DEAD Drill Step 1 - The Backswing
DEAD Drill Step 1 - The Backswing

Here's the first step in building your perfect golf swing using the DEAD Drill. It's criti ...

DEAD Drill Step 2 - The Transition
DEAD Drill Step 2 - The Transition

The DEAD Drill transition is DEAD simple. One move to have a powerful and dynamic transiti ...

DEAD Drill Step 3 - The Post-Up
DEAD Drill Step 3 - The Post-Up

The Post Up move is where all the magic happens in the golf downswing. If you've never rel ...

Flip vs. Release in Golf
Flip vs. Release in Golf

What is the difference between a proper golf club release and a flip in the golf swing? To ...

How to Get Perfect Shaft Lean at Impact
How to Get Perfect Shaft Lean at Impact

You want to hit those boring, hissing shots that scream off the face like a rocket? This g ...

Golf Impact Position Face On
Golf Impact Position Face On

After all your hard work on the backswing, it's time for the big payoff! Getting into the ...

Golf Impact Position Down the Line
Golf Impact Position Down the Line

As I discussed in the video on Impact Alignments Face On, impact is everything in RST. All ...

Cure Chicken Wing in the Golf Swing
Cure Chicken Wing in the Golf Swing

You now have a 3-step drill to help you cure your chicken wing golf swing once and for all ...

Left Elbow Position at Impact
Left Elbow Position at Impact

Find out a simple trick to hit straighter shots while also virtually eliminating your chan ...

3 Steps to better impact position in golf
3 Steps to better impact position in golf

Golf is a sport that can leave you frustrated round after round, but WHY? What exactly are ...

Golf Impact - Part 2 of 7
Golf Impact - Part 2 of 7

In part 2 of this new 7 part video series, I'll discuss one of the most important parts th ...

Perfect your golf impact - 1 of 4
Perfect your golf impact - 1 of 4

Compressing the golf ball like a tour pro can be very hard to do. In this new video series ...

Perfect your golf impact - 2 of 4
Perfect your golf impact - 2 of 4

Effortless power in the golf swing is a difficult concept for many amateur golfers. In vid ...

Perfect your golf impact - 3 of 4
Perfect your golf impact - 3 of 4

Learn how to add more speed to your golf swing by leveraging the ground like a tour pro.

Perfect your golf impact - 4 of 4
Perfect your golf impact - 4 of 4

Lag in the golf swing is key for clubhead speed. In this video, I'll show you how to add m ...

Perfecting your golf impact - Bonus
Perfecting your golf impact - Bonus

Perfecting your golf impact video series. Special bonus video that will help you correct s ...

Overview of the Push Release
Overview of the Push Release

An overview to the push release for those who want to use the right side to help power the ...

Fix Your Swing Sway w/ the Wall Drill
Fix Your Swing Sway w/ the Wall Drill

Fix your golf swing sway with this awesome and simple drill! Swaying off the ball in the b ...

Intro to Weight Shift in the Golf Swing
Intro to Weight Shift in the Golf Swing

Weight shift in the golf swing is the FIRST thing you must master before worrying about an ...

Weight Shift in the Golf Swing - Pt. 1
Weight Shift in the Golf Swing - Pt. 1

Using our Science and Motion (SAM) Balance Lab, we can pin point weight shift and weight d ...

Weight Shift Part 2 - Right Hip Line
Weight Shift Part 2 - Right Hip Line

In this second video on understanding weight shift in the golf swing, I discuss specifical ...

Weight Shift Part 3 - To the Left
Weight Shift Part 3 - To the Left

The culmination in the three part series on correct weight shift in the golf swing gets us ...

Step 1 - Weight Shift
Step 1 - Weight Shift

Step 1 of the RST 5 Step System - Mastering Weight Shift

Step 1 - Weight Shift - Drill Only
Step 1 - Weight Shift - Drill Only

Step 1 - Weight shift drills

Weight Shift Sweep Drills
Weight Shift Sweep Drills

The best golf swing drill for weight shift right before you play or when you're just on th ...

5 Minute Golf Setup w/ Weight Shift
5 Minute Golf Setup w/ Weight Shift

Once you've mastered the setup, you can add weight shift to your program to begin developi ...

Fixing Your Weight Transfer in the Golf Swing
Fixing Your Weight Transfer in the Golf Swing

In this video, I will show you 2 of the most common faults in downswing transition by not ...

Learn Perfect Weight Shift in Your Socks
Learn Perfect Weight Shift in Your Socks

Struggling with your weight shift? I'm going to show you how to diagnose your mistakes by ...

How Attack Angle Affects Compression
How Attack Angle Affects Compression

Ever notice how the PGA Tour pros take razor thin divots? That's exactly what you want. Th ...

Taking a Divot in Front of the Ball
Taking a Divot in Front of the Ball

Taking a proper divot is something that is critical to crisp and consistent iron play, but ...

Angle of Attack
Angle of Attack

Taking deep divots? Are you supposed to? What do the pros do? This video tells you how ste ...

Swing Faults When Your Stance is Too Wide
Swing Faults When Your Stance is Too Wide

One of the most common problems with the setup, here's what happens when your stance is to ...

Fix Your Release - Trail Shoulder Back
Fix Your Release - Trail Shoulder Back

This golf instruction video is for those who struggle to stop spinning their shoulders ope ...

Moving the Fulcrum & Hitting Shots off the Toe
Moving the Fulcrum & Hitting Shots off the Toe

It's one of my most important golf instruction videos ever, this will completely transform ...

How to Cure the Shanks in 3 Steps
How to Cure the Shanks in 3 Steps

The golf shank is the ugliest, nastiest, rottenest, and most frightening shot in golf. If ...

Getting Stuck on the Downswing
Getting Stuck on the Downswing

Tiger Woods used to always complain about getting "stuck" in the downswing; a position tha ...

Blocked Golf Shots | Fwd Shaft Lean
Blocked Golf Shots | Fwd Shaft Lean

If you want to compress the ball for explosive distance, then you need to be working on st ...

How to Fix the Two Way Miss in Golf
How to Fix the Two Way Miss in Golf

Struggle with the dreaded two-way miss in golf? One shot goes right and the next goes left ...

2 Finger Release Drill
2 Finger Release Drill

This awesome drill forces you to release the golf club like a tour pro! You're going to lo ...

Stop Coming Over the Top in the Golf Swing and Slicing
Stop Coming Over the Top in the Golf Swing and Slicing

You're well aware that slicing destroys your distance and your scorecard. What you may not ...

Stop Slicing and Start Releasing the Golf Club
Stop Slicing and Start Releasing the Golf Club

In this video, I’ll show you how to release your club to stop slicing and get better com ...

Square the Clubface Early
Square the Clubface Early

Learning how to properly square the club face at impact is something that most amateur gol ...

Hitting a Fade
Hitting a Fade

Learning how to hit a fade is all about learning to control the release of the golf club. ...

How to Stop Hooking the Golf Ball
How to Stop Hooking the Golf Ball

How to stop hooking the golf ball once and for all! If you struggle with hitting hook shot ...

Hitting a Draw
Hitting a Draw

Once you've mastered the RST swing method, you realize that, due to the simplicity of the ...

How to Hit the 3 Yard Draw
How to Hit the 3 Yard Draw

Learn how to hit the delicate little three yard draw and why you're struggling with gettin ...

Cure Reverse Pivot w/ the Necktie Drill
Cure Reverse Pivot w/ the Necktie Drill

Axis tilt is a necessary fundamental of the golf swing that many golfers ignore or fail to ...

How to Fix Golf Reverse Pivot
How to Fix Golf Reverse Pivot

A reverse pivot golf swing can cause a whole lot of bad shots, from hitting it thin to hit ...

Fix Your Swing Sway w/ the Wall Drill
Fix Your Swing Sway w/ the Wall Drill

Fix your golf swing sway with this awesome and simple drill! Swaying off the ball in the b ...

Fix Reverse Pivot - Trail Side Dominant Setup
Fix Reverse Pivot - Trail Side Dominant Setup

This golf setup check is critical to getting rid of a reverse pivot and over the top downs ...

5 Minutes to Master Rotation
5 Minutes to Master Rotation

This video holds the 5 step pathway to mastering rotation in the golf swing. At the end of ...

Keep the Right Arm Straight to Turn
Keep the Right Arm Straight to Turn

One of the most common faults that destroys a powerful turn in the golf swing is how the r ...

How to Fix a Flat Shoulder Turn
How to Fix a Flat Shoulder Turn

Fix a flat shoulder turn in your golf backswing with this simple and easy to do drill.

Simple Fix to Make a Full Shoulder Turn
Simple Fix to Make a Full Shoulder Turn

Struggle with making a full turn, even though your fit and flexible? Lacking the distance ...

Using the Core
Using the Core

Using a side by side face on view of Tiger Woods with a driver and a recent swing of mine ...

