Left Foot Moving

Question
Hi I am a right handed golfer and I have this annoying problem in that when I swing the club my left foot moves towards the target on my downswing, before impact.  Sometimes it completely leaves the floor!  Please can you help with why this happens?  Many Thanks. Matt

Answer
Hi Matt:

Just like everything else in golf, who knows why certain things happen to certain people....it's GOLF!  But, basically you have balance problems during your swing.  Here are two tips to help you.  Do these slow at first with a 9 iron just to get the idea of what I am talking about.  First, get set up like normal, then toe in your left foot, so your toe points behind the golf ball.  Make a slow motion swing and try to go as far as you can into your finish.  Your left ankle will feel like it will break (just kidding of course).  Check your left foot position at the finish of the slow motion swing.  Your left toe should still be pointing behind the ball.  If you do that fast, your habit is to slide the toe out and move towards the target.  Make swings slow enough to feel the foot completely on the ground the whole swing.  

Next, and this is a good one.  Get set up like normal, then lift your left heel off the ground completely.  Your left toe will be on the ground, but no other part of your left foot will be.  Then, make some slow motion swings again.  DO NOT put your heel down on the ground.  It will be very hard for your foot to move all over if you just have your toe sticking in the ground.  

And finally, hit some balls with your feet together.  Keep both feet completely on the ground.  Make a half to three quarter swing and just feel your arms, hands and club swing around your body.  Keep your feet firmly on the ground.  

You'll really feel awkward at first, but with a little practice, you'll feel better balance and more solid through impact.  Good luck.  

Eddie Kilthau
PGA Member