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 ...

Start Downswing Before Completing Backswing

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You need to start your downswing before completing your backswing. This pro-style transition is a key for consistency and distance. The drill in this video increased my club head speed from 113 mph to as high as 127 mph, all in about 10 minutes!

  • Weight Begins to Shift Left As You Are Still Swinging Back With Arms
  • Start With Feet Together
  • Step Forward As You Are Swinging Back
  • Drive Lead Ankle Into Ground
  • Swing Through to Finish

When it comes to having a powerful and efficient golf swing, it's really important that we start dynamically loading these muscle fibers that we're recruiting, to build club-ed speed. When we look at the down swing, and really the transition of the golf swing, when the club is transitioning from going this way, going back, to going this way, coming down, really what we're trying to do is, start moving back toward the target, before the club finishes the back swing. It's because of this dynamic timing of the swing, and it's something that most amateur golfers never, ever feel right, and they try to manipulate and create this goofy movement where like, "Okay, I know I'm supposed to start the down swing before my club finishes going back." So, they kind of do this kind of stuff, and try to time it incorrectly. You can't manipulate that kind of stuff, it's not going to work very well.

                What I want you to do is have a better visual picture in your head of what this movement is, before we get into the specifics of how we're going to do it in the golf swing. Think about it this way, if you were going to throw a ball, you'd be really good at this already, you've done this before, to whereas you started going back, you're shifting your weight, your arm's starting to glide back, and then as you start to shift forward, notice that as I'm doing this I'm taking that step, what's my arm doing? It's actually loading this way. You instinctively know how to do this if you've ever thrown anything.

                What you're doing is, you're stretching these muscles using the stretch shortening cycle, to load these muscles more powerfully, dynamically by getting them to stretch further, which is what we want to do in the golf swing. As I start to step forward, that's when my arm's actually going back, so as I'm doing this, now my chest is really stretched, and as I start to wind forward, it's got this extra stretch in it, that's going to produce a lot of speed, but it's free speed, it is effortless speed, because all I'm doing is taking advantage of the stretch shortening cycle where the muscle fiber stretches and then it wants to spring back into position. You want to take advantage of that, because your body does this for you, it's in your DNA, that when you stretch a muscle really quickly, all of a sudden it wants to spring back really quickly.

                Another way of thinking about this is, jumping. If you were going to jump up and touch something as high as you could, you wouldn't go down, stop, hang out here for a second, chill out, think about it, and then try to jump up there. How would you jump? You'd go down dynamically and spring back up, you'd do it very quickly. The same is true in the swing, you're taking advantage of the stretch shortening cycle in your muscles, and you need to do that in the golf swing. The problem is, in the golf swing, instead of focusing on moving our core, which is where this stretch shortening session needs to happen, so many golfers focus on moving just from their arms and hands, and they never get this movement right.

                I'm going to set the club down, I'm going to focus on doing it without the club, and start moving my body correctly. Now, as I'm moving back this way, I'm focusing really, not on the club, but on my torso rotation, as my torso's turning this way, my body's going to start shifting the weight back the other way. As I'm doing this, I'm getting that little extra load, and my core, my obliques, that's where we want this to happen, and so, but what you see visually, is the club. Because this movement isn't really that big, it's a small little stretch but it really helps speed up the rotation, which helps speed up the club, but because it's such a small movement, you notice more of what's happening with the club.

                In a better player's swing, the club's going back, back, back, back, but what's really happening, is it's all happening from down here. That's what's making the club change directions and make the swing get narrower coming down. So if you looked at my widener or wide swing video, you know that we're going to be wide going back, and narrow coming down, and this movement is created dynamically by my trunk, not by me going back with my arms, and then trying to change directions with my arms and hands.

                My hands and arms direction gets changed by this movement of my trunk. So, as I've got the club going back, my movement while I'm still turning going back, I'm going to start shifting coming down, and that's what allows you to create this dynamic stretch in your body, and create a tremendous amount of speed with no effort at all, because as these muscles get stretched, the first thing they want to do, is snap back, and that's going to speed up everything coming down. Again, learn everything in the golf swing and in Rotary Swing, from the inside out. It's much easier and much faster.

                So take your arms and club out of it, shift back, and now as you're rotating your torso, go really slow at first, rotate, rotate, rotate, and then try and shift your weight while your shoulders are still going back the other way. Rotating back, shift, and now you're going to feel the stretch in your obliques and your core, maybe for the first time ever, and you're going to start feeling this power that's available in your swing, and you're going to start feeling a lot more muscle recruitment, and then all of a sudden you're going to be less concerned about what's going on back here, with your arms and clubs. Stop worrying about that stuff so much. Get your big muscle movements working correctly first, and then you're going to start feeling all of a sudden you've got a lot more power from a lot bigger muscles in your swing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What starts first in the golf downswing?

From the chest up, doesn't really need to do anything, you need to chill out and focus and prioritize shifting your weight to your left side.

How do you trigger a downswing in golf?

With a downswing, really, the only thing you really need to focus on is what your trunk is doing, what your core, your legs are doing is, hands-down, the most important part of the downswing. Most amateurs do the exact opposite.

What part of the body starts the downswing?

The lower body weight shift to the left side starts the downswing.

