How to Maintain Club Head Speed as You Get Older

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You don't have to start hitting it dramatically shorter just because you're getting older. This video tells you exactly why you've lost a ton of clubhead speed as you've aged and more importantly, how to get it back.

  • Rotation, Leverage and Width are your speed makers
  • As you get older, you will lose the ability to rotate your body as fast
  • You must learn how to use Leverage and Width to produce speed


Most golfers assume that as they start to get a bit older, that it's inevitable that they're going to have to start losing massive amounts of club head speed. And, in general, the evidence supports this. So many golfers come to me in their 60's and 70's who can no longer hit the ball over 200 yards off the tee. But, within short order working on the RotarySwing fundamentals, I not only get them hitting their drives over 200 again, but often over 250 yards or more.

It's not some magic trick, I don't increase their flexibility or strength and I don't change their equipment - I teach them the sources of club head speed and how to use them correctly. 

As you'll learn in this online golf instruction video, there are three primary sources to increase your golf clubhead speed and you're likely overusing one of them. The one that most all golfers overuse is rotation. Now, it may seem odd that someone who created the "RotarySwing" golf swing model would say that you can rotate too much, but too much of any one thing in a golf swing can be a bad thing. You can have too much lag, too much elevation and too much rotation.

The reason this torso rotation can wreak havoc in your golf swing is that it creates centripetal force, the result of which is centrifugal force. This centrifugal force is a vital source of clubhead speed in the golf swing, but only at the right time! Too much too soon can cause the club head to be thrown away at the top of the golf transition, leading to a loss of club head lag in the golf swing. As you should know by now, lag is the primary source of clubhead speed in the golf swing - you won't hit the golf ball very far without it. So, one of your primary jobs in the downswing is to create and preserve this lag so that it gets released during the impact phase of the golf swing. When you rotate too hard from the top, this causes the club to release too soon and leads to a major loss of clubhead speed.

So, if you want to know more about why you're losing clubhead speed and how to get it back, watch this golf instruction video!

It's no secret, given that I live in Florida and have a Golf Academy at the Ritz Carlton in Orlando, that I give a lot of lessons to a lot of older golfers. It's also no secret that a lot of my students who've been with me for a while, who are in their 60s, 70s, and even in their 80s, still hit the ball over 250 yards in the air, off the tee.

                That may sound crazy and it's not just through one simple thing. That's including equipment fitting, launch monitor fittings, using our Trackman and so on and so forth, to help optimize every single part of their swing. More importantly, it's that we've built the right components into their golf swing that allows them to still swing with a great amount of speed as they get older, without losing very little club head speed, and still being able to hit the ball a long ways. Further than many people do in their 20s and 30s.

                So what are the keys to this? Well, the first key is understanding what's costing you club head speed, as you get older. Without a doubt, with every single golfer that I see, who as they get older, start to see this precipitous drop off when they hit their 50s or their 60s and all of a sudden they're like, "Gosh, I used to hit my seven iron 160 yards and now I can't hit it 120 yards or 130 yards." If that's you, you need to listen up because this is almost definitely what's going on in your swing.

                As you learn from other videos on this site, there are three main keys to producing speed in the golf swing. The one that's costing you is that you're almost definitely using too much rotation in your golf swing when you're trying to produce power. Rotation, as we get older, is going to go down. It's a simple fact of life. We can't do much about it. You can stay fit and it's going to help but as we get older, these muscles just aren't going to be able to fire as fast and aggressively from our torso and our legs that we could do in our 20s and 30s.

                What most golfers do is they get ... as they're younger and strong and fit, and they go to the top, they don't have any back issues, they really spin their bodies as hard as they can. Use their right side really hard, aggressive. All of a sudden they find out that, Gosh, as they get older and they're not as fit and strong and they've got a couple back issued or hip issues, their speed just drops off like falling off the side of a cliff. It's trying to overuse rotation that's causing this problem. If your golf swing looks like this every time you swing, and you're spun around and you're trying to really push hard with that right shoulder, this next part of the video that's going to show you how Davis Love, who's almost on the Champion's Tour, had the highest recorded club head speed on the PGA Tour this year, in 2014, and how you can do the same thing and not lose any club head speed as you get older.

                Now, for the second part of the video, what are the key components that, as we get older, we want to maintain in our golf swing to not have this precipitous drop off in club head speed? Well, let's first revisit what I said those three sources of club head speed are, in other videos. We have rotation, as I talked about earlier. That one's going to cause us some problems if we rely on that. We have leverage, and we have width. Leverage and width is what I want to talk about.

                Leverage and width are the two most important factors in your golf swing for club head speed, no matter what age you are. As you're younger and you can really power through with your body, you can get away with overdoing the rotation side and get away with it with some degree or another, but as you've seen, it's caught up with you. Leverage and width are awesome because we can swing with tons of leverage and width, no matter how old we get because it doesn't take the same muscular effort and it doesn't take the same toll on our spine and our hip and our knee and our feet, that rotation does. So this is why the golfers that I have who are in their 60s and 70s and 80s, still hit the ball a long ways is because we prioritize leverage and width.

