Losing the Tush Line

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One of the most common questions I get regularly is how to stop losing the tush line, or stop standing up and losing the spine angle through impact. This video shows you how to fix it.

  • A lot of golfers move their hips forward, away from the "tush line" during the downswing - hip spinning is usually to blame
  • Fix the problem by squatting at the top of the downswing to increase angles & anchor you to the ground
  • A RotaryConnect can also help you learn not to bring the right knee in
  • Drill: Go to the top of the swing, squat into the left side, come down into impact & check alignment

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Chad
When I squat my tush line stays right on the line and my swing plane looks great, but I feel like I"m falling backwards, and in some cases I do fall back after I hit the ball, I'm' assuming I need to counter balance and lower my upper body over ball but not sure?
May 5, 2021
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Chad. You may be on the back heels too much during squat. Also, the spine angle should decrease when posting, or keeping you down. Take a look at You Hit the Golf Ball with Your Legs and Clamshell Drill.
May 5, 2021
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THOMAS
I can't compliment this video enough...and all of the videos on maintaining spine tilt... and the benefits of using the Rotary Connect relentlessly with the legs to ingrain the motion ... incorporating the squat... preserving the tush line... and stabilizing that downswing motion. I'm 66 and still need to work on activating the obliques and the psoas to do their job pulling me through. I ask the group ...."will the unprogramming from a life of swinging wrong ever cease?"
November 23, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Thomas. It will cease. But, us golfers always find something we need to tweak. Glad you like the video and the connect is really helping.
November 23, 2020
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Olav
Post up
May 11, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Olav. Drills are looking pretty good. Just make sure you have enough weight on lead side at post. Trail foot looks slightly flat.
May 12, 2020
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Olav
Thanks you are right the trail foot looks a little flat to me as well. If I make weight transfer a little bit more forward and pull/push a little more that should lift the trail heel?
May 12, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Olav. Yes. It usually means you need a little more weight transfer.
May 12, 2020
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Olav
Hi I attendet the Bootcamp 5 and had a great time. I am still struggling with maintaining the Tush line and have a couple of quistions regarding that. 1) During the backswing the hips moves lateral and back, will that not make the head move a little down, when the right hip is moving back? 2) From the backswing to squat to square, should the rear maintain the Tush line all the time during that movement, it is like a rolling/rotating movement? 3) At postup the left hip is pushed up and pulled back at the same time penetrating the Tush line, how about the right hip, does it maintain the position from squat to square or can it move a little forward? I have uploaded 3 pic. from a video showing setup, backswing and postup. The camera angle is not perfect down the line, thats why the gab between the knees. I have placed at wooden stick, to be able to check the Tush Line is maintained when practicing, but it does not check the right hip at post up.
May 11, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Olay. The head may move slightly, but you shouldn't see a big drop/sway forward. Make sure you are using the core to rotate and not lead shoulder push. Depending on how much hip rotation you need for full shoulder turn the trail hip may leave tush ever so slightly from the rail going back, but both cheeks firmly against when squatting to square. The trail hip will follow during post. It will be hard to keep it exactly on the rail/tush.
May 12, 2020
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Kevin
Setup photo - sorry Craig for the 3 posts. All from the same shot where I hit a solid block with a 7 iron
August 3, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Kevin. If you ground the club from there you may end up a hair close to it. After grounding the club I would check your distance. How Far to Stand from the Golf Ball Video. You may tend to get them a little underneath. Hard to tell. Have you sent in a video for review?
August 3, 2019
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Kevin
Thanks Craig - apologize I thought the club was grounded. I submitted a few reviews and it was mentioned by RJ my chin was in my chest in an earlier video. I’ll review the setup videos again and double check myself in a mirror
August 3, 2019
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Kevin
Photo attached
August 3, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Kevin. I replied below.
August 3, 2019
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Kevin
I’m struggling coming off the tush line as I start down still and moving toward the ball. Wondering if I need to stand closer to the ball / more hip bend or make some setup changes to support this?
August 3, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Kevin. I don't believe you need to stand closer to the ball. But, you are swinging the arms a little deep across the chest to the top. It seems some of your issue maybe your brain think you need the extra trail side push to help get the arms/club back in front.
August 3, 2019
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Kevin
Clubshaft parrallel for the comment below - head has t moved in much at this point
October 25, 2020
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Kevin
Just revisiting this post a year later because I’m noticing the head moving into the ball again but maintain the tush line up to the top much better but still have to come out of posture to hit the ball. I wonder if the hands are working too far away in the takeaway causing me to lose balance and move out toward my toes - would more of inside hand path / keep clubhead outside help or is this still an arm depth issues? Thanks Craig
October 25, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Kevin. The takeaway came out a little, but not that much. However, if you swing the hands out you will more than likely start to over correct by pushing them back deep. Still a combo of hands/arms for your depth issue. However, go to the self analysis and look at Chuck's swing with the Connect on. You can see because the hands a little more in the swing easily moved into the vertical position.
October 25, 2020
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Kevin
Hi Craig - I took a look at the swing analyzer per your suggestion and noticed something much different in the takeaway compared to Chucks rotary connect swing. Chucks hands appear to move away closer to the trail thigh (clubhead stays out) and under the shaft plane line while mine work above it. Obviously at the top things are quite different as well - his left arm shaft plane matches the shaft plane line while mine is lower (variable for RST). Curious to get your thoughts on the takeaway difference?
October 26, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Kevin. The connect really helped Chuck concentrate on rotation moving the arms back and a little camera angle. That is the reason I told you to watch. Rotate and slight elevation versus early over cook.
October 26, 2020
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Kevin
Thanks Craig Ill play around in the mirror with it more - I thought the camera angle was a little off as well - he looks setup closed and/or I'm still setting up with my shoulders open. Appreciate all of your help and fast responses while I work on this
October 26, 2020
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James
In watching a recording of my swing I seem to begin losing the tush line at the top of the backswing. But it doesn’t seem like my weight has moved to toes. Why might I already be losing tush line in backswing? I appear to almost be standing up a bit, but not sure why... Also from down the line my trail leg straightens during the transition. That seems like a problem too, but I do not know why.
July 7, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello James. I would work on making sure you are loading the glute properly (Load Right Leg Video). Then, make sure you aren't rotating out of a proper shoulder plane and compensating by moving the tush forward (Golf Backswing Shoulder Plane Drill Video).
July 7, 2019
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Doug
I bought a rotary connect last night and looking forward to delivery. My question is, I've been told that the hip turn with speed is the source of power in golf. With the chair drill I fell like I am stalling my turn and throwing my hands at the ball. Using the pull method, do you encourage your students to pull the club back with the right shoulder blade for the take away and pull with the left shoulder blade to bring the club through or should I feel like I am pulling with my hips to pull the club through? To keep my tush on the chair in the chair drill, my sensations are all jacked up!
June 24, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Doug. You are tending to push a little with your trail foot. Take a look at the Role of the Right Foot Video. Nevertheless, pull with trail shoulder back and use the legs to pull the swing into impact. Take a look at a few videos for me. Step 2 - Core Rotation, Throw the Club Head at the Golf Ball and Arms vs Body Release.