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Joe
Can you elaborate a bit on the "stab the leg" comment please?
June 13, 2021
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Joe. Stab the Thigh is when you bring the hands in towards the trail thigh to let the club go out instead of throwing the hands out towards the ball when shallowing. Discussed in a Live Lesson (How to Shallow Your Hands During Transition).
June 14, 2021
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Joy
This! I’ve been watching videos all over the site in the few days since I’ve joined, and this was the info I needed to find for a mini breakthrough. I realized yesterday after a lesson (too late) that I’m a hip slider and arm swinger, but didn’t know the fix. Yes I’ve been listening and taking notes on what I’ve watched here so far. Now it all makes sense, the relationship between the back swing, core rotation, weight shift, and transition. Going to go back to the start with posture and set up keeping this in mind. So stoked to have it click, thank you!
April 25, 2021
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Joy. Great. Keep us posted with questions and results. Happy to lend a helpful hand along your journey.
April 26, 2021
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Kyaw Thet
Hi Craig, Is that OK to pause at the top of backswing first to drill the downswing correctly before implementing this move?
January 3, 2021
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Kyaw. Yes. Much easier to implement slowly the pieces and then stack on the challenges.
January 3, 2021
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Kevin
Top of the backswing for the swing below - poor camera angle but as I’ve tried to reduce my arm depth / two inch hand drill I feel like I’ve lost some elevation.
November 29, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Kevin. You did lose some elevation. Arms are still just a bit pushed across the chest.
November 30, 2020
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Kevin
Thanks Craig - Better camera here from a few days ago. At this point the clubhead needs more elevation by wrist cock up or focus on arm elevation, flexion, less forearm rotation? I just watched your pencil drill and know it’s too low but not sure what to focus to get it up
November 30, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Kevin. Touch more wrist cock. You don't need more elevation or forearms.
November 30, 2020
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Kevin
Hi Craig, I’ve been working on more rotation in my downswing with the hips and letting the club get pulled down by my lower body. I am losing the tush line on the downswing at this point and not right from the top which is an improvement. I feel like the club is getting caught further behind me and under the plane but I don’t appear to be pushing off the right foot. Do you think I need more arm pull down and I start my lower body?
November 29, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Kevin. I don't think this camera angle will fairly represent the tush line. However, just a bit too shallow. Overall, big improvement. I think you still need some trace the plane/stab the leg after the shallowing move.
November 30, 2020
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Kevin
I’ve found this move to be so powerful and the glue between all the chuncking...when it’s on. Played tonight and I was either overloading the right glute and hitting it fat or not finishing my backswing and starting down early with a low hook. I’m struggling with the balance between a good right glute load but still trying to get back left early enough. I made this video last night and it looks like I need to post earlier to stop from going past NJA which was a correct to a closed hip slide move I was making after trying to sit into the right side more - tough balance
August 11, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Kevin. Yes. It looks like there is still some push in their which is tending to get the hip outside NJA. Less trail push and clear the hips earlier.
August 12, 2020
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Jens
Hi Craig! Thank you for the previous reply and the swing review. When i've tried to drill this before i always end up looking the way Chuck jokes about in the video, with the upper body loosing all sequencing with the lower body. In my case, is it more that i should do the same motion i already do in the swing, just earlier, rather than trying to get more separation? Another question i have on my mind is: When you talk about the end goal being removing all the chunks and making the swing fluid. To make this reality, does the swing need to feel more reactive (similar to the throw of a ball, it happens because i set the simple task of just to throw) and less thinking of positions?
August 11, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jens. Yes. In your swing more of the same, but just earlier. Not rushing and forcing the separation with the look that Chuck describes. Also, the end result is to blend and make it reactive. Pull the trigger and let things be. You work hard to correct positions and get better sequencing so the muscles fire in the correct order. Letting the movement take care of itself.
August 11, 2020
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Kevin
I’ve been working this drill to shorten my overswing and improve my move left. It’s really helped clean up the overswing and my contact seems better but now it looks too short and flat at the top. I’ve been feeling a move back left as the club reaches parrallel in the backswing like Chuck mentioned in the last live lesson - maybe I overdid or something else is causing this ?
July 13, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Kevin. It really isn't that short. Just too much lead arm rotation from the shoulder socket at some point in the backswing. Just flat/laid off.
July 14, 2020
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Kevin
Thanks Craig - I had not not thought of forearm rotation being a cause. I attached a parallel position from the same video of my takeaway and it looks ok to me - maybe my chest should be more rotated as well - less lead arm push?
July 14, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Kevin. Chest rotation pretty good. Now, keep rotating and don't push the lead arm/excessively rotate it to the top. Only need a little to set the plane.
July 14, 2020
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Kevin
Thanks Craig...that might be a good drill for me. Take it to parallel, stop & rotate to the top
July 14, 2020
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Mark
This video appears to address the body movement by Chuck and Tiger Woods in a recent video on when the transition starts. It appears that this transition move made immediately after the full weight shift to the right side is completed (but before the full backswing is completed) results in an initial transfer of weight to the left that provides a more stable base on the left more quickly in the downswing than occurs without this maneuver--is this a generally desirable move to make even without the wrist down cock shown by Chuck and Tiger (i have trouble introducing a swing thought of adding the wrist downcock--it may be naturally occurring with related arms>
April 18, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Mark. Lag/downcock is a byproduct of the transition move. With soft wrists making the motion described by Chuck you should generate plenty of lag.
April 20, 2020
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John
Starting to get this... not worrying where the ball is going at the moment, only the feeling of the shifting before the shoulders have finished. 3 things are happening. (1) Massive increase in lag, (2) taking a divot after the ball (i guess linked to the increase in lag).... and (3) very sore stomach muscles . Whenever muscles ache I know I have changed something! Still struggling with direction of the shot - pulls and slices - but I am encouraged by the flight and distance when I get one right. Something I am sticking with and will just take a lot more practice to make it natural.
December 29, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello John. Great. I love where your head is at on the swing. Make sure the shoulders are square at impact and the release is passive to help with the two way miss.
December 30, 2019
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Fred
I tend to use the left shoulder touching my chin to indicate my backswing is complete is that common?
December 7, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Fred. Yes, that is common. But, that doesn't mean you have necessarily turned correctly. You can push your lead shoulder over and create a false sense of rotation.
December 7, 2019
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Lorna
Trying hard to get the core muscles working .too many wrong turns. I am working hard to get it.Lorna
November 20, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Lorna. Take a look at Golf Backswing - Chair Drill. This will help you feel the core muscles create the rotation.
November 20, 2019
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Ron
I really had trouble when trying to start my lower body on downswing before reaching the top of my backswing....until I came across a video by an Rst instructor (can’t remember who or the title of the vid). He said to start your lower body movement forward when your turn is complete and the hands are at the top but you feel the club head continuing to drop behind you due to momentum and gravity. This told me exactly how to coordinate the movement and did wonders for my swing-after practicing of course. I think this insight should be more prominent in rst teaching, as I think many will find it so helpful. Keep up the good work guys. I am just loving working on my swing and improving on hitting those checkpoints. It’s made practice so much fun...and easy as you can do so much in your living room!
November 6, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Ron. Thanks for the post and compliments. Change your swing in your living room! Should be one of our slogans. Glad you incorporated the transition before the backswing is complete move. Really helps make the swing dynamic.
November 6, 2019
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Michael
I’m having difficult keeping my backside against the line on the downswing. What is the trigger and what should I focus on?
October 26, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Michael. Take a look at Maintain Tush Line Chair Drill and Eliminating Early Extension. Both will help you control the backside.
October 26, 2019
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Jens
Sorry Craig for jumping so much between videos. I do have a structured practice plan but i cant sleep if i dont get answers to the questions that pop up. So here i am ^-^'. When i try this with a stepping drill to get the hang of it. It feels natural to initiate the shift at club vertical. Is this correct or do i want to delay the shift later?
September 27, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jens. The key is not to rush it. You can start to step with the club vertical as long as you finish your shoulder turn. Most players wait just a little bit later because they tend to jump the gun and race down not completing the backswing.
September 27, 2019
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Roy
I'm still confused. In the "Starting the Downswing" video, Chuck says to shift the weight back to the lead leg before finishing the backswing. In the "Squat to Square" video he says the squat to square move should occur when you start the downswing, yet several comments below seem to indicate you do both moves before you start the downswing. Can somebody clear this up for me?
September 26, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Roy. When you start getting more advanced and the movement patterns down. Technically, the downswing shift will start just before the shoulders complete their turn in the backswing. You still squat to square, but start the transition sooner to make it more dynamic with change of direction.
September 26, 2019
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Ryan
I am a bit confused by the sequencing of the videos. This video is the second in the core rotation series. It talks about transitioning to the downswing; however, video 1 in this section didn’t teach me how to rotate into the backswing. Am I following the order of the videos too literally?
August 2, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Ryan. Some of the videos are out of sequence and we are condensing/cleaning up the site. Before attempting the above. I would start with the RST 5 Step - (Step 2 - Core Rotation Video). Sticking with the 5 Step first and revisiting the above after will make much more sense.
August 2, 2019
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Ryan
Thanks
August 2, 2019
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John
I am working with Chris on this movement and have a question. Should I just be following the written practice points above and then hit a ball? Or do I hit balls using the practice points? I am not really sure how to measure if I am doing this correctly.
August 1, 2019
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Hi John, you want to start out by working on the movements without hitting any balls. As you become proficient with the movements, you can start adding the ball to the mix. However, you want to watch the movements on camera with a ball very closely to make sure the movements are as good without the ball. Hope that helps.
August 5, 2019
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John
Ok, thanks for the help
August 5, 2019
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Steve
I've been working on this drill off and on. I do it slowly, without a club, with just my arms folded over my chest, and every time I start to work on it, my lower back hurts. Any idea what might be causing it? Too much axis tilt? Not enough axis tilt?
July 17, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Steve. Perform a Step 2 - Core Rotation Drill. That is the standard version of the drill above. Report back to me about the back. I think you may be rushing the transition getting too much separation between upper/lower causing excessive torque/shear force on the spine. You also could be getting excessive secondary axis tilt in the downswing portion.
July 17, 2019
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Tom
Would you to be able to clarify my understand of this please? My interpretation is: 1. Proper setup with axis tilt 2. Shift weight to the right foot (80%) 3. Turn on right leg so you get necktie thing and axis tilt away from target. 4. While you are still turning in the backswing, you need to A) shift back to the left and B) squat to square while you are still turning back which creates torque in core abs obliques shoulders etc 5. Post up on left leg, keep right shoulder, release and let the club take you to a follow through position Thank you
