|
 Experience
a positive weight shift for straighter, longer drives
The way you shape up to the ball in the process of setting
up not only says a great deal about your intentions with the shot
but heavily influences the nature of the swing you are about to
make. So the key, every time you prepare to step up to the ball,
lies in understanding exactly what you are aiming to achieve.
With the driver, your goal is to create a wide swing arc that
delivers the clubhead on a shallow angle through the ball, so
that you ‘collect’ it off the tee-peg pretty much as
the clubhead bottoms out and begins its ascent. To deliver maximum
speed (and power), you also want to crank to the max the coiling
and recoiling of your body, which involves having your weight
shift first away from and then towards the target in harmony with
the direction of the swing itself.
Here are a couple of ideas that will help you on all counts:
First, as you settle down into position with the driver, think
about perking your whole left side up a fraction and relaxing
the right side. This helps to angle your upper body in preparation
to make a positive turn away from the target. Feel a little extra
pressure on the inside of the right foot to maintain a solid right
leg.
Second, try this exercise to get a sense of turning behind the
ball. Steady the club with your left hand, resting the clubhead
where the ball would be – i.e. just inside the left instep.
From here, focus on turning your back on the target as you coil
your upper body behind the shaft. Hold that ‘loaded’
position for a second or two, and then unwind to impact. Your
head and upper body should remain steady behind the ball as you
accelerate down and through this position. Work on these ideas
and you will hit longer and straighter drives.
|
|
For a full backswing, focus on turning your
left shoulder behind the ball until your back faces the target.
When your weight shifts in harmony with this coiling motion, you
can look forward to collecting the ball off the tee with a powerful
sweeping motion
|