The Bucket Drill - Golf Shoulder Turn
The Bucket Drill - Golf Shoulder Turn

The Bucket Drill is one that provides a very simple and clear picture on how to rotate cor ...

Intro to Core Rotation in Golf Swing
Intro to Core Rotation in Golf Swing

The rotating core is the "engine" of the golf swing and the primary mover of the entire sw ...

Step 2 - Core Rotation
Step 2 - Core Rotation

Step 2- Adding body rotation

Step 2 - Core Rotation - Drill Only
Step 2 - Core Rotation - Drill Only

The drill only for Step 2 - Body Rotation

Clamshell Drill - How to Cure Early Extension
Clamshell Drill - How to Cure Early Extension

The Clamshell Drill is the key to the golf swing, no seriously! If you want to see how the ...

Eliminate Early Extension in Golf Swing
Eliminate Early Extension in Golf Swing

The REAL causes of early extension in the golf swing and the only TRUE way to fix it.

Closed Hip Slide
Closed Hip Slide

A closed hip slide is detrimental to your golf swing when learning how to shift your weigh ...

Live Lesson - How to Stop Losing Tush Line & Boost Consistency
Live Lesson - How to Stop Losing Tush Line & Boost Consistency

Struggling with a 2 way miss and lack of consistency? Watch this Live Lesson to learn a si ...

Losing the Tush Line
Losing the Tush Line

One of the most common questions I get regularly is how to stop losing the tush line, or s ...

Squat to Square in the Golf Downswing
Squat to Square in the Golf Downswing

If you watch golf on TV, it seems that you can't turn your hips fast enough or far enough ...

Squeeze the Cheeks for Consistency
Squeeze the Cheeks for Consistency

The glute muscles (your butt cheeks) are some of the most important muscles in the golf sw ...

Role of the Right Foot in Downswing
Role of the Right Foot in Downswing

Footwork is a bit of a misnomer in the golf swing but you hear it every week on TV. What i ...

Fix Your Over the Top Swing by Fixing Your Hand Path
Fix Your Over the Top Swing by Fixing Your Hand Path

Learn how to fix your over the top golf swing by simply being able to read a clock. If you ...

Stop Coming Over the Top in the Golf Swing and Slicing
Stop Coming Over the Top in the Golf Swing and Slicing

You're well aware that slicing destroys your distance and your scorecard. What you may not ...

How to Shallow Your Golf Swing Fast and Easy - Live Lesson
How to Shallow Your Golf Swing Fast and Easy - Live Lesson

Do you struggle with shallowing the club in the downswing and keep hitting a pull cut or e ...

How to Shallow Your Hands During Transition
How to Shallow Your Hands During Transition

Do your hands go straight out toward the golf ball and don't shallow out during the transi ...

Over the Top Stick Drill
Over the Top Stick Drill

Are you tired of yelling “Fore!” when you hit big, nasty slices off the tee? If so, he ...

Drill to Learn Inside Path to Golf Ball
Drill to Learn Inside Path to Golf Ball

Tired of the over the top slice? This drill and training aid will teach you how to approac ...

How to Fix Your Over the Top Move - Live Lesson
How to Fix Your Over the Top Move - Live Lesson

Do you have a steep, over the top golf swing? No matter what you try and do, you can't sto ...

9 to 3 Lag Building Drills
9 to 3 Lag Building Drills

Learn how to build lag in your golf swing with these 9 to 3 lag building drills. You'll le ...

AXIOM Lag in the Golf Swing
AXIOM Lag in the Golf Swing

Producing incredible lag has never been this easy - or fast

Increase Lag - Impact Cube Drill
Increase Lag - Impact Cube Drill

This awesome drill will teach you to not cast the club and maintain lag into impact.

Speed vs. Power in the Golf Swing
Speed vs. Power in the Golf Swing

Speed vs. Power - Which is it that you want in the golf swing? Many golfers think they nee ...

Reshaping Your Golf Swing for Lag
Reshaping Your Golf Swing for Lag

It's no secret that you want more lag in your swing. In this incredible video, I give you ...

RST Student Success - Building More Lag
RST Student Success - Building More Lag

RST student uses a simple 3 step process to shallow his golf swing and build in a ton of l ...

Intro to Fix Losing Lag and Weak Release
Intro to Fix Losing Lag and Weak Release

Find out how to work through this section on how to cure your golf casting / loss of lag o ...

Sklz Gold Flex Lag Trainer
Sklz Gold Flex Lag Trainer

This KILLER training aid will help you master a smooth, one-piece takeaway and help you bu ...

Rickie Fowler - How to preserve Lag
Rickie Fowler - How to preserve Lag

Lag is the most efficient way to increase clubhead speed. In this video, RST Instructor Ch ...

Lag and Speed Drills
Lag and Speed Drills

To get more distance in golf, you've got to get maximum speed from your arms and not let y ...

Key to Creating Lag
Key to Creating Lag

The secret key to creating lag has been an elusive thing for most amateur golfers. In this ...

Downcock Pump Lag Drill
Downcock Pump Lag Drill

Every golfer wants to know how to create more lag in their swing to hit the ball further. ...

Golf Grip's Effect on Lag
Golf Grip's Effect on Lag

As you've no doubt seen, my golf students have been picking up some serious distance throu ...

Become a Golf Swing Lag Monster: Shocking Success Story
Become a Golf Swing Lag Monster: Shocking Success Story

In this video, I’ll show you how RST student David became a "lag monster" with RST swing ...

4 Step Golf Swing Lag Builder
4 Step Golf Swing Lag Builder

The 4 steps to building INSANE lag in your golf swing - and you can do it TODAY!

Golf Left Thumb: Fix Pain, Soreness, Casting
Golf Left Thumb: Fix Pain, Soreness, Casting

Casting the club in the downswing is a sure way to destroy club head speed. Check out this ...

Right Arm in Downswing: Stop Casting
Right Arm in Downswing: Stop Casting

In this video, you’ll find out: 1) How Tiger Woods builds lag for power, 2) What to feel ...

Sequencing the Downswing - Dump Truck and Drag Racer
Sequencing the Downswing - Dump Truck and Drag Racer

Sequencing the downswing is the HARDEST overall part of the golf swing - and also the MOST ...

The Post Up Move - How to Use Lead Leg for Power and Maintain Posture
The Post Up Move - How to Use Lead Leg for Power and Maintain Posture

Have you ever wondered how the pros use their legs for power in the golf swing? This video ...

My Golf Power Secret
My Golf Power Secret

How do the pros hit the ball so darn far? I tell all inside with this power secret!

Using your wrists for speed in golf swing - 5 of 7
Using your wrists for speed in golf swing - 5 of 7

Your body uses tension as its primary mechanism to sequence the golf swing. In general, th ...

Vertical Ground Force and Double Peaks
Vertical Ground Force and Double Peaks

Should you be trying to increase vertical ground force in your swing and if so, how should ...

Throw the Club Head at the Golf Ball
Throw the Club Head at the Golf Ball

Unlock the leverage, speed and power of your golf swing by understanding the physics behin ...

Throw for More Natural Golf Swing
Throw for More Natural Golf Swing

Do you want a more natural golf swing with much more speed? Then you need to focus on how ...

Using the Wrists in the Golf Swing
Using the Wrists in the Golf Swing

The wrists play a very dynamic role in your golf swing. In this video, I'll cover the term ...

The Tour Pro Downswing Sequence Drill
The Tour Pro Downswing Sequence Drill

If you are looking for a golf swing drill that can INSTANTLY improve your ball striking po ...

Trail Arm Release - Throw the Ball Drill Pt 1
Trail Arm Release - Throw the Ball Drill Pt 1

This is THE key drill for really understanding how the downswing sequencing works. This 20 ...

Trail Arm Release - Throw the Ball Drill Pt 2
Trail Arm Release - Throw the Ball Drill Pt 2

Are you ready to maximize your club head speed at impact? If so, you need this missing pie ...

Tim Burke - Kinetic Chain
Tim Burke - Kinetic Chain

Tim Burke wins his 2nd World Long Drive Championship. In this video, I'll show you the key ...

Golf Takeaway | Overview
Golf Takeaway | Overview

An overview of the RST takeaway by RST Founder, Chuck Quinton. This video walks you throug ...

AXIOM Refine Your Takeaway
AXIOM Refine Your Takeaway

Simplify your takeaway with a simple 2" movement that moves the club 6 feet!

Learn a Perfect Golf Takeaway with Just a 2 Inch Movement!
Learn a Perfect Golf Takeaway with Just a 2 Inch Movement!

Learn how to pull in this video: Pushing vs Pulling in the Golf Swing Learn the simplest ...

Fix Inside Takeaway - 4 Square Drill
Fix Inside Takeaway - 4 Square Drill

You probably overuse your hands during the first half of the backswing, like most golfers, ...