July 10, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Tom. Sounds pretty on par to me.
July 10, 2019
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Chad
Hello, so i've been practicing the transition for weeks, finally went to hit some balls and chunked majority until I realized I need to start transferring my weight back to the left when my hands get just past my hips in the backswing, I then felt the tension in my left lat muscle, posted up and my arms came whipping through with soft hands to release the club. Is this right? Prior I was waiting too long to transfer weight to my left, which led an across the line swing and tension in my core, but also my shoulders.
June 28, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Chad. It sounds like you are on the proper track. Even though you may feel it when the hands just pass the hips. More than likely it is a tad later. But, it sounds like the swing is becoming more dynamic now swinging from the inside (body) out (club) which is the goal.
June 28, 2019
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Steven
For a supposedly natural move, the timing still plagues me. I noticed tonite however, that if I add a lil wrist set at the top, I sense that lil imperceptible pause before transition and my timing improves noticeably? Your thoughts please?
June 5, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Steven. Sounds like you are float loading. Creating the wrist set to give yourself time. The wrist setting back and through should be more a byproduct. I wouldn't stress too much about the move above until you have the body components mastered without thought.
June 6, 2019
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Giap
my problem is my club gets to impact before i am fully post up. my upperbody feels rush in the downswing. What should I do?
May 13, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Giap. You need to give yourself time to transition. Sounds like you are over cooking the move. Take a look at 4 of 7 - Sequencing the Downswing - dump truck and drag racer video.
May 13, 2019
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david
Fortunately I am old enough to remember how do the “Twist”! Hips right, shoulder left, reverse.
May 8, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello David. You should be well on your way to a great body movement then!
May 8, 2019
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Anthony
Okay, let me get this right; In order to move left before completing my back swing, I am to deflect off my right side to get back to a "Relaxed" left leg. Correct?
April 17, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Anthony. Yes, so that you can start loading the lead glute sooner.
April 17, 2019
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Frank
At top of backswing what should weight distribution be on each foot?
June 27, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Frank. 80/20 trail to lead foot before you start shifting into the downswing transition.
June 27, 2019
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Frank
This video implies you start weight transfer to front foot during the backswing. If so, how much transfer occurs during backswing?
June 27, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Frank. You will start 50/50. By the end of the takeaway you should be 80/20 trail to lead side. Right before you complete you backswing shoulder rotation start to shift back to the lead side.
June 27, 2019
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Frank
I struggle with early extension and despite working on all web site videos on this topic I could not solve the problem UNTIL I started transition to weight shift at halfway point of backswing. The idea in this video was a major breakthrough in my swing improvement. Not sure why this concept not mentioned in early extension but it was real break through for me, I needed to get weight moving toward front foot long before top of swing.
June 28, 2019
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Dave
I believe it is mentioned in one of the other comments that the drill video, apparently the "step drill", is no longer on the site. Does that mean you don't like that drill? It is supposed to ingrain the feeling of starting the downswing before the backswing is over with. Now, when I try to do that the club immediately becomes steep in transition, rather than shallowing a bit. I fear it is a flexibility issue. Any suggestions on how to get the proper sequencing here while still maintaining a shallower shaft starting down? Thanks!
April 15, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Dave. The step drill is fine. Just one of the specific videos that talked about it is no longer on the site. It sounds like you are rushing the issue and not keeping the trail shoulder back as you shift. Combine Keep the Rear Shoulder Back Video with Step 2 - Core Rotation. This will help with sequencing, but also making sure the club start down shallower.
April 15, 2019
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Dave
I do have some trouble keeping the right shoulder back. At least when I try to get the hips moving forward and posting up. Hence my concern with flexibility. But, will see if I can do a little better. It's just very difficult to move forward "early" without rotating the shoulders as well. I don't think I separate the hips and shoulders very well, compared with the youngsters on the tour anyway....
April 15, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Dave. This motion is very slight. You don't need a crazy change of direction. Small and smooth blend. Most players have enough flexibility. Just used to moving from the wrong place at the wrong time (for ex: shoulders firing too soon).
April 15, 2019
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Dave
Thanks, will work on this without trying to exaggerate the moves!
April 15, 2019
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Giap
When I tried to do this move I get stuck in my downswing and it ends up to be a block or hook? How do I fix that?
February 21, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Giap. From your other posts you tend to get stuck already with the swing. Moving the lower half too early for your specific move would actually get the club further behind you. More than likely your lower half is leading too much leaving the arms far behind.
February 22, 2019
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Ted
At present have been working with Chris on pulling with the left adductor to get weight shift and hip turn started and trying to lessen the amount of closed hip slide. Slow progress. The last few days as I've gotten to the top of the backswing and I've felt the left adductor engage if at that point I just pull my right shoulder back a bit more it then feels a bit easier to pull my body over to where it seems the arms and hands are just wanting to "fall to the ball". It almost "feels" like a reverse C but I don't think that's happening. Does this sound reasonable or somewhat on track? When I've avoided the temptation to force the right hand into action too soon and just concentrate on letting everything just pull through from the left and keep my head behind the ball the effect has been pleasing in ball flight, easy sense of distance, and pretty much dead on line. I need to video this and pull a jpeg off but wanted to go ahead and submit a comment sooner than later.
February 16, 2019
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Hi Ted, we would need to be able to see this in order to check for quality in the movements. Without seeing it, I would be guessing and I don't like to do that. Your last review looked pretty good. We have some work to do on the legs but we are heading in a positive direction for sure.
February 19, 2019
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Paul
I have been pushing my tee shots way right lately and from what I know I am assuming that my lower body is way ahead of my arms which leaves my clubface wide open at impact can you point me to some drills that work on that
January 28, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Paul. Take a look at Video 4 of 6 in the Play Your Best Golf of Your Life in 6 Weeks Series. This will help with sequencing and getting the club to release.
February 4, 2019
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Sean
I practiced starting my downswing before completing my backswing and could not believe the effect this had. I could hear the ball fly.
November 7, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Sean. Great. Thanks for the post. Keep getting the long ball!
November 7, 2018
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Martin L
Should I begin squatting to square before finishing backs wing? In other words should I sit slightly at the end of my back swing?
September 16, 2018
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Tyler (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Martin, yes the squating move (the weight transfer) will begin as your upper body rotation is nearing its completion.
September 16, 2018
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Martin L
In order to keep my spine angle when squatting and driving forward can my head move forward?
September 22, 2018
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Tyler (Certified RST Instructor)
In order to make a weight shift your head will move very slightly, but it's not something you'll think about. Maintaining your tush line will keep your spine angle consistent. This all comes from pulling from the left side in the downswing. Check out the early extension video and flag pole video
September 24, 2018
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James
Got working on this yesterday and today as advised and it is starting to work. Still need to work on on getting the lead hand with knuckles down but I am getting ball first and shifting my weight more to target as I start the downswing by moving my pelvis forward just before I complete my backswing. In the picture below the line on the right was my address position and the short line near my right hip shows the movement of my pelvis from the address position. Will keep at this and the knuckles down routine. I am getting a new video tool called Live View Golf PLUS (Digital Swing Mirror) that enables me to view my swing on my tablet in front of me and draw lines so can see various parts of my swing in live mode. Should be interesting.
August 31, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello James. It looks like you are starting to shift the weight which is good news. 2 things I want you to check/mindful of. As you are working on this I don't mind the splay in the lead foot, but be careful you don't narrow the stance too much (turning lead ankle inwards instead of splaying toe of the foot). Also, if you can get the post up/straightening of the lead leg a little better. With those two elements added in your move will be doing great with only the lead wrist position to clean up.
August 31, 2018
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James
Hi Craig I have actually posted a review and had I seen your comment here about the width between the heels I would have worked on that but by the time I got this comment from it was too dark to do any more. However, I have improved a bit on the capture shown here and hopefully a bit more flatter left wrist at impact. I await to see your comments on the videos. Did you have a look at the Live View Golf PLUS (Digital Swing Mirror)? It is on this link https://www.liveviewgolf.com/. The fact that you can view your swing on your tablet or Ipad live using the app via WiFi seems a pretty good idea to me, plus you can draw lines. Another facet I like is as you look at yourself you mirror your swing whilst doing FO so that in the video you are swing the same way. It is an American product and it is available over here in the UK
August 31, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello James. The videos were looking pretty good. I gave you the tiny bit of adjustments need to get them over the top! Yes, I know about the LiveView. We researched it before, but the FPS was too low. I now see that it has gotten a little higher now which is very beneficial to the user and RST'er. I think it will provide some good instant feedback for the current swing change.
August 31, 2018
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James
One of the good things I am looking forward to doing with this camera is you have the camera record your swing and when you actually strike the ball it will then play the swing back to you to analyse. If you know about it or have looked at it would appreciate your views on it. The latest version records at 60fps and you can slow the speed down to x 0.5 and x 0.2.
August 31, 2018
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Drew
Hi. This downswing drill is something Chris wanted me to start working on. My question though still relates to the backswing, and in particular the initial weight shift to the right to start the swing. What is the best “athletic” feeling to start the backswing so it sets up a natural downswing - is it a feeling of just pushing my right heel into the ground, or should I move my whole body (just a small amount) to the right? When I do both they look the same on video, but they actually feel quite different. Maybe this is too subtle of a distinction, but if there is a common view that would be helpful. Thanks
July 31, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Drew. The goal is to shift into the trail side and to load the glute. The pushing of the trail heel into the ground is a good trigger. Take a look at How to Swing from the Ground Up and Load Right Leg Video.
July 31, 2018
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stephen
So is the drill(s) that incorporate this move in the weight shift section? How does one drill to make this move second nature? I have to consciously think about making the move left while the arms are still moving up and back.
April 14, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Stephen. As you finish your rotation you start beginning to shift to the lead side. You have to train the move above. The better you get at Step 2 - Core Rotation and start working on lag drills. This movement will become easier and second nature.
April 14, 2018
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roger
Ditto Stephen
April 13, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Roger. Take a look at my post to Stephen.
April 13, 2018
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stephen
Below the video is a link description ---Drill to Start Downswing Before Completing Backswing ---However when I click on it or search for it i just get this video. Is there another with a drill?
April 12, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Stephen. There was an older video, but it is no longer on the site.
April 13, 2018
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Ken
