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 ...

Understanding Shoulder Blade Glide

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If you have questions about exactly what the shoulder blade glide is or what it should feel like, this video is the answer.

  • Shoulder blade glide is a movement toward center - down and in toward the spine
  • Pulling from the right keeps you centered and permits full shoulder turn
  • The same movement is used when throwing a ball
  • When it's all the way back, the shoulder blade is connected to the core, ready to be transported forward on the downswing

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Ron
Craig, I’ve been using this shoulder blade glide as a tool to keep my body more “centered”, during the backswing, pulling my trail shoulder back to start the backswing rather than pushing with the left shoulder. So far, so good, with very little sway. Do you think this move of down and in with the shoulder blade results in lower hands at the top?
July 10, 2023
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Ron. Great to read you are simplifying the backswing. The move may lead to lower hands, but doesn't force the issue. Remember you still need elevation in the swing. The arms control the up and down. Elevation is variable so if you prefer the lower hands. No issue there.
July 11, 2023
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Chris
The recapture the shoulder blade glide feeling when it escapes , is there a cheat code for that ? Or is the throwing a ball motion the way to quickly get it back ? I find I sometimes lose it and have to do all sorts of crazy movements like 5 mins to perfect rotation etc .. that I would rather avoid during a round ????
July 20, 2022
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Chris. Throwing the ball is a quick way to get it back. Also, properly done trail arm only swings can do it as well. Take a look at Creating a Swing Plane Video.
July 20, 2022
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JEFFREY
The confusion here, at least in my mind is that one could surmise that the shoulder blade glide in and itself is moving the club....that's not moving the club much at all.....seems to be weight shift + the glide....am I missing something? When I first heard this, I'd try to move my shoulder blade to get into my take away in the absence of any shift. Hope this doesn't sound moronic
June 16, 2021
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jeffrey. Weight shift, glide-abs-obliques and the momentum move the club. Take a look at My Golf Backswing Secrets Video.
June 16, 2021
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Ron
Craig, does this glide motion start right away in the takeaway and gradually increase all the way to the top of the backswing or does it start at some other point in the backswing motion?
June 30, 2021
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Ron. Yes. The glide starts from the beginning and is gradual to the top of the backswing.
June 30, 2021
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alastair
Great video. When I throw a ball I really feel that glide - can I replicate that sensation for the swing by pretending to throw a ball at the ground, right at the golf ball location? This feels ‘right’ and looks ok in the mirror.
May 17, 2021
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Manny (Certified RST Instructor)
I recommend going to videos "Throw the ball drill to increase club head speed" and "Throw the ball Drill Part 2".
May 17, 2021
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David
Question about moving the right shoulder back. When I do this it feels like the hands and club are getting pulled way inside. I may be exaggerating pulling the right shoulder back. The club also stays really low so there must be some lifting of the arms as I pull right shoulder back correct? This seems to introduce the issue of timing/coordination of shoulder glide and arm lift. Thanks!
March 3, 2021
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello David. You must add a little gradual elevation, or you are just yanking the blade back too hard. Take a look at the 4 Square Drill Video.
March 3, 2021
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David
Thanks Craig, I searched but could not find it on the site. Can you please share the link?
March 4, 2021
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
https://rotaryswing.com/golf-instruction-videos/full-swing-advanced/backswing/4-square-drill
March 4, 2021
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Eric
I have been discussing this with the RST instructors, I haven’t felt that the shoulder glide works. This might be a good video, because I discovered that it doesn’t work if you are in the wrong body position. For me that was two areas. I need to have a very straight flat back or spine angle, no slouching or rounding from the shoulderss. Just a very perfect bend from the hips. Secondly, my arms have to be in the right position. I naturally hav some rounding with my shoulders. If I grab the club in my left hand befor I bend from th hips with a flat back my left hand is in a gorilla group. When I address the ball this way it gives me a closed left shoulder, very flexed and tense. On my right arm i need to make sure my right elbow pit is not internally rotated at address. This is helped by gripping the club from underneath with simultaneous axis tilt. If I do one of the things I will get a pull to the left from some degree of flying elbow and over the top. If I do two or three of these things, in the words of Donnie Brasco, “forget about it.”
February 11, 2021
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Eric. Setup is crucial in order to rotate correctly. Gorilla grip and trail arm too internally rotated will reek havoc on the ability for the scapula to glide correctly. Thanks for the post for our members.
February 11, 2021
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Cliff
At what point do you actually relax or release the shoulder blade? If you're actively pulling it back and down, at some point you need to let go of that feeling, and I'm just not sure if it's at the top of the backswing, after you've shifted weight to the left, after the post-up, etc?
November 18, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Clifford. You need to maintain that connect until you release the club. The connection allows you to transfer the body power through the arms to the club.
November 18, 2020
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Jim
Eureka? Have watched this before, and not taken it all in. The concept seems simple but may be crucial. I was turning from the scapula but UP not DOWN. IF I rotate back, by rotating my right blade DOWN and back, I can swing closer to the groung initially, can go back more slowly, my arms can be taken along for the ride, and it feels SO much better than simply turning my right shoulder back. If I do the latter I may sometimes merely take the club UP as much as around, get steep, cock wrists earlier, and my arms may seem disconnected and lead the body, and may reverse pivot. DOWN and BACK seems to fix so much in my swing.
September 8, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jim. Nice! Sounds like you are using those box muscles now to rotate.
September 8, 2020
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Keith
Also watch chucks video keeping right arm straight so maybe I am not doing the glide correctly. It’s a feel of pulling back like to throw a ball but that pulls right arm in. I have no problem on the glide drills with arms extended in posture but when I grip club now my right arm is lower and is a different feel but I try to move blade bAck and in.
March 1, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Keith. Pulling the blade doesn't force flexion from the trail elbow. The trail arm is lower, but you will be adding axis tilt to put the spine back into neutral to facilitate rotation. Take a look at the 5 Minutes to Master Rotation, 5 Minutes to the Perfect Takeaway and Role of the Right Arm.
March 2, 2020
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Keith
I realized what I was doing on the glide and think doing right and I was not elevating arms. That makes a huge difference as the blade glide pulls me behind. I don’t see arm elevation as part of the dead drill video but found else where. Is there a video for backswing that incorporates shoulder blade glide with arm elevation?
March 2, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Keith. There is very little in the takeaway with regards to elevation. But, there is some. Take a look at the 4 Square Drill.
March 2, 2020
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Keith
Doing the drills on the 5 minute master rotation. When I pull the right shoulder blade back my right elbow begins to bend just want to be sure I am doing this correctly. Once I have this down I assume this puts me in take away position what is the next video to watch to complete backswing?
February 29, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Keith. The trail elbow should not bend until after the takeaway. It sounds like you are swinging your arms.
