4 Step Golf Swing Lag Builder

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


Every golfer struggles mightily with producing the proper lag in their golf swings, but this video promises to solve all your golf swing lag problems once and for all!

What is lag and why is it important?  Simply put, lag is the angle between the forearm and the shaft.  Why is it important? HERE IS A STAGGERING STATISTIC:  Lag makes up 2/3rds of your clubhead speed. 

Now that you know that golf clubhead speed is created by lag, we want to show you the four simple steps that you can use to create lag simply and effectively. 

Step 1 - To create lag, you need to start by properly shifting your weight.  You might think that you can simply manufacture lag using your wrists.  This would be a tremendous mistake because your body will automatically want to compensate and release the tension in a way that will cause a variety of faults in your golf swing.  Our suggestion:  Watch Step 1 in our 5 Step System Series.

Step 2 - You must stop pushing from the right side.  Almost every ameteur golfer makes the same mistake... do not force lag and momentum by pushing.  Instead let your left side dictate club movement and PULL the shaft and clubhead through the swing. 

Step 3 - Next you need to release any pressure created by your left thumb on the golf swing.  By releiving the pressure, you will free up your swing and increase clubhead speed and lag. 

Step 4 - The final step to increasing lag is to follow the laws of physics and don't rotate your torso.  If you start rotating from the top, you will lose lag.  Instead of rotation in your shoulders, simply shift your weight and allow a free and tension free golf release. 

Follow these golf lesson steps and you will have MASSIVE LAG in a matter of minutes. 

Lag, everybody wants it, and it seems like nobody has it. What is lag exactly, and why is it so important? Well, the first thing is defining what lag is. It's very simple to understand. It's simply how far the club head is lagging behind your hands into the hitting area. And we measure that, or quantify it, by the angle between the forearm and the shaft. So here I have 90 degrees of lag, and here's what most amateurs look like. I have no lag. All right.

                So, why is that so important to have this lagging, and why have you heard about it spoken about so much in the golf world? Well, simply put lag makes up two thirds of your club head speed. That's right. About 66% of your club head speed comes just from the release of this leverage, this angle you have as your wrist release. That's about two thirds your club head speed. That's a lot. That's the majority of your speed, and so that helps you define what your thesis statement is for the golf swing as far as rotary swing is concerned. And that is your job is to create, maintain, and release lag. That's your thesis statement. That's the most important parts of the golf swing. You can't make up for two thirds of club head speed loss when you don't have any lag like most golfers don't, by doing something else.

                The key is you have to have lag. Everybody wants it. It's super, super easy to get when you follow these simple four steps. Four simple steps to help you create tons of lag, and you're going to go through them in sequence. And the first one, the most important piece that you have to be able to create and maintain lag, these two steps together is all about what I talked about in the first video in the RST 5 Step System, and that is weight shift. You must shift your weight correctly, as exactly as I described in that video, in order for your wrist to create lag. And that's the first step.

                Most golfers think that you go out and create lag just by setting your wrists really early in the swing. That's the last thing on Earth you want to do. As you tense up these muscles in your forearm, as they get to the top, they have nowhere else to go. The first thing they want to do is release that tension. That's how your brain uses what you're giving it, and what muscles to fire in what order. So, if your muscles are really tight it wants to get rid of the tension in the tightest muscles first.

                So, if you go to the top and you set your wrist really hard the first thing you're going to want to do is get rid it. That's the last thing we want to do. So as we're going back, we want that weight shift to create that lag angle. And I'm using the orange whip training aid that we have on our site here. Just because it helps exaggerate this, and so those of you that have bought an orange whip from us, it really helps you feel how the club sets when you shift your weight. Because this has got a little mass on the end of it as it's swinging back this way, it's very easy for me to feel this momentum plus the shaft is bending as it goes here, and I shift my weight, you can see the shaft stress. Now the real golf shaft, the steel one's that you use in your irons, does this as well. Just doesn't exaggerate it as much as this does. This is why this is a really good training aid. Normally I can't stand training aids because most of them are junk.

                But this one's actually quite good especially for learning how to create lag. You can see as I shift my weight, and let my wrists soften up, this lag angle increase and the shaft stresses or bends. And that weight shift starts helping me create lag, because I went back with a wide angle and as I shift the balls still going this way while my- Ball on the end of the shaft, while my weights starting to make my body go the other way, that makes my wrist bend back as long as they're soft.