There's actually a good article on the Golf Digest site (as of April 11, 2018) about Xander Schauffele and his driver swing. Talks a lot about turning on your rear hip and loading the rear glute. Nice to see your teaching and methods are being confirmed and reinforced by the pros.
April 11, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Ken. Will have to check that out. Thanks for the post.
April 11, 2018
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Peter
From my experience the most important factor is maintaining the correct spine tile and angle throughout the swing. If you do that, the core muscles empower the hips to use ground force to turn on a natural swing plane and lead the shoulders and arms to the finish. Did I articulate that correctly?
April 11, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Peter. Core muscles and glutes to help power the legs/ground force. But, your statement is pretty on par.
April 11, 2018
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Andrew
Hi. Great video, it explains a lot. At the moment, I'm trying the left leg post with just my right hand on the club & I'm generating an incredible amount of force & it's releasing nicely. Not so much with just my left hand on the club, but a lot more than before, so I'm happy & can work on it. My problem is, when I grip the club with both hands & then I get to the impact position, my hands don't seem to want to flip/release & they seem to stick at neutral in the follow through (like a cricket swing). I'm not sure what could be preventing the club from releasing naturally & I'm guessing this is where my lack of power is coming from. Can you help please??
March 22, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Andrew. Typically, the grip pressure is too tight or holding on with the trail hand too much during the release. You need to allow for the release. Take a look at the Vijay Release Drill, Left Hand Release Drill, and Flip vs Release.
March 22, 2018
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Chad
Where should your hands be in the backswing when you start your weight shift to the downswing? I feel like to do it right my hands are only about hip high when I start moving my lower body in other direction. If I wait until my back swing is almost complete, my arms keep going and I end up across the line. Am I thinking about this right?
March 1, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Chad. The feeling of when to start would be a little too subjective. However, it usually is around the lead arm parallel to the ground position in the backswing. Try the 30-60-90 drill in the Perfecting Your Golf Impact - 4 of 4 Video.
March 1, 2018
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Paul
Instead of starting the downswing before you get to the top is another option what Hogan did--i.e. Get the wrist cock/hinge and hold it as your pivot brings you into impact.
February 7, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Paul. You don't want to try and hold anything with the wrist. Holding creates tension and when you create tension all the body wants to do is release it.
February 7, 2018
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Dennis
Okay... So I cheated a bit... Before joining RST I had watched several of Chuck's videos. One spoke to the concept of loading the right glute and making the arms passive (the arms part might be my interpretation). But he also spoke to the idea of starting your down swing before the back swing is finished. I took that to the range and found I could really start to get some awesome and effortless results. It's what pretty much sold me on becoming a member here! The results were sporadic, but the good ones made me want more! So here I am with pieces of the puzzle starting to be filled in and a lot of reps and work to ingrain this new information. My question after watching this video... when I first tried this based on the other video I thought of my arms being like a towel that you would snap, i.e. being very light and 'whippy'. Am I on the right track with that sort of analogy?
February 1, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Dennis. There is a difference between being too gumby like and loose. But, the loose and snap the towel visual/feel is on track. Glad you are finding good value in our content.
February 2, 2018
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Christopher
I use to have a very steep attack angle. 6 iron was about 7 degrees on the track-man, and my club head speed was 89, and I was hitting mid to low trajectory shots before I started the rotary system. I have put a lot of time and going step by step with these drills, and I am stacking my drills. I have been doing these drills a while without using a club. I started to hit golf balls 3 days a week for the last 2 weeks. Now I am hitting a much higher and straighter ball flight. The shots are starting to be more pure and I like that. Does this typically happen when people start using the rotary swing, or am I off track? Does the distance come in later or right away? The kind of ball flight I was getting was straight high baby cuts, and I use to hit my 7 around around 165 at best, and now I am hitting my 7 around 150 at best. I do not have much power at all and it does not feel as piercing or penetrating. Just a really high shot and I am catching the ball clean.
January 30, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Christopher. RST does lend itself to a straighter ball flight. You will tend to gain your speed back the more your movement patterns become ingrained. You are fighting producing speed incorrectly from your old move and now have to do it with proper mechanics/sequencing. If your ball flight is really high. We may need to see if there is an issue at impact, or with your release.
January 30, 2018
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Charles
Hi there. So is the idea of starting your hips moving forward prior to reaching the top of the back swing more of a driver or long iron move than it is a mid to low iron move? I'm really into swing analysis and I've been watching some pro slow speed swings and I can see this being done with drivers and irons off the tee, but not with irons off the turf. Also, I had a big ah-ha moment when practicing in the mirror. I noticed that by REALLY getting those hips moving at the top of the back swing causes the club (I use a 7 iron to practice with) to shallow out as my core begins to rotate around and unwind, following my hips. It's almost like I invented it. Discovery is fun.
January 8, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Charles. Typically, all better players start shifting slightly before reaching the top with all clubs. It is a little harder to see on shorter shots as they aren't used for a lot of power, or require lots of lag. Glad you are having fun and having new discoveries.
January 8, 2018
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Norman
You need to add more access to your videos...it is freezing dozens of times as you try to watch a video....I just tried to watch "Start Downswing before completing backswing" and it was worthless...freezes over and over again...get enough memory to support these videos......don't Cheap Out!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
October 15, 2017
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Hi Norman, we have a HUGE amount of server space that allows these videos to be played in high definition and at normal speed without interruption for you members. I've just tested the video and several other videos with no sort of freezing at all. I would check your internet connection and see what sort of bandwidth you have available. Also, it might help to clear your browsers cookies and cache every so often. If your internet connection and bandwidth are strong enough and the problem still persists, then let us know and we can look into helping you further. Sorry for any inconvenience.
October 16, 2017
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Remington
Puzzled: watching the pros, they emphatically don't start the d/s before the b/s is complete. What this video does not explain is how you move the lower / core into the d/s while the arms are still completing the b/s. I believe that this is a physical impossibility. Perhaps someone could put me right with a detailed explanation of the bio-mechanics and muscles involved. Thanks!
August 11, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Remington. Some players do it more than others. Most professionals have some sort of movement in the opposite direction (albeit ever so slightly) before the backswing is complete. You may see a large movement, or one not even noticeable unless in super slow motion. The lead knee typically starts to externally rotate towards the target to get stack over the ankle as the inner lead thigh adductors start to pull your weight.
August 11, 2017
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T David
I have a question on getting to the top of the backswing... I have been using core correctly to move to the top, but noticed that consistency and swing speed is a bit low. I tried completely relaxing the shoulders and arm as I go to top and almost "toss" the club to the top before starting the transition. (Get the feel of everything floating weightlessly up there for a sec). However, I am not sure this is correct. Thoughts? It seems that my driver swing speed went from around 100mph to 125-135mph. Also, are there any videos that focus on this move at the very top of the backswing? Thanks in advance for your help.
July 31, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Dave. You don't want to give up complete control, but you should be relaxed with the club not feeling like an anvil. Kinda like tossing a coin over your shoulder. The wrist finish with their set and the hands are relaxed. I don't have any videos for the tip top of the backswing. However, your speed has diminished because we are focusing a lot on the change of your mechanics. As you get better with the mechanics and have less of a thought provoked plan perform them (more ingrained). You will start to repeat the move quicker and easier to start getting that speed back.
July 31, 2017
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T David
Thanks, Craig. Worked on the "tossing the coin" feel today. I think that idea is worth money. It defintely helped. I appreciate the insights on that move. Maybe you could do a coin toss video.
July 31, 2017
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Erik
How far back into the backswing should the trail side of the hip *feel* like it has traveled before we reverse direction and go forward? When I attempt to "cut off the backswing" in a real golf swing, the backswing happens so fast that it "feels" like the trail side of my hip has only turned a small distance into the backswing before I must change direction and go forward. Is this wrong? Should I feel more like I am reaching/pulling back further with the trail side of my hip? Is more better?
July 14, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Erik. You still need to transfer the weight to the trail side (80%) and allow for the hip turn that will take place. The goal isn't to try and rush the transition where as not to load the trail side. Allow for the turn and load, then start transitioning.
July 14, 2017
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Benson
i'm curious regarding how you say that we use the obliques and right shoulder blade slide to get full turn going into the backswing. this is done by engaging those muscles and feeling them loaded? but do we keep them engaged while initiating the downswing? or do we 'let go' of them once we've completed backswing and focus on engaging the lead side muscles? also since a good move to increase lag is to initiate the weight shift prior to full completion of backswing, does that mean 'letting go' of these muscles and shifting to the lead side muscles earlier as well? thanks! cos i feel like i'm fighting myself pulling back and pulling forward at the same time!
July 9, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Benson. You will have to maintain some engagement as you start to transition to the lead side. If you solely "give up" more than likely you will start to spin, come out of the box and have early extension. The key will be to start pulling with the lead and not allowing the unwind or engagement completely disappear in the transition.
July 9, 2017
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Benson
this is exactly what i've been doing on the course! spinning and smothering from right side and early extension! after reading some comments down below i rewatched the "Sitting into left side" video and am going to start practicing that drill first. Can i just ask in terms of the muscle engagement going back. it isnt fully tensed up right? its just an active feeling in the obliques and right shoulder blade just to ensure that i get wound up fully? it doesnt have to be to the point of really engaging them 9 or 10 out of 10 right? thank you so much for this site btw. it really has opened my eyes and resparked my love for golf. still grooving in the swing but when it works it's amazing. finally getting the right launch trajectory for my irons with spin on the greens! and more importantly the right launch trajectory for my driver !! which has been missing for 10 years hahaha keep doing what you're doing!!!
July 9, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Benson. Correct. It isn't fully tensed up. The muscles are engaged and not locked or overly loaded. If you stress them too much you are defeating the purpose of an effortless swing. Thanks for the compliments of our site. We strive to provide you with the best fact based approach to the swing.
July 9, 2017
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Chun Tat
So for this to happen the weight distribution at the "top" of the backswing won't be 100% on your back foot? Since the weight will start loading on the front foot as soon as the lead knee starts to externally rotate - I would say about 30% weight on the lead foot and 70% on the back at the top of the backswing if we do this properly?
June 24, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Chun Tat. You want to get 80% of your weight on the trail side before you start shifting back to the lead. I apologize for the late response on your post. As it wasn't listed on my system.
July 9, 2017
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Stephen
Played a round after my latest swing review where I was trying to load my right side properly on the backswing/feel real pressure in my right heel and make conscious effort to keep my hips from shifting forward. Great results/better ball striking but all my shots were either fades or slight pushes. Nothing too bad as I shot 3 better than my handicap but was always in the right semi rough and my irons didn't have a great/penetrating ball flight. It was the first time I was feeling these new movements so I am not too worried but what should I be focussing my practice on to help eliminate these fades/pushes? Thanks
