
February 10, 2016
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Michael
Can you tell what is the preferred club to use for this drill?
February 4, 2016
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Steven (Certified RST Instructor)
Michael- Use a short iron at first. Personally I have students use 8 iron or less 8-pw works great for this drill at first and then you can add longer clubs the better you get and the more comfortable you become.
February 5, 2016
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Steven
This may be my favorite golf video of all time.
February 1, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Thanks Steven.
February 1, 2016
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Robert
Something interesting occurred to me yesterday during a round. RST talks about releasing past the body. When you look at great tour swings (Scott, Immelman, Rose) their arms appear to remain in front of their chest the entire time (setup -> follow through). This gives the illusion of the body releasing the club sometimes. Of course this isn't happening ... but it's caused me to release the club in a way that traps my left arm behind my body, much like a poor take away would trap my right arm behind my body. Once it clicked that the arms swing past the body but should always remain in front of the chest, I realized the key to the release is open hips and the oblique pull ... this gets the body out of the way so the club can release properly. Golf is hard ha ... it's a crazy physical puzzle even if all of the puzzle pieces are numbered and you can look at the cover.
January 31, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Rob. Sounds like you are on the proper path. Golf is hard, but your knowledge is getting sharper.
February 1, 2016
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zuhair
On my down swing I feel that my weight shifts to the left toes. How do I fix this?
January 29, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Zuhair. Take a look at the How to Swing from the Ground Up and the RST Tempo Drill.
January 29, 2016
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Robert
In part 1 of this drill I know the left wrist needs to be flat at impact. In part 2 it is hard to see whether the left wrist is allowed to cup after the rotation. My wrist tends to cup when I roll the wrist to the 3 o'clock position. Is this ok? My wrist is real sore from trying not to cup it when the face of the club is facing up. Thanks.
January 26, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Robert. Take a look at the Stop Slicing and Start Releasing Video. You can see it from a different angle around the middle portion of the discussion. The lead wrist will start to re-hinge after the 3 O'Clock position. Ideally, you don't want the wrist to cup between impact and the 3 O'Clock position.
January 27, 2016
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Garry
In this video Chuck demonstrates the bowed left wrist at impact and LH release drill and moves to adding the right arm etc. I'm eager to understand how to achieve the bowed LH wrist at impact as I move down from the top and achieve that outcome at impact. Is their a wrist action needed from the top to achieve the bowed LH wrist at impact. Closest I can see is Chuck's video on squaring the club face early.
January 13, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Gary. The face will always be rotating, but you don't want to try a bow it at the start of the downswing. Take a look at the Knuckles Down, Exaggerated Hands Ahead and the Fix Your Release to work on your bow.
January 13, 2016
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Anthony
Although the site is called Rotary-swing, the main rotation is in the left hand release not a big body rotation. The body does rotate in the backswing and downswing but club head speed is coming primarily from the rotation of the lead wrist, is that somewhat correct.
January 5, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Anthony. Yes, the majority of club head speed is coming from lag and release.
January 5, 2016
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Preston
Why is it in the third step of the release (when you add the right hand) there is no Dorsi-flexion in the right hand...but it is straight...I understand the fact it needs to release at some point...but I thought through impact there was suppose to be dorsi flexion in the wrist at this point?
December 26, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Preston. Yes, the trail wrist will maintain some dorsiflexion into the impact area. Therefore, you can force or core rotational speed in the downswing. However, to effectively release the club you need lead hand mastered. Chuck doesn't emphasize the trail wrist positioning because the focus isn't on apply force just yet, but proper lead wrist rotation.
December 28, 2015
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Lance
Can you recommend videos that detail how to properly stall the body for the release? I am thinking more that anything in the body after properly shifting the weight to the left heel is a function of releasing the arms into and through impact. The chest stays behind the arms or follows the arms?? I get that sense when trying to keep my back to the target at the start of the downswing. Thanks Craig Also congratulations to Aaron and his wife on their newborn son Ben!
December 10, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Lance. Thanks for the congratulations for Aaron. New RST'er is here! The Acceleration Profile Sequence and the Increase Swing Speed by Hip Deceleration will help with drills/visuals. You will feel that the chest stays back and the arms/hands pass it through impact (Fix Your Release Video).
December 10, 2015
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claudio
I would like to know why you are recommending this type of roll release over the pivot based release which is more widely used in the tour. Is there anything wrong with the pivot based release or it is a matter of personal preference? I personally find the pivot based released more estable and consistent, while speeds look similar for both. Thanks
November 19, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Claudio. Why do you think the body/pivot release is more widely used on tour? When you look at the top drivers on tour (distance) the vast majority use the kinematic chain to full advantage and have a cross over release. Tiger experimented with the body (Foley) and lost distance. One of the big things when he switched to Como is his speed and distance came back. Why is that? He converted back to his prior release of letting the arms and hands cross over. Less wear and tear on the body. More efficient at creating speed.
November 19, 2015
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mark
I have repetitive strain injury on my left thumb from over practicing golf ! I'm new to RST and like the idea of these left hand drills but they seem to aggravate the injury - probably caused by poor release and cupping left hand putting strain on thumb joint. Question is - can I do the drills with left thumb off the grip in a more baseball bat like grip providing fingers /knuckles in normal positions or will this affect the hinge/release/rotation ?
November 17, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Mark. For the meantime, you can take the lead thumb out of the equation. He will be necessary to help support the club at the top a little. But, while working on a bit of lag and release. The thumb can take a break. Take a look at the Physics Part 1 Video, Frisbee Drill and Vijay Release Drill.
November 17, 2015
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mark
Thanks Craig - what is the role of the lead thumb in the back and downswing, what pressure/stress should it be under ?
November 18, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Mark. Take a look at the Left Thumb Nail Pain Video for more info on what it shouldn't do. The pinching together of the lead thumb and forefinger allows the clubface to square more easily with minimal manipulation of the hands through the hitting area. It shouldn't be at max pressure, but enough dexterity to have some control. It is mainly there for support purposes at the top and coming down.
November 18, 2015
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Lance
Craig Is there a specific focus with the grip to avoid cupping at the release? It seems that my right hand usually forces me into a cupped position. Thanks.
November 4, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Lance. The pressure should be in the last three fingers of the lead hand. Take a look at Exaggerated Hands Ahead and the Knuckles Down Video. Practice over doing a little of the bow to get the proper sensation.
November 4, 2015
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Tom
I have been working hard to focus on my left left and left my left arm. Unfortunately, I have developed tennis elbow in my left elbow. I have tried to make sure i am not gripping the club too tight and have been icing it and taking ibuprofin. I know that rest will also help but I don't want to lose the gains I have make. Any suggestions might eliminate the pain and allow me to keep practicing? I am getting off of knee surgery and I would hate to have to pay for more physical therapy! Thanks!
October 26, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Tom. Rest is the best medicine. RST is about proper muscle memory. You won't lose everything you've gained. Other than rest check your elbow impact alignment. Left Elbow at Impact Alignment Video.
October 27, 2015
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Marc
Looking at the video, it seems that the release is not just triggered by a rotation of the left wrist but actually by a rotation of the whole left arm. Is this correct? Also where is the club pointing when you are at 3pm, is it parallel to the target line.
October 19, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Marc. The club will be roughly parallel to the target line. The lead arm will rotate some, but you don't want to flip the elbow. Take a look a the LADD Video and the Left Elbow Position at Impact Alignment Video.
October 19, 2015
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Mansoor
There is so much good content on this site that I can spend my whole day reading instead of practicing. Having said that, in trying to fix something specific, it can be an overwhelming amount of swing thoughts to find a solution. I don't know if this is the best video to attach a question to, but I am going to try anyways. Issue: arms and hand stuck behind in downswing. Working on rotary connect, hip turn going back, step into lead etc with my swing review instructor. Things are progressing but here is my issue in the release to make sure I practice the correct thoughts. Once I have stepped into my lead side and hands have dropped, should i be a)pulling with left oblique as per the RST ideal, b) with lead hand/arm as per LADD or c) with trail hand as has also been mentioned. The added issue is in trying to control trajectory with left knuckles, I find it hard to use c). In chipping and pitching i find b) to be more effective than a. Now my gut says left oblique since that is the ideal and i have had success with that on full swings. But I do not want it to exaggerate the problem of arms trailing chest at impact.
October 17, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Mansoor. You need the lead oblique to pull a little to help open the hips. However, you will feel more of a dominant pull with the lead arm. Take a look at the Proper Muscle Activation Video. Using the lead arm correctly solves most of the issues.
October 17, 2015
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Mansoor
Thanks Craigs. Appreciate your response. Since the muscle activation video deals with the backswing, I am assuming you mean that on the downswing it should feel like an activation in the obliques, rather than a pull and left arm should do all the 'real' work. By that I mean what the body should feel as work. How does this correspond to the passive arms feel that other videos have talked about. Someone once said 'golf is not a good game for smart people'. I wonder why.
October 19, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Mansoor. You want to feel like the big muscles are doing the work, but from that video I wanted you to see how simple the lead arm swing is coming down when releaxed. My error on not specifying the intended goal. Combining the feeling of the shift and pull of the oblique to start down with make the arms more relaxed. Therefore, it gives you the ability to use a blend of pull and gravity to bring the club down. Making them feel more passive to start.
October 19, 2015
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hyun jun
I want to know about stable vs rolling release. . i think this video is more closer to rolling release. . Is that right?
September 27, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Hyun Jun. This is more of a crossover release.
September 28, 2015
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hyun jun
Thanks.. This video Crossover release is just for practice for whom lack of release?
October 1, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Hyun Jun. Yes, this is to help a player drill a better release. It is the precursor to the Left Hand Release Video, Vijay Release Drill, and the Fix Your Release Video.
October 1, 2015
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Darran
when working on this in my swing i am struggling with hooking the ball somtimes.....low and right (left handed). could this be ball position be too far forward or just releasing the club before impact?
September 25, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Darran. Could be ball position or flipping the lead elbow. Take a look at the Left Elbow Impact Alignments Video.
September 25, 2015
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Jens
get speed w the right arm without pushing your shoulder
September 22, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jens. Do you have a question about this drill?
September 22, 2015
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David
Is the release something i "LET" happen or do i "MAKE" it happen? Stated another way is it a passive event that happens naturally by my hips, shoulders, arms firing or must i time it to a point after my "squat to sqare" and "actively" fire my release? Second question: there is a video where you mention activation and deactivation of the left shoulder then letting gravity take affect. What is the name of that video? I cant remember and thus cant find it. Thanks! You guys are AWESOME! RST ROCKS!
September 15, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello David. Early on you will probably have to drill the motion of the release. Once, it becomes natural you will start to learn how to relax it a bit and create some good speed. The Proper Muscle Activation Video talks about deactivation of the trail shoulder. Thanks for the compliments of RST!
September 15, 2015
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Jon
How do you incorporate the bottom hand back on the club without it becoming the dominant hand and causing the early release?
September 6, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jon. You have to be aware that trail hand is the culprit of you problems. I would start by lightly placing it on the club and letting it go. Then slowly build up to where the trail hand doesn't push the club through. Lose the Right Hand Drill or Vijay Release Drill.
September 7, 2015
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Gary
I've been working on hitting little shots with the right hand only and left hand only trying to ingrain that feeling of square shoulders at impact. I tend to bottom out a couple inches behind the ball on some shots. Do you know why that happens?
September 6, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Gary. If you tend to bottom out early the angle is being lost too soon or the plane is steep. Keep the lead arm/hand moving forward and pulling properly to shallow out. Practice a little exaggeration of maintaining angle with the Exaggerated Hands Ahead Video.
September 7, 2015
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Thomas
Jordan Spieth was at Fenway Park in Boston this week and I noticed that he through a pitch to the catcher left-handed. With him playing golf from the right side, is he pulling his dominant left hand on the downswing to generate speed? I'm right hand dominant and play golf left-handed and Chuck really demonstrates the importance of releasing the lead hand and in my case the right hand. I've had instructors tell me that I would pick up more club head speed by firing the left hand instead of pulling the right. Any thoughts?
September 2, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Thomas. I didn't know that about Jordan. If he is left arm dominate. He is pulling aggressively through the shot, but still releases. Your left hand could add speed (Right Arm Release Drill). But, it is much more important to master your right hand for proper release of all your angles.
September 2, 2015
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Dan
When does the release begin to gain the speed that you want? On the downswing the shift to the left brings your arms and hands down to the area of the right hip. The club is just suppose to drop without creating any speed. What happens next? Is it the release or a pull down then a release? What ever it is I'm not doing it because I haven't achieved a lot of club head speed.