Understanding Shoulder Blade Glide
Understanding Shoulder Blade Glide

If you have questions about exactly what the shoulder blade glide is or what it should fee ...

Golf Takeaway, 5 Minutes to the Perfect Golf Takeaway
Golf Takeaway, 5 Minutes to the Perfect Golf Takeaway

This 30 minute long golf instruction video is key to setting you on the right path for the ...

Right Wrist in the Takeaway
Right Wrist in the Takeaway

The role of right wrist in the takeaway is often misunderstood and has been the source of ...

Fix Inside Takeaway - Pushing with the Lead Side
Fix Inside Takeaway - Pushing with the Lead Side

An extremely common swing fault, so common that many golf instructors actually teach the s ...

Role of the Right Arm - Takeaway
Role of the Right Arm - Takeaway

Collapsing the right arm early is something that at least 90% of amateur golfers struggle ...

Pull for a perfect takeaway - 6 of 7
Pull for a perfect takeaway - 6 of 7

So many golfers try to perfect the takeaway in the swing and they constantly fight an uphi ...

Thorbjorn Olesen - Perfect your takeaway
Thorbjorn Olesen - Perfect your takeaway

See 2 key moves that Thorbjorn Olesen uses to build a picture perfect takeaway position ev ...

One Simple Key to Fix Your Takeaway
One Simple Key to Fix Your Takeaway

In this video, I’ll show you the one swing change that’ll fix your takeaway once and f ...

Posture's Effect on the Takeaway
Posture's Effect on the Takeaway

Posture at address is something that Tiger Woods always does right and it's something that ...

How to Fix an Inside Takeaway
How to Fix an Inside Takeaway

This one simple trick will fix an inside takeaway instantly, I guarantee it!

Fix Inside Takeaway - Shake Hands Drill
Fix Inside Takeaway - Shake Hands Drill

This is the best golf swing drill to teach you exactly how your hands should work during t ...

Golf Swing Takeaway & Drills
Golf Swing Takeaway & Drills

The golf takeaway has been described by golf instructors countless ways, so many ways that ...

Fix Inside Takeaway - Belly Button Drill
Fix Inside Takeaway - Belly Button Drill

This simple takeaway drill will give you that one piece takeaway you've been looking for o ...

Fix Inside Takeaway - Forward Press
Fix Inside Takeaway - Forward Press

If you've ever wondered whether or not you should have a forward press at setup, this golf ...

Wrist Cock vs. Wrist Hinge in the Golf Swing
Wrist Cock vs. Wrist Hinge in the Golf Swing

Do you know the difference between wrist cock and wrist hinge in the golf swing? The diffe ...

AXIOM Body Backswing
AXIOM Body Backswing

Eliminate your reverse pivot, handsy inside takeaway, your head swaying off the ball and y ...

AXIOM Refine Your Backswing
AXIOM Refine Your Backswing

Dial in your arms during the backswing to start easily shaping the ball, changing trajecto ...

Body Rotation in Golf Backswing - Chair Drill
Body Rotation in Golf Backswing - Chair Drill

If you want to power up your swing in golf, body rotation in the backswing is crucial. Unf ...

Left Shoulder Push in Backswing
Left Shoulder Push in Backswing

This "Left Shoulder Push in the Backswing" video is for you ONLY if you already pull perfe ...

5 Minutes to the Perfect Golf Backswing
5 Minutes to the Perfect Golf Backswing

Once you've mastered the takeaway using our "5 Minutes to the Perfect Takeaway" video, you ...

My Golf Backswing Secrets
My Golf Backswing Secrets

My keys to success for a perfect golf backswing - how to make the backswing simple and rep ...

How Much Shoulder Elevation
How Much Shoulder Elevation

It's time to help you decide how to power your golf swing. And it all starts with how you ...

Right Elbow Pit in Golf Backswing
Right Elbow Pit in Golf Backswing

Do you struggle, like most golfers, with a flying right elbow at the top of the backswing? ...

Understanding Arm Elevation
Understanding Arm Elevation

In this video, Ill show you what arm elevation is, why you need it, and exactly how much y ...

Fix Overswing/Across the Line - Flying Right Elbow
Fix Overswing/Across the Line - Flying Right Elbow

If you want to cure your overswing/across-the-line swing, you first need to diagnose the c ...

Live Lesson - How to Fix Your Arms by Fixing Your Legs in the Backswing
Live Lesson - How to Fix Your Arms by Fixing Your Legs in the Backswing

Do you struggle with your arms getting too deep or too disconnected during the backswing? ...

Right Arm Backswing Drill
Right Arm Backswing Drill

This is an excellent drill to train your mind to use your torso rotation to move the club ...

Should You Restrict Your Hip Turn in the Backswing?
Should You Restrict Your Hip Turn in the Backswing?

For years, you've been taught to restrict the hips in the backswing. Is that what's best f ...

Simplify Your Backswing with Shallow Arms
Simplify Your Backswing with Shallow Arms

Make this one simple change to reduce tension in your backswing to start hitting more EFFO ...

Stop Overswinging | Get Your Backswing Under Control
Stop Overswinging | Get Your Backswing Under Control

A powerful, compact backswing is essential for creating good contact with the ball. If ...

Fix Hip Overturning in Your Backswing
Fix Hip Overturning in Your Backswing

If you're letting your hips over rotate in the backswing, you're costing yourself a ton of ...

Fix Loose Lower Body w/ Laser Beam Knee Drills
Fix Loose Lower Body w/ Laser Beam Knee Drills

Lower body stability is key for power and accuracy in the golf swing. This drill will help ...

Torso, Hips Over Rotating in Backswing
Torso, Hips Over Rotating in Backswing

How much shoulder turn is too much and how much is not enough? Depends on how it's measure ...

DEAD Drill Step 1 - The Backswing
DEAD Drill Step 1 - The Backswing

Here's the first step in building your perfect golf swing using the DEAD Drill. It's criti ...

Golf Backswing, Completing the Golf Backswing
Golf Backswing, Completing the Golf Backswing

Once you've mastered the setup, weight transfer and takeaway, it's time to progress to the ...

Winter Golf Training Program - Backswing
Winter Golf Training Program - Backswing

Snow on the ground? Too cold out? No problem! NOW is the BEST time to work on your golf sw ...

Upper vs. Lower Body Rotation in Backswing
Upper vs. Lower Body Rotation in Backswing

Confused about how your upper body rotates in the backswing compared to your lower body? T ...

How to Keep Your Left Arm Straight in the Backswing
How to Keep Your Left Arm Straight in the Backswing

The secret to why you can't keep your left arm straight at the top of the golf backswing.

How to Avoid a Cupped Left Wrist at the Top
How to Avoid a Cupped Left Wrist at the Top

Learn the cause of a cupped left wrist at the top of your golf backswing and how to fix it ...

How to Fix Trail Leg Straightening in Backswing
How to Fix Trail Leg Straightening in Backswing

Is your trail leg straightening in the backswing? Do you know what kind of issues this sim ...

Do You Start Backswing w/ Hips or Shoulders?
Do You Start Backswing w/ Hips or Shoulders?

To start the golf swing with the upper or lower body, that is the question! I think Shakes ...

Checkpoints - 5 Minutes Backswing
Checkpoints - 5 Minutes Backswing

If you who have already watched the complete 5 Minutes to the Perfect Backswing video, thi ...

5 Minutes to a Perfect Backswing Pitfalls
5 Minutes to a Perfect Backswing Pitfalls

In this premium video, I am going to cover some of the common mistakes that RST students m ...

3 Functions of Right Arm in Backswing
3 Functions of Right Arm in Backswing

In this video, I'll show you the 3 functions of the right arm in creating the perfect back ...

Henrik Stenson's Backswing Moves
Henrik Stenson's Backswing Moves

See how Henrik Stenson's idiosyncrasies work in his powerful golf swing. Check out these ...

Jason Day - Perfect Backswing
Jason Day - Perfect Backswing

Swing plane is a very common term used in golf and has become a primary focus point for a ...

What is a Perfect Golf Swing Plane?
What is a Perfect Golf Swing Plane?

Swing plane is NOT something you work on by swinging in a big PVC hoop or swinging around ...

How to Fix Swing Plane & Path
How to Fix Swing Plane & Path

If you want to truly, once and for all, fix your golf swing plane and path, you must heed ...

Creating a Swing Plane
Creating a Swing Plane

So many golfers struggle with their ball striking because they misunderstand the concept B ...

Fix Swing Plane - Lead Arm Two Club Drill
Fix Swing Plane - Lead Arm Two Club Drill

Here's a simple golf swing plane drill to get your swing back on track fast with a trainin ...

How Knee Flex Determines Swing Plane
How Knee Flex Determines Swing Plane

Do you struggle with swinging too far from the inside? Part of the problem could actually ...

Trace the Plane Line
Trace the Plane Line

Do you tend to get "stuck" in the downswing? Do you hit blocks and quick hooks? Do you wan ...