June 9, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Stephen. There could be a few elements causing the fade/push. It would be tough to diagnose without seeing the swing. I would gather you didn't take enough time in the transition after loading the trail side. Rushing to get the weight back which would tend to allow for shoulder spin. Work on Step 2 - Core Rotation. Make sure you shift effectively back without shoulder spin and rushing the transition.
June 9, 2017
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Stephen
Thanks Craig. The video attached to my review was 'starting the downswing before completing the backswing' so it's possible I was rushing the transition as I thought was the message of that video?
June 9, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Stephen. More than likely rushing the transition. The move above can be a little tricky. Try to make sure you get a good blend of shift and core to square the hips while getting stacked. Sounds like you may just be hip spinning trying to start early.
June 9, 2017
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Jackie (Certified RST Instructor)
Chris, I believe that my hips are not starting the downswing because my left wrist is still cupped to much on the downswing. It is neutral at the top, but it is not neutral enough down and through impact. Due to this, I do not have the confidence to swing fast and start with my lower body. It forces me to control it with my upper body. My take away also does not look like the model (outside elbow plane). I'd like to go through the steps that keeps my left wrist more neutral.
June 2, 2017
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Hi Jackie, typically your hips have very little to do with the function of your wrists. If you want to train the wrist specifically, get into the position that you want to be in at the top, and then sequence the downward movement of the lead wrist that you are looking to achieve. You can also train from a 9 to 3 swing and then start working to add more width and rotation. The info I pass along to you in a swing review, is trying to help you focus on the areas that need the most work at first to help you resolve big picture stuff. We can work on details like this when other more important factors in your swing sorted out.
June 2, 2017
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Dave
Noticing in a few videos on back swing - it really seems like your back shoulder is rising. Is it and if so does that reduce axis tilt?
May 25, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Dave. The back shoulder isn't rising (as in shoulder shrugging). More of you are rotating around the spine, but the shoulders are on a little bit of an incline because you are hinged forward.
May 25, 2017
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Dave
Thanks. BTW - the mirror is working very well... Love your system.
May 25, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Thanks Dave. Much Appreciative.
May 25, 2017
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Benjamin
I have been working through my transition from the top of the backswing and, like most golfers, used to have a downswing dominated by the arms. At the beginning of RST, I started trying to load the glutes more (right on takeaway/left on downswing), but found that I was spinning my hips really hard and was straining/tightening my muscles more than I needed to. My takeaway/backswing was fixed by really working on isolating my core and letting it do most of the work so I can get in that prime top position. After watching this video, it seems that I need to apply that same logic to the start of my downswing. By using my core to initiate, I feel that my hips wont be spinning out of control, plus this can help remove the pull of my arms as I typically start my downswing with a pretty big dip down, which causes a very steep swing plane. Is this correct?
May 24, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Benjamin. You will use the weight shift and core to help start the downswing on the proper path. The 4 Step Lag Builder is a good addition to this video to see the proper motion.
May 25, 2017
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Benjamin
My issue is is that when I use the mental note of "push down my left heel to do the weight shift", my whole body ends up driving downward and causes me to come over the top and have a really steep attack angle.
May 25, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Benjamin. You are over doing the move then. The whole goal is to transfer weight. Not have a massive drop. Try practicing "Sitting Into the Left Side Video" to have a smoother approach. Or, learn to pull with Preventing Hip Pan Video.
May 25, 2017
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T David
I ran across this video when I watched another on swing plane, since that is now my priority point... Swing plane and shall owing out the club. I was trying to do the opposite of pausing at the top and working on a smoother transition. Should I attempt to be doing this technique of starting the downswing before completing the backswing?
April 24, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Dave. Pausing at the top and practicing shifting to the lead side while the upper stays passive is a good way to try a change being too steep. However, the above mentioned drill is also good for feeling change of direction for lag, path, etc.. My only hesitation would be players that tend to come over the top will race too soon with their upper half trying to get the lower engaged quicker. It wouldn't hurt at all to try the drill. But, film the practice swing first. Make sure it is correcting your flaw and the move is properly sequenced.
April 24, 2017
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Sean
Hello, Aaron is my RST instructor on the site. He wants me to shorten my swing and get closer to a 3/4 feel. Do I start the downswing at this 3/4 feel point, or start it before point?
March 20, 2017
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Aaron (Certified RST Instructor)
Again, this is a "feel" it will more than likely be a full swing by our standards. You should start the downswing allowing a slight completion of the back swing at the top. It will almost look like a pause at the top compared to the rest of you going towards the left.
March 21, 2017
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Hank
When throwing a ball, I can feel my weight shift and the resulting stretch and tension created in my shoulder and blade. I cannot get this same feeling for this drill with the golf swing (no club). I keep feeling like I do not get full shoulder turn on back swing if I weight shift before getting there. What can I do to get this correct tension and full turn with the weight shift.
February 27, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Hank. You could solely be rushing the shift down. Or, struggling with making a full turn. Use the video below to make sure you are getting a proper turn first. Then, slowly add in a change of direction early. https://rotaryswing.com/videos/full-swing-basics/rotary-swing-5-step-golf-swing-system/core-rotation-left-arm-club-rsa
February 27, 2017
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Hank
I know that we need to do the drills 3000-5000 for it to come naturally. We do this for the RST 5 Step drills like Step 2 - Core Rotation - Drill Only (#12). Should we also be doing this many reps for each section in the TST Foundation section ie Completing the Back Swing (#2), You Hit the Golf Ball with Your Legs (#4) etc?
February 25, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Hank. It takes 3000-5000 to master any move. However, if you've worked on Step 2 - Core Rotation. That is very similar to You Hit the Golf Ball With Your Legs. You might not need the extra reps. Typically, students after about 1000 reps start to become pretty proficient at a certain move. You may begin stacking little pieces from there. However, if you lose a step with the addition. You need to back down and go back mastering more reps.
February 26, 2017
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Hank
I have also read that we should do at least 100 reps at a time for each drill. Is there a maximum we should limit ourselves per day or session. How much time would you expect it to take to do the full RST 5 Step?
February 26, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Hank. Yes, the goal is a minimum of 100 reps per session. I wouldn't go over 300. The issue would be the movements would tend to get sloppy as the brain/muscles tire. The time all depends on your practice schedule. If you allow time for 200/day 5 days a week. You can get 1000 reps in minimal time. However, you have to make sure not to rush through the reps and each one is correct.
February 26, 2017
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Frank
I have been watching many of the videos on the 5 step program and practicing and doing the drills. One of my swing flaws is that I initiate my downswing with my arms and at the same time shift my weight. Many times I slide my hips forward on the downswing. When doing the drills, I can shift my weight to my left heel (I'm a lefty) on my takeaway, and then shift to my right heel and then rotate my hips and post up. My question is how can I do this correctly swinging at 100mph when the shift forward is only 3 inches before rotating?
February 23, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Frank. Swing speed will be 100 mph, but your body isn't moving that fast. Think of the whip analogy. The whip at the end cracks with a ton of speed. But, you din't yank your arms down or step into it as fast as the crack. The move is blended coming down. As you start to shift there will be some slight rotation. Don't think about it solely as a lateral move. Use the Fixing Your Weight Transfer to help with the initial sequence. And, the Dump Truck and Drag Racer/You Throw the Club Head at the Ball to know the body will take its time to get there (moving slowly) as the speed happens on the outside.
February 23, 2017
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Lee
Hi, still not sure if my computer is malfunctioning or the entire series is down?
February 5, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Lee. Everything is working on my end now. Please Contact Customer Support for further assitance. I apologize for the error or malfunction.
February 5, 2017
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gordon
I am struggling to find a suitable image of the initiation of transition in my "minds eye". In particular external rotation of the lead knee (baseball pitcher analogy) gives me grief, and I think that may be because that knee is not under stress at the top of the backswing and therefore it is not particularly inclined to start the next move. My intrinsic, instinctual fault mode is right side dominance, with a tendency to start downswing with the right arm/shoulder. Now I need a new "initiator" and am unsure what this should really be, - lead knee rotation, lead foot stomp or lead hip slide-and-turn. Of these three only the hip is under stress from the backswing coil, so should I focus on releasing that as the initator of the downswing? Thanks in advance for your guidance, Gordon.
January 25, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Gordon. I would worry that if you used the hip as the initiator you would start pulling open too soon in the downswing. The lead knee externally rotating has to take place first. But, thinking lead stomp usually set that into motion. I would go with stomp first.
January 25, 2017
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Gisella
Hi,I can't understand if at the top of the backswing,during my rotation,I have to shift my lower body or move my left leg first and when I have to use my left obliques.
December 29, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Gisella. The first move will be the external rotation of the lead knee. Followed by the pulling of your weight (lead hip adduction) and then lead obliques.
December 29, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Gisella. The first move will be the external rotation of the lead knee. Followed by the puling of your weight (lead hip adduction) and then lead obliques.
December 29, 2016
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Barry
I've got the rotation to the trail leg down, but the transition to the lead leg escapes me. I still feel like the transition starts with the upper body, not "from the ground up". I haven't had a club in hand in 6 weeks doing the rotation and weight shift drills as requested after my last swing review.
November 5, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Barry. You need to feel a good pull from the inner thigh. Take a look at Preventing Hip Pain and Fixing Your Weight Transfer.
November 7, 2016
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Gerald
Dear Steven Maes, Thanks very much for the excellent and very helpful swing analysis. How to get properly loaded up in the backswing has long mystified me, but your suggestions, particularly that I need to get my back shoulder further behind my head at the top, make a lot of sense and I look forward to trying them out tomorrow. Meanwhile I hope you received the videos I sent earlier today of me doing the weight shift drill and that they help us move forward. Best, Jerry Graff
September 6, 2016
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Steven (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Gerald-Glad to hear the review was helpful. Loading up into the trail leg is often over looked but is vital to success in the swing. If we can learn to shift the weight and rotate properly on top of that we can have a very consistent swing. Best of luck!
September 7, 2016
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Benoit
hello, Great video but I am a bit confused about the weight distribution at the top of the backswing. Does this mean that the weight should already be shifting to the left side before the end of the backswing? Or is it that the right sequence should be: weight shift to the right / complete backswing / shift left, which triggers the transition? I feel that if I start shifting too earlyto the left I am going to look like a stack and tilt player . thanks, Benoit
August 23, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Benoit. I answered below.
August 24, 2016
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Benoit
hello, Great video but I am a bit confused about the weight distribution at the top of the backswing. Does this mean that the weight should already be shifting to the left side before the end of the backswing? Or is it that the right sequence should be: weight shift to the right / complete backswing / shift left, which triggers the transition? I feel that if I start shifting too earlyto the left I am going to
August 23, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Benoit. The key is in the transition that the lower body initiates the weight transfer and the swing starts from the ground up. Sometimes you can rush the move which leads to hip spinning or you can start to push too soon with the shoulders. No need to rush it too early and get out of sync.
