Stop Coming Over the Top in the Golf Swing and Slicing

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You're well aware that slicing destroys your distance and your scorecard. What you may not be aware of is what really causes you to come over the top in the golf swing and slice and the 2 relatively simple steps to fix it. That's why you MUST watch this golf instruction video. Simply put, it's the best I've ever produced to teach you how to stop coming over the top in your golf swing!

  • The slice is a common fault in golf, but is easily fixed with weight shift and using the left arm correctly
  • Many right handers allow the right arm to dominate the downswing, causing the club to come over the top
  • Pull with the left to naturally shallow out the swing plane
  • Getting a proper weight transfer also shallows out the path

The Over the Top Golf Swing

For golfers who have struggled with coming over the top in their golf swing, hitting a straight golf shot or a draw seems like voodoo magic. When you swing over the top in the golf swing, the club face is coming down on a steeper swing plane and this causes it to not want to naturally rotate to square the club face at impact, making the over the top slice worse.

The fix to coming over the top in the golf swing is to learn how to sequence your golf swing properly and learn how to use your left arm rather than being so dominant with your right. Yep, most tour players swing on plane because of these two things that you're NOT doing correctly in your golf swing now!

So, if you want to stop coming over the top, watch this online golf instruction video and learn the RotarySwing.com way to swing on plane!

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Paul
I watched the keep your right shoulder back as it relates to the transition of the dead drill,I had also watched a video on keeping your back to the target for as long as possible,do these two drills accomplish the same thing.I felt I was really getting the right movement when I thought about keeping my back to the target for as long as possible
August 18, 2023
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Paul. Yes. Keeping the trail shoulder back, or back to the target will curtail shoulder spin making it much easier to shallow the plane when shifting weight in transition.
August 19, 2023
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Brian
Should the transition feel effortless? I've been swinging the club left hand only with only my last two fingers of the left hand and when hitting with both hands on I am working on feeling an effortless transition. Is this even how to accumulate max speed? Am I working on the right thing for someone that sometimes starts the downswing 'too early'?
May 24, 2022
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Brian. The transition should feel pretty chilled with the hands dropping down. Gravity is your friend while shallowing out the club.
May 25, 2022
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Blake
Hi, Tyler. Thanks for the lesson. I used the wrong terms. You are right, I am not coming over the top. But I am hitting a straight pull - path to the left, face angle to the left. Not by a lot, but enough to go significantly left. The clubhead moves past the target line and starts back left at impact. It is like something at the last part of my swing causes both my club to go outside the ball a bit and then both my path and clubface to head moderately left. Unfortunately, de-empahisizing my right hand hasn't really fixed it. So, any videos on straight pulls? Thanks!
April 5, 2021
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Hi Blake, Chris here! I went back and looked at your most recent videos again and the path of your club is not left at all. The club is working on an arc through the hitting area as it is supposed to. The clubhead will not stay working down the direction of the target for very long from a down the line perspective. The issue you are running into is that the clubface comes from the inside a fraction open and you are actively manipulating the face to shut rather quickly. So, you have a face that is rotating shut much too quickly which is shutting the face too quickly in relation to the path. You can actually see the toe of the club try to rock back open post impact cause the strike was a little off center. Face angle is 80% of your shot shape, so you are shutting the face too quickly causing the ball to go left. You should work on the lose the right hand release drill or work on small 9 to 3 swings working on keeping the right hand from being active and making sure the checkpoints from the release drills are being seen on camera with a straighter ball flight before working back into full swings. If you don't want to fix it with the lose the right hand drill, then you maybe should start working on some release drills and let me see what they actually look like while hitting balls so I can tell you if you are doing the right or wrong.
April 6, 2021
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Blake
Thanks Chris! Will do.
April 6, 2021
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Joey
This video says it’s intended for slicing but I actually pull my shots especially my drives and this seems like it would be beneficial for someone who pull their shots as well.I know I’m using my right side way too much in my swing(I’m a righty) so I can’t wait too concentrate on these moves.Wouldn’t you agree it would help my situation also?
March 24, 2021
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Joey. Yes, it can help with that. I would also combine with the Keep the Rear Shoulder Back Video.
March 25, 2021
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Tyler (Certified RST Instructor)
I have a very slight over the top action right now. I recorded a swing with my left hand only and my club still steepens so it seems that it’s not my right hand doing it. Any recommendations?
June 21, 2020
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Tyler (Certified RST Instructor)
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June 21, 2020
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Tyler (Certified RST Instructor)
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June 21, 2020
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Lee
Out of curiosity, how did you end up fixing that? I have run into the same issue myself so interested to hear. Thanks.
February 5, 2021
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Fred
I have started slicing my drives lately. I tried to take the right hand out of powering it by pulling down my left hand with minor success. Still slicing much of the time. I have some left elbow pain as a result but, are there other slice videos you can recommend?
May 10, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Fred. Make sure you aren't yanking the lead arm down. Don't pull hard. Make sure you aren't spinning the shoulders and getting steep. Take a look Keep the Rear Shoulder Back and How to Fix Plane and Path Video.
