The importance of footwork in the golf swing

By Mike Malaska, Special Contributor

Many players do not realize the importance that their feet play in the golf swing. Your feet are the only point of contact with the ground and provide the platform from which a fundamentally sound swing is built.

The "step into it" drill allows golfers to feel how their weight should move during the golf swing.

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Golf is one of only a few "ball-and-stick sports" (baseball, softball and tennis, for example) where the athlete does not step into their swing. As with these other sports, it is critical that your feet are in sync with your body throughout the entire swing for a proper weight shift.

A drill to ensure proper weight shift

I use the "step into it" drill so that the student can feel how their weight should move during the golf swing.

Take your regular stance: As you begin your back swing, bring your left foot back so it is next to the right. Just as you reach the top of your backswing, step forward to begin the downswing.

Complete your swing with your normal stance. Notice how difficult it is to "spin out of the shot" with a proper weight shift.

Use the step into it drill during your practice sessions, and in time, a proper weight shift that is in sync will become second nature.