March 2, 2020
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Wayne
I haven’t taken the shoulder blade glide to the practice tee yet, but it definitely eliminates one of my major takeaway flaws. That flaw is pushing with my left shoulder in the takeaway, dragging my lead arm across my chest and swinging too far inside on the backswing. Focusing on the shoulder blade glide and keeping the trail arm straight in a “one piece takeaway” until the trail arm elbow folds naturally puts me into a powerful position at the top of the backswing; and keeps the clubhead outside my hands during the takeaway. Is my analysis on the right track?
December 28, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Wayne. Yes. There will be some elevation to keep the arms in front of the chest (4 Square Drill). But, the major mechanical component you must have is rotation being pulled by your trail side. Pull vs Push!
December 30, 2019
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Rob
Finally after 2 weeks of doing this simple drill it dawns on me. Just turn to face a mirror using obliques with the shoulder blade in mind to get behind and bang, perfect backswing. Thanks this this extremely important rotation drill.
December 6, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Rob. Awesome. Keep it nice and simple.
December 7, 2019
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James
The club face at 9 o clock on the backswing; i have a few questions. Seems Chuck advocates it being "Toe up" which seems great to me. I see a lot of guys and tour players do it with it looking hooded at this point in the backswing. Are both acceptable? leads me to nxt thought. if one follows the setup via posture, axis tilt, feet with weight as Chuck states, then the right hand goes under to attach to the club. Does this right hand being "under more" help the clubface gradually rotate to the toe up position? it seems to me it does, i'm just not sure. seems if one just rotates the core with the right hand more on top, it prevents the rotation. I like the toe up method, it seems to make more sense to me. But hey, i'm here learn, tis why i ask. thanks guys.
November 11, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello James. The club should be toed up, or slightly toed in. You don't want it matching the spine angle. Take a look at the Shake Hands Drill and Forearm Rotation in Golf Swing for Power. The trail hand not being on top of the club will help the club reach optimal takeaway position. You goal isn't to force the trail hand to make the rotation, but place it in a position to not inhibit the swinging of the club. Take a look at Right Side Dominance at Setup and Right Wrist in the Takeaway Videos.
November 11, 2019
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James
during the backswing, is it okay to take the club outside and then let it come back more to the plane?? Reason i ask is b/c i have a problem with letting the club come inside during the backswing, and i can't seem to get out of it.
November 3, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello James. The miss would be better outside versus inside. But, I would rather you work on correcting the move and not adding in a compensation to fix the inside error. Take a look at the 5 Minutes to a Perfect Takeaway Video and 4 Square Drill to help. I know from your previous post you are already working on How to Fix an Inside Takeaway. The Belly Button Drill is a good watch in addition to the above listed videos.
November 3, 2019
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John
This Twitter @PGATOUR clip shows caddy for professional Bronson Burgoon drilling him on starting takeaway using right shoulder glide. https://twitter.com/PGATOUR/status/1171513676110499840
September 13, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello John. As you can see Chuck already posted a reply on that Tweet. Thanks for the heads up. Good stuff.
September 13, 2019
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Remington
I understand the movement, but it is well nigh impossible to do this from the set up position. Does the 'pulling' motion of the R shoulder glide start immediately and if so how is this achieved, or does it start at the end of the take-away?
July 25, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Remington. The motion will start in the takeaway. Try the Body Rotation in Golf Backswing - Chair Drill to get the feeling. And, Golf Backswing Shoulder Plane Drill to complete the motion in posture. You may be overdoing the move.
July 25, 2019
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Jim
Hi RJ - Got your point on the effect of the bad posture and bending over and the tip on the abs and supporting low back. Thanks. Jim
July 16, 2019
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R.J. (Certified RST Instructor)
You're welcome
July 17, 2019
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Jim
Hi RJ - Jim Darcey here: Hey, what are best videos on the site that really go over the whole use of the left glute and thigh, etc that drive the weight shift? Working on it and want to make sure I cover as many bases and understanding as I can. Best, Jim
July 12, 2019
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R.J. (Certified RST Instructor)
In the weight shift section of the website, under RST drills, there are a lot of transition drills in there. That will give you what you need for getting back to the left.
July 13, 2019
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Jim
Hi RJ - Thanks - will check those out. Best, Jim
July 13, 2019
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R.J. (Certified RST Instructor)
You're welcome
July 14, 2019
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Paul
If shoulder blade glide is done correctly does the chest automatically rotate with it and also keep the arms infront of chest. Also when I do the sbg I feel my obliques stretch and engage like an elastic band. Is this the correct concept? I have always tried to rotate by turning my chest/ shoulders. After joining site I then tried rotating using core. My concept was to imagine my spine and rotate around using these two different areas of my body. Kind of like a hoola hoop around a pole, with the spine always staying in the center. Thanks.
June 24, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Paul. Yes, if you perform the SBG properly and don't swing your arms you will create correct rotation. Feeling the stretch in the obliques and core. Most of the mantra's with my students. Right foot (weight shift) right shoulder (SBG).
June 24, 2019
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Mikko-Pekka
Thanks Craig, I was wondering in my reviews what you meant by right foot and right shoulder but as they were OK, I didn't want to bother you. ;-D Easy mantra! Right foot, right shoulder, left foot, post. Golf couldn't be simpler right?
June 25, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Mikko. Simple sport. Use stick. Hit ball !
June 25, 2019
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Robert
I have watched this about 4 times but finally I heard to pull my shoulder back and down I was pulling the shoulder back but up. what a mistake, improved slice and added distance. one little peace.
June 14, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Robert. Great. Yes, down and in. Glad you are rotating correctly now.
June 14, 2019
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Albert
It has taken awhile for me to feel the proper muscles to pull my right shoulder blade back and down. I believe I started pulling too horizontal with my rhomboids , which may have caused me to start snatching the club to the inside (especially with the driver). Is it a safe thought to feel as I’m pulling my lower trapezius/shoulder blade down between by cheeks (crack)?? Let me know your thoughts when you get a chance. Thanks!
June 11, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Albert. That will work as long as you don't over pull and start flattening your shoulder plane too much.
June 12, 2019
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Anthony
Hi Paul, I keep coming back to this video because I can’t get past the feeling like I’m taking the club too much to the inside when I engage and glide my shoulder blade during my take away and backswing. It doesn’t feel right so I revert back to pushing from my left side again. Is that how it’s suppose to feel like?
May 25, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Anthony. The pull from the shoulder blade and rotation may feel very much in the horizontal plane (left and right). However, you need to remember you are rotating around the spine (Golf Backswing Shoulder Plane Drill). Also, the arms have to work in the vertical dimension (up and down). Make sure you are adding enough elevation (4 Square Drill and Pool Noodle Drill).
May 25, 2019
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Paul
I am starting to get the importance of this move my analogy to the shoulder blade gliding back is pulling a sling shot back slowly and when it is fully pulled back with lots of tension you just let it go. So that was my swing thought last round with some good results does this analogy make sense or am I over thinking
May 23, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Paul. Yes and no. You can think of it like winding a sling shot. The core and muscles get stretched and pulled back/engaged. But, on the way down the shoulders do nothing. Let the lower half pull the upper half into the ball. If you wind back and let the upper half rip down you will start shoulder spinning and it will affect the release.
