Golf Tips » March 2004: Stop falling back!

This month’s golf tip comes from Ann Goodman of Harrisburg, PA  who says:

"I have a terrible time falling back on my pitch shots and bunker shots.  Although my pro tells me to get my weight through, the moment the ball is there I immediately revert to shifting my weight to my back foot to try and "scoop" the ball—with disastrous results."

Well Ann, the answer is fairly simple. Put yourself in an address position where it is impossible to go onto your back foot.

In the first picture I am in the typical position of a golfer who tends to fall onto their back foot as they hit the shot.  

To correct that situation, stand with you back foot up on the toe as I am doing in picture #2.

This will put all the weight fully on the front foot. Now go ahead and play your pitch or sand shot from this position.

After spending some time on the practice tee and sand trap using this technique, you will find that your tendency to fall back will disappear. Be patient—this will not correct itself overnight, work on it until you get it right before going back to your normal stance.