May 11, 2020
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Matthew
Hi, I actually have the exact problem that Chuck mentions in this video, but related to over shallowing the club and coming too far from the inside. I’ve gotten to the point where I’m good at shallowing, but can’t stay above the plane. Gets me in a very stuck position. Which video addresses this problem?
September 25, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Matthew. Take a look at Trace the Plane Line Video. One of my favorites as I had the over shallowing inside move as well.
September 25, 2019
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Matthew
Thanks so much! That drill was perfect! It’s the move I’ve been searching years for! Literally!
October 3, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Matthew. Glad you like the drill!
October 3, 2019
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Jennifer
At the start of the downswing my hands move out instead of down. My elbows move further apart and my right elbow doesn’t come down in front of my right hip. I think it gets stuck. Would it be a good idea to try to keep my elbows equidistant as I start the downswing?
July 9, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jennifer. Keeping the elbows closer may help. But, you must shy away from excessive shoulders in the beginning of the transition. Take a look at How to Fix Swing Plane and Path and Keep the Rear Shoulder Back.
July 10, 2019
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David
So I'm struggling with my Driver. It's 50% straight, or slight draw, and 50% push slice. I rarely slice left to right. It's always straight or a push slice. Shifting my weight seems to increase the slice. My thinking is I'm having an open club face issue. I tend to always fade my 3 iron and 3 wood--never slice though--too. The rest of my irons are fine. Slight draw or fade depending on my grip. In general, everything feels out of sync with the Driver.
July 8, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello David. Take a look at Proper Tee Height Video. Make sure you are adjusting the setup correctly. Also, sounds like you are coming in steeply. Take a look at How to Fix Swing Plane and Path Video.
July 8, 2019
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Tom
I'm relatively new to the Rotary Swing curriculum. It has already helped tremendously in maintaining my balance throughout the swing. I'm a reverse Phil M. Left side dominant, swing right hand clubs. It is easy for me to over stress my left side, have the sore shoulder to match... Often my efforts to balance will have the right side get too active and I will end up coming over the top. The Rotary Swing fundamentals should right this with time, I feel confident of this. I am wondering though, if you might have any drills or pointers for my situation? All the best. Tom
June 28, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Tom. Even with lead side dominant right handed players you need to focus on release. Most players in your situation tend to under do the release. I would focus a lot on release and sequencing. Here are a few videos that would be good for you. 5 Minutes to the Perfect Release, How Swing Speed Affects Compression, Left Hand Power Release Drill, and Play the Best Golf Of Your Life in 6 Weeks 2 of 6 Video.
June 28, 2019
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Mikko-Pekka
Hello Tom. My understanding. It is great that you are lead side dominant. It helps a lot. If I understood you correctly you feel soreness in your lead arm. I think it is caused by using your arms too much. Focus on step 1 and 2 in 5 step series and try to feel that weight shift and gravity brings the club down. Turn your hands off. If then you are getting too much lag and forward shaft lean then I would work on Throw the ball drill. Hope that helps. Never use the right hand to compensate.
June 28, 2019
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John
I really like this approach. I worked on this in the mirror for about thirty minutes. Shortly thereafter I was at range and tried it out and hit 3 in a row straight into the ground. Not sure what happened..maybe too much hip slide & secondary axis tilt? Haven’t given up.
February 7, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello John. Sounds like hip slide and hand throw. I would combine the Keep the Rear Shoulder Back Video with the Frisbee Drill. This way you will get the weight, clear the hips, have the lag and not spin the shoulders. That combo should fix you up.
February 8, 2019
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david
Not sure I understand the fire the arms comment. do we actively pull the arms down with the left oblique?
December 23, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello David. Take a look at How to Fix Plane and Path. The weight shift will bring the arms down and shallow out the plane. A combination of gravity, weight, and torso will pull the arms into position.
December 23, 2018
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David
Reason I am here is I come in too steep- typically about 8 degrees steeper thann address. (Been measuring with skypro) When I swing with just my right right arm (I am a lefty) I love the result on skypro. only 1 degree usually steeper than address and a nice shallowing out of the club. When I just so much as gently rest my left hand on the grip and swing trying to keep that left arm and shoulder totally out of it, it still goes back to going steep. It is really frustrating. Im really struggling to keep my left side from being active. Any tips?
October 25, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello David. Start small focusing totally with weight shift and keeping your rear shoulder back. Take a look at How to Fix Plane and Path Video. Also, Keep the Rear Shoulder Back Video.
October 25, 2018
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Blake
Hi, My swing is really improving and Craig, your feedback has helped a lot! One thing - my clubhead still starts going left a split second before it hits the ball, leading to a bit of slicing and chunking. But I often video my swing and it's on plane, tush stays on the tush line, knee stays behind the knee line (no longer hitting off the hosel - hurray!), no early extension, shallowing the club nicely, etc. What other videos might address this "clubhead goes left early" problem? Also - I lack some forward shaft lean, I did watch the "How To Get The Perfect Shaft Lean" video. Any others? Thanks!! Loving the program!!
