Unlock Distance: Golf Instructor Reveals Simple Swing Fixes for More Powerful Drives
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A surprisingly simple adjustment to your golf swing – focusing on how you swing, not how hard – can dramatically improve your ball-striking and add significant yardage off the tee. For golfers struggling to break 90, the issue often isn’t a lack of power, but inconsistent contact with the ball.
Diagnosing the Problem: Where Are You Striking the Ball?
Before making any changes, it’s crucial to understand your current impact patterns. A golf instructor suggests a quick self-assessment: “Put some impact tape or foot powder on the face of any club and hit some full-swing shots.” The results may be revealing. A common issue among less experienced golfers is striking the ball off-center, leading to lost power and inconsistent results.
The Steep Downswing: A Common Driver Fault
Poor contact with the driver is frequently caused by a downswing that’s too steep. While a downward motion is necessary, the ideal driver swing achieves its lowest point just before impact, allowing for an ascending blow. This creates optimal launch conditions for maximum distance. Signs of a steep downswing include hitting “drop-kicks,” “pop-ups,” or even taking a divot with your driver – all indicators that the club is hitting the ground before the ball.
Fixing Your Swing Path: The Alignment Stick Drill
One effective drill to correct a steep downswing involves an alignment stick. “Lay an alignment stick on the ground on your target line under a teed-up ball,” the instructor advises. The goal is to swing through the ball without hitting the stick. Struggling to avoid contact with the stick suggests you’re swinging down too sharply.
To further refine your setup, try these adjustments:
- Hover the Driver: Maintain a slight hover of the driver at address.
- Stand Tall: Focus on maintaining a tall posture throughout the swing.
- Hand Position: Position your hands slightly behind the ball, avoiding a “shoved forward” position.
Re-Routing Your Swing for an Upward Strike
The key to a more powerful and consistent drive lies in re-routing your club on a shallower path. During the backswing, prioritize a full windup, allowing your hips and shoulders to rotate freely. As you transition into the downswing, focus on a sensation of forward movement with your lower body while maintaining a slight “hang back” feeling with your torso.
This technique allows you to “clip the ball off the tee with an upward strike,” resulting in improved launch conditions. According to the instructor, this approach will “produce really good launch conditions,” increasing carry distance and reducing backspin – a common culprit in lost yardage.
The Benefits of an Upward Strike
Achieving an upward strike with your driver isn’t about swinging harder; it’s about swinging smarter. By optimizing launch conditions, golfers can experience a noticeable increase in distance without adding any extra effort. This technique maximizes carry while minimizing distance-robbing backspin, ultimately leading to longer drives and a more enjoyable game.
Ryan Hager, recognized as one of Golf Digest’s Best Young Teachers in America and currently the director of instruction at Plainfield County Club in Edison, N.J., champions this approach to unlocking a golfer’s potential.