Golf Grip's Effect on Swing Plane
Golf Grip's Effect on Swing Plane

Having a proper grip is crucial for club face control and lag in the golf swing. In this v ...

Stop Coming Under the Plane in Golf
Stop Coming Under the Plane in Golf

Coming into impact under plane kills your consistency, often resulting in blocked shots, t ...

AXIOM Body Tour Impact
AXIOM Body Tour Impact

Learn the secret of how the pros are so consistent with this tour impact position.

AXIOM Body Downswing
AXIOM Body Downswing

Learn how to cure your flip, stop hitting fat and thin shots and how to get into the perfe ...

AXIOM Release Left vs. Right
AXIOM Release Left vs. Right

Discover the release that is best for you and your swing that will give you the fastest re ...

AXIOM Release Overview
AXIOM Release Overview

Finally, understand what it means and feels like to fully release the club

AXIOM Compression Drill
AXIOM Compression Drill

THE drill that will give you the consistency you desire with effortless distance you didn' ...

AXIOM Unleash Your Inner Speed Demon!
AXIOM Unleash Your Inner Speed Demon!

Learn how three tiny changes can unleash 30+ more yards on your drives when you need it.

Golf Swing Sequence - How the Lower Body Works
Golf Swing Sequence - How the Lower Body Works

Struggle with coming over the top or don't know how to use your lower body in the golf swi ...

The Magic Box - How to Check Your Lower Body in the Transition
The Magic Box - How to Check Your Lower Body in the Transition

The "Magic Box" is a term created by Chuck Quinton to help golfers learn the proper transi ...

Start Downswing Before Completing Backswing
Start Downswing Before Completing Backswing

You need to start your downswing before completing your backswing. This pro-style transiti ...

Golf Swing Transition Drill
Golf Swing Transition Drill

Most instructors consider the transition in the golf swing the most difficult, if not impo ...

Which Muscles to Feel During Golf Swing Transition
Which Muscles to Feel During Golf Swing Transition

Learn exactly which muscles you should feel and in what sequence during the golf swing tra ...

You Hit the Golf Ball with Your LEGS!!
You Hit the Golf Ball with Your LEGS!!

You hit the ball with your legs, specifically your lead leg, not your hands in RST. Learn ...

Golf Downswing, Rotary Golf Downswing Overview
Golf Downswing, Rotary Golf Downswing Overview

Mastering the setup, weight transfer and takeaway are critical to a great golf swing. But ...

Right Arm Only Downswing Drill
Right Arm Only Downswing Drill

Once you've worked with the Throw the Ball Drill, you'll want to begin mastering this much ...

Drill for Golf Downswing Sequencing
Drill for Golf Downswing Sequencing

In this video, I'll show you where you're losing power and a simple drill that'll get it b ...

5 Minutes to the Perfect Golf Downswing
5 Minutes to the Perfect Golf Downswing

All the work you've done on your RST golf swing to this point has culminated in this next ...

Golf Swing Follow Through
Golf Swing Follow Through

The follow through is a result of all things you have done in your golf swing up until thi ...

Adam Scott Driver Swing Follow Through
Adam Scott Driver Swing Follow Through

In this Adam Scott follow through video, you'll find out: 1) How Adam Scott finishes his p ...

What You Should Think Over the Golf Ball
What You Should Think Over the Golf Ball

I get asked all the time what I'm thinking over the ball. This video finally answers it - ...

Taking Your Golf Swing Drills to the Course
Taking Your Golf Swing Drills to the Course

How to take what you're doing with your golf swing drills in front of the mirror to the go ...

3 Cable-Machine Core Exercises To Add To Your Routine
3 Cable-Machine Core Exercises To Add To Your Routine

We all know how important the core is to your golf swing. But which ones are the best for ...

Keep the Right Arm Straight to Turn

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One of the most common faults that destroys a powerful turn in the golf swing is how the right arm works in the backswing. In this video, I go over how the right arm works properly in the backswing and how it impacts the rotation of the torso.

  • Golfers who don't make a full turn often fold the right arm early
  • Keep the right arm straight as long as possible - it acts as a piston to move the right shoulder blade farther back
  • Use a video camera to check your form - you may feel that your arm does not fold at all even though it has
  • Your hands should feel very far away from you at the top of the swing