                So what are those things? Well, we've talked about them in many other videos. Leverage is obviously just the angles that we create in the golf swing. The right arm, the right wrist. These are two very powerful angles. Most golfers, as they start with rotation, and they prioritize rotation over anything else in the swing, as they start down they start to lose these angles and they lose leverage. So the only way they can hit it harder is to spin or rotate harder and, of course, that just creates more club head throw away. The problem just becomes compounded and it's like a dog chasing it's tail. The harder I spin, the worse I throw it, the more speed I lose. I just can't win.

                Of course if we swing correctly, like in the videos "Reshaping Your Swing For Lag" for instance, how I talk about working each arm independently and prioritizing leverage, then you have all of this extra angle here that you can release at the bottom instead of prioritizing rotation. Now we're going to be able to be like Davis Love. As we get older we have lots of leverage that we can release at the bottom.

                The second thing that Davis Love does really well is that he has a tremendously wide golf swing. Now part of it is genetics. He's tall with long arms. That we can't fake. If you have really short stubby T-Rex arms, there's only so much width you're going to get in your golf swing, but I promise you no matter what your genetic makeup is, you're going to have enough width waist on just on your body build, to produce tremendous club head speed. Probably much, much more than you're doing now and if you're relying on rotation, you're going to pick up a ton of speed as you begin to prioritize width.

                How do we do width? Again, lots of videos on the website for this. For instance, it starts right from the take away in the back swing. We want to keep that right arm straight as long as we can in the back swing. I always challenge people, in the Clinics, when we come to Florida. I say, "I want you to ... I bet you a million dollars you can't keep this right arm straight at the top of the back swing." Because they're doing this right away, they don't realize how narrow they're making their golf swing. By the time they get to the top, they're like this and like, "Oh my right arm is straight, pay me my million bucks." It's not straight, no matter how hard you try. It wouldn't be natural to swing the club like this, so everyone folds their right arm. They just do it too soon.

                We want to try to keep that right arm nice and wide and straight so that the club has to travel in a much wider arch. The further that club head is away from the center, the piece that is rotating which is you, the faster it has to go to keep up. So think of this little kid on a merry-go-round. The kid on the merry-go-round who's sitting in the center and he's turning, he's not moving very fast but the kid on the outside of the merry-go-round, that's holding on for dear life and is about to go to the hospital, he's flying. They are moving at a fixed ratio to each other but the further that kid is away from the center, the faster he's going to fly off and go to the hospital. The club, the further you can get it away from you, the more it has to accelerate to keep up with the slower moving center part. The problem is again, we've prioritized the center moving part. It can only move so fast. You can't beat leverage and width.

                That's the simple reason why every club you have in your bag is a half inch longer than the other, til you get to the woods obviously. For every half inch that you pick up, you're going to pick up about two miles an hour club head speed. It's just the simple math of it. So, if you grab your seven iron instead of your eight iron, you want it to still be the length of the seven iron. If you come to impact and you make this really narrow swing, it's not going to move as fast as the guy who's got his arms out and releasing that away from him. It's a simple matter of physics.

                So, we want to make our swings nice and wide, as we go back. So nice, wide top of the backswing. Keep our hands out as far away from our head as we can get them. Relax as you start down. You don't start spinning with rotation coming down, you want to keep your arms nice and soft, so that as we've got this nice, wide swing, we now have leverage. The harder you spin, the more you're going to throw it from top. So as our arm stays nice and relaxed and we come down, I have these angles that I've created and now, just like in the VJ Release Drill, boom. I want to release that club at the bottom, not by spinning my body, but by letting it release and slowing my body down. I'm going to actually post up and push off the ground with my left leg and that's going to force the club to snap even harder.

                So, prioritize leverage and width. As you get older, don't rely on rotation. You won't be able to keep up with your speed and you're going to get frustrated with the game, and keep moving up a set of tees every time your buddies what to go to the tips. You can still play the tips, you just have to prioritize leverage and width and de-prioritize rotation. Your golf swing, you'll be able to maintain speed, no matter how old you get. 

