Posting Up on the Lead Leg
Also known as: lead leg straighten at impact, posting the lead leg, post up on the lead leg, straighten my left leg at impact, lead leg posting, firm lead leg at impact, posting up on the left leg, posting up on the lead leg
Yes, in most full swings the lead leg straightens through impact. It stays flexed early in the downswing, then pushes up and back as the hips turn. This posting move helps the hips clear and adds speed.
Posting up means the lead knee goes from flexed to nearly straight as you swing through the ball. The leg pushes against the ground, and the lead hip moves back and up. That gives the body something firm to turn against.
Timing matters. If the leg straightens at the very start of the downswing, the hips stop shifting forward and you may stand up early. If it never straightens, the hips often slide toward the target instead of turning.
Think of the lead knee moving back over the heel as the leg straightens. It should not lock forward or bow out toward the target.
Tips by skill level
Make slow swings and feel your lead knee move back over your heel as you swing through the ball.
Watch face-on video. At impact the lead leg should be nearly straight, with the hip behind the lead foot rather than past it.
Example
His lead knee slides toward the target and his shots get blocked right. He practices pushing the lead leg straight as he turns, and his hips clear without sliding.
Why it matters
A firm lead leg turns ground pressure into rotation. It is a key part of how good players create speed without losing balance.
Common mistakes
- Straightening the leg too early in the downswing
- Letting the lead knee slide toward the target
- Locking the knee hard and jamming the joint
- Staying flexed so long that the hips stop turning
Frequently asked questions
Is it bad if my lead knee straightens at impact?
No, if it straightens as part of the turn. The problem is posting at the very start of the downswing, which can make you stand up and lose posture.
Why does my lead knee slide toward the target?
That usually means the hips are sliding instead of turning. Feel the lead knee move back over the heel as the leg straightens.
Related terms
- Weight TransferWeight transfer is the movement of the body's center of pressure from the trail side (backswing) to the lead side (downswing). A complete transfer through impact is a fundamental source of power and consistency.
- Hip ClearanceHip clearance is the rotation of the lead hip out of the way through impact. It creates room for the arms and club to swing freely past the body.
- Ground ForceGround force in golf is the vertical and horizontal force a golfer pushes into the ground during the swing. More effective ground use translates directly into club speed and power.
- Lower-Body SlideA lower-body slide is excessive sideways movement of the hips toward the target in the downswing, without matching rotation. It pushes the swing's low point too far forward and leaves the upper body behind.
- Early ExtensionEarly extension is when the hips thrust toward the ball during the downswing. The golfer stands up out of posture and has to compensate at impact.
Related guides & benchmarks
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