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Patrick
Why is this video marked private?
May 2, 2023
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Patrick. There is a glitch with Vimeo our host right now. We hope it will be resolved shortly.
May 2, 2023
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Asle
How does this work together with shallowing the backswing video where the RH was compared with clapping your hands with an early flexing and bending? Is this the same message or the opposite?
November 11, 2022
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Asle. The trail arm staying straighter will facilitate the turn. This is the same principle in the shallow backswing video. Your goal would be deleting elevation not adding a lot of arm flexion.
November 12, 2022
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Asle
I don't get it. A straight RA in the backswing as long as possible must be different than this much shorter movement of the RH with an early elevation like starting to clap. That's not a straight RH? Which way to do it is best?
November 12, 2022
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Asle. Both versions of the swing backswing is fine. Yes, the above will yield a higher and more elevated swing. The shallower version does bend earlier and the arms are lower but maintain 90 degrees or less of trail arm bend is prevalent in both of them. No matter what version you do the arm will still have to bend slightly.
November 14, 2022
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Kyaw Thet
Hi Craig, No matter high hands or low hands, this video is still applicable right? High hands or low hands are related only to elevation, not flexion, is that correct? Sorry to ask you a lot of questions.
December 18, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Kyaw. Yes. High hands/low refer more to elevation. No worries bud.
December 18, 2020
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Thom
it appears that the drill to keep the right arm straight for as long as possible in the backswing somewhat contadicts the drills in 5 minutes to a perfect back swing. Elevation then flexion of the right arm then rotation shows the right arm in flexion almost from the get go. I'm confused on this one??
November 3, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Thom. The vast majority of players fold the arm too early. It will have some flexion in the real swing. However, I've bet players to keep the trail arm perfectly straight and never lost. This is a way to learn how to maintain the width with rotation.
November 4, 2020
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Kevin
Hi Craig - I was working on my backswing more today to associate a feeling with hitting the right spots at the top. The more I focus on right arm width at the top and feeling like I’m turning with a medicine ball it has helped my overswing and left arm position. The problem is the right elbow plane is still deep and not in front of my chest at the top. I’m trying to root cause if that I’d more due to a left arm push or the right arm losing connection from the upper right pec. When I make left arm only swings and use the connect it looks perfect so I’m assuming it’s more of a push issue but wanted to get your thoughts
July 5, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Kevin. Could be a combo of both. If it looks perfect with connect and left arm only though it may not solely be left arm push. Do a left arm only and then add your right arm at the top after stopping (compare and contrast). You may find you are just flying the elbow.
July 6, 2020
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Kevin
Thanks Craig....I can easily make left arm only swings and add the right arm in for support and reconfirmed that last night. Also, in theory if the left arm is in the right position (which in the picture above it looks pretty good) I assume it didn't push across. A left arm that pushed across would be lower I would think? I used to have a much lower left arm that intersected at or below my right shoulder...just looked at an old swing and it was much uglier.
July 7, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Kevin. Typically, if the left arm pushed across it would be a little lower and hands deeper.
July 7, 2020
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Kevin
I worked on this for a long time tonight on video with some experiments and had an “a-ha” moment. I started adding flexion what feels like “early” in the backswing to me. I think the right arm looks much better and doesn’t let me swing the arms into the depth dimension. The flexion acts as a brake from my right elbow flying.
July 7, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Kevin. Much improved trail arm position.
July 7, 2020
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Bernie
By keeping the right are straight, it pulls the right elbow and arm from the right side of the body. How is that consistent with "staying connected," keeping the upper arms connected to your body as you swing (as the Arm Connection training aid encourages)?
April 13, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Bernard. The trail arm will aid flexion at some point in the backswing. This is an exaggeration to keep you rotating. 99% of players will not keep the arm completely straight while performing the drill. We do want the arms to stay in front and the trail arm maintain some connection as discussed in the 3 Functions of the Right Arm Video.
April 13, 2020
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John
This really helps keep the lead arm straight - in fact the only thing for me that keeps the lead arm straight without thinking too much about it it. I have a question... how soon should the wrists hinge? I find for me it has to be pretty early .. like just before 9pm .. or else I struggle to reach the top without overturning. Is hinging just before 9pm ( or somewhere between 8 and 9) about right?
November 13, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello John. The wrist will be gradually set throughout the backswing. Take a look at Wrist Cock vs Wrist Hinge and Using the Wrists in the Golf Swing. Yes, there will be a slight amount of setting before you reach the 9 O'Clock position.
November 13, 2019
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Walter
I am trying to correct a flying right elbow and am being told I need to fold my trail arm sooner in my takeaway. I assume, based on this video, you would disagree with this advice. How do you suggest I make the correction?
October 3, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Walter. Adding flexion sooner it definitely a no-no! Take a look at 2. Overview: Fix Overswing/Across-the-Line Swing Video and Stop Overswinging Video.
October 4, 2019
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Dan
Is there a specific action here? Or is it rather the lack of an action? What I mean is are we actively straightening the right arm/pushing the hands away? Or simply trying to not bend the arm? I’m discovering that I likely don’t have enough elevation early enough and my hands get deep, even without bending the right arm. Should I be seeking more of a sensation of pushing the hands away or simply elevating sooner? Also, how does this concept of not flexing the right arm work in regards to REF (which asks for flexion of the right arm?)
July 12, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Dan. Simply trying not to bend the arm. You don't want to start pushing and protracting the trail shoulder to force extension. Elevate sooner and feel like the trail arm stays straight. You will need a little flexion in the swing from the trail arm. But, everyone even when trying to keep it perfectly straight will still have a slight bend.
July 12, 2019
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Dan
So is the backswing more of a turn to the end of the takeaway and then a lift to the top? Or is it more of a smooth, steady, gradual lift almost immediately off the ball? Because I don't believe I bend my right arm, currently, but I think I turn too much in the takeaway, I end up just slightly deep, and then I don't lift near enough in Move 2, which causes momentum of the clubhead at that point to bend the right arm because I'm *really* deep then. In doing some drilling over the past couple of days, I find that I end up in the correct spot if I start elevating almost immediately. But I don't want to continue doing that if it isn't correct.
July 12, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Dan. There is a slight amount of elevation in the takeaway. After you begin rotating the arms will need to start working up to stay in front of the chest and not work too much into the depth dimension. Some players will tend to feel that their arms start going straight up right after beginning the swing.
July 12, 2019
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Michael
This is almost if not impossible if one has bursitis in the right shoulder.
April 23, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Michael. I feel your pain. I have anchors all up and down my trail shoulder from a major injury. You rotate as far as you can without causing pain/injury. If you have constant problems with the trail shoulder. I would focus on Proper Muscle Activation Video and My Golf Backswing Secrets Video. From those you will see how the core and weight will help you achieve good rotation while being able to keep the shoulders relatively soft and relaxed which should help you.
April 23, 2019
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Jeff
Trying to keep right arm straighter deeper into the backswing does help me turn/rotate/load more, but also seems to add tension in the right upper arm and shoulder (up in the rectangle). Thoughts on keeping right arm straighter longer into backswing without adding tension in upper body (keeping tension down in the box)?
January 27, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jeff. Take a look at Proper Muscle Activation Video. There isn't much in the initial to stay relaxed other than focusing on your core. Tension will start to get better the more you practice.
January 27, 2019
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Mikko-Pekka
I do turn pretty well but I struggle with overswing. I am just wondering would this drill or swing thought help with that? At least it seems that arms would be unable to swing any further when shoulders have stopped rotating.
September 25, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Mikko. Yes, this will help with overswing if the arms stay more in conjunction with your turn and with very little trail elbow flexion.
September 25, 2018
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Mikko-Pekka
Thank you Craig! I want to be 100% sure that I am trying to shorten my swing correctly. I see a lot of players that swing too far with their arms. As there seems to be only two videos dealing with overswing issue should this video be included in overswing section in site? Just a suggestion to make the site better. I found that when I am trying to keep my right arm straight it shortens my swing dramatically. The two videos (Stop Overswinging and Load the Right Glute) did not have same effect.
September 25, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Mikko. Yes, this could easily be included in the Overswing Section. Thanks for the heads up.
September 25, 2018
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Mikko-Pekka
Aha! An old discussion here I see. Would you recommend this feeling to help my excessive flexion or should I just try to keep my right arm straighter and do 5min. to perfect backswing drills?
June 19, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Mikko. I think both would be fine. But, in your practice swing. You don't have excessive overswing right now. When we start blending the move this one will come more into play.
June 19, 2019
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Mikko-Pekka
Ok, thanks Craig. I gonna stick with 5 min. as I feel relaxed when doing that and IMO I don't have the issues the above video addressess.
June 19, 2019
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Paul
Wow. A new favorite video. This video teaching confirmed my trial and error at the range. Many thanks. Makes total sense.
February 5, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Paul. Great. Happy you enjoyed.
February 6, 2018
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Curt
I was sent a video swing review, but I couldn't view it because I don't have the minimum flash player requirements. I have the current version of Adobe Flash Player. I cannot find a contact number to get support.
September 26, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Curt. Yes, I completed your review earlier. At the very bottom of this page you will see a "Help" Link. From there you can contact customer support.
September 26, 2017
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gordon
I am confused by tips involving the use of a towel or glove under the right and left armpits to train the take away and backswing. Although I am pretty sure I have seen something on this in one or more lessons on RTS my search using glove, towel and armpit keywords turned up blank. Can you show me where to go to find this info, I am particularly interested in hearing the RTS view on this swing aid. Thanks in advance, Gordon.
January 4, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Gordon. We don't have any towel or glove/pit drills. We usually shy away from this because it tends to cause a more rounded swing with lack of elevation.
January 4, 2017
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gordon