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RON
I was at the range with an old friend who is a very good ball striker who was on the mini tour some years back to look at my swing and give me some feedback. I am now 80 playing again and he was looking at my swing and really only had two comments. He wanted me when transferring pressure to my front foot to get a little farther forward over my left foot with my left knee toward the ball of my left foot to be better stacked up on the front foot to exert more pressure when posting up and be better balanced as a result. In connection with that he wanted me to cover the ball better. I was covering the ball much better, posting up strongly with very good balance and the ball was jumping off the mat very straight toward my target. I was very much doing the dead drill and rolling my right foot in until it was pulled up and around. Does what he had me doing sound consistent with Rotary?
July 16, 2022
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Ron. Depends if I am reading the note correctly. As you transfer weight to the lead foot it will start towards the front ball of the foot that way you can post behind you aggressively moving towards the heel. This will also aid in covering the ball more with the chest (proper posting).
July 18, 2022
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RON
As I was playing around just now doing shadow swings pressuring the foot the way he wanted me to it does start in the ball moving to the heal then a little to the outside at the end of the release such that the inside of the ball and arch raise up off the ground some. Yes, I believe we are describing it the same way. I played my first 18 yesterday utilizing the dead drill with the float load and throw and had very little low back pain. For me that is no little thing. I hit enough shots very well that I feel like I just need to work at fully ingraining the habits. Having just been working on this a couple of weeks, as opposed to rotating hard like I used to, I am very pleased so far. Any drills in particular you would recommend that I focus on???
July 19, 2022
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Ron. Without seeing the move it would be tough to tell where you can gain more power and delete inefficiencies. But, the 9 to 3 Lag Building Drills will be a good way to do it in a smaller motion while really feeling the load and release of the stored lag power.
July 19, 2022
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James
I actually have this as a favourite ). Regarding arm width, not sure how much Chuck has but mine measuring from tip of left hand fingers to my shoulder is 30 inches. I have been working on Chuck's 8 iron FO video in the swing analysis and studying it in great depth for a couple of weeks now to check what he does that I don't. In the capture below you I have noted he does move his upper body laterally from the address position indicated by the red line. I also note he does have more shoulder tilt going back. Have not been able to achieve this yet but I am getting close to his arm extension going back and have been working on for the last few days of trying to feel I keep my right arm straight going back. Ironically, in this capture my head actually turns going back unlike Chuck's is not so assume that this swing was pre-Chuck's fused neck injury. I feel my head gets moved by my lead shoulder that way because my shoulder tilt is too shallow and could really do with advice on how to get more shoulder tilt and what I should be doing to get it.
April 20, 2020
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James
Regarding that shoulder tilt, if in address position I have more tilt from the hips forward with my butt sticking out a bit more, I do get more shoulder tilt, especially if I jut out my chin a bit like I am peering over a wall. Can you comment on that please. Many thanks. Getting late now and a bit tired so off to bed and will check back tomorrow morning.
April 20, 2020
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Michael (Certified RST Instructor)
Hi James, sorry for the very late answer but when you reply on your own message it removes itself from the unanswered comments. I don't know if you have fixed the issue but if you search "Backswing shoulder plane drill" you can see how the shoulders work perpendicular to the spine so you get a steeper shoulder turn which makes it easier to keep the head still going back. Hope that helps.
August 18, 2020
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James
First of all Michael thank you for pointing out the double reply issue, will remember this in future. Regarding that shoulder plane, further work with Craig, I have improved on this but the drill you point me to I have now marked as a favourite, I have also responded to that drill.
August 18, 2020
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Michael (Certified RST Instructor)
No problem. Sounds great, great to have video's to go back to.
August 18, 2020
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Jeffrey
Hi Craig, By creating leverage and width, I feel like you would have to feel like youre stretched out cause obviously you sont want to grip the club too hard but feeling stretched out always you to have width and soft on your hands. Is that correct? Or do you see a better solution/feel thought?
July 17, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jeffrey. You will feel a stretch. But, the key is not to over stretch. You don't want to disengage from your core. You are born with all the width you will ever need (trail arm). If you maintain a straight trail arm you will have all the width with a little stretch, but not feel like you are reaching.
July 18, 2018
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Jeffrey
Thank you Craig!
July 18, 2018
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Chad
Craig, just to verify, keeping the right arm straight longer pulls my right bicep away from my body on the backswing, is this fine? An earlier video Chuck talks about keeping your right bicep connected to your body. Is this right arm straight longer in the backswing for width more for the driver or all clubs?
February 14, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Chad. Keeping the trail arm straighter going back will help you continue to rotate to the top. The trail arm will come away from the body as you add elevation, but you don't want it flying behind you (Stop Overswinging and 3 Functions of the Right Arm). You need to maintain some connection of the upper bicep and pectoral. Keeping the trail arm straight is needed with all clubs.
February 14, 2018
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Mark
i'm a little confused - i watched your video about the backswing where you talked about the shoulder glide, and said you hould feel like you are throwing a golf ball - and your right tricep and lat should basically be together but how can you do that if your are trying to keep your right arm straight and right hand away from your head ?
August 14, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Mark. The trail arm will work vertically, but not much in the horizontal or depth dimension. The trail shoulder blade can remain in the box with proper elevation if the arm stays in front. We are staying wide, but with the arms remaining in front of the chest. Take a look at Understanding Arm Elevation, Pool Noodle, 3 Functions of the Trail Arm and Stop Overswinging Video.
August 14, 2017
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Alan
