TODAY YOU SEE MOST OF THE PROS USING THE LEFT HEEL PLANTED FIRMLY ON THE GROUND WHEN TAKING THE BACK SWING. I MYSELF RAISE THE LEFT HEEL SLIGHTLY ON THE BACKSWING. I FOUND IT DISTRACTING AND SOMEWHAT DIFFICULT TO KEEP THE LEFT HEEL PLANTED.
HAS ANYONE MADE THE CHANGE FROM A LIFTED LEFT HEEL TO A PLANTED LEFT HEEL AND IF SO, DID IT DO ANYTHING FOR YOU?
SORRY IF I EXCLUDED YOU LEFTIES IN THE QUESTION?
I noticed that as I got older that by lifting the left heel slightly, gave me more flexibility and a little better balance. Other than that, nothing else has changed, except possibly more swing speed, but don't ask me why. I have also moved my left foot shoe a little more left of perpendicular to my alignmentl.
BRUCE, EVER SINCE I FIRST STARTED PLAYING I HAVE LIFYED MY LEFT HEEL A LITTILE OFF THE GROUND.
IT IS NOT SOMETHING I THINK ABOUT AND WHEN I TRY TO HOLD THE HEEL PLANTED IT IS NOT A PRETTY SITE.
I TOTALLY LOOSE ANY RYTHEM IN THE SWING
Lift.
I have tried to leave my foot planted, but I feel as if I lose speed and distance.
I personally keep my left heel down throughout the swing, I think the lifting was a Nicklaus type move in order to help with shifting the weight from right to left as you begin the downswing. It's certainly a good method and Jack made out ok doing it that way.
Ive always heard that lifting the heel is for those who are less limber and need to lift to get a little extra stretch in their backswing.
Bruce.... Lefty response here......
My pro back in the day had me hit shots while taking the club away and lifting my "right" heel and keeping my "right" heel planted. We charted how my ball flight was and if there was a distance difference. We then took a 2x4 and put it under my "right" heel and I hit shots.
The moral of the story and learning was that I was pushing my shots to the left (would be your right) when I lifted the heel. If I stayed planted and also if I had the 2x4 under the heel, my shots were straight, or at worst, went with my natural fade. So since that day I keep my heel on the ground, firmly.
If I get fast on the swing I do notice the push come back, so it has taught me a valuable lesson.
I never really payed attention to what my left heal does it may rise a little bit or it may not.
Caddy13
I find I have more accuracy with my left heel planted and I can make a more complete turn when I lift.
In truth, I need to keep my heel planted to play well.
I made this change about 12 years ago. I found that it gave me much more consistant contact and my balance became a lot better.
I was taught to keep my left heel on the ground. its keeps your body from swaying. I feel that it keeps a better foundation. But when i really try to go after a drive, my left heel comes up slightly. Don't know if that helped but........
Bruce its classic old school verses modern. I did the classic old school on wood and long irons from age 12 till recently. At 60 things catch up and I no longer had the athletic ability to swing old school. It was an adjustment but well worth it. The modern(as I call it) has much less moving parts and in my opinion better.
I did not lose any distance plus what i gained in consistency made the improvement exponential. Just remember i am not a pro. Maybe Rick or someone else will comment.
Similar to Tar Heel, I was taught to keep my feet planted by standing on a "noodle" instead of a 2x4. By standing on the foam, you can easily feel when your weight is shifting into or away from the foam. I was much more consistant after a few days with this routine. You will get some strange looks bringing a child's float to a public range though. LOL
My left heel/foot stays planted.
I don't plant either...I'm left handed -- hahaha
But my right heel is what I concentrate on keeping planted if that matters...