Increasing your swing-speed

[David Lake]

In order to maximize your swing-speed you want your arms to be relaxed and free of any tension throughout the entire swing motion – they should simply transfer the power generated by the rotation of your torso. The problem that most golfers have in trying to generate extra distance is that they unconsciously flex their upper arms and forearms at address which carries through their entire swing and actually reduces their swing speed as well as lessening their control. Admittedly, this flexing action feels very powerful but in reality it destroys the transfer of your true power which is generated by the rotation of your torso around your hips.

The culprit is what I refer to as the “opposing muscle” concept. In other words, the bicep and forearm muscles of your right arm are flexing in direct opposition to the bicep and forearm muscles of your left arm. In addition, the more one arm flexes the more the other arm flexes in response. This flexed muscle opposition has the effect of freezing your arms in place which does not allow for a free and fluid swing movement let alone the ability to act as a conduit of power from your torso to the golf club.

Try the following simple experiment to see exactly what I am talking about. Hold a book between your hands as if you were holding a golf club at address. You will notice that your elbows point out to the sides. Bring the book straight up in front of you and you will feel the tension in your upper arms and forearms as your hands push together in order to keep the book from falling. You will also notice the tension created in your chest as your arms are pushing towards each other. Now swing the book to each side and you will definitely notice the restricted and uncoordinated feeling that the movement generates. This is what is happening in your golf swing although you are not consciously aware of it because you have not concentrated on it before. You will also note that the tension in your arms continues to increase because as the flexing of the muscles of one arm increases the muscles of the other arm respond in kind. It is important to understand that they flex in direct opposition to each other.

The solution to this power and control robbing problem is very simple and I have to credit Ben Hogan for the answer. The key is to eliminate the direct opposition of your arms from your address position and swing. Take your normal address position holding a driver and note that your elbows tend to point out to the sides although not as prominently as they did when you were holding the book in the earlier experiment. Obviously, the more your elbows are pointing outwards the more the inside of your arms are facing each other which is the root of muscle opposition. Still holding the club, rotate both arms so that your elbows are pointing in more of a downward position. You will feel your upper arms pressing against and even constricting your chest on either side with the inside of your elbows facing upwards. You will also notice the lack of tension in your arms which is the result of the muscles of your arms not being able to flex against each other. This position drastically reduces the amount of muscle opposition and enhances the ability to make a fluid swing and power transfer.

Before we go any further let me make it clear that it is impossible to hold onto a golf club in a position where the insides of your elbows are pointing perfectly straight up and the outside of your elbows pointing perfectly straight down. However, to the extent that you can come close to this position the better.

This is something that you will have to practice at the range because a new fluid and powerful swing will definitely require you to develop a new feel and timing. Initially you will feel that this swing is not as powerful which is to be expected since you are not feeling the flexing action of the muscles in your arms. But believe me; your swing speed will immediately jump up five to ten mph and then increase beyond this as your non-opposing swing becomes more ingrained. And remember - just let your arms go along for the ride.

[KrudlerAce]

Re: Increasing your swing-speed

Good advice David.

I have actually found that for me personally to gain extra distance and swing speed is to keep the right arm quieter on the downswing (for right handers). Most beginners focus strongly on really throwing or casting the right arm at the golf ball just before impact. All this does is it produces an outside to inside golf swing resulting in big slices, cuts and pushes.

I have had a lot of success lately with keeping the right arm quiet and focusing on the left arm bringing the club through to impact. The results have been fantastic with better ball striking and much longer distance through all clubs in the bag.

Thanks

Troy

[Ringer]

Re: Increasing your swing-speed

Relaxed arms is certainly ideal but there's a lot to it.

Ultimately we use our hand eye coordination to compensate for path errors. When you turn your right shoulder out first instead of down, the momentum that creates would cause your arms to swing the club a good foot or so above the ball.

The result is that our brains take over and cause us to pull the club down and re-route it making a steep plane on the forward swing.

In order to have relaxed arms for impact it starts with a good pivot.

[keiko]

Re: Increasing your swing-speed

Good advice, David. I would like to add the following:
In order to keep your arms from dominating the swing, use the big muscles such as turning back with your chest and to a lesser degree the hips. On downswing, just let the club drop down as you turn your chest back towards the target behind your hips.
In accomplishing this move, it is important to wait for the club to hinge going back before allowing the turn forward. This waiting produces lag and power.
In my teaching, I find by taking the hands, arms out of the swing, I get students to accomplish a fluid swing with great tempo and even greater power.
Steve, as a teacher, one has to give the student a method not a philosophy

In order to maximize your swing-speed you want your arms to be relaxed and free of any tension throughout the entire swing motion – they should simply transfer the power generated by the rotation of your torso. The problem that most golfers have in trying to generate extra distance is that they unconsciously flex their upper arms and forearms at address which carries through their entire swing and actually reduces their swing speed as well as lessening their control. Admittedly, this flexing action feels very powerful but in reality it destroys the transfer of your true power which is generated by the rotation of your torso around your hips.

