What’s the proper weight shift during the swing?

Mastering Weight Shift in the Rotary Swing: Unlock Explosive Distance

In the rotary swing method, proper weight shift is the foundation of generating massive clubhead speed through aggressive body rotation and ground force reaction. Unlike arm-dominated swings, we prioritize dynamic balance where your lower body sequences power from the ground up. This athletic transfer—starting with a neutral setup and flowing through explosive hip drive—creates torque and separation for 20-30 yard distance gains. Let's break it down phase by phase for crystal-clear execution.

Setup: The 50-50 Foundation

• Begin with even 50-50 weight distribution between both feet at address. This neutral stance allows dynamic shifting without bias.
• Position the ball just inside your lead heel for driver to promote an ascending blow through rotation.
• Feel athletic and balanced, like a baseball hitter ready to uncoil—knees flexed, weight centered over the mid-foot.

Backswing: Load to the Trail Side Dynamically

Your backswing is short to medium for efficiency, loading power into rotation rather than extension. Avoid the common reverse weight shift flaw where weight slides forward prematurely, killing power and causing poor contact.

1. Initiate by pushing your trail hip back and slightly up while keeping your lead hip relatively quiet—this coils your lower body against a stable base.
2. Shift 60-70% of weight to your trail foot and glute, creating ground pressure for reaction.
3. Maintain dynamic balance: torso rotates aggressively (shoulders turn 90+ degrees), but weight stays controlled—no swaying or raised swing center.

Transition and Downswing: Fire from the Ground

Here’s where rotary power explodes—sequencing starts low and fast for maximum speed.

• Initiate the downswing by pushing off your trail foot, engaging ground force reaction to bump your hips laterally toward the target.
• Drive your lead hip toward the target before shoulders unwind, creating hip-shoulder separation for torque.
• Weight shifts progressively: 50% at the top, then rapidly to 80%+ on the lead side through impact. Arms stay passive as passengers—let torso rotation pull the club from the inside.
• Feel your chest rotating through the ball at impact, with hands ahead of the clubhead as rotation squares the face.

Follow-Through and Finish: Complete the Rotation

End in a balanced, athletic pose with weight fully on your lead side, belt buckle facing the target, and trail foot up on the toe. This confirms proper dynamic balance throughout—no hanging back or sliding.

Common Mistakes and Fixes

• Reverse Weight Shift: Fix with drill—practice backswing feeling trail glute "sit back" into a chair.
• Early Shoulder Unwind: Cue "hips first"—pause at top, push trail foot down before turning.
• Poor Balance: Mirror check: Head stays steady, no dipping or rising.

Key Drills for Rotary Weight Shift Mastery

1. Split-Stance Drill: Backswing with trail foot back 6 inches; downswing pushes off trail foot to shift forward explosively. Builds sequencing feel.
2. Trail Foot Pressure Drill: Hit half-swings pressing into trail foot on backswing, then "post up" on downswing. Measures ground force with foot pressure mat if available.
3. Rotation Mirror Drill: Face mirror, think "turn and drive"—watch hips lead while maintaining balance.

Key Takeaway: Proper weight shift in the rotary swing transforms static posture into athletic explosion. Master the 50-50 start, trail-side load, and ground-driven lead hip shift, and you'll generate speed through rotation like a discus thrower uncoiling. Commit to this sequencing, pair it with flexibility work, and watch drives soar with control—distance without the typical left-side miss.