June 24, 2019
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Frank
I am not sure why but am finding that keeping hands in front of my chest helps keep tush line.
May 18, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Frank. Means you aren't chasing the arms and club everywhere with excessive body motion.
May 18, 2019
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dan
Craig- on video I notice my tush line is maintained on the takeaway to 9 o’clock, my tush comes towards the ball slightly as I continue to the top. From the top it seems I again come slightly forward into impact and as a result can get a little jammed up. Any idea what would typically cause this? I can’t feel it but I see it on video.
April 14, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Dan. Sounds like you are pushing with your lead side as you reach the top versus loading the glute properly and maintaining proper shoulder plane. Focus on How to Swing from the Ground Up and Golf Backswing Shoulder Plane. Take those moves and do some Step 2 - Core Rotation Drills. If you (minus club and arms) don't have an issue maintaining tush. The you know you are over using your arms and not keeping good mechanics with your shift/rotation.
April 15, 2019
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dan
Thanks ,Craig . I can maintain tushline w no club or arms. I’m right handed playing lefty- maybe my lead arm is pushing...also I do notice my shoulders turn on a flatter plane (likely too flat)once I add the club. That lead shoulder gets into my chin at the top. Appreciate the suggestions
April 15, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Dan. It may be attributed to lead shoulder push. You need to work on making sure the arms only work on the vertical dimension. Pushing with the Left Side and 4 Square Drill Video as you rotate around the spine - Golf Backswing Shoulder Plane Drill.
April 16, 2019
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Michael
Craig, I have always had a huge problem with losing the tush line. Your recent swing review instructing me to reduce my excessive knee bend at set-up has also resulted in a much easier time maintaining the tush line (because my tush starts off in a more appropriate place to begin with). I post this comment in case others may have the same issue, but not have considered it as a possible root cause for losing their tush line.
January 25, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Michael. Great. And, thanks for the post. Always helpful for other members to share their experiences.
January 25, 2019
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Anthony
Craig, I have been working on maintaining the tush line following my last video review with you and have reviewed the relevant video. It seems to me that I lose the tush line if my right leg (trailing) is straight at impact but not if it maintains some flex at impact. Would I be on the right track?
January 20, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Anthony. If the trail leg is completely straight you will tend to see trail side push. Leading to loss of tush. Focus on the lead oblique pulling the hips clear and trail leg remaining passive. The trail leg should still be close to the same amount of flexion at setup into impact.
January 20, 2019
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Anthony
Craig, I am still trying to get to grips with the 'tush line' issue. Can you tell me what causes the loss of TL, is it the right hip / glute not turning enough into impact therefore coming out of posture or something else. Also, what are the consequences of losing the TL. Cheers.
January 30, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Anthony. Take a look at Eliminating Early Extension. The trail hip/foot push too hard towards the ball in the downswing. Causing loss of posture/spine angle. The weight will also tend to go towards the balls of the feet.
January 30, 2019
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Juan Jose
Hi Anthony, quick questions. Where on my feet should I feel my weight during (a) setup, (b) top of the backswing (c) impact. Is it more towards the heel regardless of club?
May 17, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Juan. The goal is center of the ankle joint. The feeling will be a little more towards the heel. You want to shy away from the toes. Regardless of the club.
May 17, 2019
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Bradley
Quinten Talks about make a squat move, however, when he makes a swing at the beginning or during a video lesson, I don't see him doing a squat. His head does not move down?
January 7, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Bradley. Chuck does add squat to his swing. The amount does vary depending on the shot. Sometimes it won't be very visual vertical drop wise. But, I can assure you he is squatting and engaging the glutes.
January 7, 2019
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Matthias
Since I also struggle with maintaining the tush line I have some questions and need for clarification. Here is what I've understood so far: On top of the backswing the hips are open 45° and the shoulder has turned 90°. The downswing is initiated and only driven by the lower body. NOW I learned instead of spinning/turning the hips in the downswing (what for me has been a active lower body movement) I have to squat and square the hips while shifting weight onto the left foot (favoring the heel). What I noticed recently is: when I have squatted down and squared the hips and then ONLY straighten my left leg in order to post up my hip rotates automatically 45° AND I am able to hold the tushline (at least in slow motion). As soon as I start turning the hips actively in the dowswing - I lose the tush line. Long story short I conclude that in the entire downswing I must not turn my hips actively and rather do this: squat and square the hips while shifting weight over the left foot --> straighten left leg to post up --> release with the hands. Is this what I am supposed to do or feel in order to do it correctly? Sorry for the long post but since all is connected...
December 12, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Matthias. Some players tend to under use their hips. What is sounds like to me is that you tend to over use your hips actively, or push from the trail hip. If you squat to square and transfer the weight to the lead side correctly. Followed by a good post up. The hips will rotate and clear properly to trigger the release. It sounds to me you are on the proper path to curing your tush line issue and make the swing dynamics more efficient.
December 12, 2018
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Paul
If you experience a slight "squat" in the back-swing weight transfer (planing the right heal), is that a bad thing?
September 26, 2018
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Howard (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Paul. A slight squat is much preferable to the knee straightening in the backswing for sure. Exaggerating the ‘sitting’ motion helps to really activate the right glute. A good goal would be to maintain neutral joint alignment all the way to the top; back of the knee in line with the center of the ankle.
September 26, 2018
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Corby
I'm convinced this move is integral to the swing. Thus my frustration in having so much problem with it. When I practice/drill this move, my swing gets very steep. I no longer take a divot but dig a hole (a bit of hyperbole, but trying to make a point). Any suggestions on how to do this move, AND shallow out the swing instead of making it too steep?
June 6, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Corby. Combine the Chair Drill Video and Step 4 - Add the Lead Arm. Done properly. Better tush and shallow path.
June 6, 2018
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Frank
Thanks for adding the video practice points. These are very helpful. Good addition!
May 19, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Frank. Thanks for the post. Glad you like the addition.
May 20, 2018
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Nick
I was analyzing Rory's swing to see how he does with maintaining his tush line and he doesn't maintain it at all in the downswing. Rory is one of the best ball strikers around so I would be interested to hear your thoughts on how he hits the ball so well but doesn't maintain the tush line.
April 25, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Nick. Are you sure that still is from a proper camera angle? I checked online. Looks pretty solid on the sequence I checked.
April 25, 2018
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Nick
That was from a swing filmed on the Konica Minolta swing vision.
April 25, 2018
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Nick
Here's another swing analyzed from here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Olq8XWAHII4 Losing the tush line again.
April 25, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Nick. The still is great. You can tell the processing. I'm more referring the the angle of the camera. It looks a little bit off to the side. If you have the video. I will be happy to look and make sure it's not an optical illusion.
April 25, 2018
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Erinn
I assume keeping the tush line and spine angle are to be maintained for the driver and woods as well?
April 10, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Erinn. Definitely.
