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: 11 May 2010
When a client comes to me for a fitting, one of the first things I do is to assess their current equipment. I am continually amazed at the number of '€œsenior'€ players that are still... Read More
Authored by: Don Trahan
Posted on: 10 May 2010
Health Note: The Surge is doing fine. He went to his doc today and passed all tests with flying colors. He'€™s still in significant pain, primarily where they '€œharvested'€ a vein here and... Read More
Authored by: Don Trahan
Posted on: 9 May 2010
Comments: 1
Here'€™s the story. Our club fitter, club maker, voice on the blog and certified PPGS instructor, Lynn Griffin, wanted to help The Surge with some ideas he had about the site and the swing. So... Read More
Authored by: Don Trahan
Posted on: 8 May 2010
  In earlier videos The Surge explained why he started to develop the Peak Performance Golf Swing. You know and probably have also had the same experience: his back hurt him when he played.... Read More
Authored by: Don Trahan
Posted on: 7 May 2010
You just never know. When the Surge published his first book, Golf, Plain and Simple, he didn'€™t know what to expect. '€œIn the mitt and up the tree'€ first appeared there. In fact the very... Read More
Authored by: Don Trahan
Posted on: 6 May 2010
  Several years ago the Surge was giving a demonstration in Columbia, South Carolina, to about 500 people at a golf show. At that show he was definitely a lone cry in the wilderness. It was... Read More
Authored by: Don Trahan
Posted on: 5 May 2010
Comments: 1
The Surge and I got on the phone again today. I scout through the blog and the Inner Circle and find questions about the swing or game of golf that have something in common. One frequent... Read More
Authored by: Don Trahan
Posted on: 4 May 2010
I got to talk to the Surge today. He'€™s making progress daily, but he still gets tired easily, which is normal after heart surgery. He is checking in on the blog but isn'€™t ready to jump... Read More
Authored by: Don Trahan
Posted on: 3 May 2010
  PGA Tour pro DJ Trahan took a liking to golf early in life. He considers himself very fortunate to have been taught the Peak Performance Golf Swing by his dad, PGA Master Professional Don... Read More
Authored by: Don Trahan
Posted on: 2 May 2010
  When PGA Master Professional, Don Trahan, took the job as Director of Instruction at Harbour Town in Sea Pines, his eight-year-old son, DJ was already carrying a full set of junior clubs.... Read More