Closed Stance — Golf Drill

The closed stance might be the single most overlooked setup adjustment that can transform your golf game, yet most golfers have been avoiding it their entire lives. As Rob Cheney Golf demonstrates in his breakthrough instruction, pulling your trail foot back doesn't just change your alignment—it presets your hip turn and unlocks massive backswing rotation potential that directly translates to increased power production. This seemingly simple adjustment allows for dramatically more hip and should

How to practise it

  1. Set your normal stance and note hip restriction Take your regular address position and slowly turn your hips back. Feel how quickly they lock up or resist the turn.
  2. Pull your trail foot back 3-4 inches Move only your back foot away from the target line. Your front foot stays put, creating the closed stance angle.
  3. Test hip turn capacity in closed position From this closed stance, rotate your hips back again. Notice the dramatic increase in available turn before restriction.
  4. Make slow swings focusing on rotation Take half-speed swings emphasizing the deeper hip and shoulder turn this stance allows. Feel the preset power position.
  5. Progress to full swings with draw intent Build to full speed while maintaining the rotational feeling. Allow the closed stance to promote natural draw spin.

What is closed stance and how can it help me hit the ball farther?

A closed stance involves positioning your front foot slightly back from the target line, which helps promote an inside-out swing path. According to Face First Golf, you'll never hit it far until you can create that soft little draw, and a closed stance setup is one of the key ways to achieve this ba

Is closed stance just a band-aid fix or does it actually improve my swing mechanics?

Rob Cheney Golf emphasizes that certain setup changes can produce a more mechanically sound, repeatable swing instantly. A properly implemented closed stance isn't just a quick fix - it can actually encourage better swing plane and path, leading to more consistent ball striking and improved overall

Should I practice closed stance at the driving range or is there a better way to work on it?

Face First Golf warns that the driving range can actually hinder improvement for many players who get stuck in a cycle of hitting shots they hate. Instead of grinding at the range, focus on setup fundamentals like stance in a more controlled environment, then take it to the course where real improve

How each of them teaches it

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

  1. Face First Golf: Driver Power for Golfers Over 55: The Cheat Move (from 4:24). Dropping the trail foot back at setup to pre-set hip and shoulder rotation, facilitating an inside swing path and greater backswing depth without forcing over-rotation.
  2. Meandmygolf: Why your turn controls shot shape #golfswing #golftips. Setting up with an exaggerated closed stance to encourage more body rotation in the backswing and a deeper arm position.
  3. Face First Golf: You’ll Never Hit It Far Until You Can Do This (from 6:13). Dropping the trail foot back to preset a closed alignment, making it easier to turn and swing from the inside.
  4. Rob Cheney Golf: The Set-Up Mistake You’ve Been Making Your Entire Golfing Life! (from 0:22). Adjusting the setup by pulling the trail foot back to a closed position to increase hip rotation and shallow the club path.
  5. Face First Golf: The range is a lie - Here's how you Improve Faster With Less Practice (from 8:54). Dropping the trail foot back to preset shoulder turn and encourage an inside-to-out club path.
  6. Face First Golf: Golfers Over 50: Use THIS “Cheat Move” to Start Outdriving Your Buddies (from 2:31). Drop the trail foot back with a closed-face grip to practice swinging from the inside and turning the toe of the club past the heel for a pronounced draw.

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