April 10, 2018
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Erinn
I have a problem with transition. I get to the top of my backswing and my first moves is with my hands that (stand the club up vertical, pull down on the handle). Are there any drills you recommend that can help this. I have been with rotary for over a year and still cannot get rid of this Hitch move with my hands wrist as i call it. Thanks.
April 18, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Erinn. It is imperative that your cure this move with the body only first. Have you filmed, or looked at yourself performing Step 2 - Core Rotation? That would be my first place to start.
April 18, 2018
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Erinn
I just sent a video in for review for you to see
April 18, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Erinn. Would you like me to perform the review?
April 18, 2018
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Erinn
Craig, I just uploaded the new video for your review. Thanks.
April 20, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Erinn. Okay. I will try and get to it today.
April 20, 2018
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Erinn
Yes please
April 18, 2018
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Erinn
thanks for the review Craig. I would like to point out that the face on video you have is from last September and I have made some changes since then. Also the driver video is from last June, I just wanted you to see the "hitch" I was talking about. However, I do see your point with my weight shift and have to work on that. My feeling is every time I concentrate on the weight shift to the trail heel (like I do without a club and my arms folded) I feel like I am so far off the ball that I can never get the club head back. Although I think by shifting the weight back forward and sitting in to the front side (instead of rotating/ripping open my upper body), the club will get back to the ball with less effort. I will send some more videos in for you. Thanks!
April 19, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Erinn. Exactly. Most people don't shift enough for fear of too much movement. If we do it with the lower half and keep the upper half stable. All will be well.
April 20, 2018
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joe
I've been using this drill in the past week and I think it has uncovered a couple errors in my swing. 1. I was standing up in the downswing and my butt would move toward the ball. I'm correcting that. Focusing on the weight through the ankle helps achieve the right balance point. 2. The second move to correct is when I begin the release the club and post up with my left leg. It appears that my left hip should move back (away form ball) more than it does up to keep the tush line at impact. Is that correct?
March 20, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Joe. Sounds like you are on the road to recovery. Notes look pretty good. I would suggest a supplemental video (You Hit the Golf Ball With Your Legs) to see how the post up actually helps with spine angle.
March 20, 2018
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joe
I have a question about the shoulder movement at the initiation of the down swing. Both squat to square and tush line drills indicate that the shoulders do move at the initiation of the down swing. this seems logical because at the top of the backswing the hip shoulder differential is maxed out. One of the earlier videos indicates that at the completion of the back swing the shoulders should not unwind. this would suggest a weight shift first before shoulder movement. The squat to square indicates the weight shift + shoulder turn + hip turn happen at the same time ( hips & shoulders keep a 45 degree differential during the squat). Can you clarify which is correct movement at initiation of downswing?
March 15, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Joe. The shifting of the weight and pull to the lead side will start to square the shoulders. The key is not too allow them to unwind too quickly. The feeling of keeping your back to the target as you shift. After a full shift and hip rotation it will be impossible to not let them move. Swing from the ground up and not the top down. As you start learning how to generate a lot of lag. The weight shift will being slightly before completing the backswing to help with downcock.
March 15, 2018
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TERRENCE
I have a bulging disk in my back. It has been treated and the pain is reduced to mild. However, it has caused me to straighten up (lose my tush line) at impact. I know it's more mental than physical but what can you recommend to help me overcome this tendency to try and "protect my back"?
July 24, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Terrence. I would focus on some slow drilling of the Chair Drill Video.
July 24, 2017
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Tom
Hello I am confused with the "loosing our tush line teaching" when comparing with "you hit the ball with your legs" I thought that your teaching is to straighten the LEFT leg which brings the club down Do you "squat" FIRST THEN straighten the left leg ( pushing the left hip back and up) Is the "squat" to increase the flex of the LEFT leg to increase the straightening of the LEFT leg ? with much appreciation Tom Lawson Columbus Ohio thomaswalawson@gmai.com
April 22, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Tom. You squat and then post up. The purpose of the squat isn't so much too increase a ton of knee flexion. There will be a little. But, more to load the glutes to stabilize the hips and have engagement to pull leverage from the ground when posting up.
April 22, 2017
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Rich
What I get from this is that the squat move I may have been doing wrong. I have been bending my knees but in a way that gets more weight towards my toes. At about 1:31, Chuck shows a squat that pushes the tush out a little more, which when I do it seems to keep my weigh back more towards my heels. Am I getting this video point correct?
April 5, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Rich. Yes, the butt will actually go back more and you want to shy away from excessive knee bend putting the weight towards the toes.
April 6, 2017
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Yi
I have a question: when we say losing the tush line due to early extension, normally it is the trail leg pushing up toward the ball, as Chuck demonstrated in this video. This can be dealt with once you keep a quiet trailing knee and the tilt angle during early stage of downswing. My question is, at the impact you have to push to straighten the lead leg, with a heightened lead shoulder, is it possible to lose the tush line on the leading side, since at that time the trailing side is already "lost" anyway. Do we need to worry about it?
February 17, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Yi. If you are clearing the lead hip and posting properly. You actually will maintain spine angle better and stay away from early extension. Take a look at You Hit the Golf Ball with Your Legs.
February 18, 2017
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Robert
Is it possible to use the rep tracker for the many RST drills within each 5-Step area or can it only be used for the 5-Step "Drill Only" videos? Thx.
February 10, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Robert. Drill Only Videos right now. We are seeing that it has turned out to be a popular item. We might be adding more in the future.
February 10, 2017
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Dean
I have studied the guidance and drills for not losing the tush line and I am still unable to do it. I have been a 0 hdcp for 20 yrs. Maybe its overrated? Maybe 50 yrs of doing it is too much to overcome?Maybe at age 64 I lack the needed flexibility? What do you see as the main key for success? Practicing the drills? Help !
January 26, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Dean. Early Extension is hard to overcome. However, it can be accomplished. You have to stop using brute force or the trail side for too much power. I would combine Step 2 - Core Rotation with the Chair Drill. I wouldn't even worry about swinging a club until you can move the body properly. Then, work your way through the 5 Step without adding the extra push.
January 27, 2017
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Steve
After my first swing review, Patrick advised that I was losing the tush line and that I should work on the drills in this video. I'm working on this and it's taking some time to get comfortable with the squat. I find myself wondering how my pelvis should be moving in the swing and this drill. When I "lose the tush line" clearly there is too much posterior pelvic tilt. While integrating the squat, should I feel as if I am increasing my anterior pelvic tilt in order to push the tush back to the tush line?
January 22, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Steve. That sounds a little complicated to try and manipulate the pelvic tilt during the transition. I would focus on proper shifting first (Sitting Into the Left Side Video). Then, use the back of a chair or couch. Place your butt checks along the back and when sitting into the lead side. Make sure you still feel the cheeks staying against the edge. Only when posting up should the trail cheek leave the edge a little.
January 23, 2017
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dean
oh, I see that my question was previously answered--hips are 45 degrees at impact, and that means the right hip does move off the "tush line". thanks
January 19, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Dean. That is correct. Glad you found the answer.
January 19, 2017
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dean
I'm a little confused--aren't the hips supposed to be forward 45 degrees at point of impact and the SHOULDERS squared to target line. Or are the hips supposed to be squared at target line too?
