Move Your Trail Foot LIKE THIS for Speed & Compression
Mike Granato and Shaun Webb from Athletic Motion Golf debunk the common myth that golfers should keep their trail heel down to avoid early extension. They demonstrate how natural trail foot movement—including an ankle roll and early lift—is essential for proper hip rotation, clubhead speed, and ball compression. Using 3D data and live demonstrations, they show how locking the foot leads to path issues and lack of power, offering a simple 'Half Step' drill to train correct biomechanics.
Keeping the trail heel down through impact often causes the pelvis to thrust forward (early extension) and limits rotation.
The trail ankle should naturally roll slightly outward in the backswing and then move toward the ball of the foot in transition.
Correct trail foot movement allows the trail hip to work inward and forward, clearing space for a more inside-to-square club path.
Elite players allow the trail foot to peel up and around naturally; it is an active part of generating ground force and speed.
Avoid the 'spin out' where the trail heel moves backward; the foot should roll and lift as a response to the hips turning.