                So this is the first thing, creating lag is done by shifting your weight. That's the most important first piece. Now, here's the second step. Step one, weight shift. Step two, this one is really the key. If you do this, and every single amateur golfer that I've ever seen in the last 20 years of instruction, does the exact same thing and you must stop this. So pay very close attention to this next piece.

                The second thing you've got to get rid of here is stop pushing from the right side. The right side, the only thing it wants to do, is increase this angle. And then the downswing, the first thing you want to do is go this way with it. You don't want to lose this angle. So as you start going this way, this is the last thing on Earth you want to do. Now you're losing lag and losing control of the club head, and the right side is the side that does this in the golf swing.

                If you take your right wrist and you bend it back, and it's really tight, the only place it can go is out. Which is going to do what to the shaft? It's going to cause you to lose your lag angle. Same thing for this right forearm or this right arm. As you bend your right arm and you start going like this with it, guess what that's doing to the angle. You're losing it. So all of a sudden this side is starting to cause you to lose lag in the downswing. So as you start doing this, this is a death move. You take your right arm completely off the shaft, and then all of a sudden this is really easy.

                Your left arm is in a place where it can't really cause you to lose this angle. This is already straight so you can't get any momentum by snapping your arm out. That would cause you to lose it. So the only thing, this is the second thing- Or third thing, excuse me, that we need to do. Is take your left thump off the shaft if you're somebody who pushes against the shaft with your thumb. Really easy thing to check. Look at your grips on your clubs, and see if you have a little wear mark where your thumb is. If you do, it means you're probably pushing really hard against the shaft. Not only are you going to eventually hurt your thumb, but you're also causing yourself to lose lag.

                Anything that can push in the downswing against the shaft can cause you to lose lag. Okay? So if your right arms in this way, all it can do is widen that angle. The left thumb is also in a position where at the top, it's underneath the shaft, and it can push against it and widen this angle. So first three things. We've got to shift our weight, relax the right side, take the left thumb off, and now the last thing is rotation.

                Most golfers when they go to the top of their golf swing, the first thing they want to do is get this right side overly involved. We're not talking about the right arm now, we're talking about the whole right side of the body, and start spinning it from the top. Now what is that going to do? Well, you're rotating so rotation creates centripetal force. Now bare with me for a second, we'll give you a very, very simple physics lesson here. If I start rotating my shoulders really hard that creates centripetal force. The result of that centripetal force is going to be centrifugal force. And that means whatever out far away from the center rotating circle piece, is going to cause this one to fly away from me. So as I start spinning my shoulders really hard, I'm not going to do anything with this shaft, but watch what happens.

                As I start to spin it starts wanting to release. That's centrifugal force. It's wanting to move away as I'm rotating in a circle. So, as you start rotating your shoulders by pushing really hard from the top, you can't beat Newton on this. He's always going to win. Physics can't be denied in the golf swing. So, as you start rotating hard with your shoulders, you are going to have centrifugal force as a result of that. There's nothing you can do to prevent that. So the simple solution is, don't rotate really hard from the top. Really simple.

                Anybody that's telling you to take your chest and rotate it really hard in the downswing to create club head speed is crazy. They have no understanding of how simple the basic physics of this are. If you start rotating really hard from the top you are going to lose lag. It's a basic result of the centripetal force you're creating. So, if you get rid of that rotation from the top with your shoulders, all of a sudden now instead of rotating hard from the top, you shift your weight. I've now increased my lag angle, and now as my hands are soft, my left thumb is soft, my right hand is soft, my right arm is soft, now I have all the lag in the world that I need. And now I get to the fun part, which is the last step. Releasing lag.

                We've talked about the release in the videos a lot. So look at the release videos if you don't understand that. But that's all we have to do to create all of this insane lag that you see with my students all the time in real lessons. That's all we're really doing. The first step is I make sure they're shifting their weight correctly. Again, RST 5 Step System. Second thing, same thing with RST 5 Step, take the right arm completely off the club at first until they learn to start shifting their weight and letting their lead side, their left arm side for right handed golfers, to start doing the work in the swing. If they still are losing lag after we take the right arm off, then I know the left thumb is pushing against the shaft, and it's also making this angle wide.