August 24, 2016
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Pauric
Excellent video - thank you. As part of swing review analysis, Craig highlighted that my right arm was flexing beyond 90 degrees causing deep over swing and inconsistency. When combining corrective drill for that issue along with this drill, I am finding a consistent fade in each shot irrelevant of club, with a 'feeling' of my upper body trailing behind lower body. Does ball position need to be adjusted slightly forward in stance to account for the slightly earlier movement into the downswing?
July 22, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Pauric. Typically, the fade would be caused by the face being too open at impact. The ball position will remain the same for the majority of stock golf shots. I'm believing that with the more compact move now you aren't squaring up the club. Take a look at the Left Hand Release Drill.
July 22, 2016
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Michael
Excellent explanation. Thank you. This start the downswing before completing the backswing is what Aaron has been focusing on in my swing reviews. With just a few reps I can relax my arms and focus on core and it feels correct and more consistent. I promise Aaron a bunch of reps!
July 21, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Michael. Aaron will be able to tell if you don't get your reps in! Get to work . Thanks for the compliments of the video.
July 22, 2016
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Loran
Is this the reason why I feel my arms and right shoulder feel light coming down and through the swing?
July 14, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Loan. It could be a reason. Using the lower half a touch sooner with passive upper half may provide the sensation the the trail shoulders and arms are very light coming down.
July 15, 2016
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Cavan
Did the video of the same title with Clay get removed from the site? My instructor recommended the drill from that video and its seems to have disappeared. Is it being reposted? Thanks
July 7, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Cavan. We are doing some shuffling of videos right now. The video above albeit a different instructor is still teaching you to achieve the exact same goal.
July 8, 2016
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Pete
Yes I would like to see the Clay video too, also recommended by my instructor in last swing review. The 'Video Practice Points' above relate to the Clay video too !
July 12, 2016
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David
Hi Craig, I have already posted my difficulties with weight shift and you have given me some useful guidance - slow right down, short shot's etc. This is still work in progress. The feeling I have is rather weird. Practice swing no problem but on the ball my mind seem's to inhibit the sequence down i.e. it won't let me use the correct motion and try as I might I can't seem to physically overcome the mental resistance. After watching Clay I have been trying the move down before finishing the back swing and this 'feel's' much more natural to me and my mind seem's to allow this move. One reservation I have is that there is a possibility of not executing a full back swing and moving forwards to early. I feel the inability to execute a proper weight shift is a major negative on my game for the moment. Grateful for any comment's and thank you for all your help and rapid responses.
April 28, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello David. This drill above is useful for you issue. As long as you don't hip spin or rush the shift I think you will be okay. It is more of a natural move to try and start down before completing the backswing. Don't be overly concerned with leaving it a hair short back, but make sure you don't rush and spin coming down. Because we need to start getting that weight moving for you. The Weight and Core Drills in the RST 5 Step System are a few of the ways I use in in-person instruction sometimes to help with getting over the hump.
April 28, 2016
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Jason
My downswing trigger (for now) is external rotation of the lead leg toward the target. I have a swing to review that I just posted last night and look forward to the feedback------> But, my specific question is (for a full swing): Provided that I am turning to the end (and not overturning/ respecting the trial hip line/ trial knee, etc), can I save the final trail arm flexion for the very end after I am done with my turn? It is during that arm flexion, that cues me to start the lead lead external rotation to the target during which I feel tremendous separation and power between the upper and lower body-------> Alternatively, I have found that if I do the trail arm flexion when I still have some rotation remaining to do, I seem to get stuck at the top and don't feel the transition as crisp resulting in perhaps a flirt with the OTT move.
April 14, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jason. I am kind of hesitant without seeing the move. I get a little concerned when I hear the arms will be moving without rotation and flexion happens after a complete turn. The trail arm flexion helps with vertical motion and also pulls the lead arm across centerline. If you feel flexion with full turn. That means you are relying solely on elevation to reach the top. If it is more of a sensation, than actuality. It may be ok.
April 14, 2016
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Jason
I kind of have this strange feeling as we know feeling may not always be reality: "feel may not be real" but I certainly am elevating when I keep turning, and I have also noted that when I have wrist set (club vertical at 9 o'clock) the right elbow is already partially flexed. it's just that I consciously "finish" flexion when I have no turn left to do. if you come across my video curious of your thoughts. My name is, wait for it, Jason Day
April 14, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jason. I looked at the video. The few things that bother me with the motion. You use a lot of wrist to start. The keeping of the right arm straight longer coupled with the wrist motion tends to get you deep. I would say wider in the takeaway with less wrist, so you can allow for a more natural fold to keep width and the club/arms in front.
April 14, 2016
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Jason
cool. thx. am I on the right track with the downswing move? I cannot really "sit" because I stall and hit it fat a lot and I cannot really "sit left" because I slide to much.
April 14, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jason. Downswing wise club is a little under plane and the upper half is staying very short of NJA. Fixing Your Weight Transfer and Face On Impact Alignments.
April 14, 2016
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Jason
I had a big breakthrough that I think I need to share: I realized it when I was working on putting, how much more bend over we are---> during the other clubs take away, I have been standing up. perhaps out of habit to look at myself in the mirror who knows?---> you can't quite tell from the video but when I compare it to a swing where I make sure I don't stand up, it looks good and I have a long arm release without even thinking about it whereas the other release was folding around me and I could never figure out why I had to try so hard to keep my arm straight after hitting the ball---> now I have to get used to this new point of view because I'm so used to standing up it feels a little "upside down" but I think it's correct finally.
April 19, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jason. Hmm. I haven't heard this one before. So, hinging more from the hips allowed you to feel a better release and extension through the shot?
April 19, 2016
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Jason
not necessarily, it's making sure that I don't stand up and change my hip flexion during the takeaway. I think I never figured out how to stay bend over the whole time. I was coming slightly up out of my bend over posture.
April 19, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jason. Ahh. Gotcha. Now it makes more sense. Yes, you definitely need to stay in posture and hip hinge.
April 19, 2016
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Joseph
Craig, I can do this ok but the starting of the shifting earlier than at the completion of the backswing causes me to stop turning in the backswing earlier than when I wait to compete the backswing. How can I start the shift but emphasize completing the backswing such that my back is facing the target? Could it be that I am starting the weight shift too early? When should it start? Any drills or feelings besides continuing turning til back faces target?
April 4, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Joseph. It sounds like you are rushing to shift to the lead side too early. As the arms swing back (roughly when the lead arm is just above parallel to the ground) you will begin the majority of weight shifting. There aren't any specific tricks to help out with the synching of the move. The increase in lag would be nice, but I don't want your shoulder rotation to be cut off. Try training a better shift and pull to the lead side (Fixing Your Weight Transfer Video). Once, you have a good awareness of pulling with the proper muscles. Come back to this drill and see if you can soften the blend. I think you are trying to rush the body to do something too soon by overdoing the shift when overall it is a small move.
April 4, 2016
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Kevin
Thanks for taking my question. In other videos you talk about keeping the wrists soft for down-cock during the transition. Are the arms still rising before this down-cock action happens?
March 25, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Kevin. Some players use an early shift to help keep from over swinging or create lag. Others, (myself) use more of a pause and the shift the weight. Either motion. You will still keep the wrists soft and use weight transfer to help create lag. In this particular video the backswing will be finishing (arms rising), you will use the early shift to control over swinging, and then start to create lag.
March 25, 2016
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Dave
Hi Craig. I have quite a lot of difficulty stopping my swing at the top of backswing even when I am fully loaded on the trail side. Does this feeling of starting the transition as the backswing is in process the key to acting as a brake ? I see many top players such as rose and chucks swing seem to only get three quarters up whilst in a full turn thanks Dave
March 6, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Dave. Absolutely. A lot of great players have used this method as a transition to help from over swinging, but also create good lag.
March 6, 2016
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Dave
Thanks Craig. I have had an email letting me know my swing review is completed but when I go to check it is still pending? Could you check if it's updated at your end please? Thanks
March 7, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Dave. It is updated on my end. Let me know if you still can't access.
March 7, 2016
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Marcus
Hey guys, so I found out that my hips are not reaching max speed until right at the moment of impact or sometimes even after impact. This is causing me to lose a lot of clubhead speed. My question is this the best drill to get my hips to fire earlier so they have time to decelerate before impact or is there another video that would be more helpful?
January 10, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Marcus. This drill will be helpful to get them firing sooner in the transition. Also, work on decelerating them with the Increase Swing Speed by Hip Deceleration Video.
January 11, 2016
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C RICHARD
Are you driving the left ankle or left heel into the ground?
January 9, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Richard. Pushing down the lead heel.
January 9, 2016
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Sebastien
Starting downswing before completing backswing gives me much better transfer and incredible ball contact. Yet with my driver it is a disaster: ball flight very low and short and with hook. With irons and woods it is ok but still a small tendance to pull hook.
June 25, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Sebastien. If you are pull hooking it you may be rushing the sequence while starting down. Make sure not to hang back on the trail leg or spin the shoulders form the top.
June 25, 2015
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John
Hi, was working with this drill as I noticed I'd started to hang back some and not get stacked into the left side, when I noticed something else entirely different. It seems when I do this drill that I get much more loaded in the mid-section when turning back, in that I can feel the obliques more stretched and more compression in the rib cage are - more challenging to breathe, which is talked about quite a lot elsewhere in the backswing section. That 'feels' to me like my navel has rotated right and is over my right thigh, shirt buttons almost 90*. It also feels like I make a much smaller arm swing, but feel *much* more loaded. Now I know that's one of the RST mantras, but my question really is whether that feeling of the navel rotating right is helpful or not, because it 'feels' (that word again) like if I focus on that concept in the takeaway and backswing that I get the same loaded feeling, but if I focus on the right shoulder or shoulder blade that I don't get so loaded. That leads me to wonder whether I'm somewhat used to coming out of the box in the backswing and never really getting the proper loading, so my shoulders turn but the core never really does? In my more usual backswing, it feels like the navel and belt buckle never really get much past pointing inside the right thigh, whereas with this drill, they point across the right thigh - much more rotated, much more loaded. Is that a good thought/feeling or an over-exaggeration that the drill puts forth?
June 5, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello John. It could be an over exaggeration, but sounds like you are on the right track. This drill is allowing the core/hips to be pulled into action. That is why you feel much more loaded and compressed in the rib cage area. That is the feeling of torque and being wound up by the body (separation of lower and upper half). Don't think about trying to put your navel in the new position. Let the pull of the trail shoulder blade and load of the trail glute get you there.
June 5, 2015
