Driving · Tip
Stay Athletic: Don't Freeze Your Head
Part of our driving programs for not enough distance, topped or thin. Build a program with it
Keeping your head perfectly still sounds good. But it can make your swing stiff and slow. Think about how you swung a stick as a kid. You moved freely. That's what you want. Build movement and speed first. You can tidy up direction later. If you train the freedom out of your swing, it's very hard to get back. And it's usually easier to learn to hit it straighter than to learn to hit it farther.
Step by step
- Let your head move a little.
- Swing freely, like you did as a kid.
- Build speed first.
- Work on direction afterward.
- Protect your natural athletic motion.
Why it works
A head held rigid ties up the neck and upper back, and that limits how far your shoulders can turn. Letting the head move a little lets your chest rotate fully and your arms swing at their natural pace. Speed comes from that free rotation, and direction is easier to refine once the speed is there.
Common mistakes
- You lock your chin to your chest and stare at the ball without blinking.Keep your chin slightly up off your chest and let your head rotate a little as your chest turns back.
- You slow your swing down to keep everything under control.Swing at a pace that feels brisk and free first, then reduce effort only if contact falls apart.
- You let your head drift far forward, back or sideways.Allow small, quiet movement only, and keep your balance over the middle of your feet.
How you'll know it's working
- Your swing feels looser and you finish in balance, facing the target.
- Your clubhead speed feels higher and the ball sounds crisper at contact.
- Your contact stays near the center of the face, even if the start line is a bit wide at first.
Make it easier or harder
Easier: Hit half-speed swings with a tee and a driver, letting your head turn a little, until the motion feels free.
Harder: Build up to full-speed swings and keep your balance and contact consistent while your head moves naturally.
Common questions
Should you keep your head still in the golf swing?
No, it does not need to be frozen. A small amount of head movement is fine and lets your body turn and swing freely, as long as you stay balanced.
Is it better to hit it straighter or farther first?
Build speed and free movement first. It is usually easier to learn to hit a fast swing straighter than to add distance to a slow, stiff swing.
