Daily Video Blog

Forward Foot Movement
Forward Foot Movement
Authored by: Brady
Posted on: 7 March 2026

One of the most misunderstood aspects of the golf swing is the movement of the forward knee and foot during transition. This lesson from the late Don Trahan reveals
why so many golfers struggle with consistency and power.

The Common Mistake

If you've been taught the modern rotational swing, you're likely keeping your forward foot flat and your forward knee straight during the downswing. Try walking
with your feet flat and knees locked—within a few steps, you'll feel lower back stress. Your knees and ankles are flex joints designed for dynamic motion, not to be
locked rigid.

The Peak Performance Solution

In the Peak Performance Golf Swing, we use "the bump" or lateral left shift to start the forward upswing. Your belt buckle moves laterally about an inch while your
knees stay level. As you shift, your forward knee maintains its flex, creating a bow in your body that keeps your head still and gives you room to straighten your
arms... Read More

Authored by: Don Trahan
Posted on: 29 March 2011
Comments: 124
Along the way, there have been several questions on the blog wondering why all the professionals on the Tour, except DJ, use a rotational swing and go to parallel or more at the top of the backswing... Read More
Authored by: Don Trahan
Posted on: 28 March 2011
Comments: 156
Well, DJ did a darn good job Sunday, tying for 12th at the Arnold Palmer Invitational this past weekend. He took some time Saturday to sit down with me to give us a thoughtful review of his game and... Read More
Authored by: Don Trahan
Posted on: 27 March 2011
Comments: 230
In the blog discussion about power and distance we heard some really good ideas. Gary added another perspective that I think is an excellent observation. It has to do with your senses. We'€™ve... Read More
Authored by: Don Trahan
Posted on: 26 March 2011
Yesterday, DJ and I sat down after his 1-under second round at the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill. The leaders were at 8-under when DJ finished his round, which is very much in striking... Read More
Authored by: Don Trahan
Posted on: 25 March 2011
Comments: 138
I've really been stressing the importance of alignment lately, and for good reason. Remember, 90 to 95% of all swing problems arise from your alignment. Harold has been a student of mine for over... Read More
Authored by: Don Trahan
Posted on: 24 March 2011
Got a question from the blog asking if it'€™s a good idea to have a shorter club to practice with inside, where space is limited. My answer: Yes! I use a shorter club on the Back Porch because you... Read More
Authored by: Don Trahan
Posted on: 23 March 2011
Comments: 163
DJ is down in Orlando this week at Bay Hill and took some time to give us an update yesterday. He'€™s digging deep to find his game and when I talked to him he was confident he was close. It'€™s... Read More
Authored by: Don Trahan
Posted on: 23 March 2011
Comments: 66
I was looking through your comments on the blog and I came across one of the greatest posts I have ever read. Kevin made it very clear to me that he has a strong understanding of the Surge Swing.... Read More
Authored by: Don Trahan
Posted on: 21 March 2011
Comments: 62
A first time student, Randy, had a really good swing, probably the best I'€™d seen in a new student. He had a great ¾ backswing and a nice T-Finish. But a bunch of his shots were going to the right... Read More
Authored by: Don Trahan
Posted on: 20 March 2011
I think it'€™s dynamite when a theme starts developing on the blog and you jump right in with your experiences. The one I enjoyed recently was about power, distance and accuracy. Everyone wants more... Read More