Clubhead speed!

[karlcole]

I'm currently swinging driver around 90mph however I really want to improve this. I've noticed guys of a similar build and age swinging at 100 etc is their a specific reason for this? And does anyone know anything to help improve my clubhead speed? Weather it be fitness training or technique based.

Thanks guys

 

[macca64]

I got a slow swing speed, 6'3", fairly fit, my pro told me only way to lmprove mine is gym work, no chance so I'll stay a short hitter,

 

[ruff-driver]

http://www.golf-monthly.co.uk/videos/long-game-tips/what-is-lag-in-the-golf-swing?pid=63347

 

[Hosel Fade]

recently gone from 94-95 to 98-99 mainly through set up changes and keeping the right foot planted longer. Definitely no improvement in physical fitness over that time frame.

 

[Canary_Yellow]

A better technique?

Without wanting to sound flippant, watching the pros, it's technique that delivers speed not strength. The ladies game is the best example.

I don't believe there is a one size fits all magic answer. I have established the following though:

- power comes from a connected swing;

- the bigger the turn, the more speed, but...

- only if that's really a turn and not just additional arm movement, which actually kills power.

 

[Cheifi0]

A better technique?

Without wanting to sound flippant, watching the pros, it's technique that delivers speed not strength. The ladies game is the best example.

I don't believe there is a one size fits all magic answer. I have established the following though:

- power comes from a connected swing;

- the bigger the turn, the more speed, but...

- only if that's really a turn and not just additional arm movement, which actually kills power.

Great points. Took me a while to figure that out and am still working on stopping my arms moving at the top of the back swing.

 

[karlcole]

Thanks guys appreciate all the help on this

 

[Hosel Fade]

A better technique?

Without wanting to sound flippant, watching the pros, it's technique that delivers speed not strength. The ladies game is the best example.

Not so sure about that, it just tends to come more from flexibility than pure strength there. Even so looking at a large proportion of the women leading the driving distance chart

Thompson - does a lot of gym work and is tall
LeBlanc - 6'+ and strong
Parks - google si body issue pics
Lincicombe - strong
Clyburn - strong
Piller - strong

 

[Cheifi0]

Not so sure about that, it just tends to come more from flexibility than pure strength there. Even so looking at a large proportion of the women leading the driving distance chart

Thompson - does a lot of gym work and is tall
LeBlanc - 6'+ and strong
Parks - google si body issue pics
Lincicombe - strong
Clyburn - strong
Piller - strong

Didn't you just say that you increased club head speed by improved technique and not improved fitness.

 

[Canary_Yellow]

Not so sure about that, it just tends to come more from flexibility than pure strength there. Even so looking at a large proportion of the women leading the driving distance chart

Thompson - does a lot of gym work and is tall
LeBlanc - 6'+ and strong
Parks - google si body issue pics
Lincicombe - strong
Clyburn - strong
Piller - strong

No one is saying that being stronger wouldn't help. But I know a lot of men that are stronger than all the women you list and they can't hit the ball nearly as far.

Strength adds the final bit where you're trying to eek everything out, but technique offers far bigger gains for most than strength training.

You have a good point re flexibility, but still only really useful if combined with technique.

 

[Hosel Fade]

Didn't you just say that you increased club head speed by improved technique and not improved fitness.

Correct and if I had any semblance of strength I could get another 10mph, I'm out of shape cardio wise, 6' and skinny as hell. However I am flexible.

 

[Region3]

Unless you have issues we're not aware of, that seems a ridiculous thing at first sight for your pro to say.

I'm 5'8" and a total weakling and my chs is just over 100mph.

This is the sort of question the_coach would have a good answer for, but my thoughts for what they're worth are.....

Timing the body, arms and club coming through together
Not losing any lag you have early
Start the downswing slow and accelerate rather than go at it from the top

The only drill I know of is to swing with your driver upside down, and concentrate on making the swish noise just after where impact would be.

I also remember someone on here going from 90 to 100 with practice, I think it was DarrenWilliams. Hopefully he'll be along to share his story.

 

[garyinderry]

Go get your back cracked at the chiropractor. When my back is super tight I lose a pile of club head speed.

 

[shewy]

I recon I could eek another 10 mph by loosing 4 stone! Gotvto drag my belly through as well

 

[harpo_72]

I have been playing for nearly 30 years, I practiced regularly for a 2 year period. The swing was connected it delivered all the energy through the ball. Lots of people slow down at impact, that's why they lose power or club head speed. Just go through it.
I thought I was losing length, and I took up hot yoga. Net result was I built up my core muscles and my shoulder to hip twist angle increased. My yardage went up. But most importantly my back was loose and I never had the aches and pains after a long round.

 

[bobmac]

Below is a picture of 2 golfers...one is short and the other is Rory.
Holding the lag is vital to long hitting.

 

[Bobirdie]

Getting the hips working properly certainly helps me maintain a good clubhead speed.

 

[Crow]

It's all about the release, you've got to let the club go through the ball, and not before you get there.

 

[kid2]

Got to keep the lag for as long as possible...
Throwing it away too early looses speed as does hanging onto it too late.

As well you need complete tension free wrists and arms.
Think of a rope with a ball on the end... If you try and swing it with tight arms and wrists it won't really revolve that fast. Now leave your arms and hands with very soft tension free muscles and try the same exercise... I'll bet that you'll increase the speed at which it turn with very little effort.

What you want is to do this with the club. Try and hold it so that it feels head heavy in your hands. And then swing.... You'll probably gain another 5-10 mph.. But here's the kicker. That's no good if the rest of your body isn't in sequence...
You match that feel with proper sequence and you can probably add another 5-10 mph more again....
Sounds easy but trying to do all that in balance is what separates the pro's from us.

 

[virtuocity]

Below is a picture of 2 golfers...one is short and the other is Rory.
Holding the lag is vital to long hitting.

View attachment 19275

I struggle when I attempt this. End up hitting down on the ball which leads to mega high, huge slice.