Generating power efficiently in your golf swing—especially with the driver—is all about using your body’s mechanics properly, not just swinging harder. Here's how to do it without losing control or balance:
1. Use Ground Force (Legs & Hips)
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Start From the Ground Up: Power begins in your feet and legs, not your arms.
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Shift Weight to Trail Side: Load onto your back foot during the backswing (around 60%–70% of your weight).
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Explode Through the Hips: Begin the downswing by shifting weight to your lead foot and rotating your hips before your arms move.
Tip: Think of pushing off the ground like a vertical jump—this is where power originates.
2. Create Coil and Separation
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Full Shoulder Turn, Stable Lower Body: Rotate your shoulders as far as comfortably possible while keeping your hips more restricted—this creates torque.
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X-Factor: The bigger the difference between shoulder and hip turn (at the top), the more stored energy.
Tip: Don’t force flexibility. Work on dynamic stretching and rotational mobility to naturally improve your turn.
3. Sequence Your Downswing
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Proper Order: Hips → Torso → Arms → Club. Most amateurs do it backwards (arms first).
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Lag the Club: Maintain wrist hinge as long as possible in the downswing, then release it through impact.
Tip: A good drill is the “pump drill”—pause halfway down, then swing from that lagged position to train release timing.
4. Maximize Clubhead Speed at the Right Time
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Don’t Rush the Transition: A smooth tempo helps you sequence better and hit the ball square.
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Swing Through the Ball, Not At It: Focus on accelerating past the point of contact.
Tip: Imagine trying to throw the club down the fairway—not at the ball.
5. Stay Balanced and Athletic
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Finish in Balance: If you can’t hold your finish, you’re over-swinging or losing control.
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Widen Your Arc: Extend your arms fully during takeaway and follow-through for maximum width (more arc = more speed).