There is plenty of confusion surrounding the relationship between the golf swing and front foot. The classic swing of players such as Jack Nicklaus created much more golf foot movement than the current generation of golfers. Nicklaus raised his left heel up during the backswing. The basic idea today is to create an efficient golf swing without extra moving parts. However, individual flexibility dictates whether the front foot should move during the backswing. Physical limitations cause some players to move the front foot while others are able to maintain a flat front foot throughout the entire swing.
During a fundamentally sound golf swing the front foot stays down through impact. The correct weight shift places 75% to 90% of your weight on the front foot at impact. Many amateurs create a reverse weight shift and fall back through impact. Typically they try to lift the ball and inadvertently the front foot spins up and out through impact. Keep the front foot flat through impact for consistent and accurate golf shots.
Flat Front Foot Drill
The golf Front Foot Drill is an excellent way to minimize unwanted movements with the front foot. Take a normal set up and place a golf ball underneath the toes of the front foot. Next, make a normal swing and try hitting balls. The ball restricts your weight from shifting to the toes preventing your heel to come up during the backswing.
Wood Block Drill
If you tend to lose leverage and raise your front foot and body try the following drill. Try to keep leverage and pressure in your lower body and feet. Take a block of wood or similarly weighted object and place it behind a 7 iron in your set up. Start your backswing and push the object away. The front foot should stay flat while pressure builds on the inside of your back foot. This will deliver more stability as you continue your swing.
Moving the Front Foot
Less flexible players often need to raise the left heel during the backswing. Players that lift the front foot should create the movement at the appropriate time. Try to minimize the lower body during the swing. Players will generate more consistency if they start slow and minimize front foot and lower body movements until the club is parallel with the ground. This helps minimize any head, lateral or vertical movements during the takeaway. The takeaway is considered a key movement that promotes the rest of the swing.
