Driving · Lesson
Get to Impact Early for Speed You Can Use
Part of our driving programs for not enough distance, topped or thin. Build a program with it
Course speed isn't long-drive speed. Most amateurs try to be perfect at impact but get there late. They spin out and the club never catches up. Instead, aim to reach your key positions early. That gives the club time to speed up and release past you. Practice small swings, from lead arm level to both arms level, with your feet close together. Think about the club passing your body, not power. Keep the shaft from getting out high in this move.
Step by step
- Make small swings from lead arm level to arms level.
- Keep your feet close together.
- Feel the club release past you early.
- Keep the shaft from getting high and out.
- Lengthen the swing slowly.
Why it works
The club gains speed when it has time to accelerate before the ball. If your body arrives at impact late, you spin out and the club stays behind you. Reaching your key positions early lets the club pass your body and release, which gives speed you can repeat and use on the course.
Common mistakes
- You swing hard to feel speed, and your body spins out ahead of the club.Cut the effort and focus on the club passing your body, not on power.
- You widen your feet, which lets you sway and hold on to a late body turn.Keep your feet close together so you have to stay balanced and let the club release.
- The shaft gets high and out away from you on the way down.Keep the shaft lower and closer to you, then let it release past your body.
How you'll know it's working
- The ball starts on your target line with a solid strike in the middle of the face.
- You feel the club pass your body early, not your body pushing the club.
- You finish balanced, with no stumble, even with your feet close together.
Make it easier or harder
Easier: Make the swings smaller and slower, and focus only on the club passing your body.
Harder: Lengthen the swing a little at a time while keeping the same early release and a high-quality strike.
Common questions
Why do I lose speed when I try to swing harder?
Swinging harder often makes your body spin out early, so the club cannot catch up and release. Reaching your positions early gives the club time to speed up.
Why practice with my feet close together?
A narrow stance makes it hard to hold on or sway, so you must stay balanced. That helps you feel the club release past your body.
