Assisted Cossack Squats for Golf: Improve Frontal Plane Strength and Lead Leg Stability
One of the most overlooked aspects of an efficient golf swing is frontal plane control—your ability to move and stabilize side-to-side. Golfers often spend time training in the sagittal plane (front to back, up to down), but to truly rotate powerfully and prevent swing faults like swaying or sliding, you need stability in the frontal plane, especially during your transition from backswing to downswing.
That’s where assisted Cossack squats come in.
This movement is a foundational golf exercise we program in our warm-up and strength phases, and it offers major benefits for all skill levels—including seniors and beginners who need joint-friendly modifications to build strength and mobility safely.
Why the Frontal Plane Matters in Your Golf Swing
During the transition from the top of the backswing to the downswing, your body needs to post and stabilize on the lead leg to initiate rotation. When this post isn’t strong—or frontal plane mobility is lacking—you’ll often see common swing faults like:
- Swaying or sliding forward during the downswing
- Loss of posture or early extension
- Overuse of the lower back due to instability in the hips
- Delayed or inefficient lead-side internal rotation
The assisted Cossack squat directly combats this by helping you:
- Develop strength in the adductors, glutes, and quads
- Improve hip internal and external rotation
- Open up the groin and inner thigh musculature
- Build control and stability in the lead leg for a solid post
How to Perform the Assisted Cossack Squat
This movement can be supported with a TRX strap, squat rack, resistance band, golf club, or doorway frame to provide balance and control.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Stand with feet in a wide stance, toes slightly turned out
- Hold onto your support (band, club, or rack) at chest level
- Shift your weight laterally, sitting back into one hip as you lower into a deep side lunge
- Keep the opposite leg extended, foot flat or with heel elevated depending on mobility
- Drive through the bent leg to return to center, then repeat to the other side
Coaching Tips:
- Keep your chest tall and avoid collapsing forward
- Let your hips sit back as you descend
- Focus on quality movement over depth at first—especially for seniors or those with mobility limitations
Why It Works for Golfers of All Ages
What makes this movement powerful is its adaptability. For younger athletes, it can be performed deeper and even weighted. For seniors, or those dealing with hip, groin, or knee limitations, the assisted version builds confidence, control, and strength in a safe and supported environment.
Plus, because the movement mimics the frontal plane shift we use in golf, it carries over beautifully to:
- Posting on the lead side during the downswing
- Creating separation between upper and lower body
- Reducing injury risk by increasing mobility and control
Programming Notes: Where to Include It
At Kinetix Golf Performance, we include Assisted Cossack Squats in both:
- ✅ A Block (Movement Prep): Warm-up days to open hips and prep for rotational sequencing
- ✅ Strength Days: Paired with rotational core work like Stork Turns or PVC Club Rotations to groove motor control before adding speed
Recommended dosage:
- 2–3 sets of 5–8 reps per side
- Can be used daily in warm-ups or 2x/week in strength training sessions
Cossack Squats Build Golf-Specific Stability, Not Just Strength
While Cossack squats don’t look “golf-specific” at first glance, they are one of the most functional exercises you can do to improve your swing mechanics.
They help you develop:
- Frontal plane control
- Lead leg posting ability
- Hip mobility for rotation
- Strength to avoid overuse injuries in the back or knees
And because we emphasize the assisted version, this makes the movement more accessible for golfers across all ability levels—including those in their 50s, 60s, or beyond.
Ready to Strengthen Your Swing Foundation?
If you’re tired of sliding in your downswing, feeling stuck in your hips, or lacking power in your lead side, this is your wake-up call.
This exercise is just one of the dozens of targeted golf exercises in our PinSeeker Performance Program—a 6-week, lifetime-access golf workout program designed to build mobility, strength, and power exactly where you need it.
🏌️♂️ Swing with more rotation and less pain
🏋️♀️ Improve strength, flexibility, and balance
⛳️ Play more consistently, regardless of age or experience
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✅ Golf-Specific workouts you can do anywhere
Train smarter, swing stronger, and see real gains on the course with PinSeeker!