September 12, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Blake. Glad to hear the good news. Much appreciative of the compliments. If going left early I would recommend (Keep the Rear Shoulder Back) and if late (Drill to Learn Inside Path).
September 12, 2018
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Randy
Joined RST last month then cancelled. Thinking about signing up again tho. I have always been a toe hitter of the golf ball ( Drives me Crazy!) A golf tour pro friend of mine (Chris Smith, who won the 2002 Buick ) said its most likely from coming over the top! I have tried every drill and still hit the toe! Watched a swing sequence of Fuzzy Zoeller and he addresses the ball off the hosel. Tried this on the range today and every iron was pure center contact! Any idea why or should I just address the hosel everytime? Thanks
August 4, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Randy. Addressing at the hosel is more or less just masking the problem. Compensating for an error in the swing. I agree with Chris. Sounds like over the top. Take a look at How to Fix Plane and Path, Keep the Rear Shoulder Back, and Drill to Learn Inside Path. Sounds like you get steep and try to speed up the hands/club at the last minute to save it.
August 4, 2018
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william
Barely two weeks into your program and what an insane difference it has made already. Working on just Steps 1 and 2 for now (a few sneak peaks at takeaway and backswing) taking my time and hammering out my reps. Just understanding and practicing the weight shift and rotation instantly cured my over the top. For the first time hitting with compression (what a feeling) penetrating and LASER STRAIT shots sometimes with tiny draw-no slices. 90-95 is an average score never have broken 90. I am a left-handed person who plays right handed. I am very left side dominated and a klutz with my right hand. All of the “left hand only” drills with a club are a piece of cake for me and I can chip balls all day long with one hand and actually hit an 8 iron ¾ swing 110 yards if I lightly place my right palm on the club for stability. Unlike the “righties” my over the top move was yanking down and across with my left shoulder early before weight shift started (but I have cured with step 1-2 drills). What initial advice can you give me that may differ from the right handers that will put me on a good path? I have refrained from checking out any videos beyond step 3 (adding the left hand) as I want to do this program correctly, so maybe there are videos I have yet to see that can help. And yes, I promise to send you my first video soon so you don’t have to just guess. Thanks again, Great support staff!
June 27, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello William. Thanks for the compliments. Until I see a video it is a little bit of a guessing game. However, as you mentioned with the yanking. A key component would be not bailing out with the shoulders early. Letting the weight shift and core bring the shoulders to square. You must start to gain awareness that your shoulders do all the work going back. But, are dead to you in the downswing and they get pulled into position. From here the club is free and clear to release on its own versus being delayed and over the top.
June 27, 2018
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william
Thanks for speedy reply. I like the idea of your simple answer-instead of having right/left SIDE dominance in my mind its more like I am "top half" dominant" in my downswing instead of the opposite. an interesting way to think about the downswing! (using your left side dominance training and philosophy and turning it 90 degrees) being left side dominant already it makes me think about my lower half taking charge of the downswing. Thanks again and video coming to you next week.
June 27, 2018
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Stephen
I’m a 12 handicap and my swing reviews show I load on my right side and shift my weight to the left...but I still come over the top and have never got my club on the right plane on the downswing. What more should I be looking at to try and fix this! Thanks.
June 18, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Stephen. Keep the Rear Shoulder Back Video and How to Fix Plane and Path. You need to turn off all the steepening mechanisms.
June 18, 2018
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Joe
I am the opposite...right hand dominate and left handed golfer...I have a very flat inside swing and have trouble throwing my left side thru..any suggestions? Thank you!!
May 31, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Joe. If you tend to be under plane. Take a look at the Trace the Plane Line Video.
May 31, 2018
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Joe
Thanks
June 1, 2018
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Gerry
What about the opposite problem? That is, having the shaft get inside the swing plane on the downswing?
May 31, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Gerry. Trace the Plane Line Video and Level Shoulders Drill.
May 31, 2018
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joseph
How do you pull with your left arm and not turn your shoulder? Is the left shoulder supposed to be square at impact while you pull the club through with your arm/wrist?
January 23, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Joe. Take a look at the Fulcrum Video and the Left Arm in the Downswing (Ladd) Video. You will be using your lead lat, shoulders will be square at impact, and the momentum of the release will pull you through.
January 23, 2018
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David
I think i am shifting my weight but my upper half and head go as well and i find i am getting ahead of the ball, how do i keep my head behind the ball and still shift the weight? Also if i am getting left hip pain am i shifting too much?
November 18, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello David. If you are getting lead hip pain you are either over doing the shift or pushing (Preventing Hip Pain Video). Also, you need to practice the upper half being off in the initial transition. Sounds like it is still really active. Work on Step 2 - Core Rotation and really feel the back staying to the target as the lower lead side works you down.
November 19, 2017
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Devin
Just wanted to confirm that this stuff works for anyone wondering. Been practicing left arm swings from other videos you've done and they have all made a huge difference for me. The weight shift is also a great point. The feeling I get when I switch my weight is allowing the path to open from the inside. If I don't switch my weight I can't get the club on the right path.