September 2, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Dan. Take a look at the Martin Kaymer Release For Distance Video. A good visual for you. The release will begin as you start into the trail thigh positioning. You will shift the weight to the lead side, pull the oblique to open the hips, pull the lead lat to bring the arms down, then fire into your release.
September 2, 2015
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Trevor
Just had to say thanks so much for this video. I have found that this has been a game changer for me. My big fade is gone and i'm now hitting a very subtle draw. My handicap has gone from 11 to 6 in just 2 months. Best golf lesson I've ever had. Keep up the great work.
September 1, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Thanks Trevor for the post and compliments! Keep up the good work.
September 1, 2015
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Jon
I've been working on this drills for a couple of months now. I've been the ball more solid with a penetrating ballflight. However, almost 90% of my shots start on my target and draw 15-20 yards which is too much. I already made adjustments to my grip to make more neutral. But I feel that with the left hand rotating at the back of my left leg to release, the clubhead hits the ball square but does not have enough time to remain square after impact (and thus impart a draw spin on the ball). Any advise on eliminating this?
August 31, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jonathan. You could be adding a little flip to impact or not getting enough lean with a square position. I would practice the Taking a Divot Video to learn impact and having the club face square.
September 1, 2015
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rod
When Chuck mentions add the right hand for speed, could you please explain? Is the speed in a downward direction? Straightening of the right elbow or flattening of the right wrist, or neither! What is LADD? Thanks.
August 29, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Rod. The LADD is the LADD Video. Left Arm Downswing Drill in the Downswing Section. The Golf Swing Release Drill and the Right Arm Release should help you understand better how the right arm adds speed.
August 31, 2015
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Walter
Wish you could show this drill from an overhead view.
August 29, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Walter. Apologize for there not being an overhead view. However, in the meantime you can take a look at the Stop Slicing and Start Releasing Video to at least give you another perspective from the opposite Down the Line View.
August 31, 2015
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Loran
How does a golfer know when a release becomes an overdone "drag?" I guess as long as I don't spin my body, then I am in a pretty safe zone?
August 22, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Loan. Yes, you can feel a drag if you spin the body. When the body decelerates properly and the lead wrist rotates you won't work into a drag positioning.
August 24, 2015
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Earl
What about shoulder turn on the back swing in this exercise? I am have a tough time doing this with the driver. Is there any thing done different with the fairway woods and driver?
August 17, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Gregg. The release will stay the same with all clubs. However, this drill is for training lead wrist usage. Don't worry too much about getting a big shoulder turn. Take a look at Fix Your Release in the Advanced Downswing Section for more information. Chris should describe what you are looking for.
August 17, 2015
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Greg
Hi RJ, When I do this drill to achieve this bowing of the left wrist, the club at impact is somewhat shut, so when I hit chips they tend to go left. Any suggestions? Also, when the wrist is bowed the club is delofted. How do you hit the ball at different trajectories, like when you want to go over a tree? The answer to that question may help when I'm dealing with the driver and trying to hit lofted pitch shots while still trying to bow the left wrist. Thanks! Greg
August 9, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Greg. Use the 9 Days to Amazing Ball Striking in the Video Menu to learn how to control different trajectories. Bowing should de-loft the club, but not shut it down. Practice having a square face as represented well in the Taking a Divot Video and Fix Your Release Video.
August 10, 2015
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Taweesak
At the left hand, which finger should hold the club ? Will the index and thumb be involved ?
August 3, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Taweesak. Take a look at the Vijay Release Drill in the Advanced Downswing Section. The thumb and index finger won't have a whole lot of involvement.
August 3, 2015
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Taweesak
Oh Yes, Chuck answered all my question. Thanks Craig.
August 3, 2015
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Steven
Sometimes whilst releasing the club , the club goes outside the line and I shank. Is this because I am releasing the club too early, ie right leg instead of left
July 30, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Steven. Actually with a proper release it should shy away from the shank. Take a look at Fix Your Release in the Downswing Advanced Section. You might be getting the weight forward and pushing the club out versus rotation the wrist.
July 30, 2015
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Tom
I feel my right shoulder is really getting pulled when I do this drill and starting to cause some pain in right shoulder. Even when I hold the club VERY lightly, if I keep my shoulders square, the left arm release feels like it is pulling my right arm out of it's socket. What am I doing wrong or do I just need to let the body release (which is what I thought I didn't want to do). Thanks,
July 27, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Tom. You don't want to push through with the trail shoulder. Are you getting the pain before the 3 O'clock position? Or are your referring to trying to finish the swing?
July 27, 2015
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Tom
Strain occurs when I'm finishing release/swing when my arms are fully extended right at the 3'o clock position. It's not really painful at the time, but after many repetitions, it feels strained/painful.
July 27, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Tom. Try and relax the shoulder. It sounds like you are over extending and not allowing for any forward motion. After you release and start to reach the 3 O'Clock position allow for the shoulder to get naturally pulled around by the left.
July 27, 2015
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Karen
I had a very helpful swing review by James this week. This video was recommended. I am working on the drills. My question is: how should I be feeling the 'snap' at impact combined with taking a divot after the ball. I hit the ball crisply but there is no divot after. So something is not quite correct. Thanks.
July 26, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Karen. When working the lead hand only in this drill. You will tend to shallow out more and allow for better face rotation. There still is shaft lean, but due to the nature of lead arm pull. You might not take a very big divot.
July 26, 2015
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Andrew
Hello RST instructors. I would like to clarify a couple of concepts here. Am I correct in assuming that between 9 O'clock and impact we are releasing the wrist cock? And the feeling that between impact and 3 O'clock we are rolling the left wrist through 90° so that the back of our left hand is facing behind us? Kind Regards Andrew
July 23, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Andrew. Yes on all accounts. If you create lag in the swing you have to use it at some point for speed. From 9 O'clock the wrist will begin some ulnar deviation,rotate, and the club will start to move very fast. Into the follow through the goal is to fully release with the logo on the glove facing behind you. Also, take a look at the Left Hand Release Drill in this Section.
July 23, 2015
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Damien
Hello I have always had a problem with release, I think part of my problem has been trying to turn to far around to the left and bring the club back around to far and off the line, causing pulls and hooks. With the release is there a sensation that as your shoulders come in square at impact that they almost stop and then pull back on the club, which then turns the right hand over the left? The whipping motion that you hear about. regards Damien
July 21, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Damien. The shoulders will decelerate into impact to help create the whip or snap when you release the club. There are a few pressure points from the trail hand that will stabilize the club, but for the most part it will be following the motion of the lead wrist. If you struggle with releasing and spinning the body around. Take a look at the Long Arms Drill in the Advanced Downswing Section. It is designed for the chicken wing, but will help with extension through the shot versus the arms swinging too far away from the target with the body.
July 21, 2015
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James
I have been working hard on this drill as advised by James Grayson in my swing reviews; I am finally getting to grips with it but the biggest hurdle was move 1 where you advise to have your left wrist slightly bowed at impact when digging into the ground. I eventually came to terms with this concept by concentrating not so much on the back of the left wrist but more on the back of of the last three fingers of of my left hand; i.e. keeping them bowed at impact. When concentrating only on my wrist, I find the club face tends to close a bit at impact. Then following through with 2, 3 and 4 everything slotted into place. I did this in our guest bedroom in front of the full length mirrors we have in there; mind you there is no room for error as if I do get it wrong I can clip the mirror!! Would not go down too well with the wife if I cracked that but it least it puts me under a bit of pressure to get it right and I can see the arms and and club positions as I swing. I can get part one of the drill right every time now, so can I go straight to part 2 now on the daily drill; it is fairly soft carpet and not difficult to dig the club into it.
July 17, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello James. You can use the last 3 fingers as your guide not only for the release, but helping create the required motion to increase the wrist bow into impact.
July 17, 2015
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Dan
What is the secret to getting the club to your left thigh? My release happens at the right thigh and I've worked on and off over the last several years and as of now I still can't do it. Please help. Dan
July 15, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Dan. The keys are hard work and trust. It is a complex move, but shouldn't be as daunting as it sounds. First, forgot about the ball. The old notion of let the ball get in the way is crucial. Stop trying to slap at it or steer the direction. Let the swing take care of it. Second, be lead arm dominant. If you start to push or overuse your trail hand to control the face you will give up the energy too soon. Third, own impact. Practice impact first. Use the Taking a Divot Video in the Advanced Downswing Section to help and/or the impact portion of this drill. Then, learn how to take that position and allow for some rotation. Let the ball get in the way of the club. Don't try to slap it into impact. It should be easy and effortless. A good visual is the Proper Muscle Activation Video in the Introduction Advanced Section.
July 15, 2015
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Dan
What about release? Do you train your hands to do this automatically or after your move to the left and the club is handle is moved down and into the right side don't you begin releasing the club?
July 16, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Dan. You will shift the weight to the lead side, pull from the lead oblique to open the hips and then a little pull from the lead lat to pull the arms back in front. By the time all this takes place the hands will be around the trail thigh where the club will start to rotate fast and square up. You will manually at first train the hand to rotate properly. Then start letting the snap happen. Like casting a fishing pole or skipping a rock. Train the position and movement. Then allow for the snap.
July 16, 2015
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Seth
Can you tell me what I'm doing wrong if sometimes while I'm doing the 2nd short release drill with the left hand only, my club head is bouncing on the ground behind the ball? Am I slowing my arms down causing the club head to fall? Do I keep my arms moving at the same pace the whole time and "release" my wrists to roll?
July 10, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Seth. It sounds like you are trying to create a hit motion. Keep it swinging freely and let it release. Don't quit on the pace and let it snap. Think about like trying to skip a stone or cracking a whip. The arm will start to slow, but the wrist will snap or speed up. Take a look at the Left Hand Release Drill in the Downswing Section.
July 10, 2015
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Terry
Do we do this with a ball?
July 10, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Terry. Once you master how the lead hand works through the release. Practice hitting some small shots the same way.
July 10, 2015
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Scott
So, I am one of the higher handicap golfers who struggles with coming over the top. So when I am doing this drill slowly I feel like I am really coming from inside out to keep me from my over the top/cutting across the ball. I am just wondering about the swing path of this drill. Granted it is only 1/4 to 1/2 swings, but should the club head move straight back and straight thru the target line or a little inside to out? I have looked at the Trace the Plane line video and think that is way advanced for me right now. I just want to get this ingrained properly.
June 28, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Scott. The path will be pretty zeroed out. Still working on an arc, but not a big in to out swing. If you are a player that comes over the top. Stay away from the trace the plane line for now. Stick with this video. Also, Proper Muscle Activation (Introduction Advanced), LADD (Downswing), and the Over the Top Stick Drill in the Advanced Downswing.
June 29, 2015
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Sergio
Hello, so, the the left hand palm in the follow though should point the sky? thanks
June 27, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Sergio. In the follow through at the 3 O' clock position. The glove logo should be facing behind you and the palm away from the body.
June 27, 2015
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gerald
This video hits my problem on the head, I have problems with the release of the left hand and then I lose my spin angle. Also my right hand wants to get involved to soon and I hit a lot of fat shots. Thank you very much.
June 22, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Gerald. Great. Get to work and fix that release!
June 22, 2015
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Robert
I've got something screwed up in my head. if i follow the how to grip video and point the "v" of my left thumb & forefinger to my right shoulder, then the back of my left hand is angled to the right of the target. but in this video, i'm supposed to rotate my wrists during release so that the back of my left hand is pointing directly at the target at impact. something seems inconsistent. won't my clubface being facing to the left of the target at impact if the 2 statements above are correct? what am i missing?
June 14, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Robert. You can get the "v" in between the neck and shoulder if it is more comfortable with the lead hand. The trail hand needs to be directly at the trail shoulder joint. In answer to the closed question I answered in the Grip Video for you.
June 15, 2015
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Preston
Sorry, Just really trying to understand the release as much as I can. When I come into impact, as much as I try to get left arm full extension, it always seems to shorten up and be taken over by the right arm. I understand impact alignment in that we want our right elbow to be facing the target. But in the follow through, it has to turn over at some point. How does one turn that elbow over without externally rotating the left arm at impact bringing that second variable back into play that Chuck talks about at impact.
June 11, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Preston. Take a look at the Left Elbow impact Alignments in the Advanced Downswing Section. The release of the lead wrist allows the trail hand to follow.
