How to improve swing speed

[robersha]

A pro measured my swing speed to be 85mph a few months ago. I think that it may be faster now because of confidence as my swing is getting better. I'm hitting my clubs 10 - 20 yrds further than before. I used to hit my 5 iron only 150 yds but now I hit it 175 yds.

Can someone recommend drills etc to develop a faster swing. I think that I can hit 20 yrs further with each club if I do.


Thanks

[drbrian]

Re: How to improve swing speed

robersha, hitting the ball farther is more than just swing speed, although a big part of it. I've worked with club pros who swing 90-92 yet carry their driver 260-270. And I've worked with some who swing 105-108 and carry the same distance. So what I am saying is that you may be hitting the ball farther without increasing swing speed, your swing may just be more mechanically efficient.

With that being said, there are many exercises you can do to increase swing speed. Make sure you peform them in your address position and engage the hips, your core and shoulders. Perform complete back swings and follow-throughs. Visualize a target and get your back pointing to it on the back swing and the center of your chest on the follow-through. You can do exercises like this using a bunch of different training modalities (e.g., weight stack with cables, resistance tubing, medicine balls, etc...). Below, I describe one using a medicine ball.

Stand at address position with medicine ball hanging down freely. Visualize a target and start backswing. Make sure your back is pointing at target and hold position for 1-2 sec. Swing through starting position and complete follow-through. When you complete follow-through, make sure your chest is facing the target. At all times, keep arms in identical position as if you were swinging a club. This keeps the exercise specific to golf.

A couple of points to consider:
1. start by swinging slower than your normal swing speed - this is important while holding the medicine ball. It will train your body and your posture.
2. Always maintain your posture throughout the swing.
3. Select the size (weight) of medicine ball that allows you to do this. If it's too heavy, you will lose your balance. If it's too light, you won't get much of a training effect.

Do 15-20 swings 4 or 5 days a week. As they become easier, grab a heavier medicine ball. Before long, you'll notice a significant difference when you play.

Hope this helps.
Brian

[lgskywalker37]

Re: How to improve swing speed

drbrian is right, club head speed is one of the many variables to get distance. I can swing my driver full throtle and get 280, and I can swing it slow and smooth and get 280. If you want absolute maximum distance without changing you tempo too much you can: Hit the ball with the top of the driver face to get lower backspin, you can spend money if yo have it on a longer shaft (but that can reduces acuracy because it is harder to hit the sweet spot), the shaft stiffnes is important ( my hard swing goes just as far as my slow swing but too low because my shaft is too flexible) and you have to also hit it on the upswing to get low backspin. If I had to say my biggest factors, it would be SOFT hands, you have to be very loose and let your core swing your club around. and to get a better lag, I made my swing much more upright if you let the club fall naturally that will get you more lag and let the club whip around. and dont swing too hard from the top, you have to accelerate at impact, not before. a lot of people swing so hard from the top and it is impossible to keep up that speed and therefore decelerate through impact which is a huge power leak. I am not a pro, but it works for me. hope that helps