January 19, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Dean. See above.
January 19, 2017
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Dean
IWatch slow mo of professional golfers and I see their lower body and back turned dramatically to the left at impact, which seems contradictory to your advice of belt buckle and buttons facing the ball at impact. See McElroy. Can you address this?
January 14, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Dean. The belt buckle drill is for extreme hip spinners. It is a drill to slow the hips and not a perfect impact. At impact the hips will be open 35-45 degrees. Take a look at Step 2 - Core Rotation or You Hit the Golf Ball with Your Legs.
January 15, 2017
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Dean
That's fine if you have a rotary connect gizmo. Can the same thing work if you don't?
January 14, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Dean. You don't have to have a rotary connect. Try stabilizing the lower body better with Squat to Square or setup with you "butt" against the back edge of a chair. And, make sure when posting the lead stays connected and the trail hip doesn't move too far away.
January 15, 2017
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Deborah
Correction, when my left leg is straightened at impact and my glutes are contracted, I lose my tush line and my body moves away from the ball. I can maintain the tush line up until impact by sitting into my left side. What am I missing?
January 12, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Deborah. See my post below. Chuck will give you a visual in that video.
January 13, 2017
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Deborah
I'm still having a problem understanding how to maintain the tush line at impact when you have a straight left left and contracted glutes. I can maintain the tush line until impact. When is straighten my left leg, my tush line moves up and towards the ball. What am I missing?
January 12, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Deborah. Take a look at You Hit the Golf Ball with Your Legs. When posting with the lead glute it should be moving behind you as well as maintaining spine angle.
January 13, 2017
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Deborah
At impact, on a dtl view, is the tush line still maintained or (with the left leg being straight at impact) does the tush line come closer to the ball?
January 11, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Deborah. The tush line should still be maintained. The trail glute (butt check) will come away from the tush line slightly. But, the lead should still be good.
January 12, 2017
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claudio
Is losing the tush line one of the causes for shanking? I use to shank the ball quite often and it looks like this maybe my fault. Thanks
November 1, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Claudio. Without a doubt losing the tush line can cause shanking. Take a look at How to Cure the Shanks in 3 Steps and the Chair Drill.
November 2, 2016
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sambhu
Is the squat move pronounced or subtle? In this video Chuck is very aggressive sitting onto his left heel but his real swing shown at the start of all videos hardly shows any squatting .. He even alludes to it being subtle in another video
September 22, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Sambhu. The squat is more subtle. Not a massive drop. In this video, the move is shown exaggerated to view for demonstration purposes.
September 22, 2016
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Stan
When you are sitting into the left side with the squat is most of your weight over the lead leg automatically or do you still have to transfer some weight until you can post up?
July 25, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Stan. You need to pull the weight over and sit into the lead side with your squat. You have to transfer weight before posting up. Take a look at Fixing Your Weight Transfer, Preventing Hip Pain and You Hit the Golf Ball With Your Legs.
July 25, 2016
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Daniel
is this squat move for all clubs including driver? Dan
July 23, 2016
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Daniel, yes, you should keep all the movements consistent from one club to the next.
July 25, 2016
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William
I am a bit confused on how to develop speed with this move. I had thought that speed was developed by the core (i.e. hips) turning thru the ball in a tight pivot. This move of squatting indicates that speed comes from a different area. Is it the arms that develop speed, or is it the lead oblique as referenced in some of the other comments below? How is that one of these other areas is superior to the hips for speed and power?
March 5, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello William. Speed comes from all sorts of different places. Lag and Release (60%), Weight Shift (14.4%), Leverage from the ground, hip rotation, etc... Squatting will help you engage the glutes to stabilize the hips and pull leverage from the ground. Coming into impact the hips will still be open 35-45 degrees. But, need to be pulled by the lead oblique. Take a look at Rotating Body versus Release to understand why you solely don't want to rely on rotation or hips only. Also, take a look at the Acceleration Profile Sequence and the Perfecting Lower Body Stability Video.
March 5, 2016
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Michael
I always fail to keep the tush line (especially through impact) and working on the squat move was only partially successful. But I had an "aha" moment this week after working on some advice from Craig on another topic. I realized that after the squat move, I was not using my lead oblique to pull the hips open--any hip turn was probably coming from a right side hip push. Now that I am pulling with the lead oblique I found that when my lead hip pulls back it helps keep my spine angle and I stay on (or at least a lot closer) to the tush line. Just wanted to share this in case it helps others.
February 29, 2016
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sambhu
Michael..how does one pull when your body is moving at 100 mph? Does the hip bump automatically cause the pull from left side?
October 4, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Michael. Thanks for sharing. You are exactly right about the cause and effect of lead oblique pull. You need to pull the lead oblique and hip away from the target to help not push the trail hip towards the ball.
February 29, 2016
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Rob
I do not see the rotary connect tool offered on the website. I am missing where it is listed? I would like to add this to my golf equipment. Rob
February 9, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Rob. It is located in the training aid store. https://www.rotaryswing.com/golf-lessons-blog/product/rotaryconnect/
February 9, 2016
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Lance
Hi Craig Wondering about the squating and how to properly shift weight to the lead side. I seem to have over done the weight shift early in the downswing and I am seeing the hips rotating and my body moving away from the tush line toward the ball. Can you describe how to combine these two moves properly? Thanks
January 30, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Lance. Take a look at the Perfecting Impact Bonus Video. Chris will help you with the proper shift, but shy away from pushing the trail glute/side into the shot by coming away from the tush line.
January 30, 2016
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PJ
Hi Craig, With the driver I have to line the ball up with the toe of the club (even slightly outside it works) otherwise I hit the ball towards the heel. I wonder if this is caused by losing the tush line? For some reason I don't have the problem with irons. My normal ball flight with the driver is a nice slight draw, sometimes straight but never a slice. Please help with a drill or advice. Thanks.
January 20, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello PJ. It could be due to losing the tush line. Having early extension can push the hips forward towards the ball. Ending up with the heel getting moved closer in the strike (depending on the swinger). Use the Impact Series Bonus Video to help with the tush and also make sure the weight stays back (Swing Faults Caused by Poor Setup and Weight on the Toes Video).
January 20, 2016
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joseph
How do I keep the tush line when the left leg straightens and the obliques rotate the left hip away from the target line so that the hips are open about 30 degrees at impact? Just finished hitting a bucket of balls trying to keep the right hip on the tush line during the entire downswing. Things got ugly!
January 19, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Joseph. Take a look at the Perfecting Impact Bonus Video. If you are pulling away with the lead side the trail will follow. The goal is to not push the trail hip towards the ball. It will leave slightly into impact, but you don't want a big early extension.
January 19, 2016
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Loran
On the downswing, to ensure I don't kick off with the right foot, I should focus on landing on both back heels only, all the way through?
January 14, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Loan. You can feel a connection with both heels, but you need to make sure you shift the weight to the lead heel.