May 23, 2019
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Paul
Hi guys, I noticed while practicing rotating with my core, no club, that if i dont lift my hands halfway through the backswing, which I have a tendency to do and keep my right arm straight, my right shoulder blade is pushed in towards my spine and almost feels like it locks in place. Never felt this before. I also suspect its impossible to overswing from this position. Any thoughts on this observation. Thanks
May 20, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Paul. Exactly. The arms do have to elevate slightly (4 Square Drill). But, as you rotate and the arms do very minimal you will be able to maintain connection with the core. As the trail arm adds external humeral rotation it would be very hard to over swing (3 Functions of the Right Arm). The same connection a pitcher has to throw a ball hard.
May 20, 2019
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Paul
Thanks Craig, this external humerus rotation and arm elevation, are they concious movements you have to add to the swing or are they a natural biproduct of something else in the swing, such as shoulder blade being locked in place because you are maintaining a straight right arm. Thanks.
May 21, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Paul. Arm elevation will vary depending on a student's pre-existing movement patterns. However, some elevation may be manual in the beginning while rebuilding the swing. And, the humeral rotation will occur if the trail elbow stays pointed down and in front of the chest. A flying elbow will delete the proper shoulder blade position.
May 21, 2019
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Joel
Great video but I'm not buying a bucket of balls and throwing them into the range!
May 17, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Joel. Come on. Everyone is doing it .
May 17, 2019
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Joel
Haha! Have a great day Craig!
May 17, 2019
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Dan
I have struggled for a very long time with a long backswing that is too flat. I have zero push from the lead side. It’s 100% a pull from the right. But I’m beginning to theorize that I overdo the shoulder glide, as it’s the thing I feel far and away the most of in my backswing, to the point that I think I have shoulder retraction and I pull so far and so hard that I inadvertently stand out of my posture a bit in the backswing, too. Just for clarity’s sake, should I be feeling the obliques most in the backswing? Or should I be feeling a literal pull of the right shoulder blade behind me? What muscles should I be focused on?
May 11, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Daniel. You should feel the obliques and the shoulder blade glide. However, you can over do the shoulder pull. Sounds like you may be pulling too hard, or too much. Take a look at Proper Muscle Activation and My Golf Backswing Secrets. Focus on the core and shoulder, but you need to stay relaxed and let momentum help you. You can have too much of a good thing.
May 12, 2019
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Dan
In going through the progression in 5 Minutes to Master Rotation, I feel WAY more of my lower lats than my usual shoulder feel. That’s probably telling, as well. I’ll check out those other videos, too.
May 12, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Daniel. Lower Lats is a good thing. Try to keep it out of the upper shoulders.
May 12, 2019
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Dan
I was revisiting this video and my comment on it and I realized that I used the wrong terminology. I don't have shoulder protraction-- I have shoulder retraction. I have what I would probably term "severe" shoulder retraction. My right shoulder blade has a huge range of motion on the backswing. I'm near certain that I don't understand the proper movements of the shoulder blade glide, at all, and I think it is causing a number of issues in my swing. Shoulder blade glide is NOT shoulder retraction, right? The glide really happens because of the obliques and lats causing torso rotation that causes the shoulder blade to drift in toward the spine, no?
July 7, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Dan. The lat will be primarily responsible for pulling the blade down and in. Yes, retraction would be more of the placement back, but you have to recruit the muscle fiber to pull it down and in. Rotating from the core and the trail lat pulling will move the shoulder.
July 7, 2019
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Gary
Question - when I throw a ball the shoulder blade stays back and connected to the spine until after delivery of the ball. Does this hold true for the golf swing? Does the shoulder blade stay back and connected like throwing a ball until after impact ?
April 10, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Gary. Yes, this holds true for the golf swing. If you don't maintain the connection until after impact you can't transfer speed from your core.
April 10, 2019
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Gary
Thought so today I practiced concentrating on engaging the shoulder blade as shown here and maintained it to impact and the ball flew like never before. I did have some issues with the driver but the rest had a distance and ball flight like never before. Incidently it also worked well with pitch and chip shots. Any suggestions for the driver?
April 10, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Gary. Make sure you make proper setup adjustments with the driver (Proper Tee Height Video). Let's start there before adding too many mechanics.
April 10, 2019
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Chad
Hello, should you turn back as far as you can? When I do that , I get a rubber band effect that snaps back at ball and feels like effortless power but I feel like I'm almost turning too much? Thanks
February 9, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Chad. You can over do the turn. As long as you are maintaining good trail glute load and trail knee flexion. Rotate as much as possible. You will be able to recruit more muscle fiber and stretch the muscles. This way you get a good snap back for effortless speed (Short Stretch Cycle).
February 10, 2019
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Scott
Is it normal to feel soreness in the thoracic area of my back when doing this move on the backswing?
December 26, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Scott. Soreness is usually a sign of activating new muscles and getting used to proper engagement. However, pain will be a different story. If you are getting any pain/pinching between the shoulder blade and the thoracic spine area you may my pulling too hard. Make sure to recruit the obliques when rotating and try to keep the upper part of the shoulders pretty relaxed. Use the Body Rotation in Golf Backswing Drill to help feel the core more engaged while rotating instead of overly pulling your shoulder blade.
December 26, 2018
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Hector
I’m frustrated with golf !!! I’m a member for years !!! I went to the Orlando clinics and my handicap is still 25 !!! I know all the theory but I can’t apply that to my game !!! I don’t feel my shoulder blade in my takeaway ??
October 25, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Hector. My question is what have you been doing to improve this move. Have you been using online swing reviews? Camera? Etc.? Where are you getting the feedback to know what the swing is doing? I remember you being at the clinic a few years ago with Chuck. One thing I noticed about your move is you do carry lots of tension in the upper half, but you also tried to perform the moves at a very quick pace early on. With both of us standing there you did improve and your 9 to 3 motion started to go in the proper direction. By now that move should be perfected. Did you stick with the basic motions until they were owned, or start playing golf and lots of full swings? If you are still struggling with it. Myself and the team are more than willing to put 100% effort into the change. You need to take a step back and isolate the problem with the checkpoints we laid out. Setup, weight transfer, etc. I truly want to help you get over this hump, but there has to be some common ground. It can't be just telling me you can't do it, but I have zero feedback on what you are doing and how you are trying to do it. My suggestion. Send a swing in for review. Let me take a look. Let's put together a game plan of how you can overcome this obstacle of taking the club back. We may have to go all the way back to basic drills. But, drills I know you can perform properly because I have seen them. Nevertheless, you can make this change, so lets get a plan in place.