                And then the last thing from there we starting focusing on keeping the chest away from the target as long as humanly possible so you don't open your shoulders right away. Because again, that creates centripetal force, which the result is going to be club head throw away. So, if you can do these four things you will have more lag then you've ever dreamed possible in no time flat. 

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Dave
Is the lag created more at the wrist angle, or through shallowing the club at the top?
July 21, 2021
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Manny (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Dave... In my view, wrist angle/action help create lag and shallowing the club helps transport the lag to a position in the downswing where it is of most importance. i.e. squaring the club face, angle of attack, club path which are conducive to consistent impact, as well as, ball trajectory and direction rely on wrist positioning, while shallowing the club can assist in the creation of lag, it's main purpose is to avoid a steep and over the top move in the downswing. All in all, both require some level of control and understanding their functions in the golf swing.
July 21, 2021
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Alan
What about getting separation between the hips and shoulders in the downswing? Is it necessary in developing lag?
January 21, 2021
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Alan. The hips will usually be about 45 degrees ahead of the shoulders. So, it is vital that the hips lead the way and the shoulders remain back/passive to not throw the lag angle too early.
January 22, 2021
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Paul
I would like to see Chuck add a new video where he does the entire swing with lag (irons and driver), then slows it down. Chuck is good with articulating key feelings---I need help with things with lag-- 1). the up-the-chain-lag sensation where the wrists and club shaft are the last feeling to the top and coming down 2). I struggle on the downswing at left arm parallel with lag--I avoid this essential checkpoint because it seems to slow down the club by producing arm tension and prevent the releasing of lag.
November 18, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Paul. Thanks for the suggestion. Chuck will have some newer swings, etc. coming up on the site with the adjustments made in his research.
November 18, 2020
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Dan
I have been doing a little work with the 3D force plate and specifically with the transition from right foot to left. I think it's called the Stanley Bridge, but don't quote me on that. Anyway, I find that when I push off with my right foot, I can achieve a good, smooth bridge. However, when I try to pull with my left leg into the post position, I tend to have a slow down just before post up. I know that RST says pushing with the right leg is a no-no, but do you have any suggestions on how to get a smother transition when I pull with the left leg?
October 22, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Dan. I have never heard of the Stanley Bridge. Remember, pull is for control and push for power. Most people overdo the pushing, but it’s not that you don’t push in the swing. You have to learn how to do it correctly and not overdo it to the point that you don’t understand how to post correctly. Most players push and slide laterally removing the pelvis into the ball because they don’t understand how to push correctly.
October 23, 2020
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Albert
When I do this drill I have a thought of stopping my lower body, after the weight shift, when I feel my wrists cock backwards. I assume the stopping of rotation releases the club to the ball with no effort of the upper body. Is that a correct thought?
June 26, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Albert. The lower body will start to decelerate and stall after the post up move. Weight shift and post up will trigger the release.
June 27, 2019
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Matt
I am not able to get any audio with this particular video, yet no problem with all the others. Is there a problem with audio?
May 20, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Matthew. The audio on my end is playing correctly. I would try logging out. Clear history/cache. Then, log back in. That usually fixes any video errors.
May 20, 2019
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Matt
I’ll try it. Thanks!
May 20, 2019
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Giap
i feel like the more lag i get the shorter i hit it. What am i doing wrong?
May 5, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Giap. You might be getting more lag, but not releasing it. No point in having a ton of lag if you don't release the club.
May 6, 2019
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David
Do the wrists fully set at the beginning of the downswing and if so, is it held all the way down to the right thigh or is it gradually being released on the downswing.
April 13, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello David. The lag angle will be created by shifting the weight back to the lead side and should max out gradually before entering the trail thigh.
April 13, 2019
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Anders
Hi i am wondering about hinging your wrists, if you do it alot and too much, could you hurt your wrist that way and later need surgery to fix it, or are the bones and joints strong enough to handle it? Started to feel some pain in my wrist.
April 12, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Anders. You shouldn't be experiencing pain from creating lag. It typically comes from creating lag incorrectly, or how you strike the ground when having excessive amounts of push.