January 15, 2016
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Michael
Hi, I've had a long term pattern of hip spinning and losing tush line. When I do drills slowly I can execute the squat and keep my tush line, but as I speed up it feels like the momentum and rotational twist to the right with my hips that occurs during the backswing makes it hard for me to squat to the left---I either do a light squat which on video shows that I'm still pulling away from the tush line even if I keep my hips pretty quiet or I execute a good squat but completely wreck the tempo of the swing--it's like I have a pause to squat where I lose the rhythm of the swing and also lose some of the tension created during the backswing. I am lost as to how to move from drill to actual swing.
January 12, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Michael. Don't try to over do the squat. The goal is to engage the glutes to stabilize the hips and execute a good weight transfer. You don't need a massive drop. Try the drills in the Impact Series Bonus Video and Squat to Square.
January 12, 2016
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Michael
Thanks. Craig. I have difficulty activating my glutes during these drills but have discovered that if I tuck my tailbone in at setup I can much more easily feel/contract my glutes. But I want to check if this is proper as I also see a small amount of rounding in my lower back when I tuck in the tailbone. The rotaryswing setup drills have moved me to a fairly flat lower back at setup but previously I had too much arch in my lower back.
January 12, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Michael. Ideally you will want a flat spine at setup. Too much arch or rounding can cause some issues with the vertebrae allowing you to rotate properly.
January 13, 2016
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Joseph
Craig, just noticed on my film that the first time I do even a half assed job at maintaining the tush line (still move 3 inches toward ball), at impact my head and shoulders are at least 3 inches further away from the ball than at address but head is at address height. Thought this a problem til I looked at Chuck's DTL 8 iron and found same, plus his hands are about 2-3 inches closer to the ball than at address. Is this all correct and what compensations is the body making to move the shoulders and head away from the ball and yet maintain correct head height. And why do the head and shoulders move away from ball.
January 9, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Joseph. The hands will get closer to the ball because the shaft has some droop and as you increase ulnar deviation it will steepen slightly. The weight is staying back towards the ankle joints instead of moving forward. The body is counter balancing the force being thrown into the ball to make sure you don't fall over. The brain is always trying to find center and keep you upright (not falling over). As you start to release the club the body is rotating away form the target as the energy is shooting towards the target. You move away to get max transfer of energy with the extension through the ball. Chuck talks about this in the Move 3 Downswing Video.
January 9, 2016
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Micah (Certified RST Instructor)
How much of a squat should be sequenced in the down swing. If not pushing with the right foot and leg, what should be the sensation you feel. If not pushing, something should be pulling? What muscles are firing to pull the club?I have been finding it extremly difficult to time the squat and seem to globber the ground with my club head. Can do it well off the tee but not off fairway or ruff. This is something I struggle so much with. It has been so ingrained in my mind to push off the right foot ever since i was 12 yrs old. Ben Hogan talks about how he does this in 5 lessons, but I am finding that that isn't exactly what he might have been doing
January 8, 2016
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Kirk (Certified RST Instructor)
Hi Micah. It sounds like you may be squatting down too much or too far forward. As you transition to your downswing be sure you are putting your weight in your lead glute and pulling with your lead obliques. The weight should be felt in your glute and heel of your lead leg. Trying to squat down and push with the trail side will cause you to lose your angles and hit the ground.
January 9, 2016
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Mark
Growing up in golf during the 70's - This was the model swing and I have a hard time getting rid of the reverse C but I am working on it. My question is - I have always faded and sliced the ball when I am swinging bad. Why was this so prevelant when your description above points out that this results in an inside out swing (Trackman confirms this too). I would think that this would result in a chronic draw and a hook? How am I getting all the way to a fade/slice?
November 14, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Mark. With the Reverse C the tendency is to push the hips towards the ball resulting in a loss of spine angle. This can steepen the shaft and make it hard to square the face. You will notice the people with the Reverse C tend to have a very strong grip and a ton hand manipulation through impact.
November 15, 2015
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Anil
Hey There, question I was recommend this video.I want to improve, and I think getting the rotary connect will help ingrain or at least help me understand what not to do anymore.The website says the product is on back order. Any idea if it is coming back? Also the sizing, due to the product going on the legs and not the biceps.
October 6, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Anil. I apologize. They are currently on back order. Email customer service. They will help you with sizing and notify you when back in stock.
October 7, 2015
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fulbert
I lose my tush line only when i swing the club (even w/ rotary connect) but not during any drills when it's slo-mo. i am not spinning my hips open and it's square at impact when i swing. If the club's momentum is pulling me forward is there something i need to do differently? Do i need more of weight transfer or hip slide? On a side note I have my clubs fitted a while ago that is 2 degree upright could that make me stand subconsciously ?
September 28, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Fulbert. I think its more of you try to over do leverage pull from the ground for power. You need to keep the glutes stable and allow for the arms to swing. Stay with the shot and let the angles create the power. Just like your practice swing.
September 28, 2015
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Roger (Certified RST Instructor)
Chris, I understand and continue to do the drills (9-3 and merry go round) to maintain spine angle and transfer my weight properly. Is there one visualization I can use during the course of play to reduce all the components to a single focus during my practice swing prior to hitting shots. I know to maintain spine angle/tush line, the initial angle formed at setup between my vertical right leg and spine must remain constant through 3 o'clock in my follow-through. Regards, Roger
September 15, 2015
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Roger, I am not sure I can create any sort of perfect visualization for all of that at once. I might suggest just trying to feel you trail side load up in a slow 3/4 backswing and then try to stay wound while you are sitting into the left side. Taking those kinds of changes to the course can be tricky for sure.
September 22, 2015
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Alejandro
I feel a Little pain in the lower back when practicing this (non) move. Is this expected ? Also, with the driver I hit the ground almost every time. Should I move away from the ball ?
September 13, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Alejandro. You shouldn't be experiencing pain. However, it might be because you are stalling the hips too much. Make sure they still rotate with a little lead oblique pull. Same for the driver.
September 13, 2015
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Alejandro
I think you were right. I am trying to slow down hip rotation also but somehow started to lose tush line again. So I stopped anchoring the hips. Now my glutes are a Little sore. But thats ok, right ? Thanks for the top.
September 13, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Alejandro. Glutes being sore is common. Means you are using the right muscles!
September 14, 2015
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Tony
is this sitting down move the same for all clubs? maybe a little less for shorter distances/wedges?
September 3, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Tony. You will shift or sit into the glutes on all shots. However, with the shorter clubs you aren't maximizing leverage pull from the ground for distance. The squat will be a little less.
September 3, 2015
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Loran
So then...the body on the downswing is lower than the backswing position?
August 29, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Loan. You will lower more on the downswing to engage the glutes and get into a good squat. Don't over do the downward motion though. You will start to raise back up a little as you head into impact and straighten the lead leg.
August 31, 2015
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bryan
After you initially squat into the left side, do both feet push the butt more back and basically up when getting into impact? Almost like your trying to push something up and slightly back with the butt after the squat.
August 11, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Bryan. Most of this will be done by the lead leg because the majority of players will over do it. Ideally, the both glutes will be engaged and the trail leg will follow the action. However, once you master key moves you can add a little push from the trail foot.