June 12, 2015
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Preston
I am watching this video because the second video in the intro section led me to this. Is this ok to learn along with the implact alignment videos separate from pefecting the take away, backswing and downswing. Just so I can learn how to release the club for once? My left arm has a tendency to chickenwing thru impact. I am trying to learn and stack each movement on top of one another. But I have some tournaments and stuff this summer that I would like to do have decently in. Just trying to not set myself up for failure.
June 7, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Preston. While it is good to stack each principle upon one of another. You can work on your release.
June 7, 2015
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Preston
Awesome! Just didn't want to be learning something out of order that could be harmful to the learning process as a whole!
June 8, 2015
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Loran
Letting it all go...my guess is not a lot of control in the downswing, when the momentum is releasing all that power at that point?
May 29, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Loan. You are giving instructions to the lead wrist in the motion you want it to perform. And, letting it go is releasing the angle to apply maximum speed. It can feel like momentum is releasing at that point.
May 29, 2015
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Loran
Very good, because you read my mind? What is the "lead wrist" in this movement? So, I see the release does require good eye and hand coordination?
August 22, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Loan. The lead wrist is the left hand for a right handed player. You do need to have some hand eye coordination. But, the motion should be as natural as throwing a ball with a release.
August 23, 2015
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Tony
Hi there, after my first review I have been doing these drills religiously to keep my left wrist straight (am a bad cupper) . I find that when hitting a ball it always goes left, could this be because the shaft is to vertical? ( no shaft lean) I even put a ruler thru my wrist watch to my knuckles and the ball still went left.
May 19, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Tony. You could be losing shaft lean too soon and/or flipping the lead elbow. Take a look at the Left Elbow Impacts Alignment Video.
May 19, 2015
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Seth
Getting into great positions with this drill and hitting the ball better than I ever have! I assume working through these drills along with 5 minutes to the perfect down swing is the way to go with the less lofted clubs and and woods?
May 18, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Seth. Great. And, yes you are correct. However, when it comes to the driver remember to adjust the setup and not the swing. Driver Setup Adjustments Video Advanced Setup Section.
May 18, 2015
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Alejandro
Hi. What if I wanted to do this drill with the driver ? Do the same concepts apply ? With the driver I sometimes get a different feeling in the grip.
May 9, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Alejandro. The release with the driver is just the same. Only a difference in point of contact because of the adjusted setup.
May 11, 2015
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Anthony
What is the position of the right hand when I release the club with the rotation of the left wrist. Should it be more under the left hand; sometimes I feel the right hand over the left hand and I tend to hit the shot low and left.
May 8, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Anthony. After impact the trail wrist will follow the release and create a cross over type look. At impact, you don't want the trail hand overly on top and pointing towards the inside of ones target line. Take a look at the Face On Impact Alignments Video in the Downswing Section top help.
May 8, 2015
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Anthony
Thank Craig, that helps a lot. One other comment, after the release do the wrist re-hinge up.
May 9, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Anthony. Yes, the wrist will re-hinge up to the completed finish.
May 9, 2015
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Dean
I continually seem to be frustrated trying to get a good release. When I do the right hand off drill I can hit my 8 iron 155 yds with a very penetrating ball flight. When I add my right hand 130 yds, Right arm only 130 yards. Left arm only about 110 yds. I play to a 10 and am perplexed by this huge discrepancy. I have always noticed the tendency of my left wrist to cup especially when I add the right hand. I want to get this free flowing release and have done as many of your drills for this as I could think of. Thoughts? Somehow I just can't get both hands and wrists to work smoothly together.
May 7, 2015
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james (Certified RST Instructor)
Hi Dean, Check out the knuckles down video to help you fully understand the release and slight bowing of the left hand in the release. Cupping up the left wrist will put strain on your arm and lead to big distance losses. Keep practicing with the right hand off and even lose the right hand coming into impact to help you through the stages of learning the left hand release. Lose the right hand drill. Practice with the left arm only - then add the right arm but grab it with only the tips of your fingers so you can start to feel the release whilst having a right hand presence. Then gradually build on from their Good luck!
May 9, 2015
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Jackie (Certified RST Instructor)
This comment is to my swing review instructor Craig Morrow. I don't understand why we are jumping to 5 minutes to the perfect release. These videos instruct students to follow through the process. We have been working on 5 minutes to the perfect takeaway for a few months now, and it has improved, but I have not mastered it. Should I continue working on that until I get the perfect amount of wrist set? I'm sure that will help my release. I just don't understand the sudden jump to this video when my takeaway/backswing isn't perfect. Thank you
April 30, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jackie. Yes, there is a process to following the RST philosophy. I didn't mean to confuse you by selecting this video. The main reason I pointed to this video was I gathered from your notes that you weren't comfortable playing yet and have tournaments this summer. Learning how to release can help you hit some solid shots. Understanding how the club rotates and having a good feel for impact will give you a little confidence. You don't have any major giant flaws. I was merely trying to allow you to get the best out of what you already have down. The set in the takeaway will help and you are just slightly off. But, a lot of your swing is sound. If you aren't comfortable working on this just yet. No worries. Just a video to start gaining some good ground on what you already have achieved, so you don't get lost in perfection while still having to play this summer.
April 30, 2015
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Jackie (Certified RST Instructor)
Thank you for clearing this up. I understand completely. However, I am willing to sacrifice playing in tournaments if it means developing a swing that I can use long term like RST. I'll get the takeaway/wrist set down first. I'm not trying to rush the process
April 30, 2015
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gordon
My current key problem is club release. I find it difficult to release because I have a tendency to keep the club face perpendicular to the target line after impact. This has been identified by my RTS instructor and this "5 Minutes ...." video is very helpful. It also started me thinking in more detail about club release and I found much more on the RST site, including the related articles "The Three Main Golf Swing Releases" and "Arms vs Body Release in the Golf Swing". Then I stumbled upon the RS (1) vs RST swing difference and confused myself, so now I'd appreciate your help. I read that RS (1) is primarily (solely?) driven by the body turn, whereas RST includes other "anatomical" power sources. Question 1: Does that mean that RS (1) does not include the hip shift (i.e. no Squat-to-Square)? Question 2: Does RS (1) also not include lag at impact? It would be very useful to see the two swings, - a picture is worth a thousand words and a video is worth a million of them! Question 3: Is there a video comparison of the two swings somewhere on the RST site, or on Utube perhaps? Question 4: Is it It is possible that RS (1) and RST are not mutually exclusive alternatives, with hybrid forms being acceptable? Question 5: Is it correct that some situations require an RS (1) type swing, e.g. pitch shots whereas for distance the RST version is preferred? Question 6: Which swing type, RS (1) or RST is recommended for the "Penetrating Wedge Shot"? Thanks in advance for the clarifications. My apologies for asking so many (possibly dumb) questions, - understanding doesn't always bring ability but it certainly facilitates it! Regards, Gordon.
April 22, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Gordon. Question 1 - RS1 doesn't include the Squat to Square. Question 2 - RS1 Does use lag, but isn't released quite as efficiently. Question 3 - We no longer teach the RS1 unless rare case. I can look, but I don't think we have anymore video clips of the 2 different models. Question 4 - They are two different moves. There really isn't a hybrid form. The RST is solely based on anatomical absolutes and facts. Question 5 - Pitch shots will be closer to the RS1 Model (ie penetrating wedge), but the swing still isn't as rounded. Arms more in-front "ala" RST. Question 6 - Answered in question 5 . The RS1 was the original version of the swing. Typically, we don't use that model anymore being through research we discovered the most efficient way to swing the club. Stick with more RST Principles. RS1 was the Original version, RST is the Pro Version.
April 23, 2015
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Jim
Hello. From watching the video and reading through some of the comments, it isn't important (for part one of this drill) if the club hits the ground. The important part is the position of the wrist at impact. Is this correct? Also, when using a impact bag, where should it be placed? Should it be set as though back of the bag ( side facing away from the target) is where the ball would be in the stance? Also, how much saft lean should the could have when you make contact with the impact bag? Thanks in advance.
April 20, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Jim. Yes, the important position is where the wrist is at impact. Set the impact bag where the ball would be at address. Off of the lead ear and/or logo of the shirt. Ideal shaft lean would be between 6 and 12 degrees.
April 20, 2015
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James
I would cautiously add that there is a 4th type of release; that is, body rotation combined with the RST release, which is what most tour players "appear" to be doing. It doesn't "look" on TV like any tour pro stops their rotary component to allow the arms and hands to pass. This is just an observation and hopefully prelude to some intellectual discussion!
April 12, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello James. I see where you are going with your notes. The issue is their bodies don't come to a complete stop, but they are decelerating. If you take a look the Acceleration Profile Sequence in this Section (Advanced). Some players do open their body more, some less. However, there is a slowing or stopping of rotation to get the snap in the release. If you continued to pull as hard as possible the club wouldn't release the angle and energy. The reason Tiger has gained his club head speed back through his new swing changes.
April 14, 2015
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Anthony
Do you shift weight and post up and then release. I notice if I don't shift enough weight or post up and then release I tend to smother the shot and hit it low left. Is this the right sequence 1. Shift weight 2. Post up and then release.
April 4, 2015
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Steven (Certified RST Instructor)
Anthony, Yes we want to shift weight left/post up and then release the club, If we dont, we can run into issues with timing and flipping to square the clubface combined with inconsistent contact on the face. Getting to the left side is extremely important. also yes your sequence is correct. shift, post, release
April 4, 2015
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John
What's the title of Clays video that he mentions this ? Thanks for such a fast response to my question
March 26, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello John. I am unsure of the exact video for the door knob explanation. Nevertheless, the Vijay Release and Knuckles Down Video in the Advanced Downswing Section will help you with the lead wrist motion. Also, the Day 2 Hitting a Draw in the 9 Days to Amazing Ball Striking Section, Clay will refer to overly rotating the face.
March 28, 2015
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John
Before I post my question just want to say how great a feature this is to this Webb site ! As we work on rotation of our left wrist through the release ..I've read other instructors tell students to think the , Left wrist ( release ) action as rotating a door knob to the left Is this the type of swing thought I want to have as I practice these drills or am I making this more complicated then it needs to be. ? thanks
March 25, 2015
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R.J. (Certified RST Instructor)
John, Clay actually refers to it in the same manner in one of the downswing videos. However, it does make it a little more complicated than it needs to be. Once you have your hand parallel to the target line and the ground, if you just slightly roll your knuckles towards the ground and let the weight of the club fall to impact, then roll the arm externally after impact, it'll do the same thing. Once, you get the feeling down and can get yourself into a great impact position, you can start doing it with more speed. I've been practicing this drill along with the 9 to 3 drill for 20-60 minutes a day for the past month and it really has improved my swing immensely. R.J.
March 25, 2015
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Jim
Question: Watching the last round of the Arnold Palmer golf tourney today, not sure of the hole, but Henrik Stenson hits his 2nd right of the green, still in the fairway. He hits a pitch shot some 30-50 yards away, the trajectory looks low from the camera angle, but the ball hits the green, 1 bounce and just stops. what the heckkk... How did he do that and what loft of club would he have used.. Obviously a lot of spin? I want this shot in my arsenal...
March 22, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Jim. The amount of spin/check depends on course conditions. I didn't see his shot on tv, so I would be guessing on club selection. Take a look at How to Chip - Spinning Chip Shots in the Short Game Wedge Play Section. Its all about getting some speed and the ball snagging those grooves.
March 23, 2015
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Mads
I've started to have problems releasing properly. When at impact, I have forward shaft lean, but i need to have the club head rotated just haft an inch more to have a square club face at impact. My grip is okay, i'm not getting stuck or coming under plane in the downswing, I'm not across the line at the top of my backswing, my shoulders are square at impact. This results in a ball flight that starts on the target line then curves slightly to the right. I have a hard time finding the cause of this. It sometime feels like Im pulling the club along the target line with my left arm and it just releases to late, but I don't have to much forward shaft lean and the hands are in front of my chest at impact. I could just be more active with my right arm and rotate it consciously, but the rotation/release should happen naturally, so that not the way to do it.
March 21, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Mads. Take a look at the Vijay Release Drill in the Advanced Downswing Section and see if you can get that guy squared up.
March 21, 2015
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Colin
If the left hand is 'in charge' of the release and Vijay virtually takes his hand off the club at release (or after?), at what point is the right hand adding speed/power?
March 19, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Colin. Most players way over use the trail side/hand on the downswing. That doesn't mean it never exerts any force. The drills are designed to get the player to pull and release properly. With the trail hand placed on the club correctly and the proper pressure points activated. The trail arm will add speed from the release point into the ball. Take a look at Right Arm Release in the Downswing Advanced Section.
