Golf can be a challenging sport, both physically and mentally; especially for senior golfers looking to maintain or increase their driving distance.
In a recent YouTube video, two professional coaches from Performance Golf offer their insights on a simple yet effective move that can help senior golfers hit their drivers farther – with less strain and risk for injury.
The Misconception About Spine Rotation in the Golf Swing
It’s no secret that your upper body rotation has a huge impact on your golf swing, but many people fail to understand the actual spine alignment you want for a powerful golf swing. Let’s talk about it (and be sure to watch the video above for a great visual representation)!
Understanding Proper Spine Movement
Many golfers operate under the false impression that the spine should remain static, simply rotating around a central axis during the swing.
However, for the proper golf swing that’s accurate and powerful, the spine should move dynamically. At the address, the spine is tilted forward. As you move into the backswing, the spine should bend to the left, then extend upwards, allowing for greater rotation and higher hand placement.
The Impact of Incorrect Movement
Incorrect spine movement can severely limit your swing. For instance, keeping your chest down and head forward shortens the backswing and reduces power. This restricted motion makes it challenging to generate clubhead speed, resulting in shorter drives.
Implementing the Correct Technique
To practice the correct driver golf swing technique, the YouTube video shows an easy-to-follow towel drill that emphasizes the importance of extension in the backswing. We recommend reading through the steps first, then watching the video to understand and grasp these golf swing concepts fully!
The Role of Extension
Extension is crucial for achieving a powerful drive. When you extend your spine correctly, you create more room for your hands to travel, which translates to greater speed and power. As you move into the backswing, your right side (for right-handed golfers) should extend, allowing your hands to reach higher.
The Towel Drill
One effective drill mentioned in the video involves using a towel. Hold the towel between your lead and trail hands, creating tension as you move into the backswing. This tension helps you feel the necessary extension in your right side, promoting a longer and more powerful swing.
Simplified Approach
Even without a towel, you can practice this technique by focusing on your chest and shoulder movement. During the backswing, try to keep your chest up and extend your shirt buttons toward the sky. This motion helps keep your spine in the correct position and ensures your arms can fully extend.
Practical Tips for Better Driving
Setup and Execution
- Setup: Ensure the ball is positioned forward in your stance, with a slight tilt in your spine at the address.
- Backswing: As you initiate the backswing, focus on extending your chest upward and keeping your head slightly behind the ball.
- Downswing and Follow-Through: Maintain the extension through the downswing, allowing your arms to stay extended and avoid the common “chicken wing” position.
Remember that extension during the swing is vital for increasing driving distance and proper spine movement enhances the length and power of your swing. Consistently practicing with exercises like the towel drill can help you practice and internalize the correct movements.
For those looking to deepen their understanding and receive personalized guidance, be sure to check out our extensive library of training videos that can help you master your golf swing.
Remember, with the right techniques and practice, hitting longer drives is attainable at any handicap and age!