April 12, 2018
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Yuefeng
Also, I wonder if more lag will make the clubhead harder to square, resulting in more push shot or pull shot if it's squared a bit late or early.
February 27, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Yuefeng. The more excessive lag you have the more the face will have the tendency to stay open. Requiring adjustments to square the face.
February 28, 2018
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Max
i've been experiencing this a bit. Are you saying excessive lag is not as good as having to adjust the face?
March 10, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Max. Lots of lag is great. But, if you have excessive you will have to make compensations to get the face square at impact. Stronger grip, etc. You want a good balance. Not too much of one particular item in the swing.
March 10, 2020
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Yuefeng
Is it correct to think that lag is created in fluid motion, meaning shifting weight while the momentum of the clubhead is still going back so wrist angle is naturally maxed out. Vs if we complete the backswing and pause at the top before starting down, like the Japanese PGA player Matsuyama, I feel it is very hard to create lag/increase wrist angle from a static position at the top.
February 27, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Yuefeng. Lag is created by shifting weight and moving in the opposite direction as you described above. However, Matsuyama still has lag with a great body motion and being extremely passive with the wrists in the transition.
February 28, 2018
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George
I have been working on weight shift and core rotation for many months now and have moved to lead arm drills. After watching this video I sense my problem is delaying my chest rotation from the weight shift to a greater extent to maximize the lag. Which specific videos address this?
January 18, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello George. We have a lot of videos that talk about spinning the shoulders less. There isn't a specific drill other than when trying to shift weight your want to feel like your back, or sternum is staying pointed away from the target until the shoulders have to be brought around. Albeit the movement of the shoulders is very passive and not active. This is also discussed in How to Fix Plane and Path and Stop Coming Over the Top.
January 19, 2018
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Asle
Instead of this device to promote lag, is it also a good idea to swing with a towel? U can only pull a towel. If u push it, it won't work
January 8, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Asle. You may use a towel. But, stay focused on the proper movements and not just yanking the towel.
January 8, 2018
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Warren
Lag comes easier for me with short irons than with 3 metal/driver swings. Any thoughts on why this seems to happen...came up in my last video. Thanks and Still learning Warren
August 8, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Warren. Typical with most players. The longer the club the more some players feel they have to exert force for power. Therefore, leading to less lag. Remember, you always want to do the opposite of what your brain thinks you need to do.
August 8, 2017
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Robert
Hi Craig Using the Orange whip, left arm only, or both hands come to think of it, there ensues a slight "pause" at the top of the BS that allows the transferred momentum of the club to "set", bending the shaft while the orange ball continues to full extension and then transitioning during the initiation of the downswing by the squat-to-square move. Is this "pause" to be cultivated? It seems to smooth out my whole motion and although I am not hitting a ball the overall motion seems very fluid indeed.
February 3, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Robert. You will technically start the downswing before finishing the backswing. Which will help with the change of direction and may feel like a pause. The club continuing back as you start down. However, I would shy away from a true pause, or stopping motion.
February 5, 2018
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Robert
Hi Craig. I saw your excellent video about the top three BS problems. You led with "allowing the right elbow flexion to depress/lower the right elbow from the "bottom of the pec" position attained during shoulder elevation". It was a revelation when I saw it. Now seeing Chuck's lag video again it occurs to me that I had been guilty of LOWERING BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT ARM while trying to increase lag. One obvious (not that obvious, obviously, as I have wrestled with this for a month now) solution is to maintain the carefully cultivated width (straight left arm/right shoulder elevation/flexion) and to allow only the "SOFT WRISTS/HANDS" to exhibit the "clubhead-continuing-backwards-while-the-body-shifts-weight-forward" movement that characterizes the transition. Your third BS error, had to do with "loose grip" at the top of BS. I can easily see how this could come up during "bad lagging". "Loose grips sink rips!"
March 11, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Robert. Appreciate the compliments on my video. Exactly. It is a change in direction with increase in the wrist angle. Nice quote .
March 12, 2018
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Paul
I am new to RST. Two questions: Is this is the primary How To Lag video? (I had good results with my driver). Is there a video that shows how to have some lag with 3/4 iron shots? Thanks, Paul
