The right foot plays a very important roll in the golf swing; it stabilises and anchors the backswing so a golfer can wind up for maximum torque. On the downswing it acts as the launch pad for positive weight transference. Learn how to position the right foot at address to maximise the energy your right footwork can generate.
Right Foot Position at Stance
- In a perfect golf swing the right foot should be positioned at right angles to the hole, certainly when teaching a junior this is the position to be encouraged.
- But as a golfer grows older, and they lose their ability to twist and turn, it is permissible to turn the right foot out slightly.
- Although the right foot is responsible for anchoring the backswing, it must not impede a full turn.
- Experiment with different right foot positions making sure you have a complete shoulder turn at the top of the backswing.
Right Foot Backswing Drill
- At address weight should be on the inside of the right foot. It is crucial to keep it there during the backswing and particularly at the top of the swing.
- If the weight moves to the outside of the right foot a golfer will lose the ability to drive the legs at the beginning of the downswing and potential club head speed will be lost.
- To make sure the weight stays on the inside of the right foot try placing a ball under the outside of the foot and make a swing. Unless the backswing is completely out of control the ball will make sure the weight is kept on the inside.
Right Foot Downswing Exercise
- Although this article is about the right foot, it is impossible to drive off the right foot correctly unless the head is anchoring the top of the body.
- As you start to drive off the foot, the head must be held back at the same angle it was in at the top of the backswing. This is where many golfers go wrong. In their attempt to create speed and drive the legs the angle of the head moves.
- On the backswing the right foot stabilises the swing. On the downswing the head stabilises the leg drive. Lose the head position, the shoulders will start to spin and all the good work in the backswing is lost.
Right Foot Finish Position
The position of the right foot in the finish position should be automatic. However, making sure it finishes in the correct position is always to be recommended. To ensure the body weight has transferred correctly make sure the right foot has been pulled into the classic finish position where the sole is vertical and pointing away from the target.
See Also: What is an Over the Top Golf Swing or How to it a Driver PGA Driver Tips
John Hoskison - John is a class 'A' member of the British PGA and author of the acclaimed book 'Inside - One Man's Experience of Prison'.
