Alternative To Rolling Over Ankle

Fri, 02/10/2012 - 19:52 -- Don Trahan

Last week I talked about the importance of having footwear that allows you to roll your front foot over the ankle. Before a round or practice session, I even like to practice this motion to stretch out the area before I play. But, what if you can't roll your ankle at all? This is the case with one Surgite who wrote in that his ankle has been surgically fused so he's unable to have that same foot action.

Fortunately, there's an alternative to actually rolling your front foot. In the Peak Performance Golf Swing, we flare our feet out at least 30 degrees. For those of you who can't roll your front foot over the ankle, simply flare your front foot out wider than 30 degrees to a point that you can swing up to a T-finish while maintaining your balance. This point will be different for everyone but this way you can keep a flat footed stance during your follow through to finish, and also alleviate any unwanted pressure on the knee. Play around with it and see what best suits you. However, I will warn you that the wider you flare the front foot, the more you will have to back that foot away from the initial toe line because you will lose your balance points without this adjustment. In the video, I demonstrate all of the different angles and where you need to place your feet accordingly.

So, if you're physically unable to perform this slight rolling of the front foot, try flaring your front foot outward and you'll see a lot more consistency in your golf game!

Keep it vertical,

The Surge!

If you can't view the YouTube video above try CLICKING HERE. You must allow popups from this site for the link to work.

Blog Tags: 

Comments

Robert F's picture

Submitted by Robert F (not verified) on

It was an amazing three shot exchange there on 12. Phil's chip flew on him and rolled 30 feet past the hole, giving an apparent opening. Tiger then holed out from the bunker, giving everyone the feeling that a shift in momentum was coming. Then Phil holed the putt dead center and slammed that opening down fast.

Mike in KC's picture

Submitted by Mike in KC (not verified) on

Good one!

MikefromKy Go Bama. Go Irish's picture

Submitted by MikefromKy Go B... (not verified) on

Ok I am setting and watching the AT&T tourney and the self proclaimed greatest announcer ever Sir Nick the A_ _  makes the comment that while the rules committees are looking at the long putters they should look at banning marking your golf ball with a sharpie line because people that do take way to long to putt. Did anyone else here that ?    

Kevin McGarrahan's picture

Submitted by Kevin McGarrahan (not verified) on

 Thanks, Robert. By placing the forehead against the wall, I can detect movement in every direction. I'm working on a setup that will let me do the same thing and swing a club at the same time; maybe something that can be used indoors or out. Maybe even connect to or be used with the SwingTech (which I hope to get in the near future).

Boogm's picture

Submitted by Boogm (not verified) on

Good round, my friend, continued success on breaking (and staying below) the 80 barrier!
Stay in the present!

T Medley's picture

Submitted by T Medley (not verified) on

 Good ideas. We might as well cut a hole in the seat and install a chamber Pot underneath too. 

PMG

Steve Smith's picture

Submitted by Steve Smith on

We gotta do what we gotta do. LOL

I wish there was a lighted driving range around here but since there isn't even an unlit driving range I guess that's too much to ask. ;-)

Teeon13golf's picture

Submitted by Teeon13golf (not verified) on

Tom...

Sent email to Debbie in Customer Service....Trying to buy into Locker Room with no success.  Using correct User ID and password which Deb confirmed.

Response is "User Id already taken".

Please advise....

Phillip

MikefromKy Go Bama. Go Irish's picture

Submitted by MikefromKy Go B... (not verified) on

I have messed with hitting callaway equipment at demo days before and really never had any luck with their equipment but some of there balls are good.

I am sending off video tonight or tomorrow to Don I want to go straight to the horse's mouth with this. I am at a point of frustration with trying to make a limited turn and swing vertical. I have always been a vertical swinger but with a full shoulder turn. Steve gave me a tip that helps some but still not there yet still have the arms break down but not as bad. So hopefully Don will shed some light.
I can do a 3/4 backswing without the arms breaking down but with 90* shoulder turn and that is what I am trying to change.
So I am interested to see what Don says.
I am happy to see this new lesson program without having any local teachers to teach this swing.

