Many amateurs use their lead foot wrong in the golf swing. Here’s how to fix it

Although the golf swing appears to be all hips and upper body, the best ball-strikers understand how to use their feet with each swing.

Think of it this way: The goal of every swing is to hit it flush, and in order to do that, you need to create as much rotation as possible. This is where having fantastic footwork is imperative, as your feet will allow you to maximize the “coil” motion of your swing, allowing you to load up and increase your distances.

Another way that the feet play a big role in the golf swing is when you’re shaping shots.

While trying this might be an advanced strategy that many mid-to-high handicappers avoid even trying, it’s an important skill to develop if you’re looking to improve your game.

With that, GOLF Top 100 Teacher Josh Zander shows you how to use the lead foot in the golf swing the right way.

Let’s take a look at Zander’s tips below.

How to properly use your lead foot in the golf swing

In the video, Zander provides tips for a student who chronically hooked his shots.

To help correct the problem, Zander says using the lead foot in the golf swing will go a long way in determining where the club face is located at impact. The lead foot can flare in or out.

“The more you flare, the later the club face will close. The more you square-off, the earlier it will close,” he says.

“For example, when I’m trying to hit a hook around a tree, I’ll go ahead and keep my toe in. But if I’m trying to hit a fade, I’ll flare it out.”

In his student’s case, Zander mentions that the player’s lead foot was too square, leading his club face to close too soon, resulting in a hook. By experimenting with how the lead foot is positioned at address, you’ll have more control on where the club face is at impact.

“So play around with your foot flare,” Zander says. “[If you hook], use a little bit more flare to allow the clubface to close later, therefore being square at the moment of strike rather than closed.”

Rukket Sports Standing Turf Mat

$109.99

This 2′ by 4′ standing mat nests perfectly with either the Tri-Turf or XL Tri-Turf hitting mats to create a level hitting surface. Can also be used lengthwise as a combined hitting and standing mat. Features PRACTICE FROM HOME: The perfect addition to your home practice arsenal is here. The new Rukket Sports Level Up Mat Expander will make sure you’re hitting from a level plane while giving you a graphic for your feet placement. The Level Up Mat Expander fits all existing Rukket turf hitting mats. HIT FROM A LEVEL SURFACE: When your practicing at home you want to feel as though your on the course hitting your approach shots to the green. Practicing from a level surface increases your consistency in your ball striking and transfers perfectly over to the course. PERFECT YOUR STANCE: The alignment graphic allows you to set your feet up for practicing any type of shot. Whether it’s a high fade, low draw, stinger, or standard approach you’ll have everything you need right at your feet. FITS ALL RUKKET TURFS: Cutouts on either side of the mat fit all existing Rukket Turf Mats securely for extended practice sessions. No more having to adjust the mat after each hit which means more time practicing. Product Specs 24 in x 48 in What’s in the Box (1) Rukket Level Up Standing Mat with an alignment graphic RUKKET FAIR PLAY GUARANTEE & LIFETIME WARRANTY: At Rukket Sports we know you came to win. We also understand that in order to win you need to train hard, so that’s why we’re proud to offer the Rukket Fair Play Guarantee & Lifetime Warranty for no-risk purchasing plus outstanding USA-based customer service!  

Buy Now

View Product