Hi I've been following your instruction and had a lot of success. My lofted clubs are far more accurate and consistent and from my lob wedges through to my 8 iron I've added 10-20yds. The problem is my driver and to a lesser extent all longer clubs. The left side initiated swing means in the way I have (mis) interpreted it that the shock of impact gives me a very sharp pain in the left side of my neck in the vertebrae. In neutralising and trying to release my right hand I've maybe gone too far. Have you come across this with other golfers? Pls advise I'm 67 and very fit.
July 24, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Alan. I haven't come across this one. You shouldn't be getting pain from properly releasing the lead. Have you had a swing review recently?
July 24, 2017
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Mike
I play right handed and practice often. I have developed an extremely painful left groin injury. All the force of my downswing seems to center in that area. Constantly fighting body swing habits. Could my injury be due to my misunderstanding "posting up"? I'm an older golf. If I reduce coil and increase width and leverage should that reduce this painful side effect?
June 8, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Mike. Reducing coil may help with the added focus on width and leverage. Take a look at Preventing Hip Pain. Make sure you are pulling the weight overly properly as well. Also, don't over do the post up. All you are doing is a little leverage pull from the ground and clearing of the hips. Not a massive jump or locked out lead knee position.
June 8, 2017
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Mike
I appreciate the help and prompt response. You guys are the best.
June 8, 2017
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Wayne
I am 69 years old, and this video lesson is the absolute best advice I have ever received. I have been working soooo hard on trying to increase my rotation.... Thank you so much Chuck and his team!!
April 18, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Wayne. Glad you like the video. You can pick your battles with your swing, but still get power if you know where to make up the extra loss of rotation or leverage.
April 19, 2017
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Paul
I must work on this, because I am loosing distance, but, I am 80 years old and have a hip and knee replacement. Is there still hope for me? I just love to play GOOD golf.
March 19, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Paul. Always hope. Focus more on getting the free speed from height and leverage.
March 20, 2017
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Paul
Thanks Craig. I keep hoping and try to focus on the right things.
March 20, 2017
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William
Fantastic video! William
January 22, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Thanks William.
January 22, 2017
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Forrest
I am unable to play this video
January 12, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Forrest. The video is playing correctly on my end. Are you using Chrome or Firefox? If so, please notify Customer Service if you are still experiencing the issue. I apologize for the error.
January 12, 2017
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Richard
Step 1-5 of the RST 5 Step System: Craig, in your instructions you directed me to the above, only when I typed it into the search box on your site it could not be found? Where do I go to check watch it? Richard
October 8, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Richard. I see from the follow up post you found your way. Glad you could reach the videos.
October 8, 2016
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Dan
I guess I don't understand the need for width. The club is suppose to be moving 20mph all the way through the swing until 3 feet from the ball. By then the club has been brought closer to the body in the downswing which would take away all the width. What am I'm missing? I am also confused how you get the club head speed from 20mph to 90mph in the last 3 feet. I'm in my mid 70's and have lost a lot of strength and power from when I was younger and maybe could accomplish this task. I've been playing golf since I was 10 and developed a good swing with a lot of power. My swing speed now is in the high 70's which gets me 200yds or less so I drink a lot on the course so I can enjoy the game (just kidding). I also practice alot. Dan
March 1, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Dan. The wider you make your swing the longer the club has time to accelerate. It makes the club a longer tool to provide more leverage. Take a look at the video Martin Kaymer Releasing for Speed to see a good demonstration of why the club speeds up in the last 3 feet.
March 1, 2016
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WILLIAM
What happened to "wide-narrow-wide"? When we are in the downswing, our swing is narrow until just before impact. So how does width in the backswing contribute to speed at impact?
March 21, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello William. Take a look at Keeping Speed As You Get Older and Using Your Wrists for Speed. The wider we can create are arc going back the more angle when can increase coming down.
March 21, 2016
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Robert
Hi Craig et al. RE Wide-narrow-wide: Isn't the width, established at address, maintained by a straight left arm? Take-away/top of BS/ and DS to and through impact, extending down the line toward the target until it begins to fold because it is attached to the body and must decelerate the clubhead? The right arm/side similarly collapses (hence "narrowing") near the top of the BS, and extends back toward "wide" again during the downswing, specifically the last 3 feet before impact and both arms maintain width (extension DTL) until the deceleration phase. One of the purposes of the right arm maintaining width on the BS is to facilitate or enable the left arm to maintain the "spoke" of the rotating core. Which essentially is the radius that every other motion of the body is seeking to maintain in order to control the bottom of the swing arc.
January 28, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Robert. Width is established at address, but will be more governed by your trail arm versus lead. The body must decelerate for the clubhead to accelerate at impact. Your notes on the radius and width are pretty good on par.
February 5, 2018
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Nollie
Stephen thanks for your reply I Will be sending a Video soon
January 17, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Nollie. I will pass along to Steven for you.
January 18, 2016
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Nollie
Which videos do I watch that for leverage and width
January 13, 2016
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Steven (Certified RST Instructor)
Nollie- There are a few video to watch: Keys to creating lag for leverage along with the frisbee drill and wide-narrow-wide for width and keep the right arm straight to turn video for width.
January 13, 2016
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gerald
I understand your points of width and leverage but from the top of the back swing when you drop your right arm down to your hip to create the leverage do you not decrease the width of your swing? If so why the emphasis on width?
January 12, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Gerald. The trail arm and wrists should be narrowing from the top to the trail thigh positioning. Wide Narrow Wide Video and the Impact Series Part 4.
