Symptom: Incomplete follow through, resulting in weak shots that slice or tail off to the right. Your golf foot position doesn’t really cross your mind, what difference could golf foot placement make anyway?
Still, you can’t seem to get up on your right toe on the follow through to pose at the target like those guys on TV. How the heck do they do that anyway??
Overview: This drill focuses on your feet. Turn your left foot 45 degrees to the target line, and your right foot 90 degrees (perpendicular) to the target line (for a right-handed player). Do not make your stance more open to the target line, just change where your toes are pointing (swing them both around to the left, counterclockwise). Now execute your swing.
Why it works: Your foot placement can solve many problems for you. By opening your left foot 45 degrees to the target line, you encourage your hips to rotate through the ball on the downswing. This will allow you to get your belt buckle to point at the target at the finish. Similarly, by squaring up your right foot to the target line, you will inhibit a long backswing. A long backswing could be getting you out of position for your downswing and causing you to come over the top. This stance encourages a restricted backswing, powerful downswing motion that will get you the feel you seek.
Proper Golf Foot Placement
Jason Dufner addresses the ball with his right foot perpendicular to the target line and his left foot turned slightly down the line.
To illustrate what this foot position can do for you, let’s have a look at Jason Dufner’s setup position. Pay particular attention to the placement of his feet. One of the keys to Dufner’s consistency, compact and controlled backswing, and powerful release is the position of his feet. Have a look at Dufner’s right foot — perpendicular to the target line to inhibit a long backswing. His left foot is turned out a bit, pointing down the line to encourage a powerful downswing and release.
Many beginning golfers don’t give this a second thought. Typically when this happens, the right foot will splay out too much, and the left foot will stay too closed. This is exactly opposite of what we are looking for in the golf swing. Why not set up properly to naturally promote the swing path we are looking for?
Anyway, back to the drill. Once you have the feel of a complete follow through and a belt buckle that points at the target on the follow through, return your stance to normal. Or maybe make it a bit more Dufner-esque. You should find your swing is much improved!
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