April 26, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Paul. We have tons of videos referencing lag. It would be tough to list them all here. However, I would tell you to venture to the Reshaping Your Golf Swing for Lag Video, Frisbee Drill, and 9 to 3 Lag Building Drills. Welcome to the site!
April 26, 2017
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Hector
ok I see a little bit of cupping in the left wrist in the downswing when he is conserving the lag, also if in theory we should keep the normal angles in the right arm , means that we should conserve the right angle in the right elbow in the downswing and also the wrist angle ?
March 15, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Hector. Yes, you should keep the trail arm flexion and position. Not increase the flexion or add any type of manipulation to the trail arm. You can see when he sets his grip that there is a little cupping, but he doesn't add more cupping to try and preserve the lag. More soft wrists, lack of lead thumb pressure, and letting the trail hand feel an increase.
March 15, 2017
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stephen
when he is saying " take the left thumb off the shaft" , does he mean with changing of the grip, or during practice or just attempting the lessen the pressure during the transition?
February 15, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Stephen. For training purposes and helping monitor lead thumb pressure. The grip will stay the same, but let the thumb hang out on the side to not exert excessive push.
February 15, 2017
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Charles
Hello.... Do you need to have a slight pause at the top to let the club become laid off / flatter or drop in the slot before transferring your weight otherwise I find my club never gets in line with my forearm? Thanks.
January 31, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Charles. You shouldn't require too much of a pause. The whip will naturally keep going due to its bend, but your arms and body positions more than likely are still on par.
January 31, 2017
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Dave
And a follow up question to the pulling hands down question. as a converse is the feeling in the hands more of a total relaxation and letting gravity pull them straight down until hip level when you then turn on the juice and release with speed?
January 11, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Dave. The hands should have enough pressure to still control the club. But, the wrists should be soft enough so lead side pull and gravity help you reach a good lag point by hip level. Then, posting and releasing for the speed.
January 12, 2017
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Dave
In all the lag videos I have seen the arms have an appearance of moving straight down to the ground during the downswing. If done correctly do you have a feeling that the hands are moving straight down vs in an arc? Second question do you have a feeling in your hands that you are pulling the shaft straight down until it comes time to release? It seems like a pulling straight down motion will automatically add lag.
January 11, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Dave. The club/arms will be working on an arc. The feeling might be that they are working straight down. But, the lead arm actually internally rotates slightly in the transition before it starts zeroing out the path into the strike. Lag should be a byproduct of a good transition with weight shift and lead side pull (hands remaining soft as well). You should feel the lead side forces pulling into the strike. But, it solely shouldn't be the try to just pull the hands.
January 12, 2017
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T David
I noticed that when I soften the grip at the top of swing, that I get a bit too much cupping of the wrist, which causes more fade. Should I focus more on burying the knuckles in the ground? Trying to do this causes a bit more tension. Any suggestions on this step?
January 7, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Dave. You need to keep the pressure in the last three fingers of the lead hand. There needs to be enough pressure to still have control over the club, but not steering the path or face. Soften the wrists, but not the grip.
January 7, 2017
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Hector
that means you have to keep the left elbow straight in the backswing and downswing without bending it ?
December 19, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Hector. Ideally, the lead arm will be straight in the back and downswing.
December 19, 2016
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William
I should have asked this with the question below. Sorry. In the downswing is there any point where the angle between my forearm and upper arm is less than 90 degrees? Thx
December 14, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello William. The trail arm or the 90 degree angle that you speak of with the elbow shouldn't change.
December 15, 2016
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William
Perfect. Thx very much Craig. After countless years and hundreds of futile methods to create lag, I think I have finally found the key. I don't we can manufacture lag. We have to let it happen, and just not interfere with the natural motion created by a correct weight shift and soft and relaxed hands and arms. The hardest part for me is the timing between ending the weight shift and posting up. Sometimes I shift to far creating a slide, resulting in a push. But when I get it right it sure is a special feeling. So I think it just takes practice to get it ingrained. Can't thank you guys enough.
December 15, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello William. You're most welcome. Yes, once you get the sequence perfected it happens naturally and definitely is easier to compress the ball.