January 12, 2016
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Bill
Great vid, keeps me coming back for more and more importantly renewing my membership. Learning so much from your program, thanks! Bill G
October 6, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Thanks Bill. I'm glad you are learning. The key to a great swing. We appreciate your continued support of our site.
October 6, 2015
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Thomas
I see a number of old guys that hit the driver pretty far that aren't any stronger than I am.. I carry the driver about 235 to 245 yrds but some old guys carry it 260yrds. What a difference that makes. I'm working with Chris, I'm sure I'll be carrying it 260yrds soon but I know this only results from hard work. What I like about RST is that it gives us the knowledge of what we need to change. Unfortunately, these changes are not easy -- many, many reps are needed. I guess if it was easy anyone could do it. have fun golfers!
October 2, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Tom. Thanks for the post and compliments of our site! Good reps and hard work. Chris will get you bombing the ball. We are lucky to have him as an instructor.
October 3, 2015
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Dave
I understand the straight right arm that produces length on the takeaway. Once we create lag we are narrowing the swing. I get that releasing the lag produces speed, but why do we have to have width on the takeaway which the lag then reduces?
August 8, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Dave. Two good videos for you. W-N-W in this section advanced. And, the Part 5 Using Your Wrist for Speed Video. Same Section Advanced.
August 8, 2015
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Dave
I have been a Rotary Swing follower for some time. In the original version, turning was the dominant point ("Always Be Turning"). The argument Chuck made at the time was that this was absolutely the simplest way to play, with really passive arms. All those videos, and the book that I purchased a few years ago, are gone (at least I can't find them anymore). It seems that Chuck now argues against what was said at that time (particularly saying that rapid rotation can lead to loss of lag, whereas before it helped preserve it, as I recall). I find the simplicity of the RS1 approach to be very appealing (which Chuck argued strongly for in his book and the videos), but all that instructional support is gone. Can anyone help me understand why what he said before was (apparently) wrong and that this version is the best way to go? It just seems much harder to get all the pieces in place to make this revised method work, and I have tried.
July 23, 2015
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Dave, RS1(passive arms and lots of body rotation) evolved into RST several years ago. Chuck was able to do a lot of research with a panel of Doctors and Biomechanist and determined that there was a much more efficient AND safe way to swing the golf club. I have taught both methods and I can assure you that RST far superior for efficiency and safety on the body. You can still see the RS1 articles down in the footer of the website but I strongly suggest that you work on fully transferring into the RST model to create more speed/control and protect your body over the long haul.
July 25, 2015
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Ron
can you discuss the sequencing of putting weight on left side and the turning of the hips to the left as you swing into the ball.
June 30, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Ron. Take a look at the How the Lower Body Works Video in the Downswing Section for a full explanation.
June 30, 2015
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Jim
Like the concept BUT when I try to maintain width with my right arm, I am pulling myself off center. Watched myself on a home video and my head really moved to the right on the backswing and then a slide forward coming thru.
June 15, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jim. The head will move just slightly in the swing, but not a lot. Take a look at the Head Moving Off the Ball Video in the Takeaway Section for more help. Don't try to create more width just maintain the trail arm staying straighter longer.
June 15, 2015
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Edward
Great video. I do have a question I have the tendency for my right wrist to break back toward the back of my hand rather up toward to my thumb. How do I correct that motion in my golf swing. Is there something in my grip that is causing it?
June 12, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Edward. It could be in the grip, but also years of hinging back too soon with the trail wrist. Take a look at the Right Wrist in the Takeaway and the Unleash Your Thumbnail for Power in the Takeaway Section
June 12, 2015
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Freddy
Rotation just got demoted. Athleticism and ego can work against the male swing. My sore lumbar just reminded me to tone it down. Inbee Park has a great swing, fantastic results, and it's not coming from a huge, powerful rotation. It's funny, Craig, it seems like she has a better swing for me to replicate than many of the guys. (I'm in my early 60's, occasional lumbar issues)
June 10, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Freddy. I would say ego has worked against many golf swings. Sadly, even my own on occasion :(. Keep striving for efficiency. I'm glad you are learning a better way to swing and how to protect your body in the process.
June 10, 2015
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Freddy
Thank you, Craig, for the kind word. A player bombing their drive is fun to watch, but an efficient player (with a great short game) is what I'm working towards and what I enjoy most : an informed swing that is Quiet-Athletic-Complete….and repeatable.
June 10, 2015
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Len
I've tried it Chuck for the last 4 months unfortunately I'm not getting results I carry my driver 180 and my 7 iron 130 I've sent my videos in they said to work on width. Nothing happening please advise
May 14, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Len. If you have more width and leverage to get speed. You must be lacking the snap at release. Take a look at the Lag and Speed Drills, Increase Swing Speed by Decel, and Vijay Release Drill in the Advanced Downswing Section.
May 14, 2015
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Greg
This video was spot on and very helpful. Thanks
April 14, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Thanks Greg!
April 14, 2015
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Stuart
I’m a RST newcomer, currently with a ‘one plane’ swing dominated by rapid hip and body rotation that’s left me with chronic back pain (in part because I had a habit of keeping weight on my back foot in the downswing). The videos have been great for self-diagnosis and for drills to generate club-head speed by releasing the hands/wrists rather than solely torso rotation. My question relates to the fact that ‘one plane’ philosophy is to rotate as hard and fast as possible at the start of the downswing to generate club-head speed (since, in principle, being ‘on plane’ means you can’t go ‘over the ‘top’). In terms of sequencing in the RST, at what point in the downswing should I really be looking to release all that energy (or lag)?