October 25, 2018
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Nancy
The results are good but the shoulder blade glide makes the takeaway/backswing feel very fast and out of control, which causes me to tense up. Am I doing it incorrectly?
June 27, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Nancy. Sounds like you are rushing the motion. Try taking away some tension and letting weight shift help you. My Golf Backswing Secrets Video.
June 27, 2018
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Dennis
So from the examples that Chuck described and showed it appears he kept his axis tilt from the setup. While it appears the picture used from Tiger has him with his spine tilted the other direction and that right shoulder high... Am I missing something? I'm assuming the goal is to keep that axis tilt that causes the right shoulder to remain slightly lower than the left?
February 4, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Dennis. You need to retain the axis tilt you create at setup in the backswing. You will lose some of it as your shift into the trail side. And, you will have a slight increase in Secondary Axis tilt as you approach impact due to the weight shift into the lead side.
February 4, 2018
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Dennis
Thanks Craig. Is there a good video that shows examples from backswing to follow through?
February 6, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Dennis. The How to Fix Golf Reverse Pivot Video is great for backswing. Step 4, Step 5 and Side Bend Video to see good visuals coming down.
February 6, 2018
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Tom
Chuck, thanks for the shoulder glide video. I am left handed but play golf right handed. The throwing motion you describe works great when I do it left handed but not so great when I try it right handed yet that is a motion I need to be comfortable with because I play right handed gold. What drill should I do to entrain that motion with my right shoulder? Tom
January 10, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Tom. To ingrain your right shoulder back or through? The throwing motion to load the backswing, or actually throw into the ball?
January 11, 2018
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Chuck (Certified RST Instructor)
Hi tom, there are quite a few videos that cover this in the downswing section, start with the Throw the Ball Drills
January 10, 2018
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Rich
This is my second time through the RST 5 step, rewatching, restarting the reps, and trying to pick up finer point detail. On the shoulder glide, once the shoulder blade is back and tied to the spine and then I start down, is the shoulder blade supposed to stay in place as I rotate and be a "last" source of swing speed as it unwinds from the legs to the hips to the torso to the shoulders? Some golf instructors say "as you start down, let the shoulders stay turned to the target as long as possible".... is this the feeling leaving the shoulder blade glide back in place would produce?
December 4, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Rich. The trail shoulder needs to remain down and in the box with the connection to the spine. You should start from the ground up. The shoulders will unwind as of consequence of shifting the weight and rotating the torso. You don't need to manually unwind them. Some players feel their back to the target longer to shy away from early shoulder spin causing casting and a steep plane.
December 4, 2017
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Rich
This is the second point that has become clearer since going back through the videos and reps a second time. The first was in set up, the "shrug up and then down" to feel "getting in the box". I actually used that Saturday on a rare December golf outing and could see a difference. This is one more to learn to incorporate. I had already learned to trust the upper structure unwinding on its own, but still at times old habits come back. Knowing the correct sequence with this shoulder blade guide will help further. Another 3000 reps in each step will also help to lock in the changes, but I want to get all the details exactly right to get the most benefit. Had a great improvement this year, and by going through again, I expect to have more improvement next season. Thanks for the info.
December 5, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Rich. Great to hear the improvement. The better you get the new movement patterns down the better benefit for the upcoming season.
December 5, 2017
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mark
Sorry if this has been covered but I already struggle with getting my takeaway too far inside. When I do this it seems to make the problem worse, what I am doing wrong?
November 27, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Mark. Take a look at the 4 Square Drill and Pushing with the Left Side in Golf Takeaway Video. Sounds like you are swinging your arms too much.
November 27, 2017
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Getulio
After hitting a bucket of balls the shoulder blade glide has caused my scapular and/or Lat muscle to be EXTREMELY sore. It's a great and simple move like throwing a ball and my accuracy has improved dramatically. Need to review shoulder elevation.
September 29, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Getulio. Great. Happy to hear you are starting to engage and recruit more muscle fiber. I would add the 4 Square Drill when moving further into the elevation topic.
September 30, 2017
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Karl
This video in particular at my point in golf time is inspirational. Finally, at the driving range tonight, I think I hit a draw 8 out of 10. The other 2 were straight. Prior, I couldn't work out why I didn't draw. The secret from was when Chuck showed rotation with the shoulders whilst keeping the head still. This inspired me to do the same. see 1:18
August 23, 2017
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Karl, glad to hear this video gave you some information to help you hit the shots you were looking for. Keep working at it!!!
August 23, 2017
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Jane
Not sure if this is right... but is it wrong to think of the swing as effortless... the few times in my long struggling golfing career, I had those very few games, where it was like butter, smooth, and effortless but then back to struggling. As I understand about the rotation...Is this ok? I try to keep my shoulders wide, i feel if I maintain that width and have a fluid rotation from my left oblique and I am winding up. I have right side tension issue for so long... so starting with feeling my shoulder blade creates tension, Shawn Clements - swish swish - cutting grass type thing. Effortless? And one more ??... Hip bump, then gripping with right side - I just did a re-looksy ... and I realized that my hip bump meant that my shoulders tilt- correct ? meaning my left goes up and my right shoulder drops, but still staying 50- 50 in balance. I thought I saw that in your video. I have not seen all of the Driver stuff... I have always did weight slightly more on the back OK?... then my shoulder will be slightly closed - so that would be good right ? Grateful that this program, crossed my path. Just joined and would highly recommend to anyone for sure !! Cheers Jane
July 10, 2017
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
HI Jane, Have you submitted your swing for review by chance? We can take a close look at your swing to see if you are swinging as efficiently as you should be and also offer insight on your swing that will make it feel effortless like it has for you the few times in the past. The trick is to move from the correct body parts. Hip bump at address does help create axis tilt at address. The hips will not have much tilt to them as you are only making a slight adjustment to them. You want to be evenly distributed at address and then work to shift and load the trail side up regardless if you are swinging a driver or an iron. We are so pleased to have you as a member and we look forward to helping you along the way.
July 18, 2017
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T David
Question about the shoulder blade contraction at the start of the downswing... Should we hold that contraction of the back/core muscles at weight shift to the left? Or, should there be an immediate relaxation of the back and core muscles at the start of the weight shift to the left at the start of the downswing?
April 27, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Dave. You should still feel some of the coil. The pinch or feel of shoulder blade contraction may lessen a bit. Even thought the upper half is passive on the downswing. You don't want to feel the loss of the coil straight from the top, or fire it. The trail blade will still remain down and in the box.
April 27, 2017
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Alan
I think at about this point in the training, most of what I'm guessing is in the rest of the RST swing magically fell into place. I got amazing lag in the downswing from these beginning steps without even trying. I haven't even got to the downswing training or thought about lag. It's just happening. This has resulted in sweet compression in my irons, you know that wonderful feeling, straight and high and incredibly repeatable swing (even got 2 inches from my first hole in one today, and wasn't the least bit surprised). Only thing is-- my Driving is ruined! That was something I was good at. I feel I need two different swing mechanics. Unfortunately bomb your driver doesn't seem to have changes of the swing for driving-- or does it? Any idea where to go for information changes in the swing for driving?
