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: 9 April 2010
The 2010 Masters started with the ceremonial tee shots by Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus. They're two former great champions and, since Gary Player has stopped playing, I'm really hopeful... Read More
Authored by: Don Trahan
Posted on: 8 April 2010
It's absolutely appropriate we talk about The Masters today. I guess we need to talk about the number one hot topic this year, what's Tiger going to do. Since he announced playing in The... Read More
Authored by: Don Trahan
Posted on: 7 April 2010
We all know that the peak Performance backswing is defined by its limited turn, meaning that we turn the shoulders to where the forward arm turns to the toe line and that's the end of the... Read More
Authored by: Don Trahan
Posted on: 6 April 2010
I received this email question from Larry, one of my regular students. He asks, “When you say you're all about up, I sometimes get confused and think maybe I'm not the only one.‚  My brain... Read More
Authored by: Don Trahan
Posted on: 5 April 2010
I got home just in time to see the playoff for the Shell Houston Open Championship between Anthony Kim and Vaughn Taylor. The announcer said this playoff was of significant interest and... Read More
Authored by: Don Trahan
Posted on: 4 April 2010
Rob S. flew into Charlotte to see me for an afternoon golf lesson. In the interview session with him, I found out he in his mid-40s, works out a lot and is in extremely good shape. Hr does... Read More
Authored by: Don Trahan
Posted on: 3 April 2010
I was walking past the living room to go to the kitchen and I heard the Shell Houston Open on TV. My wife was watching it, keeping up with DJ to see if he was going to make the cut today. I heard an... Read More
Authored by: Don Trahan
Posted on: 2 April 2010
The first 30 years I played golf, finishing square or facing your target was an absolute must. You wanted to hit a good golf shot you had to finish square to your target. In baseball we say... Read More
Authored by: Don Trahan
Posted on: 1 April 2010
Comments: 1
I had a lesson with JG and in the pre-lesson interview he told me that he was in his mid-40s, has been a 0 to 3 handicap for over 30 years, and had been working on a big turn rotational... Read More
Authored by: Don Trahan
Posted on: 31 March 2010
Last week at the Peak Performance Golf Schools, I had a student who had a serious case of '€œhead down, chin into the chest, looking over the top of his glasses.'€ So I had to ask him the... Read More