Tip From the Archives

Lifting Heel

Problem

You cannot seem to keep your forward heel down during your backswing.

Cure

It is a common misconception that you need to keep the heel down as you swing the club back. Many players lack the flexibility necessary to keep it down and make a full coil or a wide arc. Trying to force it to happen is likely to cause you to lose distance.

Therapy

It is alright to let the heel on your forward foot lift up a little; however, be careful not to allow it to lift it too high. This will allow your lower body to become overactive and prevent a strong turn and power. A great key thought is to focus on only allowing the outside of this foot to rise. Any remaining weight on this foot at the top of your backswing should be placed on your big toe, arch, and inner heel. You may then notice that your forward knee will point a little towards your trailing knee and that is okay. Just make sure you do not sway your lower body away from the target or shift your weight past your trailing foot because you are supposed to be rotating at this time. Once you reach the top of the swing, begin to return your weight onto your forward foot. Use this weight shift to help power through the ball.

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