Ronnie Macpherson's picture

Submitted by Ronnie Macpherson (not verified) on

Serge,how do  you keep the swing vertical when  using a driver? I have not seen  you do demos with woods. Does the vertical work here? And what about the 5ft tall  golfer. It just can't be, "Grip down the shaft!"
Ronnie

Mike in KC's picture

Submitted by Mike in KC (not verified) on

Good video! I've noticed this myself at times. My waterproof golf shoes are a different design and I don't seem to be able to roll my foot like I can in the other pair. For rolling practice I just use my office chair that swivels and just swing from side to side. I can do it anytime i'm checking e-mail or whatever.

Robert F's picture

Submitted by Robert F (not verified) on

I did not hear that one, but I can't say I'm shocked. What did shock me was one piece of advice he gave to one of the celebs when they did their analysis of celebrity swings at 17. He advised him that at the beginning of his takeaway, the celeb should think about shaking hands with someone standing to his right. Where have I heard that before? Oh, Surge's shaking hands drill. :)

Kevin McGarrahan's picture

Submitted by Kevin McGarrahan (not verified) on

 Thanks, DH. Padding works. I'm using one of the throw cushions from the couch. I'm working on some ideas for something more exotic. We'll see how it goes.

Rkf's picture

Submitted by Rkf (not verified) on

Hi /Surge,

Very helpful information.  But what happened to the super slim Surge  from the Weight
Loss For Golfers Program Tele-Seminar
Program I just received?

Dick Lee's picture

Submitted by Dick Lee (not verified) on

Coach

Yes, and we might as well put a 5 gallon bucket under there, cause we are both full of IT.

Robert Meade's picture

Submitted by Robert Meade (not verified) on

Terry,
Just an update on my putter and grip(s). I did put the two thumbs on my Hindsight putter for one round, actually sideways the way you like it. That's the second time I've tried it out. Last time on the normal recomended way on a different putter. Anyway, just not comfortable with it so off it came and the following day I bought and installed the "Stroke Saver" Fatso/Lite grip and played a round of golf that day. Putted okay and was more comfortable with that new grip.
I also went back to my Jumbo Max grips for all the rest of my set. Changed out all 14 grips in about 35 minutes!Of course I was able to save my GolfPride jumbo tour wraps and will likely put those on my wifes set next week. She likes the thicker grip and feel of the wrap style.Shot an 82. Not bad. 34 putts, still too many putts but I feel like it is a matter of adjusting and think I'll get the average down to 30 putts by this Spring.

Lynn42's picture

Submitted by Lynn42 (not verified) on

It's like practicing approach shots to a pool table.

Just watched the replay of Phil's wife's comment when he came off 18.  "What a round, are you kidding me?"

I really felt good for Phil. 

Tom Jans's picture

Submitted by Tom Jans (not verified) on

 Keith,

Is this not a testament to the game we all love? If I recall correctly, several weeks ago you were so low that you were considering giving up on the Surge Swing. But as sure as the advice you got from your fellow Surgites that week, it now seems to be clicking! Congratulations, and long may the insights and improvements continue.

PMG

Tom Jans

Kevin McGarrahan's picture

Submitted by Kevin McGarrahan (not verified) on

Great tournament at Pebble Beach! Phil was due. It was nice to see everything come back together for him.

It is a bit too cold here to get outside, so I have been working inside as much as possible. I was trying the ankle roll, but my right knee was hurting too much. My daughter was watching me and said my head was moving too much, but I couldn't figure out what to do about it. I got to thinking about how some teaching pros hold a club against the side of the head and, after thinking for awhile, I came up with a new drill (at least I think it is). It is sort of the opposite of the butt-on-the-wall drill. I call it the head on the wall drill.

I got into my stance facing the wall (no club) and inched myself closer until my forehead just touched the wall. With my arms hanging straight down, I did the BUS and found that my head was moving (I could feel it on the wall). After doing this for about 5 minutes, I got to where I could keep my head much stiller. I asked my daughter to come back and watch again. She said my head was barely moving until after my hands went got back to the impact point.