October 15, 2017
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Devin, thanks for posting this and so glad to hear that our drills are helping you correct your swing faults. Keep working hard at it and let us know if we can do anything to help along the way.
October 16, 2017
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Richard
Has made a huge difference in my swing. Using my lower body and weight transfer was a wake up call for me as I was a huge over the top guy. Great video. Thanks
August 8, 2017
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Richard, very glad to hear that you found this video useful and are seeing some good progress with your swing.
August 9, 2017
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Lee
So you shift your weight to the left first then pull with your left arm right? You don't do them at the same time do you? Thanks.
July 21, 2017
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Hi Lee, weight shift will always come first in the downswing sequence and this move will start puling the arms down for you without having to think about it. I would be cautious on how much you try to pull the lead arm down in the hitting area, as it can throw the sequence off quite a bit.
July 21, 2017
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Lee
Hello Chris, thanks for the reply. So you are saying shift your weight then pull with the left arm right? My understanding from the video is that we still pull with the left arm at some point to help shallow the plane. Should we not pull with the left arm at all or were you just saying to be careful about doing it too early? Thanks.
July 21, 2017
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Hi Lee, Yes that is correct. However, in most cases, student will actively try to pull the arm too fast and too long into the hitting area which can throw you out of sequence and make it hard for you to release the club in time. We would need to look at your swing in the swing reviews to see if that is actually the case.
July 21, 2017
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Lee
Ok, thanks.
July 21, 2017
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
My pleasure
July 21, 2017
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Matt
So it is more of a hip bump (not slide) on the downswing? I feel like my club is wide open when I do that. Am I swinging out to right this way as well? Btw, broke 80 today. Best all year. First time I also sticked to the 5-steps as my core fundamental. Probably wasn't perfect, but felt good. Just found myself pulling the ball a bit much, and power fading my driver.
May 27, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Matt. It definitely isn't slide. A Lateral and slight rotational shift to the left. Fixing Your Weight Transfer and Perfecting Lower Body Stability. You might start to get a path a little more in to out if you over do the move. But, no need to feel like you are making a big swing out to the right of the target.
May 28, 2017
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Ryan
what exactly are you pulling the left arm towards? Is it straight down towards the ground or to where you want it to be at impact?
May 13, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Ryan. The weight shift and core will start to pull it down. You aren't looking to aim it. Take a look at How to Fix Plane and Path.
May 13, 2017
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T David
On starting the downswing, It appears that we want to resist swinging with the arms at the top... Start with the weight shift to the left, then swing with the left arm as you post up to impact, making sure that the right arm is a backseat passenger throughout the swing. My question is... How do I know when to engage the left arm and at which point in the swing should this begin?
March 19, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Dave. The lead lat will help pull the arms in front of the body. However, you don't need much pull or a big arm pull/swing. Take a look at the Rotary Golf Downswing Overview for the process.
March 20, 2017
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Ray
Should the right elbow ever touch the body on the downswing. I feel like i am sliding my hips left on the weight shift and dropping my right shoulder on the downswing.
March 16, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Ray. The trail arm may graze your shirt coming into impact. What you want to shy away from is the trail arm being stuck behind the body into impact. Allow the proper shift and passive upper half to shallow the club. Take a look at How to Fix Plane and Path.
March 16, 2017
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Asle
This has been my main problem the last 27 years. I also was flipping the L wrist and slicing or pulling the longer clubs. Not very pretty.
January 26, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Asle. I would also suggest taking a look at How to Fix Swing Plane and Path.
January 26, 2017
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Ryan
Is it common for someone working on weight shift and eliminating coming over the top to feel that their hands are very inside of the ball into impact?
November 3, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Ryan. If you are used to feeling over the top you may feel inside with the hands. People that are suffering from being too inside usually start feeling on top of the ball.
November 3, 2016
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Francis
Hi! I tend to slice with a driver but not with short to mid iron. I am able to fix most of the time the slice by proper weight shift but the slice creeps back 30% at a time with driver. What is the problem? Why is it always the driver that causes the slice?
October 12, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Francis. Still sounds like you are coming in a little steep with a lack of release. Keep working on the shift to shallow the path (How to Fix Plane and Path Video). Also, take a look at Stop Slicing and Start Releasing Video.
October 12, 2016
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Juan Jose
Hello! Do you guys think that practicing other sports may affect the golf swing? I usually play squash and I feel that it makes me want to hit the ball with my right arm. Do you think this may be making me come over the top?
July 21, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Juan. Sometimes that can be the case considering you are firing different muscles and using a little more brute force. However, if you are conscience of the fact you are trying not to use them in the golf swing. You should be able to beat it.
July 21, 2016
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Loran
Regarding losing of the angle and upsetting the balance...which occurs first? The squat or the lateral bump? What of the transition? Is that center shift? When does power U come into play?
March 14, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Loan. Take a look at the Redo of Weight Shift Part 1 and Fixing Your Weight Transfer Video. You will shift into a squat. The Power U doesn't really come into play until you squat and start posting up in the release.
