Several variables affect the distance you can hit a golf ball. The swing path and acceleration of your club affect the trajectory, flight path and distance your ball travels. Understanding what makes a golf ball go far, as well as the factors that contribute to shots that travel too far left, right and upward, will help you correct your errors and get the extra distance you want.
Step 1
Stand in the correct position to the ball. If you stand too close to or too far away from the ball, you'll hit the ball to the left or right, decreasing your distance.
Step 2
Place the ball forward in your stance. Placing the ball nearer to your front foot allows you to transfer your weight into your shot, helping you to create more club head speed.
Step 3
Begin your backswing by turning your shoulders, which pushes your arms backward, rather than starting with your arms and pulling your shoulders back. This movement helps get your arms in the correct position for a straight swing forward.
Step 4
Bend your front leg down as you begin your backswing, which allows you to push upward during the forward swing, creating reactive power and more club head speed.
Step 5
Completely coil your body on the backswing. The more you turn your torso, the longer you'll be able to take your arms back, creating a longer forward swing and more acceleration.
Step 6
Begin your forward swing by opening your hip, pulling your shoulders and arms forward. This movement creates a weight shift from your back leg to your front leg, which lets your larger muscles create more club acceleration. Leading with the hip generates more club head speed than pushing backward, according to Dr. Ben Kibler of the Lexington Clinic Sports Medicine Center.
Step 7
Follow through by turning your hands forward just prior to contact, and turning them over just after contact. Turning the forearms and hands over allows you to maintain the club acceleration you have created, resulting in a higher club head speed at impact, sending the ball farther.
Tips and Warnings
- Use a lighter club with a more flexible shaft to allow you to swing faster and create more rebound at impact. Use lower compression balls if you have a slower swing speed. Lower compression balls are less dense and travel farther than higher compression balls.
Member Comments