I'll have to wait to do a video of it for a few weeks due to weather and getting my knee 'scoped on Wednesday. At least I'll have time to recover before the weather is good enough to get back outside.

Steve Smith's picture

Submitted by Steve Smith on

1. You make the same swing with a driver as with any other club.

2. Yes by using the same swing the shaft is still vertical from a down the line view just like any other club.

3. Your driver needs to be fitted to your wrist to floor measurement no matter how tall or short you are.

Click on this link and you can see Surge hit every club in the bag.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...

At this link the second chart down should give you an idea how long your driver needs to be for your wrist to floor measurement.
http://www.swingsurgeon.com/Ho...

P.S. If you don't buy the videos and the manual it will likely be a slow process to really understand the swing.

dgaines's picture

Submitted by dgaines on

Yes, I heard that too. I couldn't believe it. He likes to put down slow play. But, That seemed a little strange, even for him.

DJ out at 7:28 tomorrow with DL III off the 10th tee. Should make for a quiet round.

Tiger and Phil playing together in second last group.

(Edit: Sorry T.)

Dick Lee's picture

Submitted by Dick Lee (not verified) on

 Surge Nation

Well I stayed out there chipping by the headlights of my truck in the 32* weather with a wind chill of 24* for an hour and a half after I closed the course this evening.  It went great.  The short game is really working for me.  Then it started blowing snow.  I stayed for another 15 minutes then called it quits.  Hey, even I have my limits.  I was laughing as I was standing there chipping in the blowing snow.  I was trying to figure out what I was going to say to the OKCPD officer who drove by if he stopped to check me out.  He would probably have taken me down to the county physco ward for a 3 day evaluation.  That would suck.  3 days with no golf?  I don't think so pal.  I would have had to resist arrest.  At least I don't think I am addicted, do you think I might be?  One of my friends asked me why I took the job at the course.  I told him it was the only way I can afford to play 5 or 6 rounds a week.  If I was a crack addict, I would get a job where they make crack. 

I ain't no fool.
Dick

Keith Kent's picture

Submitted by Keith Kent (not verified) on

Buzzing, buzzing, buzzing, I cannot express how happy I am at the minute. It is a frozen but sunny winter day here and I got set up for a practice in to my net and have been given a good but of artificial golf matting to play off.

Anyway, I found drill, a video on youtube about the rotation of the hands at impact so tried it for a good 10 minutes, doing short swings. But what I did next came as a  massive surprise and boost! I was sure I bumped, not move my whole body left, or shoulders or straighten my left leg!

What came next was even better! The consistency was a 100% improvement!

I could feel and even see in my vision just before the top of the FUS I just triggered my left knee forward which felt like a bow and the swing then just happened and felt so easy and controlled, I hit bad shots at times but I struck the ball like I never have before shot after shot. 
ALL balls ended up in my net and I was practising for 1 1/2 hours! I know you might say how the hell can you not hit them in to the net at the range, but I wasn't, only last week I was toeing/shanking them to the right missing the net a lot!

Today the ball was actually hitting the net and consistently coming back to me without me even having to move to retrieve the ball.

I recorded myself on my phone and yes I was flat but I don't care at the minute, I don't know why but for the first time I could try and change my swing without really bad results.

For the first time I felt in control of the club and felt like my body was moving the club.

For the first time I felt full extension of the arms at impact and my arms just go up the T finish effortlessly.

I loved it that much I didn't want to finish as I was scared of losing that touch and feeling, I just hope I have ingrained some of that feeling and I haven't lost it....        

muskerjoe's picture

Submitted by muskerjoe on

Was glancing at latest Golf Magazine ( I got a year subscription for some purchase).

Anyway, there on pg 42 is Johnny Miller talking about squarer hits.  The image was to show his Reverse C finish, but look at that rolling of the left ankle!

Johnny spoke about how the Reverse C increases the amount of time the clubface is square to the target -- sounds a lot like "on, on, on and square!"