March 17, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Alan. It is the same swing for all shots. There are setup changes for the driver, but the mechanics stay the same. Take a look at the Proper Tee Height Video. Make sure you make the proper setup adjustments and allow for the ball to be struck because of setup difference. And, not trying to force a different release, steer or launch.
March 18, 2017
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James
Yesterday this was the only swing thought I used and I didn't have to think about arms or hands. I hit the ball great!!
March 10, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello James. Excellent. Keep getting that good rotation.
March 11, 2017
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Hank
Just trying to get a feel for this. In throwing a baseball, I definitely feel the shoulder blade glide. However it is much more pronounced than doing a golf backswing because I find that my left arm prevents me to be able to do the full glide with the right shoulder blade. Is this correct or am I doing something incorrect with my left arm?
February 22, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Hank. The lead arm shouldn't prevent you from performing the glide. The movement isn't very far for the scapula and might not feel as pronounced as baseball (because the arms will stay more in front of the body). I would take a look at Body Rotation in Golf Backswing to get a good feel.
February 22, 2017
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Paul
Saw this early in the year when I was non premium member and was a light bulb moment. Been working on it since and now doing RST 5 step and on step 2 here and seeing it again. -on my backswing, in full speed only, rht arm still folding early, leaving body at top and left arm going across chest. Can be addressed in next swing review but questions it raises are -how do you know your doing these drills correctly? I'm cranking and getting the numbers but wonder about "am I doing them right?" -how do you know when you're not doing the shoulder blade glide mover correctly? IE - why is my rht folding too early -though I applaud RST and on a mission to get my swing right, seems it's putting everyone in the same mold and ideally everyone should swing like TW of old opposed to working with a swing that works with your natural body type.
February 9, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Paul. We aren't trying to get everyone to fit a specific player/mold (Tiger, Day, etc..). Our goal is to look at the swing from a objective view and not subjective. Tiger of old just happened to fit a lot of bio-mechanical processes that are good for the everyday player. Even though everyone has different builds. We all have the same musculoskeletal structure. If I contract my bicep. It performs the same function as someone else contracting their's. For your next review. Ask the questions for your instructor. I recommend all the time that players send in their drill swings to make sure they are practicing properly. Make sure the instructor explains to you the issues or non issues in the drill and feedback as to the why/how in your full swing. For your answer on the shoulder blade. Typically if the blade isn't moving correctly the lead shoulder will take over creating a false rotation pushing the head off the ball and arms moving too much across the chest.
February 10, 2017
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Paul
Hi Craig, In the video when Chuck has his hand up indicating the move of the scap would you say his hand is on someone's back when he's showing how scap should move? And is the sensation of the scap/shoulder glide the same as the shoulders simply turning around the spine or is it a down (straight down the back) and than in movement where the right shoulder feels like it's picking up a bit and gives you a feel of almost reverse pivot? Having the toughest time figuring this move out, doing it properly and getting the right feel. And it's key to me overcoming my biggest fault - starting back properly with weight shift and rht shoulder turn opposed to starting with hands and arms.
February 14, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Paul. Yes, demonstrating like the hand is resting on someone's back shoulder blade. Simply turning around the spine. The actual movement is down and in (more of a feel that the blade moves towards the spine). Don't over think the nuts and bolts. The technical movement of the blade is down and in. The motion is similar to pulling your right shoulder behind your head. Take a look at the Body Rotation in Golf Backswing for more help.
February 14, 2017
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Paul
So it is down and in opposed to just turning back right shoulder. Because down and in gives a little bit different sensation and move than just turning shoulders 90 around spine. Gives sense of lifting a bit, almost reverse pivot and puts arms in better position. Not trying to do minutiae here but there is a difference and I've gotten messed up trying to get it right.
February 15, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Paul. The shoulder blade movement is down and in. I have the same sensation when pulling my right shoulder. I have performed it so many times it might be why I don't feel the difference in sensation. The reverse pivot move would be changing your spine tilt though. The shoulder blade movement (if you were standing straight up and down) shouldn't cause a change in spine tilt. If you were in normal setup. That's why it would be vital to make sure you have axis tilt because the trail hand is lower on the club (Importance of Axis Tilt Video).
February 15, 2017
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Jackie (Certified RST Instructor)
I've done the shoulder blade glide so many times that the feeling has disappeared. I don't quite know how my swing starts now, because I don't feel anything engaging. Sometimes I find myself paused over the ball before I swing, because I don't feel the glide anymore. I guess it is just happening automatically like chuck had mentioned in videos when you do it so many times over and over again. However, I need something to feel, or something to get me started. Would a weight shift to load the right side suffice? I'm afraid that the shoulder blade will not move correctly if I'm only focusing on the weight shift to start the swing. I can't really feel the glide and the weight shift at the same time.
February 3, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jackie. After a certain amount of reps the movement will become automatic. You won't feel as necessarily engaged or as much pull. Starting with weight shift into the trail glute is a perfectly acceptable way to start the swing. The whole point of training and reps is to not have to think about it. You are getting into the phase where you have to trust that you will perform the move because the body by now should know no other way to move.
February 4, 2017
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Jim
Chuck has a very clear and simple explanation of the shoulder blade glide. But for some reason, I'm not getting it. I have always struggled with getting into a good back swing position, how far to turn the shoulder from the set up and so on. Chuck gives the analogy of throwing a ball and getting into the perfect shoulder blade glide position. But, if you throw a ball, it is not initiated by gliding your shoulder blade, it is a result of other action. So in the golf swing, is there something that triggers the shoulder blade glide, or is it initiated from the shoulder blade? Thanks,
January 15, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jim. Take a look at the RSA Core Video. The shoulder blade is initiated by the pull of the blade. However, your weight shift, core muscles, and weight shift can help make the move easier. https://rotaryswing.com/videos/full-swing-basics/rotary-swing-5-step-golf-swing-system/core-rotation-left-arm-club-rsa
January 15, 2017
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Marc
Hi Craig, should there be a lead side blade glide as the club passes impact? I experienced this yesterday and it seemed to promote a better straight line release. Best, Marc
December 11, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Marc. We typically don't focus on lead shoulder blade glide as to not rotate the shoulders too open coming into impact. The momentum of the release pulls you through. Not the activation of pulling the lead shoulder.
December 12, 2016
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Gary
Hello a few questions - 1. Is the shldr blade connected as explained at addess ? 2. Does the shdr blade connect during the takeaway at at what point should I feel the shdr blade connect to the vertibrae? 3. Does the shdr blade stay connected throughout the takeaway, backswing, downswing and follow through? The connection I am referring to is the feeling of compression as the shdr blade glides in and down as if it feels connected to the vertebrae? Thanks Gary
November 12, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Gary. The shoulder blade should be in the box at address. Not completely depressed similar to a full backswing loaded position. Take a look at the Connecting to the Core Video. The shoulder blade will max out at the top of the backswing. With the trail arm in the proper position (90 degrees of flexion, elevation base of pectoral and slight external humeral rotation) it will be fully depressed and against the spine. Yes, it should always feel in the box from the beginning and continuing to the top as it slides down and in towards the spine.