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Furong
Does this drill work with a ball? Or is this drill solely for the feel only? If it works with a ball, where should the ball be positioned? Thank you.
May 31, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
It makes it a little complicated, but you can perform this with a ball. Shoot for just off the lead ear or logo of your shirt.
June 1, 2015
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Loran
I am only able to hit a the ball straight, and not to the right, when I focus on my body rotation, from the top of the backswing down, and ignore the role of the arms. The role of the arms is passive, then?...even when they initiate and exert momentum of ball flight?
May 29, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Loan. This video/drill is to be an example of how to keep the arms from running away at the top and/or creating some lag with momentum change. When shifting back to the lead side early the arms will play a passive role. But, into the downswing they will perform there normal motion.
May 29, 2015
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Victor
Where is the Stomp Drill he talks about in this video?
May 15, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Victor. Located in the How the Lower Body Works Video Downswing Section.
May 15, 2015
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Martin
How do I do this without risking getting stuck?
April 4, 2015
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Steven (Certified RST Instructor)
Martin, Make sure when we start shifting left that we are not spinning the hips or shoulder. focus on getting seated left and pulling with the left side to avoid that. To avoid being stuck we need our right elbow (assuming RH) to work back down and in front of the body. Go check out the getting suck in the downswing in the downswing section as well as drills to avoid getting stuck in the downswing video. Steven
April 4, 2015
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Patrick
Clay mentions the Stomp Drill in this video. I am having a hard time searching it in the catalog. Would you provide a link? Thanks, Pat
March 18, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Patrick. Take a look at the How the Lower Body Works Video in the Downswing Section to find the "stomp drill."
March 18, 2015
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edward
Can you comment on the sequencing/timing of the shift left before completing the backswing relative to the winding and then release of the shoulders and hips. Should the shoulders and in particular the hips continue to turn back slightly as the shift begins? When exactly should the hips reverse direction relative to the shift. I'm assuming they should never be or feel static, rather always turning either back or forward, although the rate at which they turn is obviously slow during the shift/transition.
January 7, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Edward. The shift to the lead side will begin just as the backswing is reaching its completion. Right before the coil is finished that should be your trigger to start down. Take a look at the Load the Right Glute - Shorten Swing Drill in the Backswing Section for another way of looking at the timing to start down.
January 8, 2015
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edward
Hi Craig, I have studied that video and worked on loading my right glute during my backswing. However my question here is specifically about the timing of the unwinding of the hips relative to the 3 inch weight shift forward. Since the shift begins before the coil is finished I assume that the hips (and shoulders for that matter) will continue to turn away from the target, at least slightly. What I would like to understand is precisely when the unwinding of the hips commences, either during or upon completion of the shift to the left. I realize we are talking milliseconds here, but I feel it is important in order to better understand and ingrain the totality of the transition in terms of both lateral and rotary movements of various body parts. Thanks, Ed
January 8, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Edward. In this drill, the hips won't begin the firing or unwinding until you have shifted the weight to the left. You don't want to prematurely start unwinding before weight has been moved.
January 8, 2015
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edward
Craig, I realize this may be more of a feel versus real thing but after reviewing this video along with the belt buckle drill and sitting into the left side videos it seems like there will be a slight unwinding during the transition, as Chuck states in the sitting video, while feeling the hips remain closed, as Chuck talks about in the belt buckle drill. Given that the shift starts just before the backswing completes as Clay indicates here, the real seems to be that the unwinding has begun, albeit just slightly, while the feel is lateral only, or maybe to exaggerate to ingrain the move, continuing to wind. The goal in any case is to delay the firing until until the shift completes. Sorry to belabor the point but it is important to me to break the transition down into all its constituent pieces and understand the relationships and sequencing among them in order to drill and ingrain it. I would love to see more videos on the site covering the transition, maybe a comprehensive one to complement the videos I mention here. Similar to what you have done for the backswing and downswing. Thanks, Ed
January 11, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Ed. It is a feel versus real type situation as you described. You will feel that it is more lateral motion and that no unwinding has occurred. While real some rotation and unwinding process will start. You aren't belaboring a point too much, but maybe overthinking. Take a look at the How the Lower Body Works Video in the Downswing Section. Then, use the RST Tempo Drill to glue it together with a more natural feel and sequence.
January 11, 2015
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WILLIAM
After I transfer to my left side, I often experience a movement back to the right as I swing through hard with my upper body. What is the best way to prevent this from happening?
December 14, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello William. Use the Proper Muscle Activation Video in the Introduction Advanced Section and the Level Shoulders Drill in the Advanced Downswing Section. Turn off the trail side push and use the lead arm correctly. Learn to maintain the tilt better into impact.
December 15, 2014
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Jason
When I started to do this I noticed a stretch along my left side all the way up to the arm almost like a natural tug to pull the club down. For the first time I could feel the connection of my foot driving into the ground and the club. Is this correct? Is the left side stretch and pulldown a good thought? I think when I tried to transition in the past my upper body came with me and there was no stretch and I tended to lose my balance.
November 16, 2014
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R.J. (Certified RST Instructor)
Jason, Yes, you want to feel like the lower body and the core muscles are pulling the arms down as they rotate around the spine instead of swinging from the top of the backswing with the arms. Because of this pulling from the left side, you'll feel a nice stretch along the left side. Another video that is good for this concept is the following video in the link below: http://www.rotaryswing.com/videos/tour-pros/sang-moon-bae-hips-for-lag R.J.
November 16, 2014
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Arnie
This has got to be the most helpful golf drill I've ever done. I've always had trouble getting to my left side and also learning how to properly leverage the ground to increase club speed. This drill taught me how to feel both of those moves in just a few minutes. I use it as a warm up drill because of how effective it is at creating proper swing feel. It takes a lot of the mechanical thinking out of my swing.
November 12, 2014
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R.J. (Certified RST Instructor)
Arnel, If you like this video, check out this one http://www.rotaryswing.com/videos/tour-pros/sang-moon-bae-hips-for-lag R.J.
November 13, 2014
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Carlo
Hi Craig. If one does not shift to the left before the downswing completes, what will happen? Is it acceptable to shift to left only after the backswing is completed?
October 7, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Carlo. Even though the golf swing is very athletic, you don't have to start before completing backswing. You can complete the backswing and the use your weight shift as the transition.
October 7, 2014
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Don
I noticed that when I push with the right leg, it pushes my whole body forward and slightly in front of the ball. I assume that I don't want to push with the right leg. Should I pull the left check and knee back on the downswing.
October 1, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Don. Yes, you don't want to push with the trail leg unless you don't activate the hips enough. Focus on pulling yourself to the lead side. Lead glute, lead heel. Take a look at the Sitting Into the Left Side Video in the Downswing Section.
October 1, 2014
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Nick
After watching many hours of video, I know that I need to keep my spine axis in place, yet at the same time, i need to transfer my weight. The two seem somewhat incompatible, because shifting weight requires at least a small amount of lateral movement, thereby altering my spine axis. How do I reconcile this?
September 29, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Nick. Your axis tilt shouldn't move with your lateral shifting of the weight. When you start to load the trail glute. You are shifting the body, not just bumping the hip back and straightening your tilt. Same goes for lead side weight transfer. Setup/tilt shouldn't change to increase load on either side.
September 30, 2014
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Bill
I have always thought of starting my mid section to the left to start the down swing. Is that wrong?
September 18, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Bill. If you try and initiate the mid-section too soon at the start of the downswing. Your oblique will start to pull the lead hip open early. You want to start the swing from the ground up. Transferring the weight to the lead side and pushing the lead heel into the ground. Use the Weight Shift Part 3 Video in the Weight Shift Section and the Sitting Into the Left Side Video in the Downswing Section for more information.
September 18, 2014
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richard
Would a heavy training club work well with this drill ?
September 11, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Richard. The only issue with a heavy club is getting too reliant on it. The heavy club forces the positions instead of training new motor patterns by focusing on the muscle group. If you need one to help get the feeling, no problem. But, try and work away from it a focus on the process of engaging and changing.
September 12, 2014
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Scott
A question of weight shift: from the top of the swing position, as you start to shift left, should the arms drop down to the hip area, or should they stay higher up near the shoulder?
September 9, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Scott. As you shift to the left the arms will naturally fall due to gravity and proper pulling of the lead side. It's not active throwing of the arms. Take a look at the Move 3 Video in the Downswing Section.
September 9, 2014
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Scott
Thanks Craig, but how much should they fall, and to where? Do they come down as far as the hip and then the release begins?
September 10, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Scott the fall will be primarily into the hip region. Take a look at the Move 3 Video in the Downswing Section and the Martin Kaymer: Releasing for Distance Video in the Videos for You Section Latest Videos. To learn more about the fall and when energy will start releasing.
September 10, 2014
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John
I can't seem to find the stomp drill?? Thanks John
August 1, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello John. Look at the How the Lower Body Works Video in the Downswing Section.
August 1, 2014
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John
It just looks like I'd be taking a huge divit... BUT, can't wait to try it. Who doesn't Want to hit the hell out of the ball and get significant increases in Club head speed????
July 31, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Don't make the golf course superintendent mad! Take nice dollar bill divots. I've never heard anyone complain about to much club head speed.
July 31, 2014
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John
Wow, I love the way you discribe this move.. But if I were to draw a line on the top of your head. You would be squtting 3/4/Inches down?? Thanks, I'm a new guy here and can't beleive how you all of you guys are.
July 31, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello John. It is a little exaggerated for video purposes. Easier for students to see the move and actual feel of the move. Good question.
July 31, 2014
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Mark
I have a rather short backswing when I stay in the box. I am having problems starting the weight shift before the backswing is completed because there is not a lot of time between the takeaway and the top of the backswing.. Should I just start earlier or pause and move during the pause?
June 19, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Mark. Take a look at the Load the Right Glute Shorten Swing Video and try to learn max load, then transitioning into the downswing. It is in the Backswing Section. The key is load the right, transfer the weight to the left. Feel free to upload a swing to our review team. One of our instructors would be glad to take a look and see if there is another culprit making you struggle with the move.
June 19, 2014
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david
Having difficulty with shifting a little to far (hip wants to slide; old habit) or shifting too much on rear L foot which makes me sort of sit back. This is by far the hardest part of the complete swing for me. Suggestions. I have just started and have not submitted a swing for rewview; should I?
June 11, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello David, it's probably from pushing from the right side too much. The hips will slide, when being pushed. Feel free to upload your swing for review. One of our instructors will be able to spot the issue and make sure you get that weight transfer correct every time. Remember its just a 3 inch shift. Small movement that does a lot. Take a Look at the Weight Shift Part 3 Video in the Weight Shift Section and/or Sitting into the Left Side in the Downswing Section for more info.