March 15, 2016
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Joseph
Craig (since u respond to all), here is my defense: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MFzDaBzBlL0
January 27, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Joseph. It's because they promise to allow me to see the sun once a week if I do . I posted that video on one of the forums this summer in a response to a question. I think this video should be a requirement for some students.
January 27, 2016
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Paul
Hi all, does swinging from the top half/generating power and speed from the arms cause the right/trail side push in the down swing?Cheers, Paul
November 3, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Paul. Typically, if you try to use your top half or shoulders too much as your power source. The trail side will push and the swing will be steep.
November 4, 2015
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Damien
hello I have watched this video and a couple of others such as the "Stop Casting..", my question is that while you are pulling with your left arm are you also actively thinking about maintaining the bend in your right arm and bringing it in front of your body? cheers Damien
September 8, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Damien. In the beginning, focusing solely on the pull of the lead arm and letting the trail arm react is the goal. The trail arm should follow. Only in certain instances does a player have to get down to the nitty gritty and train the trail arm to work in front.
September 8, 2015
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Damien
I think that my trail arm might need some specialist training. It really will not following and I continue to struggle with OTT swings that result in pulls or slices. What would you recommend as the best video to work on this training?
September 8, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Damien. For some trail arm training. Sledgehammer Video, Step by Step Right Arm Drills and Key to Creating Lag.
September 9, 2015
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Damien
Hello Craig I have been working on this a bit over the last few days and what I have found is that I can get the ball to start left, but no matter what I do I can't get it to move back right to left. I saw in one of the other videos that grip tension can stop the hands rotating and releasing properly, is this common, and could it explain what I can't get the ball to draw back? The only time I can get the ball to move right to left is when is do a strong pull to the left, but this is caused by an OTT move and I assume the club face closing down quickly. I feel that I might have a tight grip, I would definitely not describe my grip as loose. Cheers
September 10, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Damien. The typical pro's grip pressure will start at about a 2 and increase to an 8 at impact (1 being the softest). Grip pressure can definitely play a culprit. Have you tried the Day 2 Video in the 9 Days to Amazing Ball Striking Section to get the preferred shot shape not being OTT?
September 10, 2015
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JD
Hey guys. I've been struggling with my shot pattern on my driver. I've seen a lot of teachers recommend hitting balls off your knees. I have not seen this drill on the site. Does RST advocate or approve of this drill?
August 12, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello JD. The Lower Body has a big job to do in the swing. I wouldn't recommend the hitting off your knees because its hard to engage the glutes and use weight shift properly.
August 12, 2015
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Aiya
Hi, I have one question, does the heel stump provide the same effect as the transition? I have the problem to hold my hand not to fire while doing the transition, it's like my brain can not order low body to make a transition but spin the hip is fine. I find it's easier for me to do the lead heel stump. My swing has 2 most critical error 1) can't do the proper transition 2) my wrist release too early, at the top of downswing. I think if i can do proper transition those all errors will be corrected, right? Thanks.
August 12, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Alya. Yes. You can stomp to achieve the same goal. The RST Tempo Drill and the Frisbee Drill will help with both areas regarding the shift and losing of the angle too soon.
August 12, 2015
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Bill
Chuck thanks for the tip. I tend to bring the club to far back. It works well for distance. I get my weight to left side, turn my hips and then turn my shoulders and seeing through the ball. When I try to turn less and elevate more, for some reason I can't move to my left side as well. Chris tells me I have to fix my flaw for improved shots. What to do?
July 22, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Bill. It is odd that the over swinging going back allows you to transfer the weight easier on the downswing rather than keeping the arms more in front. You might use a little transition key to help out. When you over swing your brain might start telling your lower half to get going or you won't get back to the ball. Try the Start the Downswing Before Completing the Backswing in the Weight Transfer Section. This will help tighten up the motion, but also trigger getting back to the lead side earlier.
July 22, 2015
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David
I think how much you guys promote the lead arm is great advice for the better players but for amateurs to turn there trail side off and just use the lead arm in the downswing without getting the right arm in front of the body and releasing it causes a very steep downswing, poor swing path and is hard to compress the ball properly. You need that trail arm in the downswing and this video and many others come across as if you don't?
June 29, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey David. The trail arm by simply being attached to the club and the body transfers energy from the rotating body to the club. It will work far more aggressively in 99% of golfers than they realize. Therefore, Chuck emphasizes the arm that is typically doing less than 10% of the work by most. We have plenty of trail arm videos on the site if you need assistance in understanding how it can work better for you.