March 22, 2015
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Steven (Certified RST Instructor)
Stuart, Hope things are going well, First in terms of lag,(to check and see if we have proper lag) when the hands are passing or directly in front of the trail thy or leg we want the club to be parallel to the ground. in other words when the hands are in front of the trail hip pocket the club should be // to the ground. From there, that is when we want to go ahead and release all the energy and lag that we have stored. go ahead and look at the 5 minutes to a perfect release and a few other drills like the vijay video and left hand release video.. Work hard and lets play some consistent golf. Steven
March 22, 2015
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david
When trying to get maximum width should it feel like you are pushing your hands away from your body? ( enough to pull your shoulders forward )
January 14, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello David. To achieve maximum width you don't want to protract the shoulders out too much. Keep the trail arm straighter. The straighter it stays the wider you will be. You can protract a little with the lead shoulder for more rotation (Left Shoulder Push Advanced Backswing Section). Nevertheless, you start with all the width you need. Don't narrow by folding the trail arm early.
January 14, 2015
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jim
I'm having a problem achieving the release position shown in the above photo. What videos would you suggest?
January 11, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jim. I would focus on a combination of drills. RST Temp Drill and Re-Shaping Your Swing for Lag (Introduction Section). Maintain the angle better coming down first. Then, use the 5 Minutes to the Perfect Release and Left Hand Release Drill in the Downswing Section.
January 11, 2015
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Jim
I have noticed in a current video of my swing that I am uncocking my wrists about the time my hands get to my back leg. Any suggestions on how to keep the wrists cocked a little longer
January 11, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jim. Take a look at the Transition Video in the Advanced Downswing Section.
January 11, 2015
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Mortie
What drill can I do to slow my rotation?
December 13, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Mortie. Take a look at a few videos to limit trail side spin. Proper Muscle Activation - Advanced Introduction. Stop Coming Over the Top - Downswing. And, 5 Minutes to the Perfect Downswing.
December 13, 2014
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Thomas
how can i learn this sving from beginning. Thomas
November 16, 2014
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R.J. (Certified RST Instructor)
Thomas, This is more of a philosophy than it is a full swing technique. Basically, what this video is telling you to do is to apply the concept of prioritizing Elevation and Leverage over Rotation with the rest of the drills on the site for older golfers. I hope this helps you. R.J.
November 17, 2014
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Bill
In my second month of trying the rotary golf system, I have finished the rounds very sore all over my body. I am 62 and believe that trying to rotate hard might be causing the problem. I believe it would be helpful for older golfers if you young guys put more drills for the older golfers. The body just will not function as it did 30 yrs ago. comments'?
October 23, 2014
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Bunsun
I agree with Bill's suggestion - please do a section for older golfers. I did a search on the new website (love the new site) and found only this video. I'm 68 and on the front edge of the "baby boomer" generation. Most are or will be retired soon and golfing well will be one of their areas of focus. It sure would be great for me to search and find 10+ videos specifically designed for us "seasoned citizens." Keep up the good work.
February 16, 2015
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R.J. (Certified RST Instructor)
Bill, The only adjustment that you would need to make would be to rely more on elevation and leverage to produce speed in your swing instead of relying on rotation as much. Every other movement in the golf swing, you should be able to produce safely and efficiently. So, instead of rotating 90 degrees and stopping below shoulder height for your arm elevation, elevate your arms above the shoulders and only rotate about 80 percent. R.J.
October 24, 2014
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lou
Any thoughts or advice with respect to shaft flex for a senior player when de-emphasizing rotation. In other words, if I am able to use leverage and width to the fullest, with less emphasis on body rotation, would the "R" shaft be preferable to the "A" shaft, or is this even a consideration?
October 5, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Lou. It depends. If you are able to generate more speed. The "r" might be to your advantage. Only a few mph. Then, I wouldn't bother.
October 6, 2014
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Greg
I'm struggling with relaxing the arms and shoulders on the downswing, thus my swing gets too steep and I come out of my posture. When I do slow motion in a mirror it looks fine, but put a golf ball down and I loose that flow. Any suggestions?
September 26, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Greg. Take a look at the Proper Muscle Activation Video in this Section.
September 26, 2014
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Keith
Clicking the My Favourite link doesn't work for me. Is there a maximum number of Favourites that I can have?
September 16, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Keith. I contacted Customer Support for you and they are currently working on the issue.
September 16, 2014
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Keith
Hi. Why can't I make this a favourite?
September 15, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Keith. You should be able to by clicking the Make Favorite Link directly below the video.
September 15, 2014
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Tim
After losing a full season (doc says 6-8 month recovery time) to having my right knee replaced, I'd like to know if the staff has had any experience and suggestions for after recovery and rehab? thnx so much...tim
September 3, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Tim. Pretty much everyone here at RST has had something done surgery wise. But, we haven't had a knee replacement yet. I will send a feeler out for some suggestions.
September 3, 2014
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james
This is a great tip. Have slowed down my rotation and I am getting more woosh through the ball; picked up 25 yards with the driver, hitting 8 irons instead of 6 irons. the shot is mostly on target with what seems little effort. It is easier for me to pull down with the left hand as the first part of the downswing. I do however get the odd shot that goes left of the target enough to miss the fairway or the green. Suggestions?
August 28, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey James. Great to read the good news. Make sure you aren't opening up your shoulders to much at impact or losing your elbow position. Take a look at the Face On Impact Alignments Video in the Downswing Section and the Left Elbow Position at Impact Video in the Advanced Downswing Section. Get the shoulders square and left elbow in line.