December 15, 2016
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William
Hi, Does lag come from increasing the angle in the wrist on the downswing/transistion? Or is it increasing the angle between my forearm and upper arm? If I relax enough I can almost get my forearm and upper arm to touch on the downswing, but in doing so I have collapsed my right arm so much my right hand is almost touching my right shoulder. I am very inconsistent when doing this, so I am beginning to think that lag is more of an increased wrist angle then it is an increased right arm angle. Thx very much.
December 14, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello William. The angle you are looking to increase is the wrist, not the forearm/upper arm.
December 15, 2016
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william
Chuck is simply the best "out there". Extremely articulate and makes the swing easy to understand. Well done re: lag!
December 11, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Thanks for the post William.
December 12, 2016
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Pat
I searched for the video "4 Step Golf Swing Lag Builder" and started to play it. The sound would not play. Any ideas?
November 24, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Pat. The sound is working on my end. Make sure you are using Chrome or Firefox. If the sound still doesn't play. Please Contact Customer Service. I apologize for the error.
November 25, 2016
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Pat
Yep, it works fine now.
November 25, 2016
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Shane
On video every one of my practice swings has good amount of lag when I go to hit the ball I have none I cast the club earlier than I should. What should I work on?
November 19, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Shane. Make sure you work at a correct pace. You may have to swing at only 30% power to achieve the good lag first and then build your swing pace up.
November 20, 2016
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paul
i seem to be an habitual left thumb pusher, both my grips and golf gloves give me away.....how do I stop .......help please as I understand the concepts but am struggling with the application....
October 18, 2016
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Micah (Certified RST Instructor)
Hi Paul. You might need to adjust your grip. You need to make sure you have a short thumb and the grip should be slightly strong so that the shaft has room to move between the index and thumb. Check out the Golf Grips effect on lag and the grip video.
October 18, 2016
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michal
Let me take this opportunity and ask one question regarding creation of the lag. In your videos you are mentioning that the wrists should be relaxed and by weightshift you start to create lag in your downswing. Can I ask you if the lag is created only by/in wrists or also together by the fact that the club grip creates a little bit of space in (my) in left palm/hand. Hope you understand my question.... Michal
October 9, 2016
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Micah (Certified RST Instructor)
Hi Michal, the lag is created by the passive wrists, weight shift, and holding the upper body off. Youll notice that there is a down cock of the club which increases the lag as chuck shifts his weight. This is what is creating the lag. You will feel the club grip hinge and put pressure on the last 3 fingers of your left hand but really shouldn't make a gap. If I'm picking up what youre saying correct, it does mean that your thumb isn't on top of the grip pushing the club, which is good. Check out the Golf grip effect on lag video and the grip video
October 10, 2016
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Iain
Hi, great video. So in trying to keep my back to the target as my hands and arms drop, should I stay fully turned so that my Right shoulder is not visible from front on (as referenced in the "Biggest Hurdle for Amateur Golfers" video) or do I unwind a little? If fully turned, where is the club shaft as I squat left and increase wrist angle, presumably behind the right side of my trunk still, although much lower? Many thanks Iain
September 22, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Iain. It will be hard to keep the shoulders completely at the target and maintain the same 90 degree turn. They will move a little, but you want them to be moved passively.
September 22, 2016
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Yuefeng
Now it occurs to me the secret of creating or preserving the lag really lies in not to rush the downswing but patiently wait for the club to drop (by gravity) to about waist height with passive arms before actively adding power. If this understanding is right, assuming I can maintain the same lag, what is the source to further increase clubhead speed? Where/how can I add more power to the swing?
September 18, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Yuefeng. The source will be using the legs better (You Hit the Golf Ball with Your Legs Video). Also, releasing the greater amount of lag with efficiency (Vijay Release Drill).
September 19, 2016
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Denys
I understand that you don't want to push from the right side, use your left thumb, or don't rotate your torso. Do you just keep practicing using your left side? I am consciously trying not to use my right side, left thumb, rotation but nothing seems to take.
September 4, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Denys. Yes, that is what you are striving for. But, eventually after mastering the lead side usage. You have to start adding back the trail hand/side and learn to keep it passive.
September 6, 2016