June 29, 2015
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JD
Hey guys. Working hard here. A few sessions back, my instructor recommended "Trace the Plane". In that video, Chuck talks about externally rotating the right forearm to get the shaft on top of the plane. In the above video, he talks about that move being the one that gets you over the top. When I worked on the lag and speed drills with each hand independently and 9 to 3 with lag, my ball striking really improved; however, my full swing got long and deep (which it has always been). Now I'm working hard on getting back swing into a better position, which feels very vertical and outside, I'm getting over the elbow plane on the way down. From the new back swing position, I'm slicing my driver, and it feels like I can't get the face square, or hit the ball from the inside. I have watched "Squaring the Face From the Top" and "Knuckles Down Logo Down". I'm a 0 handicap, but hit the ball like a 10 yesterday. I feel like I can't play right now. Help me please. Thanks
June 24, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello JD. You probably are working too much over the plane line make it hard to release the club properly. Like you did with the 9 to 3 Lag Building Drills. Get back to lead arm training. Use the Proper Muscle Activation Video in the Advanced Introduction Section to turn off the trail side. Use good shift to shallow the plane and maintain angle. So, you can release the club.
June 24, 2015
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Loran
The tip is to tuck both elbows in front of the chest, while keeping shoulders leveled? This is more arms than torso or leg, correct?
May 20, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Loan. The arms hang nice and neutrally in front of the body. The key is to shift the weight back to the lead side properly while keeping the trail side passive. Turing the trail side off will allow you to shallow out the swing path with the lead arm. Take a look at Proper Muscle Activation Video in the Introduction Advanced Section and the LADD Video in the Downswing Section for more help.
May 21, 2015
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Mario
I worked pretty hard on using my left side/arm in the downswing while I was on vacation. No doubt - this approach eliminates the slice. However, unless I timed the impact position perfectly, the ball went hard right (I'm right handed). I tried to square the club face with my right hand with limited success. I watched the LADD video which describes how better control of the left elbow/wrist should improve consistency. Is there anything else you would suggest for the issue I described - namely, hitting it hard right when pulling down with the left side?
March 19, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Mario. It sounds like you need to release the club. Now, that the left arm is pulling down and you are working on plane. The club face needs to continue to rotate. Take a look at the 5 Minutes to the Perfect Release and the Vijay Release Drill. Downswing and Advanced Downswing Section.
March 19, 2015
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Marco
This slice is absolutely killing me, any other videos to watch?
March 11, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Marco. The Ladd Video in the Downswing Section. Over the Top Stick Drill in the Advanced Downswing Section. Proper Muscle Activation Video in the Advanced Introduction Section.
March 11, 2015
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Jim
Excellent instruction. And Thanks to Aaron Mannes who did my last swing review. He really nailed it! Great feedback! Jim Wilson, Toronto
February 25, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jim. Thank you. I will pass the good word to Aaron. Happy to see you are enjoying the swing reviews.
February 25, 2015
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Jerry
WOW! Best explanation I have ever heard. Been struggling to learn a consistent swing for nearly 5 years. I have always excelled in sports (basketball, tennis, volleyball, etc..) started playing golf at age 45. I could "hit" just enough good shots to make me think I was on the right track. After just a few drills I can already feel what it means to "swing" a golf club. If I could hit 1 out of 5 275 yds, look out when I learn how to swing!
February 22, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Great Jerry. Thanks for the post on good news! Keep it Up!
February 23, 2015
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Earl
Hi chuck and co, I have been a golf addict for 25 yrs and have recently joined your community and I think your instruction is simply fantastic, I have learned more about the swing in 2 months from you guys than the previous 25 yrs, I am working on the left hand release at the moment and striking it better than ever. I'm confident I'm going to break par soon. Thank you- earl owen - jhb South Africa
January 8, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Earl. Fantastic. Thank you for the post and appreciate the compliments of the site. We are happy to see you are improving. Get under par!
January 8, 2015
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Andre
I have alway's heard that your hips should lead the swing but wow following the instruction of this video and making that initial weight transfer left, over my ankles, before opening my hips not only makes the downswing effortless I found aids in helping keeping the downswing on plane..Amazing. Thanks.
December 16, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Andre. The hips do have a job on the downswing, but without the weight transfer to the lead side. All they do is inhibit swing plane and proper impact when used incorrectly.
December 16, 2014
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Dan
I've watched all of the videos right through to the follow through and have put in a lot of practice time with excellent results with my irons (club head speed, distance ect...) but the first time I tried to apply it all to the driver it felt awkward. I was still hitting weak fades/slices. Is there any tips or videos that help with the driver specifically? I know it's the "same swing" but I just feel awkward and a little out of control.
November 30, 2014
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R.J. (Certified RST Instructor)
Dan, How long is your driver? If you got it off the shelf or from an online store, it's likely that your driver is 45.5" - 46.5" long. This is simply too long for most golfers, even professionals. You should consider using a driver that is 44" if you're feeling like you're out of control when using the driver, but not when you use other clubs. Although it is true that the longer a club is, the more club head speed that you can get with the same swing, it is also true that the longer the club is, the harder it is to hit the ball consistently on the same spot in the face. Converting club head speed to ball speed is what really matters. The accuracy, smash factor and consistency gains from using a shorter driver will always out gain the benefit of generating faster club head speeds from using a longer driver, unless you're Iron Byron, then you could use up to the USGA regulation limit of 48" R.J.