Thanks for the clarification Craig. That drill does seem to be something of a two-edged sword. It can be misunderstood. That was my confusion. Regards, Gordon.
January 4, 2017
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Gisella
HI, Looking at your video I realised that keeping the right arm near to the body is a terrible mistake beacuse don't let the shoulders turn around the spine in the backswing. I also have the sensation that affects also my downswing because it blocks my body in the downswing: I can't make a proper weigth shift and it makes difficult engaging the left glute and pulling with the left side of my spine and I finish with chicken wing.
December 20, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Gisella. The Upper Pectoral and Upper Bicep will maintain connection, but you are correct. You don't want to glue the arm or elbow to the side of the body in the backswing.
December 20, 2016
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Loran
Then, the shoulders rotate fully, then the right arm folds at the last moment, correct? The right shoulder moves back 90 degrees, then the right arm folds? Is this why I feel like my arms are getting too far behind my back?
November 28, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Loran. Typically, the trail arm will start to fold before the shoulders are fully wound. However, players that really struggle folding the trail arm early. May feel that it is much later towards the completion of the turn.
November 28, 2016
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Leslie John
Chuck; I get your point about the right arm being the agent of making a full turn, however at the age of 83 I just cannot do what you are asking, so what is the important key; keeping my right arm straight just as long as the left will meet it without undue strain...or turn more deep by allowing an earlier fold of the R arm? Les
November 4, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Leslie john. You don't want to allow for too much flexion early of the trail arm. However, it will provide vertical motion for the swing. If you can keep it in the takeaway. Just make sure you allow it not to bend more than 90 degrees from there. Also, try the Winter Golf Training Program - Backswing Video. It might be easier for you.
November 5, 2016
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T David
I am continuing to work on my takeaway with the straight right arm. Is there a specific point that we can say where the right arm starts to fold? Or, is this a matter of each person is different and... just resist the sensation to let it fold for as long as possible?
October 18, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Dave. The folding of the trail arm is responsible for some of the vertical motion in the swing. Basically, if you have a really hard time folding it too early. Try to keep it straight. If you master not folding it early. It will roughly begin after belt height.
October 18, 2016
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Peter
Very Nice!!!! I am, as you well know, an old f--t, with neuropathic balance problems, and a spine that has long since lost its joint spaces. Seven a.m. tee times are a thing of the past. It's ten-thirty, and I'm just now able to get a seventy degree shoulder turn. But your suggestion that a straight right arm serves as piston to push the shoulders further is so cool!!! I'd add a cautionary word that might be worth mentioning to us old guys. Nearly fifty years ov leaning over patients' beds (or sitting at a desk) has convinced my muscles that I must reach for the ball by drooping my shoulders. Not only does that limit my turn, but it negates a critically important bony fulcrum. The back is rounded at the top, and the shoulders are out of their normal anatomic position. Result? MAJOR loss of distance and consistency. Likely you see this all the time. But putting stuff into words, which are transferrable to mirror-observation & muscle memory changes, is predicated on recognizing when it ain't right! I can't feel the corrective un-and re-training that's needed for real improvement unless I'm made aware of the fact that what feels natur*Ial is STOOPID! pk
September 11, 2016
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Thanks for the great note as always PK! Hope things are going awesome for you.
September 12, 2016
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Michael
Chris, Thanks for review. I will be joining your unlimited swing group. I just need 2 weeks before I can action. Hope that's OK. Kind regards. Michael.
September 8, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Michael. I'm sure it will be fine. Good luck working with Chris on your swing!
September 9, 2016
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Gareth
Is keeping the right arm straight only a feel for full swing or short game also?
September 2, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Gareth. There aren't many shots that folding the trail arm early would be a good thing. You still will want to shy away from early trail arm flexion.
September 4, 2016
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Joseph
Hello I've noticed through some video reviews and working on not bending that right arm too soon, I have a tendency to dip my left shoulder in towards the ball any thoughts to work on this?
August 31, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Joseph. The shoulders need to rotate around the spine properly. Make sure you aren't pushing the lead shoulder down and you are pulling with the trail shoulder (Body Rotation in Golf Backswing Video). There will be some tilt, but not excessive.
August 31, 2016
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Joshua
Hello I definitely have too much right arm folding and the club is getting way too deep. But on my last swing review I was to work on getting the club much higher bUT that was done primarily with right elbow flexion? Does the elbow flexion just need to occur much later?
July 28, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Joshua. You need trail arm flexion to create vertical motion, but you also need elevation. You might be adding the fold too soon. Take a look at the Pool Noodle Video to see or help you with the blend.
July 28, 2016
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John
Been no mention of keeping a straight left arm as part of the process. I understand that keeping the right straight and keeping it from flying at the top and maintaining contact with the right oblique. Right now I'm slightly over swinging because of a small bend in the left at the top. I'm thinking keeping a straight left arm will cure this and promote better lag action in the downswing.
June 18, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello John. If the trail arm doesn't bend more than 90 degrees the lead arm will stay straight. You can have a soft lead arm, but you don't want it bending too much.
June 19, 2016
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Les
After you complete the weight shift to the right, isn't the next step using the left arm? Won't trying to keep the right arm extremely straight force more tension into my right arm/shoulder? So should a person focus on their right arm or left arm during the backswing?
June 5, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Les. Both arms have a job to do in the swing. You should focus on the trail side when taking the club back, but not inhibit what the lead arm needs to do. This drill is for players that really fold the trail arm too soon and have to exaggerate at first to calm it down. Ideally, you don't want to lock the trail arm and allow it to fold properly once takeaway is completed (3 Functions of the Right Arm).
June 5, 2016
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Les
So we should try to keep it extended through the takeaway and as we add our shoulder elevation we start letting the right arm fold naturally. Is that correct?
June 5, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Les. Yes. Straight in the takeaway. As you start adding elevation allow for the club to work up with proper folding of the trail arm. Some players already do too much folding. Therefore, need the above drill to help them get over the hump.
June 6, 2016
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Bob
Hi, I find it difficult to achieve a straight up (perpendicular) right forearm position at the top of the back swing. my forearm is more inline with my spine angle. Is this acceptable or is it due to an incorrect shoulder turn.
March 28, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Bob. Sounds like you lack a little external humeral rotation. Take a look at the 3 Functions of the Right Arm and the Fix the Flying Elbow.
March 28, 2016
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bryan
Please let me know if this makes sense. I am pretty sure I have the opposite problem here as I have never thought about folding the right arm. When I look at my swing from face on I have the position that Chuck shows of the very slight right arm bend. I recently got measured and have 124 degrees of shoulder rotation but also 66 degrees of hip rotation. Too much all around. My right arm tends to fly away from my body because I over rotate and just keep the right arm basically straight the whole time. It can't stay in front of my body when I rotate this much. After I saw my number I knew I needed to turn it down. Since I never fold my right arm consciously, at first I have been trying to link my arms more with my rotation where I simply rotate as much as possible without moving my hips and without thinking of lifting my arms. It feels like I am somewhere between a half and three quarter shot but the top looks good. My hands are a little higher than what tiger woods' look like at the top when I do this and right on plane. When I allow the right arm to fold, I get into a higher position that feels much more powerful.
March 14, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Bryan. The thinking is correct. Allow for rotation to move the arms and restrict from over rotation of the hips. However, you need to make sure the arms take care of the vertical motion. Understanding Shoulder Elevation, 4 Square Drill and 3 Functions of the Right Arm. As long as you don't allow the arm swing to get into the depth dimension you need to allow for right arm fold to help you stay in front and reach the proper position at the top.
March 14, 2016
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David
Hi Craig, This video seems to contradicts the two and a half inches shoulder turn Chuck talks about in the take away video ? Regards David
November 22, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello David. You still want to perform the 2 inch shoulder blade glide to complete the takeaway. This video/drill is to help players that really struggle folding the trail arm. Some players have to over exaggerate the feeling of keeping the trail arm straight to stop excessive flexion early. It is very hard for any player to actually keep the entire arm straight to the top.
November 23, 2015
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Ron
I am now doing good with keeping the right arm straight and keeping the elbow down on full swings. How does this apply to chipping and pitching around the green. I have an excellent short game but tend to fold the right elbow fairly quickly on the backswing when hitting chips or pitch shots around the green.
November 1, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Ron. You will still use the shoulder glide. But, the emphasis on chipping and pitching is for accuracy, not max power/width. The wrist will tend to set quicker and you don't need to worry about creating such a wide arc.
November 2, 2015
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Ron
When trying to get width by keeping the right arm straight my right elbow lifts up away from the torso. I can do one or the other but not both. Keeping the elbow pointing towards my hip at address helps but I still struggling with keeping the right elbow down while getting good width. Any ideas?
October 29, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Ron. At some point the trail arm has to fold. If you don't allow it too the arms will start to lift to the top. Take a look at the Right Elbow Pit Video and combine with the 3 Functions of the Right Arm.
October 29, 2015
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Ron
Craig, thanks for the quick response. The videos helped clarify what I was doing wrong. I noticed after about an 80° shoulder rotation I was lifting my arms to get additional stretch which in turn caused my right elbow to lift and separate from the ideal position.
October 30, 2015
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Ray
This move ruined my entire summer. I'm still suffering from "tennis" elbow due to poor rotation of the right forearm. Hogan stated very clearly that the elbow should always point to the ground making this move nearly impossible. Please clarify.
July 28, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Ray. This drill is designed for the player that constantly over folds the trail arm without awareness. In an effort, to show the difference between feel and real. No matter how much someone thinks they aren't folding the arm. It typically will still bend. I agree that the elbow needs to stay pointed down in the backswing and that there is trail forearm rotation. In the 3 Functions of the Right Arm in the Advanced Backswing Section. When Chris guides you through the trail arm procedures. You will notice after elevation. When flexion and external humeral rotation are added the trail forearm will have some added forearm rotation. I apologize about the Tennis Elbow. We continue to strive and make sure 100% of our information is solely based on bio-mechanics and how the body should effectively and safely move the club.