August 28, 2014
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sam
Im 82 yrs old,I don't expect to hit the ball like I did 20 yrs ago.when I get to impact I don't compress the ball and my left wrist breaks down (not every swing) HELP!!! Thank you
August 27, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Sam. You need to stop the trail hand from being too aggressive at the strike. Take a look at the Exaggerated Hands Ahead at Impact Video in the Advanced Downswing Section. Get that lead hand ahead. Also, the Vijay Release Drill in the same section. Once the shaft is more forward, release with the lead hand and get the trail hand not so active.
August 27, 2014
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Waldamar
Strange... I clicked on a Rotary Swing lesson and there was a note saying I wasn't authorized!!!! Say what???? Aside from that... I know that I've gone away from a solid move through the ball - probably trying to protect an aging back. I'm 78 and have been playing golf for a long time. The lack of flexibility and no doubt too many golf teachings have since been hidden from my memory. Ha ha ha ha. Anyway, if one of your golf instructor with patience for older generation folk could guide me to recapturing a move to the left (from the start of the downswing) - that would be a delight. Thanks for the time. Enjoy a nice afternoon in sunny yet humid Florida. I'm 3 hours behind you in So Calif. Best, Walt Miller
August 26, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Walt. We would be happy to help you recapture the move with your left arm. Please use the Contact Us Link at the bottom of this page and let Customer Service know your issues when clicking for a review. Once, they have you straightened out. Get a swing in. We will get you back to feeling young again with your golf swing.
August 26, 2014
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Michael
My problem is decreased speed of rotation but equally important is the restricted thoracic spinal rotation. On the takeaway, I can only get the club head to about 2 o'clock without then my hands getting behind my chest or needing to rotate my hips with my left knee coming forward and right knee straightening. There is reduced shoulder/hip separation. I have done the relevant exercises without benefit. What do you think about the swing for seniors as described by Jim McLean- link: http://www.golfdigest.com/golf-instruction/2013-01/photos-jim-mclean-swing-your-age#slide=14. I know this is not as good as the Rotary Swing but is it the better solution to manage age related restricted physical spinal rotation? I would much appreciate your help and comments. (My instructor is James Rayson. He has, as yet, not answered the question re Jim McLean's seniors' swing) Regards Michael(Premium Member)
August 25, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Michael. I took a look at the article for you. I understand where McLean is going with his theory. However, James can't teach you that motion. It goes against some of our method. Have you taken a look at our RS1 model? It might be better suited for you than RST. Here is a link to some of the articles. It allows for more body rotation and easier positions with limited range of motion. http://www.rotaryswing.com/golf-instruction/golfbiomechanics/model-golf-swing-differences-rs-vs-rst
August 26, 2014
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user59525
i am 88 and have lost a great amount of club head speed.the latest video interested me a great deal. after watching the video it looks like although the takeaway is very wide the folding of the right arm on the downswing now shortens the arc,but appears to add a load of lag
August 24, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Its not that you want to focus on folding the right arm on the way down. But, increasing the angle with the wrists. Take a look at the Downcock Pump Video in the Advanced Backswing Section.
August 25, 2014
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Frank
Which videos describe the `leverage`` you are referring to . The video seems to refer to r arm and wrist. Are you also concerned about the left wrist cock or is this something different. Also with more emphasis on leverage and width vs rotation will this encourage an over the top move (upper first)
August 24, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Frank. We have tons of videos about leverage. One of them he was talking about in the video is the RE-Shaping Your Swing for Lag Video in the Introduction Section. Using the lead side correctly and not driving the trail side shoulder too soon should keep you on plane better. The lead wrist will be creating most of the lag and the trail is maintaining it longer.
August 25, 2014
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Frank
Thank you Craig. I'll look it up and work on it.
August 25, 2014
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Richard
Thats really good, ive been searching for this particular information for a while and I really want to thank you. RG
August 24, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Thanks RG. Appreciate the feedback!
August 24, 2014
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user144400
I have recently widen my stance and it feels as though I get through the ball at a faster rate without swinging harder. That stance seems to keep my right arm straighter going back and my hands away from my body. Is this on the right track? I have never been able to make a good turn and keep my left arm from bending like the example in this video. Thanks: Eddie
August 23, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Eddie. The left arm only bends because of too much flexion in the right arm. Right arm straight/Left arm straight. Just make sure you aren't too far outside neutral joint alignment. If the stance gets too wide. It will inhibit weight transfer and lead to excessive body movement. Take a look at the Stance too Wide Video in the Advanced Setup Section.
August 24, 2014
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brandon
Can you please reply and point me to the 3 keys on the site that discuss generating speed. thanks. I guess he's talking about 3 videos? Thanks!
August 22, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Brandon. We have a ton of videos that relate to speed. Take a look at the Wide-Narrow-Wide Video in the Introduction Advanced Section, Lag and Speed Drills Video in the Advanced Downswing Section, Re-Shaping Your Swing for Lag in the Introduction Section, etc.. Go to the Faults and Fixes Section take a look at the Losing Lag and Weak Release Videos.
August 22, 2014
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José
It looks like u can make the subscription a little lets complicated.
August 22, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello. Is there anything I can help you with about your subscription?
August 22, 2014
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Joseph
Maybe give up and everyone else and just teach scientists (just kidding . We scientists REALLY get what you're saying. Beautiful teaching! Thanks a lot!
August 22, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Thanks Joseph!
August 22, 2014
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Dan
do you have a series of lessons specifically for older golfers?
August 22, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Not particularly. Everything on the site is geared towards proper function of the body regardless of age. Just some minor tweaks to use more angles, than rotation alone.
