Solid contact and swing speed are crucial in order to hit the ball further. The average golfer means trying harder to generate more swing speed. However, for most golfers the Law of Negative Returns is in play. The Law of Negative Returns states that you will play less golf if your swing speed is lower and the distance less.
Swing speed cannot be achieved by swinging harder. This type of power is not appropriate for the golf swing. To achieve a smooth, efficient and straight shot, the swing is about rhythm, timing, pace, and proper swing mechanics. The physics behind a swing is what makes it work. It’s not about brute strength. A good swing is effortless because it’s easy! This is evident when you look at Lorena Ochoa, 5’6″, 120 lbs and a driving distance of average 283 yards.
Swing mechanics are a way to effectively apply energy to the club in the correct sequence. This maximizes club head speed. The effectiveness and frequency of these events will be determined by your body and individual skill levels.
Note that I did NOT say “maximize clubhead speed so you can hit the ball at Tiger Woods’.
For the average golfer, trying to improve your swing speed by swinging harder can lead to several problems. The first is that swinging harder may worsen any swing flaws. Swinging harder generally will:
- This can cause you to swing and throw you off your balance.
- You can cause power-sapping tension all over your body, especially in your arms or hands.
- All rhythms and timings you have ever used are thrown out of the window.
- It is rare, if at all, that the golf club comes into contact with the ball.
- Slow down your swing speed
You can’t effectively use the laws of Physics to hit the golf ball harder, so it is better to work hard than let the club do all of the work. If the incorrect muscles are used, they can cause injury. If the wrong muscles are used in the wrong sequence, it can lead to a swing that is all “arms”. Instead of trying to hit the golf ball harder for more distance, you should focus on striking the golf ball squarely. A squarer contact between the ball and the golf club will result in immediate improvements to accuracy, distance and consistency. With less side spin, a squarer hit transferes more energy from your golf club to the ball.
Also, remember that less is more. High handicap golfers will be better off taking three quarters of a swing than taking one full swing. Why? This is why the average golfer doesn’t have enough flexibility to make full swings. It can cause unwelcome tension and lead to a host of problems.
Because of this, the three-quarter swing results in squarer hits and more consistency.
- Start with a strong foundation and you will find a lot more balance throughout your golf swing.
- Your golf swing won’t be strained, resulting in an easy and smooth swing
- Three quarter swings are more consistent because the club is on the same plane from the start and continues on the plane throughout the entire swing. These days, there are no more overly-simple, slice-generating golf swings. They only result in frustration and wasted golf balls.
A three-quarter swing produces a solid and square shot that sends the ball further down the fairway. You should be comfortable with your abilities and limitations. For better swing mechanics, you should focus more on hitting the ball straighter and taking a shorter swing. It will be amazing how quickly you can generate power and speed in your swing.