March 20, 2015
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Miguel
How do you fade or cut the ball with this release?
March 13, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Miguel. Take a look at the 9 Days to Amazing Ball Striking Section Day 3 Video to learn how to hit a fade.
March 13, 2015
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Jack
Began using the 9 to 3 drill and it improved by ball striking considerably. After a couple of weeks, however, I began fighting a slice/shank with anything above a pitching wedge. I felt like I wasn't releasing the club. I then viewed the "Curing the Shanks" video and this "5 Minutes to Perfect Golf Swing Release" and realized I was hip-spinning, which made it difficult to release the club! I practiced in my bedroom and immediately sensed the difference. The next day I went to the range and couldn't believe the difference. Even my driver was no longer slicing or a push. Now on the downswing, I just think about planting my left heel (I am right-handed) in the ground. Everything else just naturally follows! The club releases itself!! THANKS!
March 9, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Great Jack. Glad you were able to use the videos to get better ball striking. If you tend to be a hip spinner. Take a look at the Belt Buckle Drill in the Advanced Downswing Section. It will help further.
March 9, 2015
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Dan
Hi. I've been drilling the release and starting to compress the ball much better. However the ball is flying a lot lower and drawing fairly hard. Although hitting it harder not much backspin with the irons. What typically caused that and should my irons be holding better on the green? Thx
March 3, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Dan. You are probably controlling the face rotation too much. Once you do a lot of training creating the proper release motion. You need to let it happen! Allow the club to snap through, not flip the head too violently. Take a look at the Vijay Release Drill in the Advanced Downswing Section. Allow for some speed. It will help with accuracy and a little more spin to get the ball up.
March 4, 2015
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James
Chuck is the first person I have ever heard use the phrase "timing a flip". I now realize that I've been "timing a flip" for over forty years of struggling with golf. If I can master these positions, especially those at impact, I should be able to play better golf despite getting older.
March 2, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello James. Mastering a release versus "timing a flip" can greatly improve your game despite your age. Learn a new release and get your swing better!
March 3, 2015
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john
I get the feeling of release with the left hand when I swing one handed. However in the full swing should I consciously keep my left arm straight after striking the ball. I have looked at a lot of the pro videos and they all seem to keep the left arm straight. I have been chickenwinging for a long time and presume consciously keeping the arm straight for as long as possible is the cure ? thank you . john.
February 18, 2015
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Steven (Certified RST Instructor)
John, We would like the left arm to remain "relatively" straight post impact until we start to rehinge the arms into the finish. Go under the self-swing analysis and pull up the 3 wood video of chuck (or any Face On video of Chuck) and look post impact at his left arm. It remain pretty straight until his hands reach his sternum on the follow through and then the left arm starts to hinge. Go ahead and check out the long arm chicken wing drill. That will give a great feeling and understanding of what the left arm does post impact. We many have to consciously think about this drill in the full swing but with good repetition it will become habit. Best of luck, Steven
February 18, 2015
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Robert
Somewhat of a tangent but it feels related to the release. Looking at the golf digest 2015 driver hotlist, it was mentioned that they made the driver lighter and more aerodynamic to increase club head speed. I understand the aerodynamic portion of that statement but, if we're using the trebuchet style release, wouldn't we want a club that's heavier? Obviously we don't want something too heavy to manage or something that will cause injury. But, when hunting to for clubs does it make sense to go with a heavier model as long as technique can be maintained? All other things being equal (technique / smash factor) that should translate into more club head -> ball speed yeah?
February 3, 2015
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R.J. (Certified RST Instructor)
Rob, Yes and no. Your hands still need to release the club, It's not done completely by the weight of the club, like it would in a trebuchet. The hands will only be able to pull the club through the last 3 feet of the golf swing so fast, depending on the weight. If you're a stronger person, you'll need a heavier club so that you can control it. I have the best of both world in my driver setup. It works for me, but not for everyone. I have a very head head (214g) but the total weight is under average weight (298g). So the total weight of the club is still easy for me to move with my release, but I still get the benefits of the trebuchet effect because of the heavy club head. I had to make sure my RST fundamentals were sound before making this switch, however, because if my old self were swinging this club, I would be casting it like I were fishing, instead of golfing. R.J.
February 4, 2015
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Robert
R.J. - Thanks for the nuanced reply and that makes sense. I've been so active with my arms and hands for so long, I've over exaggerated such that my hands do nothing. It's improved my ball striking but it's not completely sound. Still working on that actively passive thing.
February 4, 2015
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R.J. (Certified RST Instructor)
Rob, You're welcome and good luck! If you work hard, you can accomplish anything. If you watch the Sang Moon Bae hips for Lag video, it should help put things into prospective for you regarding the upper body in the down swing. R.j.
February 4, 2015
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Robert
Hey RJ. Working on the release and thinking about what you said re: club weight and pulling the hands through. At what point (roughly) do we start to pull the hands through. Do we start to more actively pull the hands through when we get the hands in front of the right thigh into impact / release? Generally at what point should I focus the pulling motion if we're chunking the swing up (like when practicing 5 minutes to the perfect downswing)
February 18, 2015
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R.J. (Certified RST Instructor)
As the lead hand passes the trail thigh.
March 3, 2015
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John
When I release my hands and they are both extended my left hand is cupped but it looks like my hands are crossed over is that okay or do my knuckles of my left hand have to be facing down to the ground which would make the club face point towards the ground when I I release the club, when My left hand is cupped when my hands are extended the toe of the club is pointing upwards. Just need some clarification. Thanks,
January 30, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello John. The knuckles don't have to be facing the ground when the arms/hands are extended, but I would prefer the lead wrist to be flat. If the lead hand is overly cupped through the release, you are probably pushing through with the trail hand. Take a look at the Left Hand Release Drill in the Downswing Section and the Knuckles Down in the Advanced Downswing Section. Knuckles down not to have them face the ground, but more bow in the lead wrist. Less cup.
January 31, 2015
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Anthony
Aaron, thank, I am spinning my shoulders too much at the beginning of the downswing. What's the best way to stop the shoulders from spinning.
January 28, 2015
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Aaron (Certified RST Instructor)
This is a tough one, I will give you a couple of feels and it really depends on which one translates best for you. 1) Try to swing 80% To me this is the simplest fix, It relaxes us and allows us to build speed efficiently vs with POWER. 2) Start the DS early, As if you are finishing the backswing still. There are a couple videos on this. 3) Timing, Its not so much about spinning the shoulders as it is spinning them out of sequence and to start the ds or at the same time as the lower half. Try to keep your back to the target as long as you can in the ds. Good luck!
January 28, 2015
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Anthony
In the downswing driving the left heel into the ground activates the left glut muscle. What actives the left oblique muscle?
January 25, 2015
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Aaron (Certified RST Instructor)
Good question, Not as obvious as slamming into the ground and firing the glute but definitely there. The obliques arent as apparent as the glute because we dont want to rip the shoulders open or back to square. At the top of the swing we are rotated stretching out the left lat. In order to rotate the other way the left lat will have to contract. This is more subtle because it isnt against anything like the hard ground. But trust me it is loading and firing in the DS. Probably better to not entirely feel that sensation otherwise I would venture you are spinning the shoulders too quickly.
January 27, 2015
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Anthony
Thanks Craig, I hit some balls today an notice if I keep my shoulders closed at start of downswing it stops me from flipping the right hand, is there a correlation between the colsed shoulders an the release,especially with the right hand.
January 23, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Anthony. If the shoulders open too soon it can easily affect the release. Most players that tend to drive the trail shoulder too soon and spin them open into the ball. Tend to add trail hand push for speed and over control of the face.
January 23, 2015
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Anthony
I have a problem with filping my right hand in the release, especially with my short irons, is the filp caused by a right side push or lack of rotation from the left oblique (body) or poor left wrist rotation.
January 21, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Anthony. It could be the culprits you listed or something else all together. I would focus more on pulling the lead arm and maintaining shaft lean through the shots for your shorter irons. Take out trail side push and hit down on the ball. Taking a Divot Video in the Advanced Downswing Section will help you.
January 23, 2015
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LAWRENCE
It looks like Chuck is setting his wrist at the top of the backswing. Should I be practicing this drill with the same wrist set?
January 21, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Lawrence. You can allow for a little wrist set. It will help you create a little more snap.
January 23, 2015
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LAWRENCE
Just wanted to verify that during the first 3 compnents of this video the shoulder turn is negligible and that the focus is on swinging the arms down and across my stance with the focus on turning the left hand over into the correct positions at and after impact.
January 20, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Yes, you are correct Lawrence.
January 21, 2015
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Richard
Chuck says when releasing the club with the left arm he keeps his wrist slightly cupped. It almost looks like he has to manipulate his left wrist. This doesn't look natural and when I try to keep the left wrist slightly cupped it feels very unnatural. I thought by keeping the wrists relaxed the release would happen by itself. Focusing on that type of rotation at speed is going to be very hard and difficult to repeat. I'm filming and practicing this drill and will submit the videos on my next review.
January 14, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Richard. You want the release to be natural and allow the wrist to rotate. Don't try and cup the left wrist at impact unless you are altering ball flight. If anything you want to be veering more towards a bow and turing the knuckles down. Take a look at the Knuckles Down and Vijay Release Drill in the Advanced Downswing Section. Also, the Left Hand Release in the Downswing Section.
January 15, 2015
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Benjamin
When I am doing these drills, should I still focus on the hips staying shut or square to the ball. And if I am releasing it properly will I hit a hook or should it be a little right to left and penetrating
January 4, 2015
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R.J. (Certified RST Instructor)
Ben, When you hit shots for this drill properly, they should fly fairly straight, but very low. The drill is only focusing on the release of the club so, you can leave the hips square the whole time until you get used to getting the club released properly, then you can add the hips into the drill and graduate to the 9 to 3 drill. R.J.
January 4, 2015
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Michael
can I do the 5 minutes to the perfect release driil with my 4 wood and driver?
January 1, 2015
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Steven (Certified RST Instructor)
Absolutely Michael. But it is recommended that when learning something new or trying to focus specifically on a movement it is significantly easier to accomplish the movement with a shorter club like a wedge or 8 iron. But a driver and 4 wood can challenge you and challenge is something that we need or we will never overcome issues in the swing. Hope all is well, Steven
January 1, 2015
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Robert
how soft are the hands and arms during the swing? If I make a good backswing and I'm in the box, I transition into the left side, pull the hips open with the obliques, club is parallel and then release ... How soft are the hands and arms throughout this entire process? I assume they're not entirely "dead" but are they close to dead and very very soft? Chuck mentions that the power generated by the rotary swing will feel like a lot less effort. Is this mechanically represented by really soft shoulders, arms and hands throughout the entire swing? I'm finding it hard to sequence things slowly while maintaining the softness I think is required for speed. In a nutshell ... How soft are the shoulders, arms and hands ... are they soft throughout the entire swing ... are we basically whipping our arms and hands through with the bug muscles? Is that a good way to think about it?
December 31, 2014
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R.J. (Certified RST Instructor)
Rob, Here, check out these two videos. I think they'll answer your questions for you. And yes, your final thought was basically correct. I'll place another video on here the helps relate the upper and lower bodies and how they are used in the downswing. With these three videos, you should be able to find the answers to all of your concerns! =) Proper Muscle Activation (How soft to keep the muscles) http://www.rotaryswing.com/videos/full-swing-advanced/introduction/proper-muscle-activation The Golf Grip - How to (Everything you need to know about the grip) http://www.rotaryswing.com/videos/full-swing-basics/setup/the-golf-grip-how-to Sang Moon Bae hips for lag (relation of arms to lower body/core movement) http://www.rotaryswing.com/videos/tour-pros/sang-moon-bae-hips-for-lag Happy New Year's! R.J.
January 1, 2015
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George
I have been doing left arm only swings (right handed golfer) for months, and I am pretty much consistently hitting the ball well left of target. I have read in the comments somewhere on this site that improper lower body sequencing can produce this. I think my issue might be the lead shoulder opening up at the same time as my hips and the club travelling on a more or less out to in path, and with rotating the wrist, the club closes and the ball goes left. Would a correct feeling be to feel as if my shoulders stayed closed as I initiate the downswing? I feel like I am swinging too "around" my body (for lack of a better description) and by feeling like my upper body stays closed, the club goes down before around, if that makes any sense. Thanks!
