Bob Forman, MS, GFI, CFGS, CAFS, a two-time Golf Fitness Association of America (GFAA) On-Course Award Winner and 2024 GFAA Recognition Award Winner, is an Exercise Physiology Certified Golf Fitness Instructor, Speaker and Author.
Bob Forman on the importance of teaching proper footwork in the golf swing:
I often encounter this swing fault, but it’s rarely discussed. It’s a loading up on the outside of the trail foot (right foot for right-handers) in the backswing, which can rob the golfer of power and distance. Biomechanically, it’s known as inversion of the ankle, and most golfers are probably not aware that they’re doing it unless someone has pointed it out to them. Inversion of the trail foot in the backswing doesn’t set the golfer up well for being able to push off the trail foot as they transition into the downswing phase. The reason for this is that their weight has pretty much shifted laterally to the outside part of the foot. The sensation they’re looking for is to feel the weight on the inside border of the trail foot at the top of their backswing. In order to achieve this, their trail foot must go through what’s known as eversion during the takeaway. For some, this is difficult because their range of motion in the trail ankle is lacking. For others, it’s just a bad swing habit they aren’t aware they’ve developed. Either way, correcting this fault will produce more power at impact, equating to more yards down the fairway.
Bob Forman on the business impact of teaching proper footwork in the golf swing:
Provide your golfers with this simple, effective drill to produce eversion in the trail ankle. Place a wedge under their trail foot while repeatedly practicing their backswing. Holding the top of the backswing for a few seconds will offer a subtle stretch to the area. Not much is written about this, and most golfers don’t consider what their trail foot is doing during the golf swing. Pay attention to it the next time you’re on the range with students to see if they load up on the outside or inside border of their trail foot. It’s a relatively simple fix that can make a huge difference in their golf swing, distance and playing performance. But it’s one of those swing adjustments that they’ll need to focus on repeatedly until it becomes a natural part of their swing.
If you would like to email the author of this Best Practice directly, please email bob@golfitcarolina.com.