November 12, 2016
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Alan
The throwing analogy was very helpful. This sounds very similar/identical to "scap loading", which was widely taught to baseball pitchers when my son was playing in high school. e.g. http://www.thepitchingpro.com/pitching-photos/scap-loading/
October 30, 2016
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Alan, Yep, very similar for sure. The position of the scapula is critical for transferring power from the core/trunk on any hitting or throwing sports.
November 7, 2016
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piero
Shoulder blade glide, (right for me) it is definetely the right move I am trying to accomplish and synchronize it, to be in the best powerful position at the top of the backswing. But it is never mentioned the left knee. To me, that I am pretty flexible, if together the right shoulder blade glide, I do not come forward and in with left knee, synchronizing arms elevation, but always with right shoulder blade that lead the back movement and never stops, it would be hard to be in the correct position at the top....am I wrong? My apologies, I am not English mother tongue...hope you understand the meaning..
October 24, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Piero. You want to stabilize the lead knee as much as possible. You can over rotate is the lead knee starts to move in too much. Take a look at the Laser Beam Knee Drills for Stability Video for further information.
October 24, 2016
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Ryan
I am a lefty golfer but righty thrower so while I love this concept it doesn't feel as natural to me. My left arm seems to really want to fold and get behind me when I try to glide the shoulder blade and it feels more like I'm taking my shoulder and moving it away from my chest without much rotation from the chest instead of smooth and natural. Also, what is the simplest thing to correctly think about moving for torso rotation (belly button, sternum, rib cage)? I also feel like when I try to rotate my rib cage I end up sliding my trail shoulder down and across the side of the rib cage and sliding my lead shoulder across the front of it
October 6, 2016
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Ryan, making ANY swing changes can and will definitely feel unnatural and most likely uncomfortable until you really start to get things ingrained. The shoulder blade glide should be facilitating body rotation and make it much easier for you not to have your trail arm break as you say. The "simplest" thing to create the body rotation is focusing either on the shoulder blade glide (which doesn't seem to be helping you), or feeling your core engaged and winding up. Chances are, you have a lot of lead side push in your swing. You probably are not feeling it at the moment but, when you say your trail arm breaks or you slide too much, you are showing me that you are using too much of the lead side to move into the backswing. I would strongly suggest that you start making your corrections without the club in your hands and focus on shifting your weight and turning your body with your head remaining stable. You can take a look at a simple drill video that I created in the best golf of your life series, located in the video menu, bonus series, video #1 and I will show you a drill that helps you overcome the exact issues you are describing here. Thanks and good luck and let me know if you need any further help along the way.
October 7, 2016
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George
Hi guys what is the role of the left shoulder here? Should it do the same thing to make sure it is connected to the power source? I have a big issue where my left arm protracts way too much to the backswing and arm plane and hands get way too high.
August 8, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello George. The lead shoulder will be very quiet. It will only protract near the very top for additional shoulder turn (Left Shoulder Push in the Backswing Video). You want to keep it as best in the box as possible.
August 8, 2016
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Jackie (Certified RST Instructor)
When I do the shoulder blade glide, my body does not immediately start rotating, and the club gets outside the elbow plane. Any ideas of what could be happening? Thanks
July 21, 2016
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Jackie (Certified RST Instructor)
I do not use the shoulder blade glide, because I believe proper rotation will result in the shoulder blade gliding down and in. It feels essential to have correct rotation in order for the glide to work correctly.
July 22, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jackie. The shoulder blade moving down and in creates shoulder rotation. It sounds like you may not be engaging the obliques. Take a look at the 5 Mins to Master Rotation. Make sure you use a little of the obliques to help.
August 8, 2016
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John
I know that htis isn't 100% pertaining to this video but what do you do to finish the back swing from the takeaway? Is it done by simple chaging from a rotary movement to a vertical raising of the arms? By raising the arms after the takeaway will taht cause the shoulders to make a full turn? Thank you.
July 8, 2016
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John
so elevation does not stop after the takeaway? There is still some added going to the top of the backswing or is it just additional sliding of the shoulder? Thank you.
July 9, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello John. You will continue to rotate (pull with trail shoulder) as you add elevation, flexion and external humeral rotation with the trail arm. 3 Functions of the Right Arm in the Backswing and Completing the Backswing Video.
July 8, 2016
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John
so elevation does not stop after the takeaway? There is still some added going to the top of the backswing or is it just additional sliding of the shoulder? Thank you.
July 9, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello John. The vast majority of elevation takes place after the takeaway. You will continue to add elevation as you pull with the trail shoulder blade. Take a look at the Pool Noodle Video.
July 9, 2016
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Gary
Can you over-do the shoulder blade glide? What would cause the arms to lift as I reach the top of the swing? Should i feel like I'm pulling my arms down slightly throughout the whole swing to stay connected?!
May 3, 2016
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Gary, not sure what you mean by overdoing the shoulder blade glide. If you are maintaining axis tilt and a loaded trail leg, then you might feel some muscle tension you are not used to in certain areas of the body like the core, lats and glutes. The arms lifting would be from you actively lifting the arms up or turning your shoulders too steeply. You shouldn't feel much activation in the arms during the swing or you are over using them.
May 3, 2016
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Evan
When I attempt the shoulder blade glide I feel as though my right shoulder is lower than my left at the end of my backswing (i.e. very flat) is this the correct sensation to be feeling, or should the left shoulder be working down and under my chin?
March 10, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Evan. The shoulders will seem to flatten out a bit. As long as you have maintained your spine angle it should be just fine. The left will work a little under or just to the side chin. But, don't think left to move right. Push vs Pull Video.
March 11, 2016
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Gary
Question- should the shoulder blade be connected at address? It seems to me that it should be to eliminate 1 move in the back swing. And how long should it stay engaged throughout the swing?
February 17, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Gary. You need to be "in the box" at setup. You won't be fully depressed. The trail shoulder will stay engaged until after impact.
February 17, 2016
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Chris
Just to be clear: at the end of the take-away, should my shoulders be perpendicular to my spine? Because I too tend to flatten my shoulder plane. And as a further reference: at the end of my take-away the toe of my club is pointing to the sky, the back of my left hand (logo on glove) is facing straight away from me and the grooves on my clubhead match the tilt of my chestbone/spine (parallel). Am I on the right track?
October 7, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Chris. The shoulders will rotate around the spine and should be perpendicular. It will seem or look to flatten a little to the top. The club should be toe up and the glove logo facing away from the body. Just make sure the face isn't shut. Take a look at the RST Pencil Tee Drill and the Forearm Rotation in the Golf Swing Video.