Surge -- maybe you can do a daily and compare the Johnny Miller "Reverse C" swing with the Surge Swing and our secondary spine angle and more straight up & down finish with the ankle roll!

Dick Lee's picture

Submitted by Dick Lee (not verified) on

Surge Nation

Surprise, I have a golf question.

My WTF is a touch over 34".  That would put my driver at @ 43" and 5 iron at @ 37.5".  What should be a good length for the 3 &5 woods, a 24* hyb?  Do the irons go down .5" per stick?
 
Dick

Doc Griffin's picture

Submitted by Doc Griffin (not verified) on

Ok, I really really hate this but when  you say your head was moving, I'll assume it was to the right as you took the club back.  How much did it move?  It should move some as this is what puts us "behind" the ball.  However, the only way that it can move more than that is if you're getting into a sway and you are taking your weight to the right too much and starting to move it outside.   The key to proper movement is to keep the outward pressure of the knees and in this case the left knee.  Have her look at your knee and make sure it's not collapsing and bending inward towards the ball.  If you maintain the outward pressure, your head can't move too far.

Tom Jans's picture

Submitted by Tom Jans (not verified) on

 Robert,

We still owe you one for being our "crash test dummy" during the system testing phase. Your early use of the iPhone app exposed some technical issues that have now been fixed. So when you get your new swing videos done, contact me an I will get Surge to do yours "on the house".

Best,

Tom

Keith Kent's picture

Submitted by Keith Kent (not verified) on

Getting the club vertical is a mystery to me and I have the manual and have studied and study this swing. 

I can't seem to get close, but at the minute I am striking the ball with less miss hits so am not going to worry too much for now.

Robert Meade's picture

Submitted by Robert Meade (not verified) on

Very creative "head on the wall" drill Kevin. Surge would approve! He has encouraged us to use our imagination and you did. Right on. Actually I do the hold the clubshaft on the side of the head move with my wife on the golf course. It's done two ways depending on your problem, on the forward side if you tend to move ahead of the ball during the follow through and on the rear side of the head (right side of head for righties) if we tend to move to far back off the ball on our backswing. It really can help us learn to be more still. Looks like much of the country got a small taste of late winter. Seems like it'll be warm again soon. Course here in Las Vegas it's relative as it is still golf weather :) I'll be out again this week in persuit of 79 or better. Lots of putting practice coming up.

MikefromKy Go Bama. Go Irish's picture

Submitted by MikefromKy Go B... (not verified) on

Rusty
I seen that. I guess what I am getting at is the instructor going to show the individual what they need to do as a individual to make this swing.We all have are individual differences and limitations and may have to do things differently to make this swing. Just showing Don's video of him swinging and saying this how to do it may not work for everybody. If I do a online lesson I want to know how Rodger is going to do it not how Don does it I already know that. If that makes any since.

Instructor Steve has given a good tip to work on but the weather may not cooperate this weekend windy and cold all weekend winter advisory until 6 PM tomorrow may be stuck in all weekend.

Robert F's picture

Submitted by Robert F (not verified) on

 Reminds me of the day last April I was on the range and watched it empty out as snow flakes began to fall until I was the only person still there. Admittedly, snow flakes in April in Vegas could weird a person out.

T Medley's picture

Submitted by T Medley (not verified) on

Will be my planned evening viewing, so Please folks, no spoiler posts. I usually watch after so that I can fast forward through most of the intro crap and talking head nonsense such as that. I rarely watch anything live or during the original broadcast time slot any more. I love the DVR. An hour program is only 40min avg.

MikefromKy Go Bama. Go Irish's picture

Submitted by MikefromKy Go B... (not verified) on

  I DVRed it so I will watch it this week I watched part of it before going to the range this morning.

tiptoeskst's picture

Submitted by tiptoeskst on

 Surge is still the same slim, trim man as you mention!  Right now it's winter, and he's wearing about 3 layers when he's filming his dailies so he doesn't get cold.

