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: 21 May 2010
Surge here. There was a question on the blog and it's a really good one. According to this, we've got a really sick puppy. Ruben says, “I'm shanking my short pitch or short chip shots. I do... Read More
Authored by: Don Trahan
Posted on: 20 May 2010
In this audio the Surge takes on the problem of topping the ball. Inner Circle member Razkan, who just took up the game, gets it off the tee quite well and does fine with putting. As he puts... Read More
Authored by: Don Trahan
Posted on: 19 May 2010
In today'€™s recording the Surge asks you to change your ideas about feeling the club. This tip came up because of a question an Inner Circle member asked about knowing his '€œplace in space... Read More
Authored by: Don Trahan
Posted on: 18 May 2010
(Health Note: The Surge is now in a cardio program of rather intense exercise [7 a.m.] while being continuously monitored. His visit to his cardiac surgeon showed he was doing fine. The only... Read More
Authored by: Don Trahan
Posted on: 17 May 2010
Comments: 1
Barrie had a good question on the blog and the Surge needed to jump on it. Golfers trying to change from a rotational swing or just trying to get into a vertical swing sometimes get caught... Read More
Authored by: Don Trahan
Posted on: 16 May 2010
In today'€™s recording, the Surge breaks a '€œglass ceiling'€ for lady golfers. Just like the '€œSurgism'€ that says, '€œThe ball doesn'€™t know what club you'€™re using,'€ the ball also... Read More
Authored by: Don Trahan
Posted on: 15 May 2010
The Surge is now allowed to spend a bit longer reviewing the Inner Circle and blog questions. But the docs just want him to rest and relax. It'€™s difficult to imagine The Surge doing R... Read More
Authored by: Don Trahan
Posted on: 14 May 2010
  Greg MacDonnell, PGA, is the head instructor at the Don Trahan Golf Academy. He has taught the Peak Performance Golf Swing to thousands of visitors to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina... Read More
Authored by: Don Trahan
Posted on: 13 May 2010
  Since 1986, Greg MacDonnell, PGA, has been The Surge'€™s #1 instructor. His style to instruction is his own, but his teaching is a mirror of Don'€™s and the Peak Performance Golf Swing.... Read More
Authored by: Don Trahan
Posted on: 12 May 2010
Here are thoughts running through The Surge'€™s head. Tiger leaves on the fourth round of Players Championship due to neck issues. Steve Stricker withdraws with a sore right shoulder.... Read More