Lesson Notes: The Power Step Drill
The Goal: To move away from “arm-only” swings and generate more power by correctly transferring weight from the back foot to the front foot.
The Step Drill (With Club):
- Setup: Hold a golf club across your shoulders/behind your head. Stand in your golf posture with feet hip-width apart.
- Backswing Step: As you turn back, take a small step with your trail foot (right foot for righties) to feel your weight load into that side.
- Through-Swing Step: As you turn forward, take a full step toward the target with your lead foot.
- The Finish: Finish standing tall. At this point, 90% of your weight should be on your front leg, with only 10% remaining on the toe of your back foot.
Alternative: The Ball Throw
If you don’t have a club handy, use a ball. Step back as you “wind up,” then step forward and mimic a throw directly down your target line to feel the natural momentum of the shift.
FAQ
Q: Why is arm-swinging a problem for distance?
A: When you swing only with your arms, you are relying on small muscles. True power comes from the large muscles in your legs and core. Weight transfer allows you to use your entire body mass to propel the ball forward.
Q: How do I know if I’ve transferred enough weight?
A: Check your finish. If you can easily lift your back foot off the ground or tap your back toe without falling over, you have successfully moved your weight to the lead side. If you feel “stuck” or fall backward, you’ve kept too much weight on your trail foot.
Q: Does the width of my feet matter for this drill?
A: Yes. Lindsay recommends starting with feet hip-width apart. If your stance is too wide, it becomes very difficult to shift your weight fully across to the other side, often leading to a “swaying” motion instead of a turn.
Q: Can I do this drill without taking an actual step on the course?
A: Absolutely. The step is an exaggeration to help your brain “feel” the move. Once you’re on the course, you want to keep your feet planted, but replicate that *feeling* of pressure moving from the inside of your back foot to the center of your front foot.


































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