June 11, 2014
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John
Hi, This is exactly what I'm working on now. When doing this I often hit it well but my misses are thin hits or slight pushes. I believe this is happening because when I do the weight shift my whole body is moving left, including my head. How do you make a strong weight shift without moving the upper body to the left? Thanks, John Santoro
June 7, 2014
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Everything will come slightly forward, but not too much. You might be over doing the shift. Its only a 3 inch movement to start loading and getting stacked on the left glute. Think about it this way. If you were to stand straight up and down. Then stand on your left leg by pushing the left heel into the ground and using the glute. That's about how much you need to shift. Tiny movement, but big difference in weight placement. The head will stay behind the ball by properly releasing and allowing the right shoulder to stay back.
June 7, 2014
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hamilton
I've noticed that tempo varies a lot (professionals) depending on the club and maybe the distance. Your videos never talk about tempo variances and when to the speed up or slow down and why. I like the step drill.
May 14, 2014
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
You are correct that tempo varies from one player to the next. We can do a video in the near future talking on tempo.
May 14, 2014
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Jamie
Clay mentions the squat video that helps teach hoe the lower body moves, which video is that please?
April 23, 2014
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
it would either be the tiger squat video in the advanced downswing section or the sitting into the left side which would be in the program downswing section I believe.
April 25, 2014
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gerard
hello, with this drill as with the swing. should the weight feel like it is all in the heels and not up in the balls of the feet?
April 19, 2014
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Gerard, yes that is correct. You want to land in true balance always underneath the heel/ankle area of the foot. Check out the true balance video in the setup section to see the exact area.
April 21, 2014
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debbi
Hey Guys, Fabulous video, I think it will really help me. You mention "the stomp drill" but I can't find it anywhere. Can you point me in the right direction??
April 18, 2014
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Debbie, it is in the how to use the lower body video in the downswing section. http://www.rotaryswing.com/videos/full-swing-basics/downswing/how-the-lower-body-works
April 21, 2014
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alex
I am also using this drill to improve the transition and ultimately the ball strike. What I have found that helps me practice is to visualize the weight transfer is to relate to other athletic moves. For example, if you were going to smash a punching bag, you would pull your hitting arm back, rotate your hips and shoulders, and move the weight to the right foot. To swing forward you have to push your weight onto the left and drive the right side towards the bag by pulling and rotating the hips and torso thus slinging the right arm towards the bag and then releasing the hand to smash the bag. The harder you try to do this, the easier (and more natural) the weight shifts and rotations which are basically automatic to maximize the shift and the hit as well as our balance. Part of the reason is that the harder to do this motion, the more likely it is that your left heel will come off the ground thus guarantying a weight transfer as well as the fact that your goal is to hit the bag!. Remember that the primary job of the brain in action situations is to keep you balanced regardless of what you are trying to do. If you do this in front of a mirror facing the mirror with target to left (being right handed) you can see the hip movement starts the transition as the backswing is ending. My understanding of these drills is to exaggerate movements until we can do them, which is why watching the transition is do difficult unless you have a very high speed camera. Most of what we see has a maximum of 30 fps which basically blurs this transition. Since the movement is natural, there should be no pain in any joints. Since golf is not played upright, we add another piece of geometry to the swing which complicates remaining in balance. This move for me is critical to covert a nice practice swing to a nice real swing with a ball. Understanding and doing it are two different things
April 18, 2014
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Very good explanation Alex.
April 24, 2014
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karl
I cannot find anything like the old home page where I could choose to watch all videos, depending upon the phase of the swing that I am working on. Has that all changed? Also when request to sign in is on a screen, signing in seems to be an issue when using password and email under new design.
April 18, 2014
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Karl, sorry for your issues. If you are still having problems finding anything around the site or logging in, then please contact us with the help tab at the top of the screen and we can assist you further. Again, sorry for any inconvenience.
April 21, 2014
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kevin
Love this video and starting to get it however I have an idiosyncratic move in my swing where in transition my arms drop very slightly behind me and causes me to steepen the shaft plane instead of flattening it, I then have to make some very quick adjustments in the downswing to flatten it in order to hit the ball solidly, if I draw plane lines namely shaft plane at address and shaft plane at 9 oclock in the backswing the plane line runs at a steeper angle disecting at the ball but in the downswing the plane line now disects half way up the original shaft plane line at address meaning it is even steeper. I know that this is a lifetime habbit and I have managed to play to low single figures with it, but I know if I can improve transition and flatten the plane I will not have to be so reliant on perfect timing. Kind regards to all at RST Kev.
April 18, 2014
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Your hands and arms get further behind you in transition and the club gets steeper? I haven't seen too much of that in the past. Rotation of the body and secondary axis tilt will shallow the plane. I would be interested in seeing what you do from the top of the swing down and see if we can get you the correct feelings to keep the club on plane in the dowswing with little compensations from the body.
April 21, 2014
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james
When I try the squat/move to the left stuff in my swing i almost always hit it fat...then i dont do the squat and i dont hit it fat but then i feel like i am not getting all i can out of forward move...ive tried everything...not squatting as much etc...very frustrating for me right now...
April 17, 2014
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey James, sorry for the delay in response and even more sorry to hear your struggles. The squat move is by far the most abused move on the site and is not something we want people to focus on while learning how to sequence and use the lower body in the downswing. It is more important to sit into the left side properly and keep the hips back than anything else as far as transition is concerned. You can add more squat later down the road but lets get the shift left nailed down so that we can get your impact back on track.
April 21, 2014
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David
Hi James, I know first hand how frustrating learning this game can be but stick with it these guys are really good, as far as the weight shift goes and this is still something I struggle with also so I am by no means an expert however I think confusion happens here because the videos kind of make it look like sitting into the left side is this independent move but its not, you need to be pulling with your left side fairly aggressively at the same time (without over spinning) to get your weight forward and there should be no stopping just one continuous move through to the follow through. I'm sure some RST instructors might correct me on this but I feel this is an easier way to describe it and it might help you.
April 17, 2014
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Pretty well said David. The external rotation of the lead leg will pull the hips to the left and unwind them bit while loading up the left glute and allowing the left obliques to start to pull the left hip away from the target which will make maintaining posture into the hitting area much easier.
April 21, 2014
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richard
I'm a little confused this drill say's start to the left before you complete your back swing which for me makes it very hard to get my weight on the heel of my right foot at the top of my back swing. Also after watching video's in slow motion of Chuck ,Tiger and others it appears to me that none of them start left until they reach the top of there back swing.
April 17, 2014
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Yeah this drill is geared towards those players that try and time there shift with the hands and the arms in the downswing. Right before the completion of the backswing, the lower body is looking to unload left so that you can leverage the ground and you can control the rotation of the body from the left side pulling (stalling the body) and move the power out of the trunk, up the torso and into the arms for speed at impact..
April 17, 2014
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James
I do this drill quite a bit per my swing reviews. A lot of time my left hip socket gets sore. I am working on sitting into the left side sooner. What am I doing wrong? I thought that I seen on a video that it was from pushing to much with the right leg and getting outside of neutral joint alignment, but in my last review I was not getting all the way over and that is why I am doing this drill. Thanks for your help
April 12, 2014
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Tim (Certified RST Instructor)
James, if your hip is sore you are almost certainly pushing it too far to the left in its' socket. You can actually do this and still not get over to your left side. I've seen this happen quite often and it's always caused by pushing too hard from the right side. To help my players feel this move better I often compare it to the feeling of skipping a rock. When you perform the rock skip, you would never push off of the rear foot. You will get a sense of how the muscles on the left side pull you over and down to create a stable foundation to rotate and release from. The only way to stop pushing from the right is to replace it with pulling from the left side. This is a big change for you but extremely necessary right now to improve your swing and more importantly to avoid further injury to the left hip.
April 14, 2014
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J.
James, I had the same problem with soreness with the left hip socket with this drill. I believe I was keeping the left hip square with the shoulders at impact. It wasn't until I began to turn the left hip a little more around or to the left at impact that I was able to finish with the weight on the left side with a straight (rather than bent) left leg. I believe this is the same as what Tim is saying about "pulling from the left side."
April 15, 2014
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James
Thank you for your comments. The bent left knee gives the appearance of being outside NJA but I am not really getting there, plus my right foot is still on the ground late into impact. Tim or j.carl what drill do you recommend? Starting down before the backswings complete didn't really get my leg straight or my hip out of the way. Thanks
April 15, 2014
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J.
James, the drill Tim is referring to is in the video entitled "Start Downswing Before Completing Downswing" by Clay Ballard. For me, a more elementary drill before moving to this one is the Weight Shift Drill if you haven't seen that yet. Tim is the expert so take what I have to say with a grain of salt. However, I can relate first hand to you in that I am taking the same journey you are at the moment. I have been playing over 50 years and hope that the old adage that you can't teach on old dog new tricks is false. No, seriously, Aaron Mannes has been a great teacher particularly in being patient with me in correcting so many old faults learned in my lifetime. I do aspire to become a RST Certified Instructor like Tim and Aaron. What better way, in addition to learning (by reading and studying) the methodology of the Rotary Swing, is to learn it first hand from a experienced and learned RST Certified Instructor, right?
April 16, 2014
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Tim (Certified RST Instructor)
The weight shift drill is an excellent place to start, especially if you are struggling to find the left side. I would also like you to watch the video by Chris on how to determine the proper width of your stance. Players that set up with too wide of a stance have great difficulty in trying to reach NJA on their front side
April 16, 2014
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Tim (Certified RST Instructor)
James, the drill I use every week for emphasizing this is the step drill. Start with your feet together and while turning the club back in the backswing, lift your forward foot up completely off the ground and stomp down hard into the left heel/ankle. Once that heel plants and the glute fires, your body will immediately rotate around from the left side oblique pull. It's basically a ground force reaction. When you push into the ground, the ground pushes back and rotation just happens. The entire key to this sequence is getting the left glute to fire. Let me know if that helps. Thanks
April 16, 2014
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Peter
Nice tip!!
April 18, 2014
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James
Thanks, I have been doing these drills all winter long and I still can't seem to get the straight left leg at impact. It appears on video that my hips get to the left quickly, I am definitely shifting into the heel and activating the glute, but then they seem to stall and by impact my hips are square (like address) instead of behind me.
April 18, 2014

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