Robert F's picture

Submitted by Robert F (not verified) on

The major problem with the reverse C is that it's really rough on your back. It also commonly means that you've kept your swing center behind your center of gravity all the way to the end of the swing, which implies that you either did not fully release the stored energy through impact that the pop-tart action allows, or you fell back onto your back foot rather than swinging up and recoiling to a relaxed finish facing the target.

Dick Lee's picture

Submitted by Dick Lee (not verified) on

 Robert

Oh yes, to be young and ignorant again, instead of just half of that.  What ticks me off the most is that I got to keep the wrong half.

Dick

Doc Griffin's picture

Submitted by Doc Griffin (not verified) on

You have found the basic length of what the longest club in the bag should be.  There is no correlation that because you make the driver shorter that the 3 wood or 5 wood or whatever wood has to be shorter.  The reason they are made shorter to begin with is because each head weighs more than the next and therefore the shafts get shorter.  So, as long as your 3 wood isn't longer than 43", then it's fine.

Tom Jans's picture

Submitted by Tom Jans (not verified) on

 Rodger,

Good idea. I will create a FAQ page for this program and get it posted next week.

Tom

MikefromKy Go Bama. Go Irish's picture

Submitted by MikefromKy Go B... (not verified) on

Good to see Corey Pavin win today also. Him and his Bullseye putter wish I would have kept mine

Robert Meade's picture

Submitted by Robert Meade (not verified) on

I'm sure there will be more details forth coming Roger.
My impression is that the video of swing will be completely analyzed each and every time as completely as possible. In other words yes they will tell you all 3 or 4 things to work on. However, we don't need to percieve it as overload. You can watch the analysis over and over and over any time you like. It's up to you to be logical about it and perhaps work on one aspect at a time. Hey, I'll want to know all 3,4,5 things I need to work on. Im fact I'll expect complete anaysis of as much detail as possible. Again I may take just one or two things at a time to the range and course to "work" on.
The following day or week I can go back and take one or two more aspects to work on. Make sense? Trust that they will help you Roger.

MikefromKy Go Bama. Go Irish's picture

Submitted by MikefromKy Go B... (not verified) on

 I think he likes to here himself talk and does not realize what he is saying half the time. 

Steve Smith's picture

Submitted by Steve Smith on

 Hmmmmm! 32 degrees, snow, headlights......Fool?

My neighbors think I am when I do that sort of thing. Ha ha ha!

Robert Meade's picture

Submitted by Robert Meade (not verified) on

Thanks Boog. Just a matter of sinking more putts. Chipping has really been consistent lately. Working on leaving 'em within 3-4 feet. That'll lower the score more than anything else. I'm convinced more than ever it's around and on the greens that I can make up those pesky 3 or 4 strokes.
Hope you and the boy are able to get out and play soon too:)
PMG

Steve Smith's picture

Submitted by Steve Smith on

Until somebody that knows what they are talking about comes along (like Doc) I can tell you what mine are. (Not necessarily what they should be but they work for me).

My WTF is 36 1/2".
Driver is 43". 3 wood is 43". 5 wood is (edit) 42 1/2".
Irons go down 1/2" a stick.
A 3 hybrid that is 40" and a 4 hybrid that is 39" (rarely use either).

BTW as I was looking through the closet just now I found an 18* driving iron that I didn't know I had. I think I'll try it out and see if it will work for a 2 iron. More than likely there isn't enough difference in loft between it and the R7 3 iron to make enough difference to use as a 2 iron.

Robert Meade's picture

Submitted by Robert Meade (not verified) on

 Was great to see lefty win today. Tiger, well painful to watch. Only saw parts of the tourny today at Pebble Beach. Likely watch more again tonight. Just caught the last hole with Phil's win. It was over early today but I really think the biggest staement came when Tiger holed his sand shot at 12 and Phil came right back with a 30 foot par on that same hole. DJ finished in the middle of the pack and improved his Fed Ex spot by a couple moving to 37th. Deej will continue to figure it out and have a higher finish if not win soon. Sobering to see the list of players that missed the cut. Tough game, tough tour. Going to be more fun watching and playing in 2012.
PMG
 
 

Pages