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Evan
Ok here is my big question. Where do upon put the left thumb, when you take it off.As he says.I have a orange whip love it and am using it, but when I try to grip the Club as in the rotary video , the thumb pinched to the index, it wants to slide to the middle of the club. Where does the thumb go? Off where? Thanks.
August 17, 2016
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
You want to keep the thumb in the position that the grip video describes. If you are prone to pushing with the thumb on the way down, then you need to make sure that it is off the club down in the hitting area. You need to have the thumb on the club at the top for support of the club. If your thumb is sliding around, it could be from the momentum and inertia caused by the weight of the whip causing it to move around at the top of the swing. Do you have problems with a regular club moving around at the top of the swing???
August 19, 2016
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Greg
Hi Chuck, you mention in the video you're not a fan of golf aides, so I hope you don't mind my asking if have you seen the Golf Swing Shirt in action? It looks like it supports your RST backswing & downswing principles of aiding in the 'feel' of keeping the arms quiet throughout the swing. Thus helping perfect swinging w/ the core/weightshift/posting on the left. I have a lot to work on, and the thought of not worrying about my arms while I focus on more important elements first seems appealing. Thanks for your program!
June 28, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Greg. Yes, we are not a big fan of the vast majority of training aides out there. The Swing Shirt does provide some good tools. Quieter arms. But, it doesn't deal with some issues of how to use the body and will tend to make a player more rotational in the release versus arms/hands.
June 28, 2016
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Greg
If I use the orange whip (left arm only) and start the downswing with a lateral weight shift, which in turn causes the left arm to drop the orange ball wants to bottom out before I would get to the ball position. What can I do to eliminate this tendency? Not a problem swinging left handed with an iron but happens with a driver.
June 24, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Greg. More than likely lack of proper release and post up. Use the Straight Left Leg Video, Perfecting Lower Body Stability and Throw the Club Head at the Ball Video.
June 25, 2016
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Yuefeng
Hello, as I try to feel more lag through softening my arms and wrists, I sort of feel not only did my wrist set more but also my left arm elbow bent a little bit during the transition as the tension/stiffness in my arm is now gone, shall this be the correct feeling of increased lag? or did it mean I actually lose a bit of control of the club head or width of the swing? Thank you.
June 23, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Yuefeng. You may have a soft lead arm, but what you are looking for is the increase in wrist angle. However, you tend to be very stiff. This may not be a bad thing for the time being getting rid of some tension. Try to have the lag more in the wrists versus bending the lead elbow too much.
June 24, 2016
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Terry
I recently had the opportunity to take a lesson from Craig while in Georgia. Specifically I requested his help improving my lag. We worked on the takeaway, position at the top and weight shift and I was able to see a much improved lag from what I started the lesson with. To say that I was very pleased with the progress I made would be an understatement. It took that immediate feedback for me to get the fundamental movements right, or closer to right. I am still slowly making progress but find old habits are very hard to break which is why when I return to videos like this one I am able to reinforce the knowledge and information I received from Craig enabling me to continue to improve my swing. Still crave the lag but I have to say it's getting closer to being there all the time. Thanks Craig.... Terry
June 20, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Thanks for the post Terry. A pleasure to work with you. We will continue to make the swing great. You understand all the components now. We just have to get to work and relax a little in that transition. Now, get back to work on that weight shift . All the best buddy!
June 21, 2016
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Jeff
Which video is the How to Release lag video?
June 19, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jeff. All the release videos help you get rid of lag properly. 5 Minutes to the Perfect Release, Left Hand Release and Fix Your Release. If you have way too much. Take a look at the Throw the Club Head at the Ball and Throw the Ball Drill.
June 20, 2016
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Jeff
Thanks Craig! So far, I have found the videos helpful.
June 21, 2016
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Ron
I am left handed but swing right - I throw a ball, play tennis etc. with my left arm so the right handed weight shift variable is a HUGE challenge for me, I definitely do everything wrong from the right side as you say in this video but with all the work I've done over the years I can't break myself of this flaw. And no, swinging left is not an option – been there done that, got the t-shirt. I loved the suggestion on "keeping the chest away from the target as long as possible".... I will definitely use that as a "swing thought" to work on the proper weight shift (and run through all the drills on the "5 steps series"). Based on this is there anything else you can offer for a struggling right handed / left handed uncoordinated golfer?
