As a follow-up to my blog maximising power in you swing, here are some simple do's and don'ts for developing a more powerful - and better - golf swing. I see many golfers actively trying to do things in their swings that are detrimental to their chances of playing good golf, so hopefully many of you will find this blog helpful.
Do…
1. Relax! The tendency is to tighten up when going for a big drive, but tension will lock up your muscles and kill you speed. So, nice neutral grip pressure, relaxed shoulders and arms and feel springy on your feet.
2. Set up for success. With your driver, position the ball opposite the inside of your left heel. This will set your sternum to the right of the ball, with your right shoulder naturally sitting below your left shoulder. From this set-up position it's easier to deliver a slightly upward strike to the ball. That will help you to achieve a good launch angle – helping to maximising distance off the tee.
3. Make a full backswing. Get your lead shoulder behind the ball going back, feeling a good wind up and stretch in your lower back and tension in the inside of the right leg. Allow your hips to turn freely, with your right hip pocket getting behind you going back.
4. Move from the ground up in the forward swing. The kinetic sequence used in a good golf swing is like that used in throwing a ball – and it is the secret to effortless power.
5. Freely release the club head through and past the ball. Have a sense of letting it go!
Don’t…
1. Keep your head still: In a powerful athletic swing, the head will move a little side-to-side and up and down.
2. Restrict your lower body: Trying to wind the upper body against a resisting lower body is more likely to lead to a sore back than longer drives.
3. Sway: Don’t try to shift your weight (mass) from side-to side. Instead, feel pressure move into the rear foot going back and then into the front foot on the forward swing.
4. Keep a straight lead arm: Too much tension in the lead arm will lock up the shoulder socket, restricting the arms ability to move independently of the shoulders. This kills speed and often leads to an over-the-top lunge with the upper body.
5. Careful with connection: Your arms swing up-and down as your body turns back and through - they’re not making the same journey or moving at the same speed – so avoid trying to pin your arms (tucking elbows etc.) into your body.
I hope these pointers will help you to develop a more powerful, and body-friendly, swing . Ultimately, a good golf swing is a powerful swing and the best way to add distance to your game, without hurting your accuracy and control, or yourself, is always through hitting the ball the better not harder.
If you'd like help with your game please contact me to arrange lessons.
Good Golfing!
