Why You Can't Get to Your Left Side (And Two Drills That Fix It)
- Jeremy Taylor
- May 13
- 2 min read
If you're a right-handed golfer who hangs back through impact, early-extends, or consistently misses right — there's a good chance your body is stuck on the right side and struggling to rotate left when it needs to.
This pattern is called right lateralization, and it's one of the most common physical limitations we see in recreational golfers.
The good news: there are two specific drills that directly address it.
What Is Right Lateralization?
Right lateralization means your body — specifically your pelvis and spine — is shifted or biased toward the right side and has difficulty moving left. In the golf swing, this shows up as:
• Weight staying on the trail foot through impact
• Early extension (hips thrust toward the ball)
• A reverse pivot or hanging back
• Loss of power and consistency at contact
From a physical standpoint, what's usually happening is a combination of weak or inhibited left hip internal rotation and a poorly activated right glute. The body can't push off the right and rotate through, so it compensates.
Two drills fix this directly.
Reset Drill 1: Left Adductor Pullback with Internal Rotation
The left adductor (inner thigh) is a key driver of left hip internal rotation — the movement that allows your pelvis to shift and rotate left in the downswing. When it's inhibited or underactive, your left hip can't clear properly and your body stalls on the right side.
This drill reactivates the left adductor and reinforces internal rotation under load. Use it as a pre-round warmup or alignment reset drill during practice.
Reset Drill 2: Right Glute Max
The right glute max is the engine of the golf swing — it's what you push off to initiate the downswing and drive power through impact. When it's underactivated, golfers tend to spin out, lose posture, or stall their rotation.
This drill teaches the right glute to fire and hold so your body can actually push off and rotate through instead of compensating with the lower back or knee. Pair it with the adductor drill above for a complete alignment reset.
If your game is being held back by physical limitations — or you're dealing with pain that's affecting your swing — we can help. Dr. Taylor is TPI certified and works with golfers at all levels in Fort Worth, TX. Book your initial evaluation at tmitherapy.com or call (817) 523-9590.
Comments