August 11, 2015
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Juan Eduardo
Hello I lose some of my tush line, but not that much. My main problem is that I can't help to go "over" the ball at the finish of my backswing and beginning of my downswing. I end up up in the impact position with my head and upper body closer to the ball , which means that to hit the ball I have to a) put the ball more away from me at set up, which feels strange at set up, or b) I have to stand up at very last moment and hit out to in or a flip to save the shot and hit the ball with the face of the club and not the shank So , my question is, if I do this squad more , to mantain my tush line, things are going to get worse in this regard , what do you recommend for my problem? Is any video in RS that addresses this problem of falling over the ball in the downswing? I couldn't find it Best Juan
July 23, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Juan. If I am correctly taking your diagnosis. You need to keep the weight back. The upper and lower half are moving too far forward towards the ball. You need to stabilize the weight in the glutes first. Use the Swinging from the Ground Up in the Introduction Section and Perfecting Lower Body Stability in the Weight Transfer Advanced Section to help with glutes and weight. Then the Sledgehammer Video in the Advanced Downswing to help with over powering from the top.
July 23, 2015
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David
Hi RST, Could another reason for losing the tush line be early release of the right arm and/or the wrists? ie In an effort to not hit a foot behind the ball, you stand up.
July 18, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello David. Absolutely. If you start to fire lag and early release from the trail side the body/mind will start to react to clear room for the strike. Therefore, the hips will tend to move towards the ball and the spine angle will raise to steepen the shaft.
July 19, 2015
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Erinn
what is the slingshot video referenced below?
April 9, 2018
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David
Great, thanks Craig. I think the penny is finally dropping on the importance of squatting and posting up. I think the slingshot release videos are great because it affirms that it's okay your hands go too low at one point (just before you drive the left leg). I've been fighting the instinct that I'm going to hit way behind the ball. This sequencing is cool .
July 19, 2015
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Erinn
what is the slingshot video you are referring to?
April 9, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Erinn. The Slingshot Video is no longer on the site. I apologize. The instructor that created it no longer works for Rotary.
April 9, 2018
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Tim
how much should you squat before you jump up or lose your spine angle?what is a good reference point to know you have satain a proper squat
July 3, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Tim. The key is engagement. You don't want to change your levels too much or you will be playing a guessing game through the release. Slight squat. Take a look at Perfecting Lower Body Stability in the Weight Shift Advanced Section for more help.
July 5, 2015
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Tim
by squating are you not losing your spine angle, also by this move I find myself springing up after the squat move. So, what do you think?
June 27, 2015
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Steven (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Tim. The squating move actually helps you to maintain your spine angle, we start losing the spine angle when we overdue this movement and/or not sitting into the left side. The squatting move helps us move weight left, get seated into the left side, maintain spine angle and helps you sequence the swing from the ground up. We are going to see an increase in knee flexion (mainly lead knee) and coming down into impact, the left leg is going to straighten up which is where you are getting the feeling of springing up after the squat. That move actaully helps the club release with greater speed and stabalizes the knee action where it matters which is impact.
June 27, 2015
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Tim
so which drill is best for this Steven?
June 28, 2015
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Steven (Certified RST Instructor)
Tim- a great drill to get the feeling of the squatting movement and sitting into the left side is going to be the squat to square video. Great drill to help with the lower body.
June 28, 2015
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Tim
what is the best drill for true impact/true compression. The best ball striking I have seen and heard was Michael Allen by far worlds apart.You could hear him compress the ball miles away.You look at why this is
June 28, 2015
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Steven (Certified RST Instructor)
For good impact positions use the 5 minutes to the perfect downswing with an impact bag, that way you can feel what it is like to have proper impact positions and for true compression we need to have weight left, forward shaft lean and a flat lead wrist so check out the 5 minutes to the perfect release (Or any release drill)
June 28, 2015
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gerald
If you squat down don't you have to come up before impact or a fat shot will result?
June 22, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Gerald. You don't want to over do the "squat" and yes coming into impact you will start to pull leverage from the ground. Take a look at the Perfecting Lower Body Stability Video in the Weight Transfer Advanced Section and the Straight Left Leg Video in the Advanced Downswing Section.
June 22, 2015
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gerald
How do I stop from losing the tuse line on the backswing?
May 12, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Gerald. I answered your post about the backswing tush line in the Sitting Into the Left Side Section.
May 12, 2015
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James
I've been working on starting with the squat move this week but I went to hit balls this evening, I found it unnatural at impact and I hit a few heavies or pulls left. Is there a feel for my left leg at impact? Is a strong straightish left leg the right feel?
February 19, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello James. Make sure you shift the weight properly and don't add too much down in the squat. You can over do it. Take a look at the Straight Left Leg Video in the Downswing Advanced Section for more info on the post.
February 19, 2015
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don
Good Morning, this is the exact same move to use with the driver , 3 wood ? and does keeping both feet perpendicular to target line help this move,? Forever I have flared by left foot open and my rear foot as well in the opposite direction. Thanks Guys
February 3, 2015
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R.J. (Certified RST Instructor)
Don, Yes, you want to keep your feet perpendicular to the target line. Flaring the feet open allows your hips to over rotate and can put stress on the lower back. This drill is also for every full swing. There are small adjustments for the driver because it's a specialty club, but as far as this drill is concerned, it's the way you want to do things for every full swing. R.J.
February 3, 2015
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gerald
Are you saying that in every full shot the feet should be perpendicular to the line?
June 22, 2015
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Paul
It would appear that you want to have the right foot flat on ground at impact. If so, then why all the talk about Tiger, and others clearing the left hip so fast in downswing? You read so much about first move in downswing is turn the left hip. I think Im confused now.
January 1, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Paul. The trail foot will be working off the instep in the downswing. Take a look at the Role of the Right Foot in this section. We don't want it completely flat. The lead oblique does need to pull the left hip open into the strike. Most players over do the opening of the hips though which leads to more of an ill timed flippy release. If you look at most of the great players. Their first move isn't spinning the hips open as fast as possible, but more of a shift of weight back to their lead side. Take a look at the How the Lower Body Works Video in the Downswing Section to understand a clearer picture of the sequence of events.
January 2, 2015
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Steve
I have historically had a lot of leg movement and spun out through impact. As a result, I stood up and came out of my spine angle. Not only that, but i lost lag, released the cub and my arms were fully extended by the time that I hit the ball. I find as I follow these drills that when I stay in my spine angle my club bottoms out too quickly and I stick it in the ground before I get to the ball. I recognize that I need to maintain lag, but don't want to "hold on" as I know that's not the solution. Any recommendations?
December 3, 2014
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R.J. (Certified RST Instructor)
Steve, Practice your impact alignments and get yourself an impact bag so you can work on your impact alignments at full speed. Also, double check to make sure that your ball position is correct as well. It's also very likely that you're getting too much secondary axis tilt and doing the reverse C while trying to get your tush in the right position, which will cause your right shoulder to be lower to the ground than it should be, which is cause some inconsistencies with the vertical striking of the ball. R.J.
