How to Increase Golf Club Swing Speed

How to Increase Golf Club Swing Speed
Photo Credit Golf Legs image by Vanessa van Rensburg from Fotolia.com

Golf club head speed helps determine how far you will hit a golf ball. The more powerful you hit the ball with accuracy, the farther your distance will be, and the better chance you'll have at scoring well. Adding even 10 or 20 yards to your golf drive through faster golf club head speed will improve your chances of scoring birdies and pars when out on the golf course.

Step 1

Draw your golf club back as far as possible when you perform your backswing. Drawing your club right behind your back will allow you a greater distance with which to generate momentum when you bring the golf club head down to make contact with the golf ball. Researchers from the University of Alaska Fairbanks studied the golf swing of Tiger Woods and noted how far his backswing went. Woods utilizes his flexibility to draw the club far back, allowing maximum distance with which to generate club head speed on the downswing.

Step 2

Engage your leg and core muscles during your downswing. Swing down on the ball in a fast and powerful fashion while maintaining an accurate swing plane. Tiger Woods generates golf club head speed by turning his torso quickly and pressing his right leg forward during the down swing.

Step 3

Swing through the ball in a smooth and powerful motion. Many golfers lock their wrists upon impact, which has a negative impact on club head speed. Golf coach Robert Baker explains that you should hinge your wrists fully after impact. A common error is keeping your wrists locked after impact with the golf ball. Unhinge your wrists fully through impact so that your right wrist becomes bowed in a follow through. This motion adds whip and power to your swing, increasing golf club head speed.

Step 4

Follow through so that your golf club ends up behind your back or by your shoulder, and maintain a consistent swing plane throughout the swing. Practice on a regular basis to develop the best swing plane and action for you.

Tips and Warnings

  • Plyometric push-ups, fast-moving repetitions of biceps curls and shoulder presses, and rowing machine sprints are all good exercises to help develop club head speed.

References

Article reviewed by Brian Peters Last updated on: Jul 27, 2010

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