December 19, 2014
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R.J. (Certified RST Instructor)
Patterson, You're 100% correct! And I do believe that it was I who mentioned the hook possibly coming from too quick of shoulders, because that was my problem. I do it still occasionally so, I know that if I am hooking the ball it's because my hips aren't in the right position at impact. If you watch the Sang Moon Bae hips for lag video, it should really put into perspective on how to sequence the downswing and keeping the shoulders quiet at the beginning of the downswing. Chris does a great job of explaining this factor in that video. I hope this helps! Good luck, sir and we'll be here for help if you need us! R.J.
December 20, 2014
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George
Thanks RJ. A follow-up. Like many people, I have a too active right (trail) arm. Would a good feeling be to have that arm feel weightless at the transition? I feel like that is also helping me make my first movement with the club at the transition down instead of around. Also, it seems it would help me from using up much of my swing speed too early and get it to top out at contact. Thanks!
December 20, 2014
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R.J. (Certified RST Instructor)
Patterson, I think that the perfect video to help you with the feeling of the transition for your issues would be this drill here: The Downcock Pump Drill http://www.rotaryswing.com/videos/full-swing-advanced/downswing/downcock-pump-drill Let us know if that helps and if you have any more questions R.J.
December 21, 2014
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Gavin
hi guys I'm finding it hard to generate power since using this drill, as I have been pushing with the right so my feeling now is getting stacked and just using my left arm to shallow out the club face, there seems to be do dynamic effort into the ball rather a place if you know what I mean. What am i doing wrong. Also from practice to the course is day and night difference need to close the gap what can I do here?
December 1, 2014
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james (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Gavin, Sorry for the late reply. It may be best to have your swing submitted so we can take a look at what's going on with the release. The left hand release should help you with a bit more effortless power their may be something else holding you back. From practice to the course can be difficult through swing changes. You have to trust what your doing in the swing and not worry about all the swing thoughts you may be having - check out the trust line video!
January 23, 2015
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Rodolfo
Craig: I am working on this drill and i hook the ball. In my last review (November 18th) I mentioned that I found that the main focus point for a good swing (for me) is the right shoulder coming down. You said that I only lacked the release in that review and that all the other pieces where ok for now, just release. The fact is that on those swings I was working on keeping the right shoulder back, had to think of it, not a natural move, and did not know if the activation sequence of muscles to have this happen where ok. This locks my follow-through as I'm not sure of the correct movement and when to let go/rotate through. To keep it back as long as possible as stated in the vids just doesn't seem clear enough for me, as I lock them and don't have a free follow through. I'm going to be as detailed as possible, to see if you can follow me on how I think the right shoulder moves in the back swing and see if you can clear up how should move in the down swing. Lets start defining some terms saying that the shoulder can be moved back by retracting them or move forward by protracting them, this movement is independent from one shoulder to the other. They can also be pulled by the trunk, using the obliques (shoulder in neutral position, not retracted and not protracted) and, in this case, both shoulders move together. So you can achieve some shoulder turn just by protracting one shoulder and retracting the other, in this case with no movement of the sternum (sternum facing forward). On the top of the back swing both movements are combined, trunk has rotated back (obliques rotating shoulders), right shoulder has retracted and left shoulder has protracted. This sums up the shoulder turn back. Now my down swing theory/questions. On the down swing right shoulder stays retracted as long as trapezius is activated, so I as “shoulders should remain passive” in the down swing my guess is that de-activating the trapezius on the beginning of the down swing should bring the right shoulder to neutral position (not retracted, not protracted) and only keeping at this point the rotation of the trunk. Or should they remain retracted as obliques pull the trunk (in this case trapezius activated)?. At this time the obliques keep pulling the trunk, hence the shoulders, and the right hand fires (tricep only, no protraction from shoulder, or should they protract at this time?) the right arm remains rather next to the trunk, not crossing over as protracting would be necessary for this to happen. The right shoulder only protracts on/after impact, allowing the release of the club. What I see in my swing is that I protract the right shoulder as I'm hitting with the right hand or earlier and that keeps me from releasing with the left hand, I pull-hook the ball if I release and/or get the chicken wing if I protract early enough. I compensate by leaning back away from target. When I try to keep the shoulder back I see a better swing to the ball, just a jacked up release (as in last review). Please help me understand the sequence of these shoulder movements, as have not seen this detailed (protraction-retraction) for the right shoulder in any video, just the "keep the right shoulder back as long as possible" and the "the right shoulder stays passive" witch I don't really get. It will be of great help for me (and I guess for many other rotaries) if this combination of movements (protraction and trunk-rotation) of the right shoulder on the down swing can be explained in details, and maybe incorporated into a video (if it already is please point me to it as I have not found it yet). I'm sorry for the long-detailed post but I find no other way to get this right. Appreciate the detailed response.
December 1, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Rodolfo. You are correct about the turn back. Right shoulder retracts, trunk rotates, and left shoulder has some protraction. At the start of the downswing if you lose the engagement of the (right Trapezius) the right shoulder will become disengaged from your rotation. To have the ability to add maximum core rotational force to the ball. The right shoulder needs to stay in the box "depressed" and not protract too early. The right shoulder remaining passive doesn't mean disengaging it from the box or depressed position. It is referring more to the rotational aspect of spinning early. Take a look at the Stop Coming Over the Top Video in the Downswing Section and Proper Muscle Activation in the Introduction Advanced Section. Don't turn the shoulder off to where it loses engagement. Don't drive first with it towards the ball or outwardly. The protraction of the shoulder won't happen until after you release into the finish. You want it retracted into the strike. The right arm is extending, but the shoulder isn't flying up or out.
December 3, 2014
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Rodolfo
Great! That clears it up. Thanks Craig.
December 3, 2014
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Wayne
Sometimes this video starts and stops - anyone else have this problem or is it my computer?
November 20, 2014
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R.J. (Certified RST Instructor)
Wayne, Delete your cache, cookies, and browser history. Then refresh your browser. If that doesn't work, seek help from tech support on the site because the video works for me. R.J.
November 20, 2014
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Gautam
I cannot get the club face to square at impact with a wedge. Is it harder with a wedge vs iron given the loft?
November 18, 2014
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R.J. (Certified RST Instructor)
Gautam, Nope, the diameter of the grip is the same for all clubs and the rotation of the grip from your left hand movement will rotate the club face the same regardless of the width of the face or the loft. Is your club face open or closed at impact? R.J.
November 18, 2014
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Gautam
The club face is closed at impact and looks like a hook. It has a weird path where club face closes and never square to target. Also the club feels so heavy with just the left hand and I cannot hold the static lag parallel to the ground as shown in the video. I could replicate most of the instruction except for this one which is the key.
November 19, 2014
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R.J. (Certified RST Instructor)
Gautam, Then there's a good chance that you're not properly opening the hips at the end of the swing. If the swing isn't properly sequenced and the lower body doesn't get ahead of the upper body then your hands will be shut down at impact, providing that you're gripping the club properly. Check out your impact alignments and your grip to make sure that those things are right, if they are, we'll explore other issues that you may be having. http://www.rotaryswing.com/videos/full-swing-basics/downswing/impact-alignments-face-on http://www.rotaryswing.com/videos/full-swing-basics/downswing/impact-alignments-down-the-line http://www.rotaryswing.com/videos/full-swing-basics/setup/the-golf-grip-how-to http://www.rotaryswing.com/videos/full-swing-advanced/setup/rst-golf-grip-effect-on-swing-plane R.J.
November 19, 2014
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Gautam
Thanks. This helps. Getting better. Is the rotation happening through the wrist or shoulder joint?
November 20, 2014
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R.J. (Certified RST Instructor)
Gautam, Which rotation are you referring to? There are many different aspects of rotation in the swing so, I would need you to elaborate. R.J.
November 20, 2014
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Gautam
It is for the release. What should be the feel for consistency? Is it from the shoulder joint? wrist joint?
November 20, 2014
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R.J. (Certified RST Instructor)
Gautam, Just before the release of the club, the hips and shoulders should be stalled in order to transfer the energy stored by the body into the arms, down to the hands, the club shaft, the club head and eventually the ball. So, when it comes time to release the club, the body is done rotating. The left wrist is gradually rotating from when the hands are in front of the back thigh until the arms are fully extended after impact. The right elbow extends and then the wrists uncock for impact. R.J.
November 20, 2014
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Ravi
During this drill the club has a tendancy to hit the ground heal first. What should I do to correct this?
November 8, 2014
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R.J. (Certified RST Instructor)
Ravi, You're not squaring the club face soon enough Watch the "Trace the Plane Line" video to help learn how to square the club face sooner. R.J.
November 8, 2014
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Don
With the irons, I feel like I can release it. However, with the Driver I'm having troubles. Since it is a flatter swing, my left wrist is pointed towards the sky at the top of the backswing. On the downswing, do I need actively bow my left wrist to close it or use more of my right hand.
November 4, 2014
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R.J. (Certified RST Instructor)
Don, If your left wrist is pointed towards the sky at the top of the backswing, then your left arm is very far below being parallel to the elbow plane (which could mean you are standing up out of your spine angle) or your left wrist is very bowed at the top of the swing when it should be flat. As for addressing what the hands are doing in the downswing, I would like for you to watch these three videos: Trace the Plane Line Exaggerated Lag | Hands ahead at impact Knuckles down Logo Down They're all in the Full Swing Advanced Downswing section R.J.
November 4, 2014
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Kevin
So this drill must be done while actually hitting balls?
November 3, 2014
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R.J. (Certified RST Instructor)
Kevin, No, it's always best to learn how to do the drill and the new movement without the ball and many times the club until you perfect the drill. Once you learn how to do the drill without a club, then add the club in, once you can do it with the club, add the ball in. You'll be much more successful this way. R.J.
November 4, 2014
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Anthony
I've tried to work through the reshaping your swing for lag sequence, the 9 to 3 drills and now this. My results have been ok, but I have a question about the feel. Should I actually feel myself getting in the proper impact position on this or does it just happen? I don't think it is good to try and "control" impact because then it seems like my grip pressure increases and I'm trying to force the follow through. What is the proper mindset/feel for "letting it go" and feeling the proper release?
October 31, 2014
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R.J. (Certified RST Instructor)
Anthony, The Lose the Right Hand Drill will help with the feel a little bit. Also, if you invest in an impact bag, then you don't have to worry about trying to control your impact position. This will allow you to make a swing like you would normally and at impact, it stops your club and absorbs the impact so that you can see how you are aligned at impact. R.J.
November 1, 2014
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Anthony
R.J., I think you are the only person replying to questions nowadays. I have done and continue to do the right hand off drill and I have had an impact bag for months. I guess my question is if the correct feeling is one of a free swing with the ball "accidentally" getting in the way. With working on impact positions I am afraid of focusing too much on the hit of the ball. I don't want to get too controlling when it comes to grip pressure, among other things.
November 1, 2014
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Anthony -- We are all still here with you and R.J is doing a great job helping us all out and answering video questions as they arise. Having that "little white demon" on the ground can shift our focus onto the golf ball and make us all really results oriented. Its important that when you are practicing and drilling that your focus is directly on the movements that you are trying to achieve and always back checking them with a camera or mirror for quality of the reps. It is most important to not allow any sort of tension to creep into the lead wrist or forearm and that you are focusing on the lead arm staying straight and relaxed and swinging underneath the lead shoulder as sort of a pivot point, the working to keep the lead wrist nice and flat and rotating throughout the move (hip high to hip high). You will start to get a sensation as though the clubhead is gaining speed or momentum on its own and if you look at on camera, you should notice a little bit of shaft lean and a nice looking impact position providing there is no tension and you are focused on the movements as both RJ and I discuss. Keep working at it and I am looking forward to hearing about your results. - Chris
November 3, 2014
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R.J. (Certified RST Instructor)
Anthony, Craig and Chris reply to RST members when they can. I have a little more free time on my hands than they do because I am new to the instruction game and I don't have daily private lessons from regular students that I need to attend. They are both great instructors and their insight is always helpful. Describing how things feel is always tricky because it's a personal reaction to a stimuli. To be honest, for me, I don't really worry about the ball so much. I know that, ultimately, if I do all of the steps in the swing properly, the club face will be square when my hands get to the ball so, I actually focus on the front half of the ball, maybe even a half inch in front of it. What this does is it gets me to fully extend my arms and to focus on hitting my divot in front of the ball so that I can compress it. What also helped me feel the release of the club is that I tried to go 25% speed in my backswing and 3/4 of my downswing and then try to get to 100% speed after my body pulled my arms down in front of me. After I did that, I was hitting full swing 7 iron shots that hit a foam ball about 50 yards and the divot that I took was razor thin and traveled about 10 yards down range. R.J.