December 4, 2014
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nathan
I am being pulled away from the tush line during my backswing which translates to a horrible pull away from the tush line on my downswing.
December 3, 2014
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R.J. (Certified RST Instructor)
Nathan, You're either standing up vertically, pushing your pelvis towards the ball because the hips aren't properly supported by the legs, or you're shifting your weight towards the balls of your feet and changing the focal point of bearing the body mass to the quads instead of the glutes. R.J.
December 4, 2014
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Chris
I looked for the rotary connect on the training aids link but could not find it... is it offered somewhere on this site???
November 18, 2014
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R.J. (Certified RST Instructor)
Chris, Per Chris Tyler: "Hey Bill -- We are currently out of stock on the connect and we are working with the manufacturer at this point to get a more durable option that will enhance its usability. There are other aftermarket options available out there as you will read or hear about, but I would be aware that the product being sold by other vendors has been known to be less durable. We will inform the members of Rotaryswing.com when the connects are back in stock and better than ever." R.J.
November 18, 2014
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Justin
I’ve focused on correcting my early extension for nearly a year with no success. I’ve noticed that a lot of good ball strikers have a set up position where their hands are deep underneath their chin, or very close to their bodies (Justin Rose, Hunter Mayhem, Sergio, etc). Their first take away move seems to be the hands and shoulders rotating together to the inside with the hands hinging early, the left shoulder stays down, and the right hip seems to move up and back. This looks to set up a steep inside take away that is then flattened once they transition into the left from the top. I’ve played around with this and found it a consistent fix for early extension and keeping the shoulders more on the same plane during the swing. My “tushline” stays consistently in the box. The downside is the obvious reverse pivot some of these players have on their face on swing views. Can you address how the hands should move relative to the body on the takeaway and the impact this has on loading the hips and shoulders?
November 3, 2014
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R.J. (Certified RST Instructor)
Justin, The hands don't move in the takeaway. The hands stay immediately in front of the sternum during the takeaway while the right shoulder is rotated back behind the body by pulling the shoulder blade down and in towards the spine roughly 2.5 inches. This 2.5 inch contraction of the lower trapezius muscle, pulling the scapula (shoulder blade) towards the spine causes the hands to move roughly 2.5 feet and the club head moves roughly 2.5 yards. During the takeaway, the shoulders elevate the arms (shoulder flexion) a few inches to move the hands vertically from the mid-thigh to the pocket/belt height. This keeps the hands from getting too far inside on the takeaway and helps the arms with momentum to start moving vertically in the swing. Once the shoulders are rotated 45 degrees (hips aren't rotated at all yet) and the arms are elevated a few inches to pocket/belt height, the forearms rotate so that the thumbnails are pointing towards the sky and the wrists cock upwards slightly to get the club parallel to the ground. This entire time the hands are directly in front of the sternum and they remain in front of the sternum until the right elbow flexes upwards to set the club at the top of the backswing, pulling the left arm across the body. Your hands have zero affect on your ability to rotate your hips or shoulders. However, your arms do have an affect on the shoulder rotation. If the right elbow flexes early, it prevents the shoulders from being able to rotate because the flexion of the right elbow causes the scapula to move towards the spine. So, if you keep both of your arms as straight as you can (right elbow pit should be facing the sky at the completion of the takeaway until the end of the backswing) and keep them in front of your body as long as you can during the backswing, the more shoulder turn you'll be able to make without having to rotate your hips more than 45 degrees. The only way you're going to have a reverse pivot is if you allow your right knee to straighten out, which allows the hips to turn too much and the right hip to slide too far back in your stance, which tilts the upper body towards the target. If you keep the right knee flexed and push your weight into your right heel in the backswing, it's practically impossible to have a reverse pivot. R.J.
November 4, 2014
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Martin
Loosing The Tush Line video is like the rest of this site......GREAT! Having watched-this vid I understand what Hogan meant whenhesaid he felt he had the strength of three right arms. It feels very strong keeping the right heel down until gravity allows it up. Using this instruction certainly stops me from spinning out which has given me a bad back for years! Since finding this site I have kept all my scores in the 70's whereas a 70's score was as rare as a hole in one previously. Thanks Don and your team. Martin, London.
October 19, 2014
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R.J. (Certified RST Instructor)
Congrats, Martin! Let us know if you need anything else.
October 20, 2014
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ian
Still struggling to keep my tush line. If I try to swat I hit the ball fat. I am trying to get my weight into my left heel and pulling my left hip away from the ball. In the process I am trying to stop my right knee moving towards the ball and moving more down the line. I am also thinking that having my weight on the balls of my feet at address may help with the move. Is this a good approach?
October 17, 2014
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R.J. (Certified RST Instructor)
Ian, No, having your weight on the balls of your feet is never the answer. The reason for that is when you're on the balls of your feet that shifts the weight over top of the knees which puts a lot of stress on your knees. It also gets you closer to the ball which causes you to stand up out of the shot in order to balance yourself so you don't fall over. This causes you to top the ball if you chicken wing or you will dig the toe in the ground. You need to keep your spine angle in the downswing. There's a chance that you might be trying too hard with your arms which pulls you forward. Check the Sang-Moon Bar Hips for Lag video, it will help you with the sequencing of the downswing. Also check out the squat to square video, that drill will make it very hard to lose your spine angle. A swing review might help you out as well. Maybe we will see something that you're missing R.J.
October 17, 2014
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Peter
Hi Steven, thanks for your comments . look forward to practicing the drills, I'm alway working on my backswing so as you haven't mention it , so I take it that's ok. Cheers Pete
September 8, 2014
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Steven (Certified RST Instructor)
Peter, Keep up the hard work, this one one of those drills that is going to be very helpful for your swing!! Best of Luck
September 10, 2014
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Dennis
When,in the video,Chuck demonstrates the squat,is he exaggerating this move? I mean,he's a talented golfer and can execute this move,but it seems to me if I tried this,I would slam the club into the ground behind the ball. And if I maintain my tush line,I don't see how I could stand up enough to hit the ball cleanly.
August 10, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Dennis. The squat is done to show you the feeling. You want to engage the glutes. Not drop a foot. You will lower some though. Use the Straight Left Leg at Impact Video to learn that you will rise slightly into impact.
August 10, 2014
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George
Still working on this drill and having issues. When I transfer weight/squat, I feel like my head moves well in front of the ball before impact. When I try to keep my head back, I flip the club. When I hit balls during this drill, I'm either hitting pull hooks or high pop-up fades, with few shanks for good measure. What am I not doing correctly? Thanks!
July 31, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
If your head moves well in front of the ball. You are probably sliding or pushing from the trail side. It's only a 3 inch shift while maintaining glute engagement into impact. Use the Weight Shift Part 3 Video in the Weight Shift Section. Own the transfer. Then work on keeping the engagement longer.