November 30, 2014
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thomas
What does it mean when the club on the down swing flattens out or shallows out.
October 24, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Thomas. The club flattens out on the swing plane. Think of Hogans sheet of glass for plane. Not our ideal plane for RST, but use for imagery. If the club begins to work below the sheet of glass it is flattening or shallowing out. If it start to work above it into the ball. It would be working in steep and over the top. Take a look at the Ladd Video in the Downswing Section for more information on shallowing out with the lead arm.
October 24, 2014
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Jim
You emphasize weight shift, how does that relate to hip spinners? Are hip spinners shifting their weight too soon?
October 22, 2014
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R.J. (Certified RST Instructor)
Jim, Hip spinners are shifting their weight properly, most of the time, however, they do not decelerate their hips leading into impact so they never transfer energy up the chain and get their arms stuck behind them. R.J.
October 22, 2014
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Gary
made myself a bag to strike and straight away I realised that I have been coming over the top for a long time. I shall ingrain the feeling needed by using my bag as much as possible . the effect improved my golf today so much , unfortunately the game was halted after 6 holes because of lightning . Cant wait to get back out as I have had 4 terrible games before this outing. should have made a bag , or bought one years ago.
October 13, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Gary. The impact bag is a great tool for the golf swing. One we highly recommend to all of our members. Get that swing on plane!
October 13, 2014
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Hilmar
This explains a lot about the path that my club takes through the ball. I do find myself coming over the top from time to time, especially when hitting the 3-wood or driver, because I want to get speed into my swing. Are there any drills specifically to get used to the feeling of coming inside-out more with the longer clubs? I do feel already a lot more in control of my shots with the shorter irons, because of all the repetitions (recommended after my first swing review).
September 30, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Hilmar. Use the Ladd Video in the Downswing Section to help shallow out. Also, the Re-Shaping Your Swing for Lag Video Lead Arm Only in the Introduction Section. And, finally the Proper Muscle Activation Video in the Advanced Introduction Section.
September 30, 2014
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simon
hi, should i feel like im holding club more in left hand in order to get the feeling it is dominating my swing and the right hands more passive?
September 9, 2014
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james (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Simon, You want to go through this drill in order to help you to shallow out your swing plane by the pulling of the left arm and the weight shift back to the left side. Drill just the left arm to help you get that shallower swing plane instead of dominating with the right arm - we need to learn to use the left arm to control our shots
September 9, 2014
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simon
hi, since correcting my backswing plane, i have notices on video and by ball flight that i am coming over the top. actually playing well and hit 15 greens in reg today with no destructive shots. getting a fade, bad shot over fade. your video above makes sense of course. if i pull with the left arm i stop coming over the top. would i need to bow my wrist on backswing and downswing in order to maintain a fade. I really do not want to have a snap hook as my bad shot. Would bowing my wrists avoid that. Sorry to ask a long question.
September 4, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Simon. You need to control the face with the lead wrist, but I don't think you need to work a double bowing position back a through. Take a look at the Bonus Series - 9 Days to Amazing Ball Striking Section - Day 3, 7 to learn how to hit the controlled fade.
September 4, 2014
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John
Hi do we actually pull the club with the arm after the weight transfer? Or should the speed of the club be generated by straightening the left leg? Or is it both?
August 31, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello John. Take a look at the LADD Video and the Stop Coming Over the Top Video in this section to train the lead arm pull.
September 1, 2014
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Steven
I'm trying to get the hang of starting the downswing with the weight shift left. I'm starting to get the hang of it with irons but still hopeless with my driver. The ones I do hit straight are very low…feels like I'm hitting down on the ball with my driver. Distance is maxing out at about 200 yards too. Is this a common result?
August 13, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Steven. Try some setup adjustments with the driver. Take a look at the Driver Setup Adjustments Video in the Advanced Setup Section. And, the Driver Launch Angle in the Bomb Your Driver Series (Bonus Section).
August 13, 2014
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david
Hi Chuck so what's the conclusion to the story? The left side pulls everything through? So what happens to the right hand?
August 6, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello David. The conclusion is for people that come over the top. Would love to be on plane or even miss under the plane. Using the weight shift, lead side, and gravity properly will shallow out the shaft plane. The right arm steepens the shaft plane too much for the majority of golfer. However, it does add speed. Learn to get on plane first, then work on adding the speed later.
August 6, 2014
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Jason
I am trying to internalize this, and want to make sure that I have this correct. Can you please tell me if he is saying that we should feel as if the left arm is doing most of the work and the right armis there for the ride, i.e. feel like the left is dominant? He also states that using the left side and the weight shift shallows the plane-- if this is case wouldn't be a double wammy and cause a very shallow plane. Really looking to know where the balance is here?
August 1, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jason. Yes, the lead side. The weight shift, gravity and the left arm will be doing the majority of the work. You could use it to actually start coming under the plane. However, for some people that really struggle coming over the top. The exaggeration will help get them closer to the happy medium. They need to feel the exact opposite. If someone was under plane. They typically would be over doing the left side. To hone in the skill take a look at the LADD Video in the Downswing Section.