July 28, 2015
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James
pls explain the interaction of keeping the right arm straight going back and set the plane by folding the right arm. When is "straight right arm" done and "right arm setting the plane" begin?
July 8, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello James. This drill is designed for the player that overly adds flexion going back. It is really difficult to actually maintain it all the way straight. Therefore, the feeling of the right arm staying straight still leads to some natural bending. The right arm will start to fold after the takeaway while adding elevation. REF (Rotation - Elevation - Flexion)
July 8, 2015
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Kyle
I can keep my right arm straight in the takeaway, but when I see tour players swing, they also keep their left arm completely straight all the way through the backswing. How important is that? I can't seem to do it. My left arm bends at the elbow at some point about 3/4 of the way through the backswing. I assume that it is a muscle flexibility issue - but I am not sure which muscle is tight that would cause me not to be able to keep my left arm straight. Any thoughts on the subject? Any particular stretches or strengthening exercise I need to do?
June 22, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Kyle. If you are folding your trail arm more than 90 degrees it would be really hard for the lead arm to bend. And/or if you aren't allowing for any wrist set. Make sure the trail arm bends less than 90 degrees and you have a little wrist set. No problem with a soft left arm just not overly bent. Take a look at the Using the Wrist Effectively and Efficiently in the Introduction Advanced Section and the 3 Functions of the Right Arm in the Advanced Backswing. Blend the 2 together.
June 22, 2015
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JD
Hey guys. I'm working hard 5 minutes to the perfect backswing, and the right arm drill. After working on this video and feeling like I'm keeping the right arm straight, my takeaway is looking really on plane (elbow plane), but from there to the top, it is still getting under the plane, and then laid off at the top. It seems like the shaft needs to be more vertical, but I'm trying not to bend the right arm, or hinge the wrists too early. How do I get the club up on plane while feeling like the right arm stays straight (as Chuck recommends), and the wrists don't hinge too early? Thanks.
June 16, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jd. You need gradual wrist set, but not a max set straight off the ball. Allow for gradual wrist set and check your lead arm rotation. The lead arm should only have a lot of rotation when the trail arm starts to fold. Make sure you aren't adding too much manual rotation. Take a look at the Checkpoints Video in this Section. Watch how the lead arm only rotates as a function of folding the trail arm. Also, the Using the Wrist Efficiently Video in the Advanced Introduction Section to help with wrist set.
June 16, 2015
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Sean
Should we try to keep the right arm straight even when hitting half to 3/4 quarter shots? I find that it is easier for me to focus on keeping the right arm straight when making a full swing but it feels difficult to maintain a straight right arm when making an abbreviated swing on shorter shots.
June 3, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Sean. When hitting half shots the right arm shouldn't have to bend, but 3/4 you will need a little flexion to give you some vertical motion.
June 3, 2015
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Ron
Best Video I've seen. I put 10 mph on my swing speed in three days and I'm hitting a lot straighter too. Thanks.
May 21, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Ron. Awesome! Keep it up.
May 21, 2015
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Nguyen
Hi In the backswing do we need to deliberately further external rotate the right arm to the maximum possible level, or the initial external rotate of right arm at setup is enough and we just need to keep that level of external rotation during the entire swing?
April 21, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Nguyen. You don't want to force the issue and stress the scapula. But, there will be added external humeral rotation that isn't there in the setup.
April 21, 2015
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John
My problem is not that I don't do a full turn. At the top of my backswing, my trailing shoulder is definitely getting behind my head. However, I also stand up (or lift my head) at the top of the back swing which changes my spine angle. I have a very difficult time not doing this. It's as if my left shoulder is pushing my head further to the right and up. My takeaway does involve quite a bit of early flexion and I take the club very much inside, very early on. In my latest swing review, the instructor mentioned that this drill would help me with standing up and taking the club too far inside. What I'm trying to better understand is Chuck sais early flexion causes a lack of a full turn. But I feel I'm turning too much...
February 10, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello John. The lead shoulder will protract a little to help with a full shoulder turn. Check a few things for me. That you aren't elevating beyond the base of the pectorals. 5 Minutes to the Perfect Backswing and Checkpoints Video in the Backswing Section. Also, that you don't lose your knee anchor. Maintaining Knee Anchor Video in the Backswing Section. Too much elevation and loss of knee flexion can lead to standing up.
February 17, 2015
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Dan
Good video. It def makes sense to me to keep the right arm straight for as long as possible and I def feel the piston effect. That being said when should the wrist cock begin in combination with the straight right arm? Thx
January 22, 2015
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R.J. (Certified RST Instructor)
Dan, It happens gradually from the end of the takeaway all the way into the transition into the downswing. R.J.
January 22, 2015
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Darren
I have been doing right arm elevation flexion preset drill which aim struggling with using a club creating flying elbow is this video more appropriate as tried both they seem contradictory to each other??? Confused.
January 3, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Darren. Some players start to add flexion immediately off the ball and rarely feel what it is like to have the trail arm straight in the swing. This is for the player that can't seem to feel the arm fold too early and need to understand the "piston effect" on the trail shoulder to the top. You do need flexion at the top of the backswing. It's nearly impossible to achieve a completed swing with the trail arm never folding. With your flying trail arm issue. Stay focused with attaining no more elevation than base of the pec, flexion not beyond 90 degrees, and a touch of external humeral rotation (3 Functions of the Right Arm - Advanced Backswing Section.)
January 3, 2015
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Jim
What has been hard for me to break is moving my body with my leg shift from left to right where my right leg straightens and the was giving me the false impression I had actually turned at my waist. Does that make sense? With practicing the drills, I am getting better at controlling this, but I am wondering if you might have any hints for me to help me stop making too much of a leg body turn.
December 21, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jim. Use the Golf Body Rotation Video in the Advanced Backswing Section to learn separation between the upper and lower half. Also, the Weight Shift Video Part 2 will help teach you the proper pivot into the right glute.
December 21, 2014
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Jim
So when I do this, keep my right are straight, I feel like a lot of torch but it seems tight at the top, should I feel this because its new or am i perhaps doing this wrong.
December 15, 2014
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R.J. (Certified RST Instructor)
Jim, You should feel a good stretch in your obliques and loading in your glutes. Aside from that, if you have any tension, it could be from trying to do a new movement. If you are getting tension other than the obliques and glutes, maybe even a little in the lats, take a step back, shake it off and try to relax your muscles as much as possible. There is a great video on the site that discusses proper muscle activation. Check that one out to learn more. Good luck on your improvement and we will always be here to assist you! R.J.
December 15, 2014
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Adam
In my backswing when I try to keep both arms as straight as possible, at some point I have to say "Okay, now the right arm can bend." How do you suggest training this---and how do you do it in an actual swing? Also, when I do this fairly slow but all the way to the top, at the top of the swing my right elbow is at about a 120 degree angle.
November 20, 2014
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R.J. (Certified RST Instructor)
Adam, Your right elbow should never flex more than 90 degrees. If it does, it shuts down your ability to rotate the shoulders and allows a flying elbow. The right arm begins to fold upwards when the the arms elevate to the bottom of the pectoral muscle. R.J.
November 20, 2014
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Adam
Correction: My right arm bends 30-50 degrees to make my elbow angle 130-150 degrees. It never even comes close to 90 degrees----although that might be because the clubshaft is a bit short of parallel to the ground. I can see how if the swing continued, the elbow might reach 90 degrees. I have a problem with feeling how to move from the takeaway to the backswing. It seems like it is "keep pulling with the right shoulder blade (or turning with a straight right arm), then give some shoulder elevation and at the very end allow your right arm to bend."
November 22, 2014
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R.J. (Certified RST Instructor)
Yeah, once you complete your takeaway, the arms start coming straight up at that point and the body rotates a little bit to finish off the 90 degrees of shoulder turn. Then you fold the right elbow straight up, which pulls the left arm across the body. R.J.
November 22, 2014
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Edmund
My back swing/rotation has been criticised as having a ''flying" right elbow and that my upper arm should not be fully separated from the torso at the end of the back movement. The only way I can do that whilst keeping the left arm in is to force a much greater upper body rotation with a result of loss of torque between trunk and hips and reduced control. I have a 56 inch chest and short arms, so I cannot keep both arms straight across the chest. Is there really anything wrong with a flying right elbow?
November 12, 2014
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R.J. (Certified RST Instructor)
Edmund, I am certain that there is something else that's keeping your body from rotating properly other than having your hands in the correct position at the top. It's also altogether possible that your flying elbow is caused by too much right arm flexion at the top of your swing. I had an issue with this myself. It took me awhile to realize it on video. Straighten your arm out in front of you and try to "fly your elbow". It can't be done. But if you flex your arm up as much as possible and try to "fly your elbow", it's extremely simple. Check out and practice these videos for me and you should be able to produce the swing properly when it comes to your elbow. http://www.rotaryswing.com/videos/full-swing-advanced/setup/right-elbow-pit http://www.rotaryswing.com/videos/full-swing-basics/backswing/5-minutes-to-the-perfect-backswing http://www.rotaryswing.com/videos/full-swing-advanced/backswing/keep-the-right-arm-straight-to-turn Check out your face on view in video, if your right elbow is showing on the left side of your body, peeking out below your left arm, then your arm is folded too much, and that is causing you issues. R.J.
November 12, 2014
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TOM
I'm in my late 60's. Due to my lack of flexibility, using the right shoulder blade glide movement with shoulder elevation allows me to keep my left arm straighter. At what point in the takeaway should flexion of my right arm occur due to my lack of a younger person flexibility? Your videos have provided excellent instructions. I'm hitting the ball longer with more consistency overall
November 11, 2014
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R.J. (Certified RST Instructor)
Tom, Once your arms are elevated to the height of the sternum or the bottom of the pectoral muscle, then your right arm can flex up to the top of the backswing. Take a look at this video and it may help you prioritize your swing going forward http://www.rotaryswing.com/videos/full-swing-advanced/introduction/how-to-maintain-club-head-speed-as-you-get-older R.J.
November 12, 2014
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Catherine
One teacher I went to lately did tell me I needed to get my right arm higher and away from my body. Whenever I tried practicing it though, I shanked the balls. This was especially true for the irons.