October 7, 2015
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Chris
Thanks for your reply! Will check those videos out. May I submit a video of my swing only with regards to the take-away? I want to keep my swing checked up by the move if thats ok?
October 7, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Chris. Yes. That is a good way to piece together working on new positions.
October 7, 2015
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Fred
I'm confused on the right shoulder glide. I understand the pull the shoulder back part, but not the down part. I've been doing that and have noticed that my shoulders are turning on a flatter plane as opposed to perpendicular to my spine. I think I'm misinterpreting this. Could you clarify this for me. Thanks.
September 6, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Fred. The blade moves down and in towards the spine. You might be pulling down too hard flattening you shoulder plane. Make it more natural. Don't just yank down the lat too hard.
September 7, 2015
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Ryan
I can keep that shoulder blade glide/tension during the takeaway, but find it hard to keep the same load as my arms continue to elevate towards the top of the backswing. When I do keep the tension on that lat muscle, I find it tends to pull my right elbow a little lower and am unable to get it up towards the base of my pec in line with my shoulder. Any suggestions on what I may be doing incorrectly?
August 8, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Ryan. As you add some elevation you will lose a little of that tension in the shoulder blade due to the other muscle engagement and positional change of the blade. Losing a little tension, but making sure you are still rotating at the same time isn't a bad thing. It will help keep you from firing from the top too quickly in the downswing.
August 8, 2015
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Preston
Hello just wondering about the order of the take away and the muscles involved and sequence in which they are used. Which is used to complete the take away and backswing. the trap, the oblique or the lat. Or better phrased, does the trap muscle help more with shoulder elevation while simultaneously staying in the box, and the oblique and lat should be used for rotation? I am trying to nail down the right shoulder blade glide, and dont want to be using the wrong muscles, especially out of sequence. Thanks for your help!
August 1, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Preston. The obliques and lats will aid in the rotation of the shoulder going back. The traps will be responsible for helping depress and retract the scapula while elevating the arms to the base of the pectorals while staying in the box.
August 1, 2015
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James
Should I think of rotation in the downswing with shoulder blade glade but from the left side ("pull") as well?
August 1, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello James. You will be pulling from the lead lat and moving the shoulder blade in the same way. The key is not to do it too early and rip the shoulders open too fast.
August 1, 2015
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Trevor
Hi Chuck, Loving the website and the videos. I have just had my first swing analysis done and this is one of my recommended videos. The throwing the ball on the range really helped me get the correct sensation. I have quite long arms and find this move easiest when i let my arms hang vertically. However, i'm slightly worried that my hands are too low now (almost level with my knees). Will this cause me any problems? The swing certainly feels more around my body which is something ive been working on so keep up the great work.
July 2, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Trevor. Appreciate the compliments of the site. You have to have shoulder elevation to keep the takeaway form being to low. The Understanding Shoulder Elevation Video in the Backswing Section, 4 Square Drill in the Advanced Backswing Section, the Pool Noodle Drill in the Advanced Backswing Section and the Pencil Tee Drill in the Advanced Takeaway Section will discuss.
July 2, 2015
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Loran
What is the determinant of axis control? The right shoulder or the body throughout the entire swing? In the takeaway, which muscles are more dominant? The right shoulder or the body?
May 29, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
In the takeaway, the trail lat and rhomboid (shoulder) will be the more dominant figure. How your shoulders rotate and glide determine the amount of axis control.
May 29, 2015
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V Rao
Hi Chuck, This is a fantastic video! I really appreciate it the way you simplified this micro move! Can you please do a similar video about left shoulder blade in the downswing? Which part of the downswing it comes into play etc... Thanks!
April 30, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello V Rao. Thanks for the compliments on the video. We will put this in our suggestion box. We are always looking for what the members want to see.
May 2, 2015
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phil
read my comment and realized i said right shoulder going down i meant that i was supposed to feel like rigjht shoul;der goes up while left is moving down
March 3, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
No worries Phil.
March 3, 2015
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phil
understanding shoulder glide was really great sometimes i feel like im getting a better understanding reading answers to customer questions.Had two lessons the first they wanted me to look at chucks video loading right glute early 2nd lesson different instructor wanted me to not move the hips to much hip rotation sent video in and was probably to flat so he wanted me to move my right shoulder up and in behind my head and feel the right shoulder going down did not feel like a golf move i think some arm elevation might have helped but after watching chucks video understanding shoulder blade glide and feeling that move by reaching back like im going to throw a fastball gave me chance to feel what i needed to do in the golfswing started to do that and it really started to feel like i was finally able to feel like i was loading better to make a good transition into the downswing does this seem like im on the correct path or should i continue trying to move my right shoulder up and left shoulder down really love your explantions to the premium members because i have some of the same issues
March 3, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Phil. It sounds like you corrected your problem. Down and in (like the fastball). You don't want to get confused trying to control your shoulder plane (up and down) versus rotating and letting your spine angle dictate it.
March 3, 2015
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phil
Thank you guys are so good and sometimes what you say and and what registers in my brain is totally different but with the help of videos and your answers to members questions really help me understand better keep up the good work i enjoy reading them very much and in the meantime i realize im also helping to educate myself
March 3, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Thanks Phil. We appreciate the positive post! Keep working. You'll get that swing corrected!
March 3, 2015
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John
I think you guys are saying don't worry about the down part as you pull the shoulder blade in the down takes care of it self. Is that right? The other question I had is I find it way easier to transition and get a stacked backswing which really allows me to have a good transition when my left shoulder works down, I also see when chuck has a club his shoulders are not level as his right shoulder is higher then his left but when he does the drill they look flat.
February 19, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey John. The mentioning of the down part is to make sure that as you pull "in" you don't shrug the shoulder up (out of the box) and stay (in the box) connected to the core. Some players will naturally do the "down". You bend over at address. The main reason the shoulders don't turn exactly level. Don't focus on working the left shoulder down. Focus on pulling the right and maintaining the pull around the spine properly. Take a look at the Golf Body Rotation Video in the Backswing Advanced Section.
February 21, 2015
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Tom
I need to understand the "down" part in the shoulder blade a bit better. It seems to me you can glide shoulder blade in towards the spine which rotates the arms and clubs around the spine and you can also pull the shoulder blade "in and down" which seems to rotate and elevate the arms at the same time. I find it much easier to get the hands up into the swing when I rotate "in and down" whereas when I rotate " in" only the hands stay low and swing around my body. Is this right? Is that the reason why the shoulder blade should go "in and down towards the ground behind me"?
February 4, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Tom. The shoulder blade moves "down and in" to rotate the shoulder and keep it in the box. It's only slightly down as the blade glides across the rib cage. The down part is what keeps it depressed and in the box. It provides a link to stay connected to the core. Elevation is what gets the arms moving up to stay in front of the sternum. Take a look at the Shoulder Elevation Video and Arm Elevation Video in the Backswing Section.