The culprit is what I refer to as the “opposing muscle” concept. In other words, the bicep and forearm muscles of your right arm are flexing in direct opposition to the bicep and forearm muscles of your left arm. In addition, the more one arm flexes the more the other arm flexes in response. This flexed muscle opposition has the effect of freezing your arms in place which does not allow for a free and fluid swing movement let alone the ability to act as a conduit of power from your torso to the golf club.

Try the following simple experiment to see exactly what I am talking about. Hold a book between your hands as if you were holding a golf club at address. You will notice that your elbows point out to the sides. Bring the book straight up in front of you and you will feel the tension in your upper arms and forearms as your hands push together in order to keep the book from falling. You will also notice the tension created in your chest as your arms are pushing towards each other. Now swing the book to each side and you will definitely notice the restricted and uncoordinated feeling that the movement generates. This is what is happening in your golf swing although you are not consciously aware of it because you have not concentrated on it before. You will also note that the tension in your arms continues to increase because as the flexing of the muscles of one arm increases the muscles of the other arm respond in kind. It is important to understand that they flex in direct opposition to each other.

The solution to this power and control robbing problem is very simple and I have to credit Ben Hogan for the answer. The key is to eliminate the direct opposition of your arms from your address position and swing. Take your normal address position holding a driver and note that your elbows tend to point out to the sides although not as prominently as they did when you were holding the book in the earlier experiment. Obviously, the more your elbows are pointing outwards the more the inside of your arms are facing each other which is the root of muscle opposition. Still holding the club, rotate both arms so that your elbows are pointing in more of a downward position. You will feel your upper arms pressing against and even constricting your chest on either side with the inside of your elbows facing upwards. You will also notice the lack of tension in your arms which is the result of the muscles of your arms not being able to flex against each other. This position drastically reduces the amount of muscle opposition and enhances the ability to make a fluid swing and power transfer.

Before we go any further let me make it clear that it is impossible to hold onto a golf club in a position where the insides of your elbows are pointing perfectly straight up and the outside of your elbows pointing perfectly straight down. However, to the extent that you can come close to this position the better.

This is something that you will have to practice at the range because a new fluid and powerful swing will definitely require you to develop a new feel and timing. Initially you will feel that this swing is not as powerful which is to be expected since you are not feeling the flexing action of the muscles in your arms. But believe me; your swing speed will immediately jump up five to ten mph and then increase beyond this as your non-opposing swing becomes more ingrained. And remember - just let your arms go along for the ride.

[BrianW]

Re: Increasing your swing-speed

To gain distance (especially off the tee) I have to ensure I create a wide swing arc with good extension of the arms in both the backswing and followthrough.

[tm3]

Re: Increasing your swing-speed

interesting post, david. i agree with eliminating tension.

in addition to hogan, david blair of swingbuild golf advocates the elbow position you describe.

the problem i have with this positioning is when i start back i feel as though i tense to maintain the elbow relationship. when i don't position my elbows pointing down and let my right arm be "soft" i feel less tension and make better swings. as a general rule with my golf swing i have found that any kind of focus on the shoulders, arms, hands, or clubhead leads to me going over the top. so i try to turn and let everything else just go along for the ride.

of course it may be that i just have not worked enough with the elbow position you describe and over time would adjust and actually be better with it.

here is more on elbow position:

WrightBalance.com - Golf Tips

[GolfJunkieSr]

Re: Increasing your swing-speed

Releasing tension prior to the back swing is certainly a key ingredient to achieve maximum ball distance. However getting all the muscles to work correctly though out the swing, with the proper wrists release, correct club head swing path, and correct club face impact with the ball, is what is going to create maximum ball distance. A 90 mph swing with a correct swing path, release, and club face at impact is going to send the ball farther than a 100 mph swing with an incorrect release, swing path, and club face at impact.

I release tension in my grip, and arms by first choking the daylights out of the grip at address. Then, just before I start my back swing I release that choke hold, which relaxes every thing from my fingers, up to my shoulders. GJS

[keiko]

Re: Increasing your swing-speed

Whatever way works but the main "secret" to hitting it further-and straighter-is lack of tension. One doesn't swing easier, one swings smoother. Also, I must add that staying in balance, not lunging at the ball and if possible, keeping the right foot(for right handers)from coming up too soon.
I like to feel so loose that the club(head) is whipping past the center of my feet while my hands which are ahead stop momentarily to let it pass.
Few can do these moves swinging hard or with tension.
I have recorded at least a 10 mph. faster clubhead speed swinging this way over swinging with tension.

Releasing tension prior to the back swing is certainly a key ingredient to achieve maximum ball distance. However getting all the muscles to work correctly though out the swing, with the proper wrists release, correct club head swing path, and correct club face impact with the ball, is what is going to create maximum ball distance. A 90 mph swing with a correct swing path, release, and club face at impact is going to send the ball farther than a 100 mph swing with an incorrect release, swing path, and club face at impact.

I release tension in my grip, and arms by first choking the daylights out of the grip at address. Then, just before I start my back swing I release that choke hold, which relaxes every thing from my fingers, up to my shoulders. GJS