Extra Distance
By:
Jeff Mount
We all want to hit the ball further. If we learn to hit it further, then
we want to learn how to hit it further than that. No matter what our
skill level is, we're all on that never-ending quest for those elusive
extra few yards.
There is a popular misconception amongst beginner golfers that added
strength in the arms and upper body will equate to added distance from
their golf shots. We see Tiger Woods on TV and we see a guy who has the
physique of a professional bodybuilder and we think, "Oh, ok, so I'll
hit the weights and build my upper body up like that, then I'll be able
to hit it 340 yards like him!"
Not exactly.
Extra distance comes from faster ball speed, which comes from faster
swing speed, which comes from rapid clearing, or 'un-coiling' of the
hips, which comes from a proper pivot onto the right leg during the
backswing and a transfer of weight to the left leg to start the
downswing.
Aside from the shoulders turning, the upper body is more or less just
along for the ride. This is especially true on the downswing, when the
arms swing down and through simply as a result of the hips clearing and
body un-coiling. Ideally the arms should almost feel like dead-weight as
gravity drops them down and through the impact zone.
Therefore, more important than having a strong upper body is having a
strong lower body and 'core', and a flexible upper body. Added strength
in the legs will allow for a good foundation (for balance) and added
abdominal (or 'core') strength will translate into a powerful uncoiling
motion and transfer of weight to the golfer's lead side. This is not to
say 'completely ignore weight training on the upper body'. A good
balanced workout is always advised (you don't want to look like you have
the legs of Emmit Smith and the upper body of Pee-Wee Herman). Make sure
to incorporate stretching exercises into your routine. Increased
flexibility in the upper body will allow the golfer to make a good turn
with the shoulders and obtain that 'loosy-goosy' feeling which is so
important.
Any time that one makes a conscious effort to hit the ball harder by
swinging faster with the arms, a 'casting' motion takes place (which
means the golfer is bringing the club down too fast from the top). The
result is generally a nasty pull or a wicked slice. One is better off
starting the downswing in a lazy fashion, making sure that all the
stored energy is released in the impact zone (as the club head travels
into and through the ball).
The classic drill that confirms that the golfer's swing is reaching
maximum speed at the correct moment is the 'flip the club' drill. Simply
flip the club around, hold on to the shaft just below the clubhead, make
a normal swing, and listen to where the "whoosh" sound occurs. If you
hear the "whoosh" right after you begin the downswing, you are casting
the club, or rushing it from the top with your arms. If you hear the
"whoosh" at the impact zone, you are making the correct motion (allowing
the clubhead to fall down and through the bottom of the swing arc as a
result of the clearing of the hips and arms following).
Think about when you throw a Frisbee. If you just flick it with your arm
and hand it will fly a short distance. If you make a big coiling motion
with your shoulders and hips as you bring the Frisbee back, then uncoil
your hips and move your weight to the front side before you fling it, it
will travel a considerably further distance. The same is true of the
golf swing. I love the feeling of 'imagining you are getting ready to
throw a Frisbee with your left hand' on the downswing. This pulling
motion with the left side results in a powerful motion through the ball.
The following tips and swing thoughts should also help get you more
distance:
> Drive your knees towards the target during the downswing, this
thrusting motion helps generate club head speed.
> Delay the 'uncorking of the wrists' as long as possible. This keeps
the club head square through impact and lends to a proper and powerful
'release' as the club head whips through the ball.
> Fire the right side of the body through aggressively during the
downswing. This helps the hips clear faster and gets the body weight
moving down and through.
> Have a light grip (a 6 on a scale from 1 to 10). This will help
prevent the upper body and arm muscles getting too involved and trying
to manipulate the club on the downswing, thereby encouraging gravity to
do its magic.
> Assure that you have the right hand rolling over the left hand through
impact. This will help prevent the weak slice, which is a distance
robber.
> Implement a slight forward press to start the backswing. This helps
get the momentum moving in the right direction and allows for a proper
weight shift which translates to added power.
> Think big. Visualize a target further down the fairway than you think
you can hit it, and try and hit it there. The more you believe that you
will hit it far the more likely you are to do so. Confidence and the
power of positive thinking are undeniable forces that lead to success in
any endeavor.
> Create a big, wide arc with the club away from and around the body
(especially with the driver), separating the hands from the body a
considerable amount during the backswing. This big motion will help
create the momentum that is required for clubhead speed coming into the
ball.
> Have the feeling that your joints and limbs are 'oily' as you swing
the club back and through. This one is from Sam Snead. It's a great
swing thought and it assists in alleviating tension in the upper body.
> During your backswing and downswing, visualize the ball 'exploding'
off of the club head after impact and as the club travels down the
intended target line. Again, the power of positive thinking.
> Favor a draw. A ball that travels right to left will fly on a lower
trajectory, thereby bouncing and rolling further than a high fade.
Additionally, the draw imparts topspin on the ball, whereas the fade
creates backspin. The ball will bore through the air and again, the ball
will bounce and roll further. Unless the wind is helping you big-time,
the draw will get you more yardage.
> Have a strong grip and a slightly closed stance. These will assist in
hitting a draw.
> As you swing the club head into the ball, think of attacking the
'inside half' of the ball. Assure that your right elbow is brushing by
your body on the downswing and that the club is on a flat enough plane.
Wrists 'brush' after the club releases. More 'draw helpers'.
> Favor a shorter back swing as opposed to a long back swing. This
creates more 'torque' in the hips and shoulders and allows right side to
power through aggressively.
Hopefully these tips help you out. If you have any comments or
suggestions please contact me anytime.
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