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FinishStability & Balance During Rotation All clubs Beginner / Intermediate ⏱ 7 min 🇬🇧 Video in English, summarized

Weight on the front foot at the finish: the Rick Shiels method

The ball is on its way, but the swing isn’t over yet. In the final chapter of his comprehensive guide to the swing, Rick Shiels shows how to finish in balance: the body rotates toward the target, with almost all the weight on the front foot, and the arms extend before curling back.

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Rick Shiels
Rick Shiels · his YouTube channelFree lesson selected by Fred P.

To be continued

12 minSame problemSame speed on the upswing and downswing: slow down your swingSimon Camirand · Beginner / Intermediate19 minNext Level UpGolf pivot stall: turn left until you reach the finishGreg Jones · Intermediate3 minFrom the same proThree-Zone Pre-Shot Routine: Rick ShielsRick Shiels · Beginner / Intermediate

What the lesson shows

According to Rick Shiels, the finish is often overlooked, even though it creates balance: you have to be balanced during the swing in order to be balanced afterward. After impact, the body continues to uncoil: the hips rotate all the way, then the torso and shoulders, until the entire body is facing the target. The shoulders turn slightly less than the hips. Since we started facing the ball, something has to give: the My right heel is coming off naturally.

Ultimately, he estimates that approximately 90% of the weight is on the left foot, all the way to its outer edge. Without losing balance, thanks to a fairly wide stance from the moment of address. Second phase: the arms follow through with the rotation. They extend toward the target, away from the body, and only then wrap them around the head. One last tip: hold your finish, no matter what shot you’re taking.

The Exercise, Step by Step

  1. At address, stand with your feet fairly wide apart so you can maintain your balance at the end.
  2. After the impact, let your hips continue to rotate without slowing down.
  3. Let your torso and shoulders follow until you are facing the target.
  4. Let your back heel lift off the ground and shift your weight onto your front foot.
  5. Extend your arms toward the target, away from your body.
  6. Then let the club wrap around your head and neck.
  7. Hold the position for a few seconds, regardless of the outcome of the shot.

Key Takeaways

The finish reveals and maintains the balance of the swing.
Turn your hips, torso, and shoulders until you are facing the target.
The back heel comes off naturally.
About 90% of the weight is distributed to the forefoot, without causing any imbalance.
The arms extend toward the target before wrapping around the head.
No weight should shift backward.

Mistakes to Avoid

  • Stop rotating immediately after impact.
  • Keep your back foot flat, which stabilizes your body.
  • Finish with your weight on your back foot or by stepping back.
  • Pulling your arms in too early without extending them toward the target.
  • A stance that's too narrow, causing you to wobble at the end.

Driving Range Mode

Keep it in plain sight, on the rug.

  1. Slow swings, holding the finish until the swing comes to a complete stop
  2. Make sure your navel and torso are facing the target
  3. Check that the back heel is lifted and that your weight is on the outer edge of the front foot
  4. Think “arm toward the target” before “club around the neck”

Your Questions

What percentage of your weight should be on your front foot at the finish?

Rick Shiels says it's about 90 percent—to the point where he's almost on the outer edge of his front foot. He needs to be able to hold that position for a long time.

Does the back foot have to stay on the ground?

No. The body ends up facing the target even though it started facing the ball: something has to give, and naturally, it’s the back heel that lifts off the ground.

Should the shoulders rotate as much as the hips?

Not necessarily. In his demonstration, his hips come almost directly in front of the target, and his shoulders don't go quite as far.

Should you wrap the club around your neck?

It's the finishing touch, not the main point. What matters is that the arms extend toward the target first; you can play just fine by stopping with your arms outstretched.

Learn More

All “Finish” videos →Find the lesson that's right for youAll videos on “Stability & Balance During Rotation” →Find the lesson that's right for you Golf pivot stall: turn left until you reach the finishComplete the pivot by turning to the left: open your left foot 20 to 30°, continue turning after impact, and control the finish with your heels aligned. Weight on the front heel: the key to a stable finishPlacing a ball under the front heel helps you learn to turn by leaning on that heel rather than pushing sideways and ending up on your toes. Same speed on the upswing and downswing: slow down your swingMove up and down at what feels like the same speed, then hold the finish position for three seconds: an imbalance at the finish indicates that your body is moving too fast. Rick ShielsAll of his lessons

Video posted on YouTube by its creator (Rick Shiels). Best Golf Tips selects and summarizes the best free lessons, without hosting them.

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