Giancarlo Stanton, the power hitter for the New York Yankees, has a unique closed stance when he steps up to bat, with his lead foot closer to home plate than his trail foot. This closed stance is a rare exception in baseball, as most players have an open stance. Stanton’s closed stance has proven to be effective for him, as seen in his grand slam home run against the Blue Jays.
While this closed stance is in the realm of baseball, it can also be beneficial for golfers. Many older pro golfers, including the legendary Lee Trevino, drop their trail foot back slightly at setup, leading to increased hip turn and better load on the backswing. This adjustment can also promote a more in-to-out swing path, helping to hit a draw shot.
Incorporating a similar closed stance into your golf swing can help improve distance gains and overall power in your swing. By dropping your trail foot back, you can force yourself to shift aggressively onto your lead foot during the downswing, leading to a powerful turn through impact. This drill can also be used for chipping around the greens to ensure crisp, ball-first contact.
While this closed stance may not work for every golfer, it can be a useful tool to incorporate into your practice routine. Whether on the range or on the course, experimenting with a closed stance similar to Giancarlo Stanton’s could lead to improvements in your overall swing mechanics. Give it a try and see how it works for you.