November 2, 2014
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Marcin
@ R.J. - I feel like i've mastered the drills, so now just wondering if the intent is to hit balls or not. I shank using left hand only (step 1 & 2) but hit quite well with two hands (step 3 &4)
October 29, 2014
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R.J. (Certified RST Instructor)
Marcin, Your hand will turn over more when you're only using the left hand so you will only hit low dribblers or shots that are only a few feet off the ground, when you bring the right hand back into it, it gets the hands where they need to be. So, you hitting dribblers with one hand and hitting the ball great with two hands is to be expected and what we want to see. R.J.
October 29, 2014
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Marcin
Am I trying to hit a ball with each step in in the drill and am I worried about ball flight? I was referred as part of step 2 in "three steps to cure the shanks" video but I'm still shanking!
October 28, 2014
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R.J. (Certified RST Instructor)
Marcin, You want to be able to master the drills before you try to hit balls with them. Also, until we get your swing completely built up, you won't see results right away. When I was going through the program, I got a lot worse before I got tons better. This summer alone I went from a 20+ handicap down to a 7 so, have faith and work through the program diligently in order and you won't be able to fail. R.J.
October 28, 2014
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James
Love Chuck and the lessons. Only wish you guys were around when I started to play golf 65 years ago. Sadly, my many teachers could play well but not teach others. So here I am at 72 loving the game but a poor player. This said, after trying for 6 years, I finally reached my goal yesterday of playing a round without a double bogey, Thanks guys. Jim D
October 26, 2014
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R.J. (Certified RST Instructor)
Awesome story, Jim! Everyone can draw inspiration from this story. R.J
October 26, 2014
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Greg
During the release as you supinate the wrist does it feel like you are pointing the left thumb to the ground?
October 18, 2014
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R.J. (Certified RST Instructor)
Greg, Yes, you'll go from feeling like your thumb is both parallel to the target line and parallel to the ground to it releasing toward the ground (pointing at the ball with your hands ahead of the ball) with your elbow pit pointed in toward your body. Then after contact you continue to release by rotating your forearm externally so that your left elbow pit is point out away from you, like you would with your right elbow pit in the backswing. R.J.
October 18, 2014
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Steven
I believe I'm doing the drills correctly, but keeping my left wrist flat becomes more and more difficult as I add speed to my swing. Even when doing the drills at a relatively slow pace, I feel like I need to keep more tension in my left wrist in order to keep my left wrist from cupping. And the more speed I add to the swing, the more it feels like I'm fighting a battle with centrifugal force to try to keep my left wrist flat. When swinging the club properly, should I be able to rotate my left wrist and not cup it without any more effort or tension than it takes to just cup my left wrist?
October 17, 2014
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R.J. (Certified RST Instructor)
Also check out the Exaggerate Lag, Hands Ahead at Impact in the same section
October 18, 2014
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R.J. (Certified RST Instructor)
Steven, You want your wrist to be flat at the top of the swing to keep your club on plane; however, you want to allow your wrist to fold inward (Palmar flexion, flexing toward the palms) as the downswing passes the waist line. This flexion will allow for forward shaft lean at impact also, it will eliminate the cupping of the wrists when you release your hands. Your wrists will go from being flexed palmarlly to flat just after impact. If you attempt to keep the wrist flat during the entire swing, you'll end up with a flipping action when you go to release the hands which will result in a high ball flight, block/slices and chicken wings. You never want to feel like your wrists are tense during the swing. Keeping the arms and wrists relaxed will allow you to release the club with more force at the bottom of the swing. Check out the Knuckles Down - Logo down drill in the Full Swing Advanced Good luck! R.J.
October 18, 2014
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Steven
As we start adding speed to the swing, what is the best way to make our left arm feel like it stops in front of the left leg? Is it just done through a conscious effort to decelerate the left arm, or does the left arm decelerate as the result of some other body movement? How can we consistently decelerate our left arm near the same spot every time?
October 17, 2014
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R.J. (Certified RST Instructor)
Steven, The pectoralis majora is responsible for moving the arms across the body. If both sides of the chest are activated, it limits the lateral movement of the arms. This is a natural reaction to firing the wrists to release the club. If you arms aren't decelerating properly, you might not be releasing your wrists properly or soon enough. Holding off the release will allow the arms to continue to move horizontally. Check out the 5 minutes to the perfect release R.J.
October 18, 2014
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George
When I get to the second exercise in the sequence, left arm only release, the balls I hit go well left, about 25-30 degrees. I am pretty certain I am rolling my left wrist and not flipping it, and when I slow it down and look at the impact position, the club face is well closed and I guess you could call my left wrist bowed rather than flat. I was told it is impossible to overdo the left hand release, but it appears to me that I am doing just that. What is your advice to get these shots going straight? Or is this ok for the left arm only, and when I hold the club with two hands the right hand will prevent the club face from excessive shut position at impact?
October 8, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Patterson. You can over do it, but rare. The right hand won't overly keep it from being excessively shut. We need to figure out impact. You need to start with the club face square with the wrist facing towards the target. If you are getting beyond that position in real speed, then something is going on. Try to hit a few impact position shots. Work up slowly from there.
October 9, 2014
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George
Could I be releasing the left wrist too early, or not swinging the left arm enough? If I work on it without a ball, I bottom out well behind where I'd like to. It feels almost as if my left arm stops swinging when I start the roll of the left wrist
October 9, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
You might not be swinging the left arm enough. Especially, if you are bottoming out. That tends to be a lean and lag issue. Take a look at the Taking a Divot Video in the Advanced Downswing Section. See if you can copy the same lean and lag to hit after the ball.
October 9, 2014
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George
Could the greater issue be that I am not pulling enough with my left obliques and swinging too much with my arms and not the body/core? If there's not enough room to swing from an inside track, my only option is to swing over the top a little or to release early/flip, right?
October 10, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Patterson. If the body stalls out too soon. Then, you won't have room to swing from the correct path and maintain lag. I don't know if its your current issue. However, you do need the obliques to rotate the hips open to achieve proper impact.
October 11, 2014
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Pierre
Why didn't you write the stepa of the drill at the end. When you do so, I print the sreen and I can refer to it when I do the drill???
October 4, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Pierre. I apologize about that. Work through the progressions the same. Master the impact position first. Then, move to release. If you do 100 good reps a day. You will start to train the body how to perform them correctly.
October 5, 2014
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Nick
In step 3 where you release the right hand and then reach for the club, is it possible that you physically can't get the right hand back on the club? It seems too far away to get to without coming out of my posture.
October 2, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Nick. You should be able to get close. There are some genetic and flexibility factors. The major key is not to push the right shoulder excessively to have an extended follow through.
October 2, 2014
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Greg
Is the release for the driver the same as the irons. It seems when I release the driver it's hitting down into the ball like an iron instead of sweeping. What am I doing wrong?
September 29, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Greg. The release is the same. The driver is a specialty club. You can make some setup adjustments to maximize launch angle. Goto the Bonus Series Section. Take a look at Bomb Your Driver - Driver Launch Angle Video.
September 29, 2014
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rufus
In my life I have taken lessons from 100s of instructors! Still have trouble making solid impact - mostly thin. If I try to focus on striking "down" on the ball, I too often hit it fat! I am utterly frustrated! Most say I need to get on the left side better - any advice appreciated - what should I work on? Regards, Butch.
September 24, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Rufus. This video is great for that. However, if you can get the weight shift and lead arm swinging correctly. You should be able to achieve a good strike position. Take a look at the Weight Shift Part 3 (Weight Shift Section), Re-Shaping Your Swing for Lag (Introduction Section), and Taking a Divot Video in the Advanced Downswing Section. Blend these motions to a consistent strike into the ball.
September 25, 2014
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Peter
Chuck, I have an old sports injury in my right elbow (I am right handed golfer) and cannot extend my arm (elbow) due to this injury. Please help me how to better release the club head without having to straighten my right elbow. This has caused me problems my entire life. Thank you
September 22, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Peter. I'm sorry to hear about you right arm. It is definitely no fun playing with an injury. All of us here know that all too well. The key is for your right arm/hand to be tension free. It does add speed coming down. But, much more important to get the left hand working properly. Use the Lose the Right Hand Video in the Downswing Section and the Vijay Release Drill in the Advanced Downswing Section. Just make sure the right doesn't hang on too long prohibiting the proper release.
September 22, 2014
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David
In the video, Left Elbow at Impact, Chuck speaks of the importance of not internally rotating the left elbow. Stating that it should point down the fall line through impact to avoid injury. It seems obvious from this release movement that he is rolling the elbow over when he rotates the wrist bone through the release. How do we reconcile this difference? Thanks.
September 17, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello David. Most golfers way over do the release by internally rotating the left arm and flipping the elbow over. The arm will point relatively at the target line. There will be some slight rotation due to the proper release of the wrist. The key is to release the club, not flip the arm. Chuck isn't actively trying to flip the elbow. He is allowing the club to rotate and wrist release.
September 17, 2014
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Mike
It seems that from an on plane backswing, soft arms and light grip pressure during the downswing cause the release to just happen. Any extra manipulations of the club interfere with pure arc of the clubhead (I.e increasing grip pressure, etc.) This can really be experienced with a whippy shaft training aid.
September 6, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Mike. Yes, getting out of your own way and letting things happen is good. Most of the reason we all are here is because we like to have control versus swinging the club how it is designed. However, one of our Doctors on the Rotary Swing Advisory Board found out some neat statistics on grip pressure. Better players actually increase their grip pressure from what it was at address into impact. Roughly a 60% increase. A lot due to how much centrifugal force is adding weight to the club head. Now, this isn't saying you should try and add more. Without a doubt, try a keep it constant. But, some interesting facts for you.
September 6, 2014
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ron
Hi guys... in the downswing... is there a conscious effort to rotate the arms/forearms to release the club or does it happen automatically from the rotation of your body? Does this make sense? I'm trying to figure out if I'm supposed to be using my forearms to help release the club. When I rotate my lower body with a short club (gap wedge)... the arms and hands release naturally. Is that the feeling you are supposed to have? What about with the longer irons and driver? Thanks! Shelly
August 31, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
The release is a natural motion. However, you need to train the forearms/hands to release the club. You will feel new tension in the lead forearm area, but that will subside. Take a look at the Vijay Release Drill in the Advanced Downswing Section to help aid your training in rotation.
September 1, 2014
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ron
Thanks Craig. Does this mean there is an active feeling of rotating the forearms in the downswing?
September 2, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Shelly. You will feel active with the rotation of the forearms into the strike. Especially, if you are new to training the proper release.
September 2, 2014
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Kevin J
I feel a lot of stretch and some difficulty when I try to bring my right hand to the club after I release it with the left. It wants to pull my left arm and not let it stay as straight in the finish position. Thanks!
August 30, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Kevin. It might be a flexibility issue. Try some of the core stretches in the Fitness - Flexibility Section.
September 1, 2014
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Seth
When I practice this drill, the ball doesn't get up in the air, I end up pulling it and it rolls through the grass. The stuff I am practicing on isn't fairway quality and thicker than normal. Impact positions look good in the mirror, on camera, posture is maintained but the ball is still rolling off the club. Am I closing the club face so much that it would cause this? Is the margin for error so small, that this would happen?
August 23, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
You might be rotating the elbow with it. Shutting the face down too much. The flight should be straight and low, but not dribblers. Take a look at the Left Elbow Position at Impact Video in the Advanced Downswing Section.
August 24, 2014
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KJ
Hi great drill it gave me an answer on how to do a proper release. I started working on it then i realized releasing with only left hand is required as i feel a high tension on my left fore Arm and left wrist in order to prevent flipping Is it natural to feel tension during rotation of forearm? Since i have big problem with flipping after impact moment I really want to fix my bad habit thanks a lot
August 23, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello KJ. If you are flipping after impact you might be using the whole arm. There will be tension in the forearm, but you might be releasing the elbow as well. Take a look at the Left Elbow Position at Impact Video in the Advanced Downswing Section.
August 23, 2014
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Robert
At what point are we getting the left wrist into impact alignment during the golf swing. I personally feel more comfortable with a pretty healthy forward press at setup and letting the speed of the hands drag the club in to add a little bit more shaft lean. I've seen a flat right wrist advocated during the takeaway (implying a cupped left wrist). In order to keep the club from sucking back and flattening on backswing. A lot of the newer generation tour pros are adding in some pretty solid forward press as well (Rory's set up changes spring to mind). For a reference, my ideal forward press point the butt of the club at my left hip joint or just inside. Just curious to hear your thoughts on it. Thanks in advance the site is awesome!
