This story is for you if...
• You want more power, but don't know how to get it
• Guys with slower swings blow the ball by you
• You make contact all over the clubface
Conventional Wisdom — You must swing the club faster to hit the ball farther.
What you do because of it — You try to swing harder!
The reality — You don't need extra swing speed to max out your distance. Try the following three drills—none of which require you to swing the club harder—and start pounding the ball past your buddies.
MAX-EXTENSION DRILL
How to do it: Tee up a ball and place a second tee six inches and 45 degrees outside the first as shown. Try to sweep the ball off of the first tee and swing over the second tee as you sling your clubhead through the hitting area.
What it does: Simulates the feel of proper extension through impact.
IMPACT-FIRST DRILL
How to do it: Set up in your regular stance, then press your hands forward, shift your weight onto your left leg and slightly turn your hips and shoulders toward the target. That's your impact position. From there, start your swing.
What it does: Encourages an earlier and stronger body rotation.
STAY-CONNECTED DRILL
How to do it: Place a Nerf ball between your forearms at address and swing. Your goal is to keep your arms connected so the ball doesn't drop.
What it does: Links your arms to your upper body so they can deliver power simultaneously. If the ball drops, you've lost your connection—and distance.
