Monday, November 29, 2010

How to get more distance and power from your golf swing in 5 easy steps.

By Graham Barry


Step1. Widen your swing arc. A great example is to watch Tiger Woods and Davis Love, they are good models of long hitters with wide take-aways and big arcs. To do this: Extend your arms as much as possible on the backswing. Keeping your arc wide creates good clubhead speed without swinging any harder.

Step 2. Reduce your grip pressure. Did you know that you actually do not have to swing harder to hit the ball a long way? Swinging hard will only cause muscular tension, which is not good. On top of that, it reduces the clubhead speed, thus, it is a counterproductive to your goal. The key to that added power is proper grip pressure. The proper grip pressure should be 7, on a grip scale of 1 to 10. Maintaining this pressure on the entire swing will help create good clubhead speed while maintaining control. If a clubhead speed analyzer is available, use it to see your speed. You will notice a significant difference in your clubhead speed when you apply a tight and relaxed grip pressure. Observe how your clubhead speed increases when you decrease your body tension and grip pressure. Another great indication is in your glove. Are you wearing holes in your glove. If so...Too tight.

Step 3. Make a big shoulder turn. A big hip turn will minimize your abillity to create power and clubhead speed, as there is less torque created. Keep your foundation (lower body) steady while the shoulder gets behind the ball not necessarily your hips.

Make sure to tuck your elbow. Your right elbow should tuck against your side during the downswing (left elbows for left-handed). Maintaining this position will prevent the common error of swinging across the ball, that reduces power. When your right elbow stays in, it prolongs the hit with your hands-- this is necessary in creating power and an appropriate timed release. To do this correctly, keep your left arm (for right-handed) straight and ensure your hands are not behind the ball.

Step 5. Keep your knees firm and flexed. Your legs are the foundation of your swing. Keep a firm feeling with the right knee at the top of the backswing. (left knee for left-handed) The weight transfer at the top of your swing is crucial, and you should feel most of your weight on the inside of your back foot. To do this, imagine a basketball between your knees. The key to power is to transfer your weight from the inside of your back foot over to your front foot. This will ensure a proper turn, and a powerful swing. If you are having a problem hitting your clubs correctly, your clubs may not properly suit you. One option to consider, is having a custom-fitted set of clubs. When you purchase a standard set of clubs you are not taking into consideration, your height, the way you address the ball, how upright or bent over you address the ball, your arm length, not to mention a number of other factors. Having a customized set can be done online, or at a store, it is quick, easy and free!




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