February 5, 2015
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Bobby
If I pull my shoulder blade back and in how do I stop from coming to inside on my takeaway?
January 30, 2015
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R.J. (Certified RST Instructor)
Robert, If you elevate your arms as you rotate around your spine, it will keep the club on plane. The more you elevate the arms, the further outside the plane you'll be and the less that you elevate the arms, the further inside your takeaway will be. Let us know if you need anything! R.J.
January 30, 2015
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Craig
This is the same thing I am having huge issues with. If I pull my shoulder blade in, two things tend to happen. 1) I pull too much from the right side and get disconnected and 2) I bring the club too far inside. Now I have to worry about how much arm elevation I have as well to keep it on plane? I thought the whole point of the glide was to keep things simple.
July 27, 2016
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Dan
Is it possible to get full rotation of the torso (90 degrees torso/45 degrees hips) without proper shoulder blade glide?
November 30, 2014
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R.J. (Certified RST Instructor)
Dan, Yes, but you'll either be off plane or not have enough width in your swing to generate enough club head speed. R.J.
November 30, 2014
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Jackie (Certified RST Instructor)
I really feel comfortable with the shoulder blade glide, I can feel it starting my rotation, and pulling my arms and torso into good positions. It also feels like the glide is controlling the amount of shoulder elevation as well. Does this mean that doing the glide correctly will allow for the proper amount of elevation? I know you teach that there should be a minimal amount of elevation, but does this tend to happen when the glide is done correctly? My only swing thought is the shoulder blade glide and it seems to get me into the correct positions with out any other thoughts such as shoulder elevation.
October 6, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jackie. Some players tend to add the shoulder elevation naturally. Using the shoulder blade glide won't force you to add it though. Check to make sure the arms are at the base of the pectorals at the end of your rotation.
October 6, 2014
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Jackie (Certified RST Instructor)
thanks for the response, I discovered that I did need to add a bit more elevation so that makes sense. Another thing, I'm looking at my face on view and just before I start the takeaway with the shoulder blade glide, my head works a tiny bit toward the target. I want to make sure I'm doing the glide correctly, and this doesn't seem right. I believe the way I'm doing the shoulder blade glide is the reason for this due to how my body is getting ready to initiate it. I watched the set up videos and I'm bringing the right arm down to make sure I have some shoulder tilt, but I still have this tiny movement. What are you're thoughts?
November 24, 2014
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demetrios
should there be any downward motion with the left shoulder on the initial takeaway move, seems like its alot easier for me to hit the correct takeaway positions when i do so,thanks
October 2, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Demetrios. You are rotating around the spine. It will seem as though the left shoulder works a little down as you pull back. However, you don't want to actively push the left shoulder down in the takeaway.
October 2, 2014
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Jackie (Certified RST Instructor)
When I do the shoulder blade glide, it feels as though my shoulder blade is only moving back toward my spine, but not necessarily down and in. In other words, it feels like it is moving back but not down. Should I be feeling the shoulder blade going down a bit as well?
September 30, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jackie. It will tend to feel a little back. But, it is moving down and in. As long as the shoulders are in the box. And, you are rotating correctly. You should be just fine.
October 1, 2014
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Norman
Hi RST Team, At which point can we actually feel the right shoulder gliding? I mainly feel it after the takeaway
September 4, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Norman. I don't want to discuss too much about what I feel versus what you feel. However, I feel it right off the ball. Try the Golf Body Rotation Drill in the Advanced Backswing Section. It might help you get more awareness earlier in your turn.
September 4, 2014
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Adam
I've worked on this and it's really straightened out my drive so far. However, when I try the same move with my irons (which were better to begin with) everything goes out the window- it seems like this move helps my drive, 3w and long irons, but not so much 5i-sw, so I'm really tempted to just do this move for longer clubs only. Any thoughts?
August 27, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Adam. The shoulder blade glide is a crux movement for all cubs. Its hard to tell what could be your culprit with the lower irons. Have you uploaded a swing for review? We would be happy to diagnose the problem for you.
August 27, 2014
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Dennis
Should it feel as if the shoulders are remaining level during the takeaway and backswing. or should it feel as if the left shoulder is turning slightly down to match the forward tilt of the spine?
August 17, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Dennis. Sometimes the shoulder blade glide will feel as if the shoulders remain level. Even though they actually won't be.
August 17, 2014
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Marc
on downswing having trouble "sitting"/pulling left hip to get weight forward especially with iron (driver much better) causing loss of spine angle and spinning off back foot. Any additional drills?
July 29, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Marc. Take a look at the How the Lower Body Works Video in the Downswing Section. Try the stomp drill to get the left glute to fire. Make sure you pull with the left, not push with the right.
July 29, 2014
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Marc
takeaway - is arm elevation complete after takeaway and only thing left for righty right arm flex/rotation and additional right shoulder glide?
July 29, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Marc. In the takeaway, there is a minimal amount of shoulder rotation to keep the arms in front of the sternum. The majority of shoulder elevation is in the backswing. Elevation, flexion, and external humeral rotation. Take a look at the 3 Functions of the Right Arm in the Advanced Backswing Section.
July 29, 2014
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Tiger
Would it be accurate to think of this in terms of retracting my right scapula to initiate the takeaway and allowing my left scapula to protract to complete the backswing (right-handed golfer)?
June 22, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Ryan, the right scapula will be retracting and depressing. Down and In. The left scapula will protract slightly for the appearance of a larger turn. Take a look at the Left Shoulder Push Video in the Advanced Downswing Section.
June 22, 2014
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patrick14
I want to make sure that I understand this. At the top of the back swing my shoulders are about 45 dgrees more rotated than my hips. So coming down my shoulders do not move independently but are being rotated by the rotation of the hips There fore at impact my hips are 45 degrees open and my shoulders are square.
June 10, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Correct. At impact the hips will be roughly 30 to 40 degrees open and the shoulders primarily square.
June 10, 2014
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patrick14
After you pull back with the shoulder blade. do you keep those muscles engaged all the way during the down swing and fallow through
June 9, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Patrick. Your right shoulder (for right handed player) will remain depressed and in the box on the downswing.
June 9, 2014
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rodney
Is this what facilitates the shoulders staying closed as arms fall into position?
September 2, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Rodney. It helps to keep the shoulder from spinning too much. But, the main reason is the proper positioning of the scapula allows you to add your rotational speed to the ball during the downswing.
September 2, 2014
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greg
Can I use the right shoulder blade glide to start my swing on all shots, including chips, pitches, & sand play?
April 22, 2014
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
yes that is fine
April 23, 2014
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chad
Where do I find the Fore Square Drill Clay mentioned?
April 11, 2014
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René (Certified RST Instructor)
http://www.rotaryswing.com/videos/full-swing-advanced/backswing/4-square-drill
April 11, 2014

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