Swing Lesson: Timing Is Everything

Minor adjustments on the tee will yield major drives off it.

If you’re like most golfers, you’re looking for more distance with your driver. Sure, today’s technology allows you to adjust your club head to optimize launch angle, loft and spin. But we can also tweak those good old-fashioned concepts of set-up and swing to generate more power. Just remember: The harder or faster you swing, the more power you can lose. You can hit too high or low on the ball—or your clubhead will be out of synch with your hands. The former should not catch up with the latter until the point of impact.

Here’s how to synch it up.

1. Go for a wider stance with your driver—to the outside of your shoulder width.  Make sure your upper body is behind the ball (away from the target), which should be easier since your ball position is towards your forward heel.

2. Rotation behind the ball in your backswing is a key for power. Keeping your hips stable, let your upper body coil. If you need to, let your hips rotate a bit more.

3. Start your downswing with your lower body, allowing your arms and the club to drop without casting or throwing the club head. When you swing too hard at the beginning of your downswing, the power evaporates before the club gets to impact.

4. Before impact, the front leg should straighten. Keep your upper body behind the ball. This allows you to hit slightly on the upswing and reduce ball spin. The club head should catch up to your hands only at impact, not before.

5. Let your arms extend on your follow-through as you release the club.

6. Your finish should carry you all the way through without slowing down. If you have to force a “fake” finish, then you have lost your power before impact.

Colorado AvidGolfer is the state’s leading resource for golf and the lifestyle that surrounds it. It publishes eight issues annually and proudly delivers daily content via www.coloradoavidgolfer.com.

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