Bowler — Golf Drill

The "bowler" stance has emerged as one of golf's most effective yet underutilized setup positions, transforming how golfers of all abilities approach impact dynamics and swing sequence. Leading instructors Rob Cheney Golf and JChownGolf have pioneered techniques showing how this modified address position—where you preset your trail foot pulled back and turned inward with pressure on the inside edge—fundamentally changes your swing mechanics for the better. Rather than fighting early extension an

How to practise it

  1. Set your trail foot back and turned inward Pull the trail foot back 3-4 inches from normal position. Turn it inward so pressure stays on the inside edge throughout the swing.
  2. Keep trail leg straighter than normal Maintain more extension in the trail leg to restrict forward hip movement. Feel like you're propped up on that inside edge.
  3. Practice slow motion swings Make half swings focusing on the trail side moving back through impact rather than pushing forward toward the ball.
  4. Progress to full swings with setup Maintain the bowler stance while making full swings. Notice how the restricted hip movement improves your club path and posture.
  5. Compare normal vs bowler stance Alternate between your normal setup and the bowler drill to feel the difference in hip sequencing and contact quality.

What is the bowler drill and how can it help my golf swing?

The bowler drill is a technique that helps golfers fix common sequencing issues by pinning the trail hip back while allowing the upper body and arms to unload properly. According to Rob Cheney Golf, this drill addresses the problem many golfers have with spinning open with the lower body while keepi

Why does my right side kick out during the downswing and how do I fix it?

Many golfers kick their right side out trying to get their hips rotating in the downswing, which creates inefficient movement patterns. According to JChownGolf, the fix involves keeping the right side back rather than letting it kick out, which can save you thousands of hours of practice by addressi

How should I position my trail foot for better power and consistency?

You should preset your trail foot back and prop it inward so the pressure stays on the inside of the trail foot throughout the swing. Rob Cheney Golf explains that this setup involves pulling the back leg back and keeping it somewhat straighter than normal, which helps generate effortless power and

How each of them teaches it

Coaches who demonstrate the bowler drill, each linked at the second they start.

  1. Alistair Davies Golf: Don't Get Stuck Anymore: Try the Bowler Drill #golf #golfswing #golftips. Drag your trail foot straight back as you begin the downswing, mimicking a ten-pin bowler, to pull the trail hip back and maintain side tilt.
  2. Alistair Davies Golf: The RIDICULOUS Easy Way To Stay Down In Your Golf Swing (from 5:40). Drag your trail foot straight back as you initiate the downswing (like a ten-pin bowler) to pull the trail pelvis back, increase side tilt, and create room for the arms.
  3. Golf with MAGS : Do the Bowler Drill for More Distance! #golfdrills #golftips #golf #swingtips (from 0:10). Drop your trail foot back at address to close your stance, allowing a larger backswing turn while restricting excessive lower body turn through impact to transfer maximum speed to the club.
  4. Golf with MAGS : These 3 Drills Have Helped 1000s Of Golfers Finally Break 80/90/100 (from 4:16). Also known as the right foot back drill. You drop your trail foot back to close your stance, allowing a deeper backswing turn while stabilizing the lower body to maximize speed transfer to the clubhead.
  5. Rob Cheney Golf: 🗣️ Comment ‘BOWLER’ and I’ll send you the YouTube link to the full video 🔗 ⚙️ A drill that many (from 0:10). A drill from the Stack & Tilt system where the trail foot is placed back in a staggered stance to pin the trail hip back and prevent early extension.
  6. Rob Cheney Golf: Comment "PURE" and I'll DM you the simple secret to effortless power and consistent (from 0:24). A Stack & Tilt drill involving presetting the trail leg back and straighter than normal to restrict forward hip movement and increase arm speed.
  7. JChownGolf: Why 99% Of Amateurs Can't Stop Standing Up Through The Ball (from 10:11). Simulate the motion of a bowler by sliding your back foot behind you during the downswing to force the lead side to rotate and stay down.
  8. JChownGolf: This Small Downswing Tweak Will Save You 1000's Of Hours On The Range (from 10:31). Mimics the motion of bowling by sliding the trail foot backward during the downswing to prevent the trail hip from lunging toward the ball.
  9. Scott Yurgz Golf: This One Golf Drill Solves Your Downswing Problems (from 3:32). Inspired by Scottie Scheffler's footwork, this drill involves sliding or presetting the trail foot backward to slow down the rate of hip rotation.
  10. Rob Cheney Golf: The Set-Up Mistake You’ve Been Making Your Entire Golfing Life! (from 3:51). A variation of the closed stance used by tour players to create hand path depth and ensure a shallow transition at P5.

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