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: 6 June 2011
Yesterday I talked about how overactive shoulders can cause you to come over the top, creating a cut. As is often the case, our Director of Club Fitting Operations, Lynn "Doc" Griffin, had... Read More
Authored by: Don Trahan
Posted on: 5 June 2011
Comments: 128
There'€™s been some really exciting discussion about avoiding going '€œover the top'€ in the forward upswing (downswing, impact and followthrough). I always visualize that motion as skipping a... Read More
Authored by: Don Trahan
Posted on: 3 June 2011
Comments: 200
  Because of all the interest I'€™m going to continue one last time with the position of the arms at address. We got a good suggestion from the blog about just walking up to the ball and, with the... Read More
Authored by: Don Trahan
Posted on: 2 June 2011
Comments: 117
There'€™s been a good deal of discussion on the blog about positioning the arms in addition to over-reaching. One comment reminded me of the old golf days when I was new at teaching. It had to do... Read More
Authored by: Don Trahan
Posted on: 1 June 2011
Comments: 42
Boy, when I did a video on reaching for the ball and all the problems that caused we got slammed with great response and good questions. This is kind of a reminder and how to keep that from... Read More
Authored by: Don Trahan
Posted on: 31 May 2011
Comments: 60
Got a question about a problem of transferring a good practice swing to the real thing. Leo feels he'€™s making good a practice swing but doesn'€™t apply it to the one that counts. That can be a... Read More
Authored by: Don Trahan
Posted on: 30 May 2011
Comments: 114
On this Memorial Day, I would like to take time to thank our nation's military men and women, past and present, for their strong sense of commitment and and their unflinching willingness to... Read More
Authored by: Don Trahan
Posted on: 29 May 2011
Comments: 104
Do toes come into play in the Surge Swing? Leigh had back surgery and part of the result was nerve damage to his toes. He says he can'€™t get the correct balance in the Surge Swing. He needs help... Read More
Authored by: Don Trahan
Posted on: 28 May 2011
Comments: 86
Ouch. Ball marks high on the clubface will tell you instantly you'€™ve got a problem. You are obviously not hitting the ball in the sweet spot and, most likely, you'€™re hitting pop ups all over the... Read More
Authored by: Don Trahan
Posted on: 27 May 2011
Comments: 257
What is it with golf publications? I understand they need to report on the latest swing that promises you an extra 50 yards or gives you the ultimate tip to sink that 30 foot putt. Fine. If that... Read More