August 20, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Robert. Thanks for the good word on the site. There are a few issues with too much forward press at setup. The main one is your setting up to close to impact. Address and impact are to different animals. You don't want to take the dynamics out of it. To get more forward shaft lean into the strike you would have to delay the proper release and/or push with the trail hand through. Slightly vertical would be ideal.
August 20, 2014
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Robert
Took a hiatus from the subscriber portion of the site … big mistake . I think I understand the sequence of events leading up to the release and I'm trying to understand what causes the release to happen. Pull lower body over the heel with the shoulder blade guide and sit into that heel, continue to the top Pull left knee over the ankle with the hip abductor and sit into the heel, arms falling / weightless Pull will the left oblique, then lat … arms still falling / weightless? Is this the part where the lower body stalls, then the upper body stalls, the arms stall, and the left wrist gets rolled over by the club's momentum? The release isn't "active" correct? Is this what's known as "releasing with your body"?
August 12, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Rob. Pulling with left lat and oblique aid in hip rotation and pulling the arms back in front. Yes, this is where the body stalls. Take a look at the Acceleration Profile Sequence Video in the Advanced Downswing Section. The release isn't a forced flip. Letting momentum and the club rotate through impact. This is releasing with the body, arms and hands. A body release would require a more controlled arm and hand movement. Pulling the club through thus not letting the arms and hands release. It can work. But, it slows down club head speed.
August 12, 2014
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sam (Certified RST Instructor)
Hi Chris, thanks for this. The GC2 with the Head Measurement Camera gives good data on this. Ive only just got hold of the new software which measures closure rates. I'll put up some of my swing data when I've hit enough shots to get a handle on how it works. I hit some shots today after reviewing this video and the results were very interesting.
August 8, 2014
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
I am interested in hearing the data for sure and some of the feedback from the shots. Let me know what you come up with.
August 14, 2014
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sam (Certified RST Instructor)
Hi Guys, Have been hitting some shots on the GC2 this morning working on this. Wondered if you could give me some insight into the rate of closure of the clubface for a 'correct' release? Realise this is going to vary from person to person, but some info about roughly what to look for would be great. Thanks!
August 8, 2014
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Sam -- we have been working off some old data in regards to club face rotation in the hitting area. I am doing some research with trackman at the moment in regards to over rotational speed along with some d-plane stuff. I will let you know when I confirm. We were generally seeing rotational speed of the club around 300-400 degrees / second in the impact zone for tour players.
August 8, 2014
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David
I am having trouble with flattening and bowing my left wrist. When I do it consciously, then I feel like my release is slowed and sometimes releases early and hits the ground before the ball. I want to deloft the club and get a more penetrating shot, but my release slows and is not as loose when I try to get my glove logo to face the ground. Any suggestions?
July 23, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello David. During the release the hands and arms will be slowing down for maximum club head speed. I think I'm gathering you feel like you lose speed? Take a look at the Acceleration Profile Sequence Video in the Downswing Advanced Section. When you hit the ground before the ball. It sounds like you give up the energy too soon. Use the Taking a Divot Video in the Same Section in conjunction with your release. Get the weight shift, create the lag, shaft lean, and left arm lead with release.
July 23, 2014
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David
When I try to keep my left wrist flat/bowed, it feels like there is tension in the wrist and it does not release as quickly. How do you get your glove logo down toward the ground without hinging the left wrist? I feel that when I flatten the wrist it releases early and hits the ground early. Any suggestions?
July 22, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello David. Ulnar deviation should help get the wrist correct through impact. Take a look at the Knuckles Down Drill in the Downswing Advanced Section to practice the movement and proper de-lofting.
July 22, 2014
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Todd
when I release the left hand , i hook/ pull the ball I feel as if my hands are to fast thru impact, but isn't that the idea ( speed ) HELP.
July 17, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Todd. Speed is what we are looking for, but not flip. It sounds as if you are flipping the face shut at impact versus a little forward shaft lean and letting the club release. You should feel that the left hand stops at the seam in the left pant leg. Don't add any cupping. Maintain flat left wrist. Let the club release with its own momentum. Don't force the momentum. Start with small shots.
July 17, 2014
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rick
Getting this down pretty good with the irons, but not the driver, any comments?
July 14, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Rick. The driver is a specialty club. Sometimes you might need to adjust the setup for maximum potential. Take a look at the Driver Setup Adjustments Video in the Setup Advanced Section. Also, the Bomb Your Driver Series has good insight to get the long ball!
July 14, 2014
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David
Do I want to be releasing on every club even 100 yard pitch shots and less?
July 11, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey David. You want to release every club in the bag. Now, the release will change a little for specialty or short wedge shots depending on the need of ball flight. However, you still want to be releasing with your wedges.
July 11, 2014
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David
I am pretty amazed about how Chuck can hit the same spot on the floor each time with the same amount of force. I have the problem that I frequently miss the floor on this drill. Don't know why I think I can hit the little ball when I have trouble hitting the big ball! Are there a few things that I should look at that might be causing this problem? I have thought before it might be too much tension in the left wrist, but if I relax it much more what control I have seems to disappear.
July 8, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey David. We haven't gotten to this yet. Don't cheat! Just kidding. You might be forcing it too much and not allowing for proper ulnar deviation. Learning how to release properly is a feeling of giving up control to gain control. Don't force it too much. Allow the momentum and club to release effortlessly.
July 8, 2014
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Robert
Chris, is there a difference between "early release" and "early extension" where I am losing lag? If I am pulling some shots, could it be "early release"?
June 27, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Almost the same. Early Extension losing lag. Early Release squaring up too soon. If you are pulling shots its probably more off plane. Make sure you are on plane maintaining lag then release. Take a Look at the LADD video in the Downswing Section. Shallow out the plane, retain lag, and square the face into the strike.
June 27, 2014
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Daniel
When I do it correctly it's wonderful, the problem I have at times going left with hooks and pulls, is that from slowing my body down too much or am I releasing the left hand to early or both? Thanks
June 24, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Daniel, it could be a little of both. If you flip the left hand too soon, the ball will start low and left. If the body stalls out too soon, same problem. Make sure the release isn't too controlled. Allow it to happen. Don't force the flip.
June 24, 2014
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Brian
when the LT hand is cupped at impact, does the LT wrist cup remain cupped while the LT forearm rotates. Brian Moisand, bmoisand@cfl.rr.com?
June 19, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Brian. The left wrist will actually be bowing slightly through impact for the right handed player. More of the forearm rotation happens before impact. If the left forearm rotated to much at impact it would stress the arm. Check out the Left Elbow Position Video at Impact in the Downswing Advanced Section.
June 19, 2014
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Erwin
For the first part of the drill, is it clever to use an impact bag, or shouldn't I?
June 13, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Erwin. Sorry for the late reply. You can definitely use an impact bag for the first part. Then work your way to doing it without one.
June 19, 2014
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Tim
happy new subscriber... these vids are immensely helpful.. a few questions..im ok with compressing the ball with W-7 irons but struggle with 5 and up i feel like I'm making the same swing.... finally on the downswing I'm trying to get a pause at the top and then feel like my wrist will hinge (lag) is this the correct feeling? I'm a 7 handicap
June 12, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Work on shifting the weight to the left first, before you start your downswing. Allow for weight shift, pulling from the left, and supple wrist to create more of the lag. Take a look at the Re-Shape your Swing for Lag video in the Introduction Section. The iron issue could be a number of things. Upload one of your swings to our online review system and we would be glad to take a look.
June 12, 2014
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Benjamin
Are these drills meant to only be done when hitting short shots or can they be done without a ball?
June 4, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Preferably with little short shots for some instant feedback.
June 5, 2014
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David
I have a problem when I practice the release in that I frequently miss the ground. It's really hard to hit the little ball when you can't even hit the big ball!!! I know this is difficult to address without seeing my particular motion, but I was wondering if this was a problem you have seen frequently before and, if so, what are some common solutions? The problem occurs even when I put myself in a good 9 o'clock position and just try to swing to 3 o'clock, so I think the issue is related to the release and not the prior parts of the swing. Thanks!
May 28, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey David, take a look at the Taking a Divot Video in the Full Swing Advanced Downswing section. Make sure you are using the lead arm correctly. Sounds like you might be bailing out of the strike too soon and not getting a slight descending blow.
May 28, 2014
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Greg
If the release point is at the left thigh, then the amount of shaft lean with each club is determined by ball placement. Shaft lean delofts the club meaning 4 irons, hybrids, fairway woods get to be pretty flat. With these clubs are we better off moving the ball slightly ahead of the placement for low and mid irons. I know that there always needs to be a slight shaft lean. What do you think?
May 23, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Preferably, we wouldn't want to change our ball position relative to what club we are using. If you are finding with your club selection that you need to hit the ball a little higher. Check out the Day 5: High Trajectory Shots Video in the Bonus Series 9 Days to Amazing Ball Striking Section. You may also look at the Bomb Your Driver Series Section Video Driver Launch Angle if your looking to maximize your yardage on drives.
May 23, 2014
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brandon
HI, can you direct me to a drill in the site that corrects adding loft at impact (i don't cast just sorta flip too early). I pretty much suck at achieving a wide follow through and hit my shots too high. Any additional comments to help understand this part of the swing or how to drill it in to get that extended look after the strike is greatly appreciated. Thanks!
May 21, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Look at the Exaggerated Hands Ahead at Impact video and the Knuckles Down video in the Full Swing Program Advanced Downswing Section. Focus on the lead arm de-lofting the face by more left hand control.
May 21, 2014
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joshua
Hi. I wanted to know if everything else was good in the downswing but the release happens at the inside of the right leg (right handed golfer) would this create a fat shot, and probably big pull. In other words if everything else is good and you still hit fat from time to time will bringing the release up to the left leg (in feeling) put the bottom of the swing forward of the ball?
May 7, 2014
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
A fat shot can be caused from some flipping at the bottom of the arc or hanging back on the right side. The release needs to be timed as outlined in this video so that the left wrist will be flat at impact. You dont want to be thinking about the exact time of the release or you can run into problems creating tension in the hands and arms which can be detrimental to a proper release. Trying to move the bottom of the arc forward can be a double edged sword. I would focus through step 2 of this video and really work to ingrain a mindless release so that you dont run into issues.
May 7, 2014
64x64
I train very hard the release. I do the drills often and regularly. But when i am on the range or the course, i hit the ball all over the place. Mostly to the left - pull and quick hooks. i got the feeling to control the shots, but how can i do this...should i do this...
May 4, 2014
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Sounds like you are overcooking the release. Check to make sure the toe of the club at hip high post impact isnt faced way left. You may need to slow down the rotation is all.
May 5, 2014
64x64
Thank you. Can you give me some more. I struggle with "over-flipping" - maybe- that is right! My swing is not so bad. My swingreviews are good - solid fundamentals, good positions. But my directions control destroys my game very much. Golf at the moment is no fun. What can i do to control my shots. That is my birthday wish, easter und x-mas wish.
May 6, 2014
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John
Best feature of the new site that the comment section is on the same page as the video. My question is how much should we focus on the forearm rotating as well as the wrist during the release.? Again great job on the new site
April 19, 2014
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
When you are ingraining this critical part of the swing, then you are going to need to think about the rotation quite a bit until you feel as though you have a great understanding and awareness of the club face through the hitting area. After ingrained, you shouldn't have to think about it much unless you are going to be trying to hit a specialty shot or work the ball.
April 21, 2014
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rodney
Hi do we want the impact part of the release to be an unhinging or rotation?
April 19, 2014
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Impact will be rotation in both wrists and the right wrist will be maintaining a bit of flexion in it for forward shaft lean.
April 21, 2014
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rodney
Great! I feel like I really have to focus on the left hand. It seems like the right naturally wants to power through anyway. If I am hitting a shank sometimes is that me not getting enough rotation in the impact area?
May 4, 2014
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Check to make sure that you havent fanned the club too far open in the takeaway part. That can cause for a delay in the release and can make it harder to get it back to square without flipping it. Also double check that you arent feeling a ton of tension in the left wrist while your are working on this.
May 5, 2014
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rodney
Thanks, can you clarify flipping...Left hand breaks down knuckles facing forearm, Instead of rotation and left knuckles facing ground?
