A method that builds the swing from the ground up—starting at impact
Every golfer has experienced, at least once, the unmistakable satisfaction of a well-struck shot. That precise moment when body, club and ball align in harmony to produce a clean, solid flight with just the right shape. It’s a feeling that lingers in the mind long after the shot has been played. In the pursuit of consistency and control, many players have discovered Stack & Tilt as a powerful method to transform their swing.
What is Stack & Tilt, and why do so many players embrace it?
Created by Andy Plummer and Mike Bennett, Stack & Tilt is not a passing trend or a technical curiosity. It’s a methodology that focuses on one simple goal: helping you make more consistent, solid contact with the ball. It does this through a series of biomechanical principles that, when applied correctly, can make a dramatic difference to your performance on the course—especially if practised in a setting like Club de Golf Costa Brava, where every shot is as much about enjoyment as it is about understanding.
Those of us who’ve played the game since childhood know there’s no such thing as one perfect swing—but there are patterns that bring us closer to reliable ball-striking. Stack & Tilt is one of them.
Core principles of the Stack & Tilt swing
So what exactly does this technique involve? At its heart, Stack & Tilt asks the player to keep their weight centred (or slightly forward) throughout the swing. Unlike the traditional model—which encourages a shift to the trail leg during the backswing and then a return to centre on the downswing—Stack & Tilt eliminates lateral movement and promotes a stable pivot forward. The result is more consistent contact and a controlled ball flight, typically a gentle draw.
Body weight: a progressive shift towards the target
One of Stack & Tilt’s cornerstones is weight distribution. At address, the player starts with at least 55% of their weight on the lead leg. That proportion increases during the backswing and peaks at impact, where around 90% of the weight is supported by the lead side. This progressive movement ensures that the centre of mass and the swing arc remain ahead of the ball—an essential element for clean strikes, especially with irons.
Shoulder motion: vertical plane for greater stability
But managing weight alone is not enough. Shoulder movement plays a vital role in this method. In Stack & Tilt, the left shoulder begins the backswing by moving downward beneath the chin, rather than rotating flat or shifting laterally. This promotes a more vertical turn, preventing the torso from swaying to the right. The outcome is increased stability, better compression, and—crucially—cleaner contact.
Hand path and club plane
The movement of the hands is also slightly different from the conventional approach. Instead of tracing a straight path back, the hands should move slightly inward during the backswing. This creates a more inclined swing plane and encourages an inside-to-out path at impact, ideal for that effortless draw we all admire. Visually, it’s a rounded, flowing swing that follows the natural mechanics of the body.
Lower body work: knees and rotation
Stack & Tilt also rethinks how we use our legs. In particular, the right knee. While traditional instruction often insists on keeping the trail knee flexed throughout the backswing, this method recommends allowing it to straighten slightly to enable better hip rotation. Simultaneously, the lead knee increases its flexion to maintain balance. On the downswing, the knees return to neutral, and post-impact, the lead leg straightens into the finish. This not only enhances posture and rotation, but also minimises physical stress and helps prevent injuries.
The lead arm as your guide
Another subtle but essential element is the left arm. Keeping it extended at impact ensures a consistent swing radius, delivering more reliable clubface control and efficient energy transfer. It’s not about rigidity, but about functional extension. Meanwhile, the hands should stay ahead of the clubhead at impact, creating the necessary shaft lean to compress the ball properly.
Active hips and vertical extension: freeing the swing
Equally important is the role of the hips. One of Stack & Tilt’s signature moves is what the creators call “vertical extension” or pushing the hips forward and upward. During and after impact, the hips drive through the shot so that the belt buckle finishes higher than it was at address. This is not a cosmetic gesture—it’s a biomechanically crucial action. It allows the club to release naturally, shallows out the swing path, and—most importantly—protects the lower back. In fact, many experts argue that a properly executed Stack & Tilt swing is easier on the spine than many conventional alternatives.
Effective, but not effortless
Let’s be clear: Stack & Tilt is not a shortcut or a magic fix. It’s a sophisticated technique that demands understanding, attention to detail, and often a period of adjustment. If misapplied, it can lead to frustration—or even injury. That’s why, if you’re thinking about incorporating it into your game, it’s best done under expert guidance. At the Costa Brava Golf Academy, our instructors are trained in leading swing methodologies and will help you implement Stack & Tilt safely, effectively and with a tailored approach.
Clarity breeds confidence: a swing that transforms your mindset
What makes this method truly powerful is not just the improved ball-striking—it’s the way it clarifies your intentions and boosts your confidence. With a more defined and predictable swing pattern, players can reduce overthinking, focus on execution, and play more freely. Over time, that gentle draw becomes second nature, and when form dips—as it inevitably does—we know how to reset and find our rhythm again.
More than a technique: a philosophy of movement
Ultimately, Stack & Tilt is not just about mechanics. It’s a philosophy of movement, one that seeks to simplify the complex by organising the swing from impact backwards. And for those of us who’ve dedicated a lifetime to this game, that perspective is invaluable.
Take the next step in your game
If you’re ready to elevate your golf, rediscover the pleasure of striking the ball cleanly time after time, and do it in a setting as exceptional as your aspirations, then Club de Golf Costa Brava is waiting for you.
Book your tee time today and experience why our course, our academy and our approach to the game make all the difference.
We’ll see you where the swing truly comes to life.