August 1, 2014
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Freddy
"Arch-----Ankle" ….has become my last swing thought as I come to the ball. And I finally broke 100 on a really difficult course. For so long, my focus has been on getting the swing started at top with my arms. Since being on the RS site, I can now see why that doesn't work. I'm starting to re-build my swing from the ground --- up. I've had some success by simply remembering to feel/load my Right ARCH in the backswing, and shifting to the Left ANKLE before starting downswing. Less is more: I'm working on letting the right arm become more passive. Wow, that is a tough one. Left arm drills are helping immensely. Still trying to determine when the wrists can begin to hinge during the backswing….
July 19, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Fred. Glad you are enjoying the site. Two things to help you with your game. In the backswing, the weight will shift into the right heel/glute. Instead of arch and ankle. "Heel to heel" or "glute to glute" might help get the weight transfer even more efficient. And simpler to think about. Also, with hinge in the backswing. The set is very gradual. 25% of the wrist set is in Takeaway because we are 25% through the swing. Take a look at the 5 Mins to Perfect TW in the Takeaway Section about 22 minutes into the video. You don't want too much hinge at the beginning or it will tend to shut the club. The right wrist won't hinge until very late. It will feel like flipping coin over your shoulder.
July 19, 2014
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don
Hi question: In this video Chuck wants us to shift weight first, which I know is the proper sequence, are we sitting in the left side as specified in other video? or is sitting into the left side an over exaggeration used to help golfers feel the weight shift more? and in fact, all we want is a weight shift? Im confused. I believe sitting into the left is what we want as we are also feeling the weight in our left flute and heel and we are squatting a little (not really but on our backswing our left knee moves towards the right foot and we are putting it back to where it was at address.) thanks
June 24, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Don. Yes, its the weight shift is what we are looking for. The left leg will externally rotate back to a neutral position as it was moved back on our backswing. Then, settling into the left glute.
June 24, 2014
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David
Ok I am a incredibly right arm dominate player and the only way to use my left arm more dominate is to grip the left hand more than my right, is this incorrect? Please help.
April 30, 2014
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Hi David, that is more of a quick fix and you should really spend some time training one arm at at time with the entire function of them in the entire swing. The throw the ball drill will show you the right arm stays passive and just add the thrust to the release at the bottom of the arc.
April 30, 2014
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Michael
I have attempted the drills and adjustments to the swing but it has resulted in minor to hard pulls in the majority of swings. Is this a result of an ineffective or improperly executed weight shift to the left?
April 13, 2014
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Tim (Certified RST Instructor)
Michael, it's difficult to diagnose without seeing a video of your swing (have you sent in a video for a swing review yet?). Hard pulls usually are a result of the lower body not properly shifting to the left which then decelerates the hips and torso giving the club something to release against. If you attempted to throw a ball forward and you did not let the left foot plant first, you would most likely throw the ball straight into the ground which is the same thing as hitting a hard pull to the left in a golf swing.
April 13, 2014
1.1 Introduction to The GOAT Code 1.2 The GOAT Delivery Position (GDP) 1.3 The GOAT Grip 1.4 The GOAT Setup 1.5 GOAT Ball Position 1.6 Trail Hand Putting Drill 1.7 Tiger Woods Tee Drill 1.8 Add Lead Hand to Putting Stroke 1.9 Skills Assessment Challenge: Putting
2.1 Trail Hand Chipping Stroke 2.2 Trail Hand Ripper Chip 2.3 Add Lead Hand to Chipping Stroke 2.4 Progressive Drill to Add Lead Hand 2.5 Add Lead Hand to Ripper Chip 2.6 Clubface is KING 2.7 Skills Assessment Challenge: Chipping
3.1 Transferring Power from the Core to the Hand 3.2 The GOAT Pitch Shot 3.3 Pitch Shot Starting Line Drill 3.4 Fundamentals of Compression 3.5 Skills Assessment Challenge: Pitching
4.1 Core Activation - Chair Drill 4.2 Core Activation - Medicine Ball Throws 4.3 Core Activation - Slam Ball 4.4 Core Activation - Punching Bag Power 4.5 20 Yard Wedge Shot Basics 4.6 Skills Assessment Challenge: 20 Yard Shots 4.7 40 Yard Wedge Shots - The Magic! 4.8 GOAT Power Sequence 4.9 The GOAT Drill 4.10 The GOAT Takeaway 4.11 The GOAT 9 to 3 Drill
Webinar 1: The Core Webinar 2: Core Power & Putting Webinar 3 - Compression & Clubface Control Webinar 4 - Fascia & Effortless Power
Squish the Bug for Effortless Power - Pt 3 of 3 The GOAT Release The GOAT Release Intro - Endless Conveyor Belt GOAT Code Secret to Effortless Power - Pt 1 of 4 GOAT Code Effortless Power - Head Movement - Pt 2 of 4 GOAT Code Effortless Power - Using Your Head - Pt 3 of 4 GOAT Code Effortless Power - Take it to the Course - Pt 4 of 4

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