Fancy Footwork

In any sport, the feet and legs must work together in order for the rest of the body to function properly, and golf is no exception. In a fundamentally sound swing, the feet need to roll from side to side to provide power and control. On the backswing, the left foot should roll to the inside, and the heel should stay on or near the ground. During the downswing, the right foot should roll to the inside before the heel gets pulled up for the finish. By maintaining contact with the ground, you'll create leverage and be better able to swing in control.

Problems start, however, when the right heel rises too early in the downswing, causing the foot to twist around at the finish. This usually results in a loss of control, poor tempo and errant golf shots.

To give yourself the best chance to swing in control with power and accuracy, learn to roll your feet from side to side, keeping your left heel close to the ground in the backswing and your right heel on the ground until you've made contact with the ball. Remember that a strong connection with the ground is crucial for solid impact and accurate shotmaking._Ê

Mike Corcoran is the head golf professional at John's Island Country Club in Vero Beach, Fla.