July 31, 2014
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George
I am confused as to what my upper body should be feeling during this drill. When I first squat, should my arms move straight down or start to move in front of me? I feel that when I squat, my shoulders open up and to get the club to the ball, I have a pronounced out to in path. I guess my main question is how do I get my arms to impact without opening the hips and shoulders? When I try to get to impact without spinning open, the club is wide open at impact
July 29, 2014
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Patrick (Certified RST Instructor)
You want to feel as though the upper body stays very passive as you squat and shift into your left heel and glute. If anything, feel like your shoulders stay shut to the target longer in the downswing. Do not actively think about what your arms are doing. This is what you want to FEEL. In reality, your hips and shoulders are going to open; they have to. You just don't want them doing so too early in the downswing.
July 29, 2014
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George
When I do this drill, I take it to the top of the backswing, squat, then release my arms. However, my swing bottoms out well behind where the ball would be. Is this from pushing with the right arm, not straightening my lead leg, or not rotating enough after I've completed the squat?
July 25, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Patterson. You might be over doing the squat and losing the shaft lean into the ball. Make sure you just engage the glutes in the squat. Not drop down towards the ground too much. Also, use the Taking a Divot Video in the Advanced Downswing Video to get the lead arm working correctly through the strike for proper bottoming out.
July 25, 2014
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Jim
is it correct for me to practice with my but against the wall and making sure it stays against the throughout the swing?
July 14, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Jim. I just sent you an email.
July 15, 2014
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Jim
Is it productive to practice with my butt against a wall and not let my butt come away from the wall in the down/thru swing?
July 14, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Jim. I posted below that using a wall is ok to work with. Sometimes it helps to feel a solid object when trying to train the glutes and stay away from too much hip spinning.
July 14, 2014
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Jim
Is it proper to practice swinging with my tush against a wall and not letting it come away from the wall during the swing?
July 12, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Jim. We tell some of our students who are really aggressive with the hips and losing the tush line that exact advice. Try swinging with the glutes against a wall.
July 12, 2014
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Jim
Where do I get this device? It is not in the training aids section of the site
July 11, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Jim. Unfortunately we are still out of stock of the RotaryConnect and we are looking to find a solution for a possibly replacement.
July 11, 2014
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Molly
Thanks for the help. Should I continue to keep my back to the target as long as possible? Is my club in the right position on the take away? When is the best time for me to take a personal lesson as I will be in Vero, Fl in a couple of months. I am in Fla 6 months of the year? Molly
June 21, 2014
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Molly, we are always glad to help you out. Keeping your back to the target and allowing the arms to fall will certainly help alleviate any sort of big over the top move and allow the hands and arms to move into the hitting area with the rotation of the torso. This will also help slow down any sort of shoulder spinning if you have encompassed that. Private instruction can be booked any time when you get into town. You can email me directly at chris@rotaryswing.com if you are wanting to book something with me directly. Keep up the good work.
June 22, 2014
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Jacob
No matter what I do I lose the tush line by quite a lot...I feel as if it is physically impossible for me. Can you give me some additional tips on how to prevent losing it? It seems like if when I sit into the right side (I'm a lefty), if I do so moving back (rigbt of the target line) that it helps. My last reviewer told me not to lose it, but I feel like I have no idea what movements will make it possible to keep this line. Any additional comments would be appreciated. Cheers, jake
June 21, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Keeping the left glute engaged coming down will help. The main reason is your swing is too left side dominate and not enough right side. Practice the 1 armed swings right hand only in the RE-Shaping your swing for Lag Video in the Introduction Section. Keep the body passive. Feel relatively shut to the target. Allow the arm to work in front with quiet body.
June 21, 2014
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gerard
an add on to the other comment is that when i film and do this correctly. It feels like after squatting into the left that the down swing is arms only then the release through drags the body through. i don't know if this is correct either. however the ball does fly well.
June 18, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
The body will aid in getting the arms in front and pulling you to a full follow through. Momentum and pulling from the left side completes the swing. Try not to focus on too much at once. Drill the tush against the wall. Own the squat and glute engagement. You can then add the merry go round. It sounds like Aaron has you on the right track. Maintain the glutes better. The spine angle will remain intact.
June 18, 2014
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gerard
In my most recent review aaron pointed out that i am still loosing my tush line. I have recently been working on bending the left knee slightly on the first move to the left and keeping the back to the target. at this point my feeling of keeping the shoulders square is actually me coming out to the swing. He suggested swinging against a wall so the tush can stay back and allow the swing to go through. my question is if i do this should i also feel the downing moving like it does in the merry go round drill. moving to the left first level and then underneath to maintain spine angle. This has been a struggle to understand this part of the swing thank you for your help
June 18, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
The body will aid in getting the arms in front and pulling you to a full follow through. Momentum and pulling from the left side completes the swing. Try not to focus on too much at once. Drill the tush against the wall. Own the squat and glute engagement. You can then add the merry go round. It sounds like Aaron has you on the right track. Maintain the glutes better. The spine angle will remain intact.
June 18, 2014
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Mike
Where can I order the Rotary connect training aid? I don't see it on the website.
May 27, 2014
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
unfortunately we are still out of stock and we are looking to find a solution on the soonest side possible.
May 27, 2014
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Dave
A lot of instructors advocate the lright knee touching the left as part of the downswing sequence. This lesson seems to contradict that thought. Is this something that happens more into the follow through and not necessarily in the downswing? I have even read this is a source of power but sounds like it is just a natural reaction that occurs due to rotation at the end of the swing. Am I understanding that correctly?
May 15, 2014
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Dave, anything that is happening in the right leg, should be a reaction from the left side pulling. Pushing the right knee in towards the left can cause a mountain of problems like spinning out, pushing the lead hip past neutral joint alignment (ouch), too much secondary axis tilt, loss of spine angle etc. We encourage the width to be maintained in the knees into the hitting areas and make the left side of the body control the speed of the hips.
May 15, 2014
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Matt
If I am not a hip spinner and need to learn how move my hips more (pretty much all arms in the downswing) what type of drills would I work on? When i really try to focus on moving my hips and keep the tush line, i feel like i don't have any power in the swing. Any suggestions on drills?
May 13, 2014
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Matt, check out this video that Chuck did this past summer for those players that do NOT use the hips enough...http://www.rotaryswing.com/videos/full-swing-advanced/downswing/how-to-use-hips-in-the-golf-swing
May 14, 2014
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feng
Hi, Chuck said the sequence is to "squat" then release the club. I understand the squat would square the hip but does this mean there's no intentional hip rotation at all? When I was doing the drill I feel no hip rotation through the down swing. Thanks!
April 23, 2014
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Once you have sat into the left side, which will unwind the hips slightly, the left obliques are pulling the left hip away from the target. Using the obliques will control the speed of the hips and rotate them to about 30-40 degrees open at impact.
April 24, 2014
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Jason
If we don't have a connect can would it be a good idea to focus on keeping the right heel on the ground? I definitely turn my right hip, losing my tush line, and the heel comes up well before contact.
April 15, 2014
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Yes that is a great way to help this issue. You can roll to the inside part of the left foot but you need the heel to stay down on the ground into impact so that you can make sure that you are not pushing off the trailing leg.
April 15, 2014

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