May 6, 2014
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
There are 2 forms of flipping. The most common you will hear us talk about would be the left wrist breaking down and being cupped at impact or there is a pro style flip that can have an over released club face with the toe of the club being more left post impact.
May 6, 2014
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Michael
Best video on the site
April 19, 2014
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
ABSOLUTELY!!!!!!
April 21, 2014
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David
I have been in deep discussion with your people about this very subject lately, and they have heard how I have seriously injured my LHS elbow (acute traumatic bursitis) meaning that my one-off V! Golf video will not be produced until next week, at the earliest. A few points please: I have laboured the point that I am a natural left-handed dominant person playing golf "right handed": your drill above is something that I have probably overdone, in the past to the almost exclusion of RHS! I have recently changed this, which may be apparent in my much hoped-for video soon! The RHS Scapula LEVEL pivot dominance is now hopefully more reversed to-through-past impact much more than in the past (& definitely NO reverse C!) No reverse pivot, even though I may even overly load-up the LHS: surely my target-direction sequenced rotation takes care of this as well? While I like and do your pronation rotation (to toe-up for right-to-left ball flight) or try a pre-set of same (less rotation timing required), I would avoid like the plaque any ulnar deviation or wrist flexion to avoid at all costs the clubhead out-racing the grip to-through-past impact! I would NEVER want the shaft to point anywhere to the right of my navel, anytime! (Even with a "short" RHS arm at address/takeaway/backswing). Just as during pitching, I want the chest to "support" in de-rotation the armswing (body release) with my grip end passing closer to the body and continuing its arc more noticeably to the left around the body, BUT NO FLIP! Zip yes, but no flip! Finally, to accommodate my now-dodgy LHS elbow (injured in competitive water-skiing 1968), I am attempting a softer "rope-like" LHS arm, perhaps resembling that of Jordan Speith's? All of that increased power from the sequenced arms and more UPPER RHS (feel Scapula driving/rotating around a more braced LHS) body level activity (sequenced but NOT stalled in any part) is replacing my previous "LHS pulling down to around" to good effect and superior compression than before. Now, if only I can protect this injury! Sequence is probably the same as before, stacked LHS still guides, but RHS rotating level around LHS is now more of the power source? No movements anytime backwards from target, any always in target-direction arc. Sounds different to yours here, but ok? or not? Hope you have some approval: it works ok for me, despite the injury.
April 16, 2014
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Hi David I am going to do my best to answer all the questions in your post but need some clarification on a few of them... "The RHS Scapula LEVEL pivot dominance is now hopefully more reversed to-through-past impact much more than in the past (& definitely NO reverse C!) No reverse pivot, even though I may even overly load-up the LHS: surely my target-direction sequenced rotation takes care of this as well?" I need some clarification on this question as I am not really clear is to what you are trying to say. The reason I ask, is that even with the right scapula up and away (protraction) in the hitting area, the forearms can rotate properly. The position of the scapula is critical for delivering power of out of the trunk but you still have nearly full range of motion in the arms when it is up and away from the big muscles. "Finally, to accommodate my now-dodgy LHS elbow (injured in competitive water-skiing 1968), I am attempting a softer "rope-like" LHS arm, perhaps resembling that of Jordan Speith's? " Jordan does a fantastic job of controlling the face through the hitting area like most tour players. I am not sure what "rope-like" means though, His release is much like the mechanics and functions that are broken down in this video. "Sequence is probably the same as before, stacked LHS still guides, but RHS rotating level around LHS is now more of the power source? No movements anytime backwards from target, any always in target-direction arc. Sounds different to yours here, but ok? or not? " The power source is the entire body. You are working to build power during the backswing, then move the power up the kinetic chain and turn into speed through the arms as you stall the body and allow the hand and arms to act independently from the body into impact and post impact. The movements created within the body at RST are based around centripetal force and the release of the all the power and speed is into the club head is working of centrifugal force as a direct result. With your explanations, it is hard to really understand everything that you are trying to achieve within the swing and if is deviates from the methodology that we stand behind, than it is tough for us to guide you on. If you are more going after personal feelings within the body but still achieving the results as they appear to RST, then I call that a great thing for you as having coming up with a correct feeling within the body to make great results is critical for swing change and results.
April 21, 2014
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John
The difficulty I have here is transitioning to a full swing when my body is no longer static. That's where bad habits creep back in. Perhaps you could make a version of this great release drill showing where the the body is in relation to the various points in the sequence. I realize that the body should naturally react dynamically but at least for me, that's unfortunately not always the case. The addition of the entire orchestration would enlighten me tremendously Thanks
April 15, 2014
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey John, we actually have something scheduled in the near future that talks about this exact scenario. It should be getting released on the sooner side I believe.
April 16, 2014
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brian
This video isn't loading for me on the the new site. I've been doing this drill and staying in my posture, getting to good impact as described, the club on the toe line at 3 o'clock, pointing to the target, the face vertical or a bit closed and arms extended. When I go back to hitting full shots after this drill it feels a bit flicky and less powerful in my swing. Is it that I'm doing something wrong in the drill or is it that it doesn't go well with my tendencies at the moment of standing up at impact, hands getting too high and releasing hard with my hands to square the face?
April 7, 2014
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Sorry about the video not loading for you. I will let our programming team know right away on this situation. If you have been a body release style person of the golf club, meaning rotating the body hard with the club rather than letting the hands and arms release independently, it will give you the feeling that you are getting at this point especially when standing up and out of posture and then releasing it. That would not allow you to pull all the built of power within the body and turn it into clubhead speed during the release. Make sure that once you work through the release drills that you revisit the sequencing drills in the downswing section to further help you.
April 7, 2014
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Tom
The video does not come up in my browser, is it not loaded on the new website?
April 6, 2014
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Tom, very sorry about that. If you could do me a favor and post that info at this link, we will get you squared away http://support.rotaryswing.com/contact-us
April 7, 2014
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Jack
I see you changed some names so now Im only missing 5 minutes to the perfect golf swing release???
April 6, 2014
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey John, we are trying to keep the names all very consistent for the videos as we transfer them over to the new site. 5 Minutes to a perfect release may have some technical difficulties right now but I am working to get it corrected as we speak/
April 7, 2014
1.1 The Most Important Video You'll Watch - Learning 1.2 Introduction to The GOAT Code 1.3 The GOAT Delivery Position (GDP) 1.4 The GOAT Grip 1.5 The GOAT Setup 1.6 GOAT Ball Position 1.7 Trail Hand Putting Drill 1.8 Tiger Woods Tee Drill 1.9 Add Lead Hand to Putting Stroke 1.10 Skills Assessment Challenge: Putting
2.1 Clubface is KING 2.2 Trail Hand Chipping Stroke 2.3 Trail Hand Ripper Chip 2.4 Add Lead Hand to Chipping Stroke 2.5 Progressive Drill to Add Lead Hand 2.6 Add Lead Hand to Ripper Chip 2.7 Skills Assessment Challenge: Chipping
3.1 Transferring Power from the Core to the Hand 3.2 The GOAT Takeaway 3.3 Fundamentals of Compression 3.4 The GOAT Pitch Shot 3.5 Pitch Shot Starting Line Drill 3.6 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 How to Increase Hand Speed - J Release 4.11 The Importance of the Waggle for Speed 4.12 How the Lead Side Works for Power 4.13 Magic of Supination 4.14 80 Yard Shots - Down the Line 4.15 80 yd Shots - Face On 4.16 Tiger Woods 80 yd Face On Reference Video 4.17 How to Coil Around the Trail Leg 4.18 GOAT Backswing 4.19 Rotation & Footwork 4.20 GOAT Downswing - The Whip Effect 4.21 The GOAT 9 to 3 Drill 4.22 160 yd Shots - GOAT Speed Sequence 4.23 Instant Over the Top Cure
Webinar 1: The Core Webinar 2: Core Power & Putting Webinar 3 - Compression & Clubface Control Webinar 4 - Fascia & Effortless Power Webinar 5: The GOAT Hands Webinar Q-n-A Webinar 1: May 7 Q-n-A Webinar 2: May 14 Q-n-A Webinar 3: May 21 Q-n-A Webinar 4: May 28 Q-n-A Webinar 5: June 4 Q-n-A Webinar 6: June 11 Q-n-A Webinar 7: June 18 Q-n-A Webinar 8: June 25
Is Tiger Woods Golf Swing a Baseball Swing? Pt. 1 of 3 Throw the Club or Push the Club? Pt 2 of 3 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 Creating Torque in the Swing - Pt 1 of 3 Creating Torque in the Golf Swing - Pt 2 Creating Torque - The Magic Pill for the Feel - Pt 3
The GOAT Code - Ep 1 - How the Hands & Wrist Create Speed The GOAT Code - Ep 2 - How Tour Player Equipment Deals Work The GOAT Code - Ep 3 - 69 yr Old Increases Swing Speed 15 mph in 30 minutes!
Bryan's Journey - Introduction How Bryan's Letting RotarySwing PAY For Itself
Phase 1 - Putting
Bryan's Journey - Trail Hand Putting Bryan's Journey - Trail Hand Putting 2nd Review Bryan's Journey - The Tiger Tee Drill And An Easier Way Bryan's Journey - 2 Handed Putting 1st Review Bryan's Journey - FINAL Two Handed Putting Review Bryan's Journey - Putting Assessment Test
Phase 2 - Chipping
Bryan's Journey - Trail Hand Chipping - Baseline And Hidden Errors Bryan's Journey - Trail Hand Chipping - Improvements And New Errors Bryan's Journey - Two Handed Chipping - Good Stuff Happening Here Bryan's Journey - Chipping Assessment PASSED!
Phase 3 - Pitching
Bryan's Journey - Phase 3 Start - Pitching Bryan's Journey - Phase 3 Pitching - 2nd Review Bryan's Journey - PASSING Pitching Assessment Test
9 Days to AMAZING Ball Striking!
9 Days To Amazing Golf Ball Striking - Intro Day 1: Impact Control Day 2: Hitting Low Shots Day 3: Hitting High Shots Day 4: How to Hit the Draw Day 5: How to Hit the Fade Day 6: High and Low Fade Day 7: High and Low Draw Day 8: How to Shape the Driver Day 9: 9 Ball Shot Shaping Drill
Cheat Sheets for Faster Learning
RSA Introduction My SECRET Consistency Routine How to Shallow the Golf Club Master the Golf Transition Core Rotation - Left Arm - Club - RSA RSA Full Swing Kaboodle RSA Heavy Club Training Program RSA Overspeed Program 9 to 3 Drill Program for RSA RSA Power Release Program
Chuck Quinton Live Lessons
How to Shallow Your Hands During Transition Straighten and Lengthen Your Tee Shots w/ the Driver How Tiger, Rory & Ernie Use Their Hips for Power How to Shallow Your Golf Swing Fast and Easy - Live Lesson Live Lesson - How to Stop Losing Tush Line & Boost Consistency Why Your Lead Leg Doesn't Straighten at Impact Do You Start Backswing w/ Hips or Shoulders? Why You Can't Stop Overusing Your Arms in the Golf Swing Former Mac O'Grady Student Saves Back Learning DEAD Drill How to Fix Your Over the Top Move - Live Lesson Learn What REALLY Matters Most for Effortless Power - Live Lesson Restore the Athleticism in Your Swing Like this Former NFL QB Pro Secret #3 - Swing Easy, Hit Hard The #1 Reason Golfers Are Inconsistent and How to Fix it Permanently Making Your Golf Swing Feel Natural w/ Baseball Drill - Live Lesson How to Add Effortless Power Using Your Lower Body Simple Fix to Make a Full Shoulder Turn How to Fix Trail Leg Straightening in Backswing Live Lesson - How to Fix Your Arms by Fixing Your Legs in the Backswing Should You Restrict Your Hip Turn in the Backswing? 4 Steps to Sequencing the Golf Downswing - Live Lesson How to Decelerate Your Hips for Effortless Power Why You DON'T Pull the Butt of the Club Toward the Ball
GOAT Code Power Program
GOAT Code Power Program - Step 1 - Activation GOAT Code Power Program - Step 2 - Technique GOAT Code Power Program - Step 3 - Explosiveness GOAT Code Power Program - Step 4 - Advanced Power GOAT Code Power Program - Step 5 - Kettlebell
RotarySwing Clinic
Clinic - RST History Clinic - Problems with Golf Instruction Clinic - Fundamentals RotarySwing Clinic - Learning Clinic - Setup Clinic - Downswing & Release Clinic - Lag Clinic - The Takeaway Clinic - The Backswing Clinic - Connecting to Your Core Clinic - Follow Through
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