October 3, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Catherine. Without seeing your swig it would be tough to diagnose. You might be lifting them too much and getting them out of sync with your turn. Feel free to upload a swing to our online review system. We would be happy to take a look.
October 3, 2014
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Troy
At the half way back position when the wrists start to cock and form the letter L, my right elbow tends to be visable and showing underneath the left arm. I've watched a number of other videos on the site and noticed you can never see anyone else's right elbow underneath the left during the backswing. Do I need to work on keeping the right arm straighter to the turn or another drill? Thanks
September 24, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Troy. It could be a right arm straight issue. However, check and make sure you aren't over rotating the arms going back and dumping the right arm/club behind you.
September 25, 2014
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claudio
I find impossible to keep my left arm straigth at the top. I have tried all the drills but it looks there is something wrong with my sequence. I think my problems is a combination of lack of flexibility and improper sequence for cocking the wrist, taking the arms to the top and turning my torso. Is there a drill to help to sequence the movements and avoid collapsing the arms at the top? Thanks.
September 21, 2014
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james (Certified RST Instructor)
Hi Claudio, Make sure you work through the 5 minutes to the perfect backswing which will help you to learn the proper elevation and flexion in the backswing.. If you are cocking the wrists make sure you are only setting the wrists at the completion of the takeaway to get the club to parallel, we don't need any more wrist cocking motion than this.. too much will cause your left arm to breakdown.
September 21, 2014
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Charlie
Hi - I have a hard time reconciling this video with the Right Arm Drill video. This video says the feeling for the right arm is that it never folds; the other video says the feeling should be the right arm folded and tucked into chest with the lats engaged. Which is it? Thanks. Charlie.
September 7, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Charlie. Most players over do the fold in the right arm. It is nearly impossible to keep your right arm completely straight to the top of the backswing. The feeling of never folding helps players keep the shoulder blade engaged and use proper rotation to the top, instead of only arm swing. There will be roughly about 80 to 90 degrees of flexion in the right arm. To understand more about the right arm. Take a look at the 3 Functions of the Right Arm in this Section.
September 7, 2014
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Gabriel
Am thinking of the backswing in the following order now: turn/right shoukder glide, then as turn is almost completed,right arm starts elevation and eventually some elbow hinging. I find that order easier to assimilate although am sure pieces start happening at the same time. My question: in my practice drill w/o the club, my lead shoulder is now slightly below the chin (possibly because of keeping right arm straight). Is that ok? Perhaps in the real swing, the momentum will bring it further up
August 25, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Gabriel. There will be some tilt in the shoulders and the top. If the lead shoulder is working down too much make sure you aren't losing your axis tilt. Take a look at the RST Necktie Drill in the Advanced Backswing Section. Make sure you are maintaining axis tilt and rotating versus tilting.
August 25, 2014
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Mike
Where does right arm flexion "fit in" on this drill/swing? When I try this, my left wrist is really cupped.
August 22, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Mike. The right arm folds late in the swing. It's nearly impossible to not fold towards the top, even as hard as you try to keep straight. If your left is really cupped. You aren't allowing the face to naturally rotate. Take a look at the Using the Wrist Efficiently Video in the Advanced Introduction Section.
August 22, 2014
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Brendan
Hi, Ive really struggled with bending the right arm on my takeaway. Im working on keeping the right arm straight and seeing some results. In the video Chuck talks about the straight right arm acting like a piston in causing the shoulders to turn sufficiently. My question is if I pretty much solely concentrated on keeping the right arm straight as my swing key for the takeaway - would my hands remain in a the correct neutral position in front of my sternum?
August 7, 2014
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Patrick (Certified RST Instructor)
Hi Brendan, Yes. Follow this drill without at club: 1. Get into your golf posture 2. Place hands 1" inch apart, palms facing each other 3. Practice the take away (keeping right arm straight and right elbow "pit" facing up) 4. When your hands reach just about pocket height, check for the following: - shoulders have turned 45 deg - the hands are even with each other and there is still a 1" gap between them - right arm is straight - hands are in front of sternum. Note: The hands will not be PERFECTLY in front of the sternum. Rather, they will be just to the right of the sternum from your vantage point, a little closer to being in line with the right pectoral muscle.
August 7, 2014
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Troy
Hello, What does it mean when your head moves closer to the ball on the golf swing takeaway / backswing? I have tried a number of things and nothing seems to work. The head moves about 4 inches closer to the ball every time and then move back away from the ball during the downswing to compensate. Is there a drill / fix I can use? Thanks Troy
July 17, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Troy. Sorry to hear you are still struggling with the head movement. The only way the head can move forward is a shifting of balance to the front and pushing from the left. Keep the weight in the glutes. Make sure you pull vs push. Take a look at the Pull vs Push Video in the Introduction Section. You will see the head move when done incorrectly. Make sure you aren't shoulder tilting versus shoulder turning. Use the Bucket Drill in the Takeaway Section to keep that right shoulder down. Not too steep. Have you uploaded a swing for review? We would be happy to take a look!
July 17, 2014
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Troy
Thanks Craig, I'll look back over those videos. Yes I have uploaded my swing for review. Aaron didn't feel it was that much of an issue but I feel it is holding me back as my balance is not stable throughout my golf swing. Cheers
July 17, 2014
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lee
Prior to RST, When i tried to "get width" i would feel like i pulled myself out of my stance (too much movement and weight shift) -which i probably did as i did not know about - setting into the glut and shoulder blade glide to power the turn. i knew that i was suppose to keep the left arm straight but that was impossible considering the flaws i had in take-a-way and back swing. After months of watching and re-watching videos and having frequent 1/2 -3/4 swing sessions, i am seeing very positive results. I still have a long way to go, as creating proper muscle memory is a challenging process. i have opted to focus on my swing even when i play, i juggle several of 6 key swing thoughts with every shot. i look forward to the day that i can just see the target and hit the shot, but for now I'm in my head on every shot. When i started with RST my handicap was a 4 and it crept to a 8- would have went higher but i have a solid around the green game, now my handicap is a 3 while enduring a prolonged putting slump. During a round i make 4-6 of my "A" swings and that number is slowly increasing. Distance control is inconsistent as my "A" swing is usually 1/2-3/4 clubs long,but that is fine with me. i still have a long way to go- as there are areas of my swing that need a lot of improvement. I love the process and feel very fortunate to have found my way to RST.
May 29, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Lee, nice to hear you are enjoying the process. Understanding that it takes time to learn the new motor patterns is a key. You will get there! keep up the good work. We appreciate that you chose us to help you with your game!
May 29, 2014
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michael
Steve, can you please tell me which video Chuck refers to when he talks about the right elbow pit at the start of this video.
May 21, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Check out the Right Elbow Pit Video in the Full Swing Program Advanced Setup Section.
May 21, 2014
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michael
Role of the right arm - takeaway. Creating a swing plane. Keep the right arm straight to turn. Slightly confused as to when my right arm should fold . Many thanks, Mike.
May 19, 2014
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
The right arm will flex after the takeaway is complete and you move into the backswing. This video is designed for those that start the club back with the hands and the arms which shuts down the rotation.
May 20, 2014
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Stevie
So simple but so effective. The right elbow pit is so important but rarely discussed. Thankyou for changing my swing
May 18, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Thanks Steve. We are glad the focus on the right elbow pit is helping your swing!
May 18, 2014
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karl
So, Chris, I am a little confused, similar to Greg...I still cannot figure out just exactly when the right arm should start hinging and should it, at the top of the seing, be connected to the peck as per the right arm drill video or not..
April 24, 2014
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Karl, sorry for your confusion on this. Right arm flexion will ALWAYS happen directly after a fully completed takeaway. The top of the bicep (very top) does need to be touching the very top of the chest at the top of the swing. This video is a addressing a very common swing fault for our student base and that being the right arm collapsing (breaking) very quickly in the takeaway, which is generally caused by pushing the club back with the lead arm, and now you are creating momentum in the club head, signaling the arms to become the primary power source which generally keeps the student from completing a turn. This is a drill to correct a fault and give players the correct feeling of staying wide while rotating and is not an actual RST fundamental.
April 25, 2014
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greg
Asking this question again. Please reply. Thanks! Chuck: Aaron Mannes recommended I Work on this drill to keep my arms extended in the backswing. When I do this, though, I don't turn. What I'm trying now is to push outward on my left arm with the #1 Pressure point (Palm of right hand against left thumb, & simultaneously use the right shoulder glide. Am I on the right track? Can I use the right shoulder glide to start my swing on all shots, including chips, bunker shots, & Pitch shots? Thanks!
April 22, 2014
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Yes that is absolutely how all swings should start. The glide is creating rotation in the shoulders which is moving the arms. The arms should remain passive and have a slight amount of elevation. There are some slight variations to the movements in specialty shots with the wrists and arms and if there is a change for a particular shot, then we outline it in the video.
April 22, 2014
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greg
Chuck: Aaron Mannes recommended I Work on this drill to keep my arms extended in the backswing. When I do this, though, I don't turn. What I'm trying now is to push outward on my left arm with the #1 Pressure point (Palm of right hand against left thumb, & simultaneously use the right shoulder glide. Am I on the right track? Can I use the right shoulder glide to start my swing on all shots, including chips, bunker shots, & Pitch shots? Thanks!
April 22, 2014
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Greg, sorry for the delay in response. I answered your question above. We are doing our best to answer the questions in the most timely of manners and sometimes response may take a short bit based on current instructional situations. Please bare with us as I am currently the only one to have access to the comments until we have some notification stuff sorted out on our end.
April 22, 2014
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greg
Thanks for the update & info, Chris! You're "Awesome"!
April 23, 2014
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Howard
In the right arm drill you state the the right bicep is positioned against the right peck to set the club on plain and keep turn to complete the back swing.I"n the keep the right arm straight" video you present the concept of keeping the right arm straight, if you do this it disconnects the right arm from the peck ? Which is it?
April 16, 2014
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Howard, this drill is geared for those players that break the right arm early on which in turn creates momentum in the club head and promotes the arms to do most of the work which also shuts down the rotation of the shoulders.
April 21, 2014

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