Extra distance

We all want to hit the ball further. If we learn to hit it further, then we want to learn how to hit it further than that. No matter what our skill level is, we're all on that never-ending quest for those elusive extra few yards.

There is a popular misconception amongst beginner golfers that added strength in the arms and upper body will equate to added distance from their golf shots. We see Tiger Woods on TV and we see a guy who has the physique of a professional bodybuilder and we think, "Oh, ok, so I'll hit the weights and build my upper body up like that, then I'll be able to hit it 340 yards like him!"

Not exactly.

Extra distance comes from faster ball speed, which comes from faster swing speed, which comes from rapid clearing, or 'un-coiling' of the hips, which comes from a proper pivot onto the right leg during the backswing and a transfer of weight to the left leg to start the downswing.

Aside from the shoulders turning, the upper body is more or less just along for the ride. This is especially true on the downswing, when the arms swing down and through simply as a result of the hips clearing and body un-coiling. Ideally the arms should almost feel like dead-weight as gravity drops them down and through the impact zone.

Therefore, more important than having a strong upper body is having a strong lower body and 'core', and a flexible upper body. Added strength in the legs will allow for a good foundation (for balance) and added abdominal (or 'core') strength will translate into a powerful uncoiling motion and transfer of weight to the golfer's lead side. This is not to say 'completely ignore weight training on the upper body'. A good balanced workout is always advised (you don't want to look like you have the legs of Emmit Smith and the upper body of Pee-Wee Herman). Make sure to incorporate stretching excersizes into your routine. Increased flexibility in the upper body will allow the golfer to make a good turn with the shoulders and obtain that 'loosy-goosy' feeling which is so important.

Any time that one makes a conscious effort to hit the ball harder by swinging faster with the arms, a 'casting' motion takes place (which means the golfer is bringing the club down too fast from the top). The result is generally a nasty pull or a wicked slice. One is better off starting the downswing in a lazy fashion, making sure that all the stored energy is released in the impact zone (as the club head travels into and through the ball).

The classic drill that confirms that the golfer's swing is reaching maximum speed at the correct moment is the 'flip the club' drill. Simply flip the club around, hold on to the shaft just below the clubhead, make a normal swing, and listen to where the "whoosh" sound occurs. If you hear the "whoosh" right after you begin the downswing, you are casting the club, or rushing it from the top with your arms. If you hear the "whoosh" at the impact zone, you are making the correct motion (allowing the clubhead to fall down and through the bottom of the swing arc as a result of the clearing of the hips and arms following).

Think about when you throw a frisbee. If you just flick it with your arm and hand it will fly a short distance. If you make a big coiling motion with your shoulders and hips as you bring the fisbee back, then uncoil your hips and move your weight to the front side before you fling it, it will travel a considerably further distance. The same is true of the golf swing. I love the feeling of 'imagining you are getting ready to throw a frisbee with your left hand' on the downswing. This pulling motion with the left side results in a powerful motion through the ball.

The following tips and swing thoughts should also help get you more distance:

> Drive your knees towards the target during the downswing, this thrusting motion helps generate club head speed.

> Delay the 'uncocking of the wrists' as long as possible. This keeps the club head square through impact and lends to a proper and powerful 'release' as the club head whips through the ball.

> Fire the right side of the body through aggressively during the downswing. This helps the hips clear faster and gets the body weight moving down and through.

> Have a light grip (a 6 on a scale from 1 to 10). This will help prevent the upper body and arm muscles getting too involved and trying to manipulate the club on the downswing, thereby encouraging gravity to do its magic.

> Assure that you have the right hand rolling over the left hand through impact. This will help prevent the weak slice, which is a distance robber.

> Impliment a slight foward press to start the backswing. This helps get the momentum moving in the right direction and allows for a proper weight shift which translates to added power.

> Think big. Visualize a target further down the fairway than you think you can hit it, and try and hit it there. The more you believe that you will hit it far the more likely you are to do so. Confidence and the power of positive thinking are undeniable forces that lead to success in any endeavor.

> Create a big, wide arc with the club away from and around the body (especially with the driver), separating the hands from the body a considerable amount during the backswing. This big motion will help create the momentum that is required for clubhead speed coming into the ball.

> Have the feeling that your joints and limbs are 'oily' as you swing the club back and through. This one is from Sam Snead. It's a great swing thought and it assists in alleviating tension in the upper body.

> During your backswing and downswing, visualize the ball 'exploding' off of the club head after impact and as the club travels down the intended target line. Again, the power of positive thinking.

> Favor a draw. A ball that travels right to left will fly on a lower trajectory, thereby bouncing and rolling further than a high fade. Additionally, the draw imparts topspin on the ball, whereas the fade creates backspin. The ball will bore through the air and again, the ball will bounce and roll further. Unless the wind is helping you big-time, the draw will get you more yardage.

> Have a strong grip and a slightly closed stance. These will assist in hitting a draw.

> As you swing the club head into the ball, think of attacking the 'inside half' of the ball. Assure that your right elbow is brushing by your body on the downswing and that the club is on a flat enough plane. Wrists 'brush' after the club releases. More 'draw helpers'.

> Favor a shorter back swing as opposed to a long back swing. This creates more 'torque' in the hips and shoulders and allows right side to power through aggressively.

Hopefully these tips help you out. If you have any comments or suggestions please contact me anytime.