June 8, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Ron. Being left handed, but swinging righty could be a good thing in the long run. Take a look at the Play the Best Golf of Your Life in 6 Weeks Series. It will help with basic movements of shifting and releasing to help sync yourself up with playing from your opposite side. It will provide some stability in the backswing and easier transition to hitting released shots while shifting weight.
June 8, 2016
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Ron
Thanks Craig, I am actually halfway through my first week of that series,,, I'll report back in 5 1/2 weeks
June 8, 2016
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Janna
What do you mean by keep your left thumb off th club? Thanks
June 2, 2016
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Steven (Certified RST Instructor)
The left thumb is very good at pushing on the shaft during the downswing and that will cause you to lose lag in the downswing. If you notice your thumb is pushing on the shaft in the downswing we advise to relax and/or take off the thumb so we can avoid having the lead thumb pushing on the shaft. When you take off the thumb you can use more of a baseball style grip to do so. This will allow you to develop more of the downcock motion needed to create lag.
June 2, 2016
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Michael
Can you explain step 4. Don't rotate your torso. Instead of rotating your shoulders, simply shift your weight. I have been working on that drill where you rotate your shoulders with a club across your chest. Don't understand what is meant by don't rotate torso and "instead of rotation in shoulders shift weight.
May 30, 2016
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Chuck
You don't rotate your shoulders in the downswing, they get rotated by your hips.
June 1, 2016
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Evan
Ok I am pretty sure I push with my left thumb. How do I take it "off" the club as chuck talk about. Just pull with left arm butt end at ball.This might already been answered but...thanks Evan
May 27, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Evan. Take a look at Charles's reply to Ken below. Also, your can kinda baseball grip the lead hand if you really need to feel it. Use this in conjunction with the Frisbee Drill.
May 28, 2016
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Donald
When I relax grip pressure and don't have the left thumb on the shaft I feel my swing is "loose" and tend to see my clubhead (especially the driver) out of my left eye at the top of the backswing. And yes, I am making it a point to keep my right forearm under the club at the top of the backswing. Should I be concerned about this? I tend to think I am overswinging when I glimpse my clubhead out of my left eye.
May 27, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Donal. When you remove the lead thumb and have a relaxed grip you will tend to get over exaggerated lag. No worries unless when you add the lead thumb back you start seeing yourself over swing.
May 27, 2016
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Paul
Tried three different browsers and this is the only video that has no sound. Paul
May 27, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Paul. I notified Customer Service.
May 27, 2016
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ian
Looks interesting, however cannot hear what Chuck is saying, there is a problem with the sound on the video!
May 26, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Ian. Sorry for the issue it seems to be working well on my end. Have you tried restarting your browser? Is the problem still continuing?
May 26, 2016
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Jonathan
Right side audio is dead.
May 26, 2016
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Ken
If my lead hand thumb is pushing on the shaft, and I take it off, WHERE DO I PUT IT??? A close-up of the grip as it reaches the top of the swing would be very helpful!
May 23, 2016
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Charles answered very well what we would say as instructors.
May 24, 2016
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Charles
I still keep the thumb in its original position, but just keep it relaxed. More importantly, I consciously feel it relaxed and swing along in the swing process. My last three fingers in the lead hand are in the control position of a club shaft. My 2 cents.
May 24, 2016
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Ken
Thanks, Charles.
May 24, 2016
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Lance
So good to hear these basics over again. Amazed how rst has improved my game. I am finding that the proper setup and takeaway is yielding better ball striking more than ever - the takeaway via shoulder blade glide seems to be the key to effortless weight shift and good torsion in the hips. Then the proper torsion (tension) in the hips at the top of the backswing seems to make the weight shift to start the downswing happen as a consequence of the tension in the hips. It is at this point that I am finding that the proper setup provides the ability/stability to maintain my spine angle through release/impact. I feel like my swing is now like properly loading a spring and just letting it go. Potential energy properly staged converted to kinetic energy at impact is pretty sweet. Really understanding how it all comes from the core/box, but more importantly how the proper rotation in the rectangle sets it all up. I think I am getting it!!! RST is awesome. Thank you.
May 23, 2016
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Awesome Lance! Thanks for the feedback and very pleased to have you as part of the RST family.
May 24, 2016

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