August 22, 2014
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Maritxa
I'm not too old but I do have Sjogrens - sometimes I wake up tired or achy which is not great for golf. it's doable though, when you understand that you don't necessarily have to beat your body up so much if you use it efficiently. I'm a lady, 5 foot nothing and 100 and nothing - I hit my 5 wood as long as most of the guys hit their drivers in my club - without much effort by applying all of this stuff - so thanks for the video - it definetly puts all I've learned in perspective )
August 22, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Matrixa. I'm sorry to hear about your ailments. Thanks for the reply. Keep hitting it further than the boys!
August 22, 2014
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dan
Fantastic video!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I've been a shoulder and hip spinner (depending on where a drew rotation from) now for far to long. I've seen all the videos on this site MANY times but found trying to hit the positions, like parallel on the way down to the right thigh, left me with no power or speed. This clarified a lot for me and has given me a clear picture of how to make these moves effectively and dynamically.I'm looking forward to submitting my next swing review, after I incorporate this. Thank you Chuck!!
August 22, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Dan. Thanks for the reply! Get that effortless power through your angles.
August 22, 2014
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Peter
Excellent video! Thanks. I'll be a devotee as soon as I'm out of the bodycast. An independent issue. Nobody talks about the left shoulder in the golf swing. Specifically, the humeral head. The whole basis of the modern golf swing requires that the humeral head NOT rotate internally during the backswing. Internal rotation leads to fanning the club, flipping at impact, and a host of other problems. How do I know? Take a guess. It's a small thing, perhaps, but it's fundamental to the modern swing. Witness Rory, whose left arm is ALREADY internally rotated at address. But the relationship between the humeral head and the scapula doesn't change until he-and most all of us-start to externally rotate it in the hitting zone; it contributes to the leveraging, and contributing to clubhead speed. There are specific muscle groups that are important here, but are prob'ly not relevant here. Final thought: one-piece, right scapula, are all good. But it's critical that we not rotate that shoulder (Often it feels more comfortable, but it has become an "army" swing. Regards, pk
August 21, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
The left arm does need to internally rotate during the backswing. It's ok to preset it there to a degree as long as you don't start ripping it inside like your speaking of.
August 22, 2014
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greg
Chuck: As you know, I'm very tall, 6'10", with 38" arms. If I try to stay wide on my backswing as you suggest, my right elbow flies out and I disconnect my upper right arm from my chest. If I stay connected with my upper right arm to my body, I have no width! Help! Thanks! Great Video!
August 21, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Greg. If you struggle with width keeping the right arm connected you might be adding too much flexion or losing your external humeral rotation. Take a look at the 3 Functions of the Right Arm in the Advanced Backswing Section. No more than 90 degrees of flexion and a touch of external humeral rotation will help you stay connected and wide.
August 21, 2014
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greg
Thanks, Craig! Will Look at That!
August 22, 2014
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jack
Working hard on 9-3 drill. I hit the ball infinitely better if I preset my wrists so club in parallel to ground, on target line,& opposite my left thigh. I then complete my 9-3 drill. ( Nick Faldo drill to find perfect end of back swing drill ) I'm able to maintain lag (which has always been a problem) & get divot out front. I realize its not a RST drill but it seems to really work. Low penetrating ball flight with minimal body rotation. Any thoughts or comments.
August 21, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jack. Take a look at the Using the Wrist Efficiently Video in the Advanced Introduction Section. The problem with the preset. Is it doesn't require any body motion. Therefore, you are only adding arm strength and not using the big muscles to their full potential.
August 21, 2014
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Sean
Great video, one of the best I've seen on this topic.
August 21, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Thanks Sean!
August 21, 2014
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gaudencio
Thank you. l am a small old man This make sense why l can't generate a repectable clubhead speed. l certainly will follow your advise.
August 21, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Your Welcome. Happy to Help!
August 21, 2014
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Arthur
To release and maitain width, do you swingslightly toward the second baseman as I was told years ago.
August 21, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
If you start swinging towards the second basemen too much, you might start coming too much from the inside which could lead to further problems. Zero out the plane as much as possible. Straight and Long!
August 21, 2014
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Steven
Hey Chuck, the "Wide-Narrow-Wide" drill refers to the desired arms/hands position on the backswing, downswing, and follow-through respectively. So do I want my hands to "feel" wide or narrow on my downswing. Thanks...
August 21, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Steven. You want to feel as wide as possible going back, then narrow the club (move it closer to center) as you come down.
August 21, 2014
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gary
You must have been secretly watching me practice this past year as my fight to retain respectable distance in my swing with "rotation" has failed miserably!
August 21, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
We are like the NSA here Gary. Cameras and people everywhere. Glad we can give you a little insight.
August 21, 2014
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gary
Man-o-Man....did you ever hit the nail on the head with this one...
August 21, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
The Master is here to help!
August 21, 2014
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jon
Thanks, excellent and timely advice!!
August 21, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Thanks Jon. We appreciate it!
August 21, 2014
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Roger
Chuck, This makes tremendous sense and I've had a good deal of personal success in adding extension (and distance) to my driver swing. As you work down through the bag to the irons, however, adding extension would seem to have some limitations, especially as you get to the wedges. Please comment ...
August 21, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Roger. As you go to the shorter clubs. The arc will continue to get smaller. I.E. less club head speed available to create. When you get down to the wedges, focus more on control. Better to have a consistent wedge, than a 150 pw.
August 21, 2014

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