Back foot coming up too fast?

[RKO]

Hey guys, I just recently started out in golf last August 2006, and fell in love with the game ever since. I am able to hit the ball pretty solid, but of course have the occasional miss hit now and then. I'm around 5' 6" around 140 pounds, and by no means a powerful guy, but rely on my finesse, instead of a power game. (My average yardage I hit my driver is 205 yrds, 19* Hybrid 180, 5 Iron 160, PW 100... etc.)

I have taken video of myself at the driving range and noticed that when I am coming down just before impact, my back foot comes up a little faster than usual. I notice that a majority of golf players keep both feet planted before impact with their back foot raising up just slightly. My issue is that my back foot is already on my toe before impact (if that makes sense).

Here is a picture I have just before my impact, and it's clear to see my back foot is coming up right away.

This was brought to my attention to my brother and father saying that I am losing distance, and can gain more distance if that back foot is more 'planted', which makes a lot of sense. Is this that big of an issue? I can hit the ball pretty solid and in game situations get the ball to my initial target most of the time. Would this be a change for the best? Or should I stick to what's comfortable? I am of course always looking to better my game like almost everyone who plays golf! Any advice, tips, or comments would be greatly appreciated, Thanks guys!

Video 1 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nrc_bBYDPgg
Video 2 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hGLqMKu6opU

[iacas]

Without looking at any video (or really even at the picture much), the one thing I think is a nice drill for people worried about lifting their feet is the Jack Grout drill he had Nicklaus do as a kid where you roll your ankles. You don't lift your heel off the ground ever - just roll your ankles.

Nicklaus said it taught him to really deliver the clubface to the ball and use the clubface.

You may also like a drill I do frequently: hit shots at nearly full power with your feet together. Literally touching each other. You can't lift your heel too soon there... but it will come up on its own unless you want to fall over.

[John Boy]

It seems to me like you concern yourself with lifting the ball though impact, therefore stading up. It is very important to hit down through the ball, the loft of the club will spin it up in the air. In fact, the higher ball hitters have the steeper swings.

For distance. The one piece of advice my buddy gave to me a couple years ago that changed my game drammatically was this. I will break it down a little better though...

- Plant your feet

- Flex your knees a little.

- On your back swing, concentrate on keeping your back knee from moving. Your right knee if you are right handed.

- You should feel your leg muscles trying to push your leg. This is a KEY power move.

- Finally...swing through the ball. Keep your head down and swing, and let the ball get in the way. That is what swingin through the ball means. this will also help if you have a tendacy to slice the ball.

The only reason your bakc foot should lift is because of your body weight twisting and pulling you forward.

- set up to the club with the club set up to the ball.
- grip the club
- set your stance and flex you knees
- Head down amd keep your head still.
- concentrate on your back knee staying stiff on your back swing
- Swing THROUGH the ball!!!

There is a little more to the swing than that, but these steps should help your distance and consistency incredibly. Good luck. Please reply with some feedback.

[Ringer]

NONSENSE!!!

Don't even worry about an EFFECT. For crying out loud all it means is that you've made a big hip turn. You don't want to be flat footed during an athletic move. That's just plain silly hogwash.

It does look like you're pulling up and out of the shot though. (nothing to do with your foot) I think you need to make sure you're transferring your left knee, hip, and shoulder toward the TOE of your front foot... more in the 11:00 direction. If you direct it toward the heel of your front foot you're pulling away from the shot and will tend to slice it. From the looks of it, that's your usual miss.

[jorruss]

Your swing looks very solid from the video. Don't worry about your heel coming off the ground on the downswing. There is a pretty good player out there that does this during his swing. His name is Tiger Woods. Check out the picture here: http://allstarz.hollywood.com/tigerwoods/swing.htm

Your heel coming off the ground in your case is a good thing! It is caused by the natural clearing of your hips during the downswing. In order for your hips to turn and get out of the way for your arms to swing through impact, your left heel must come off the ground. In fact, this move a power hitters's move. Try swinging without lifting your heel at all, you will pull a muscle. Don't worry about it, it's a good thing.

[Charles]

Some great video 'swing tips' here...

http://247golfer.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=25

Register and see a full hidden section with extra high def video content.

[RKO]

hey everyone just wanted to say thanks for all your valuable input, sorry it took so long to respond, but i appreciate everyone's help.