Hitting It Farther
Also known as: increase swing speed, increase my swing speed, add swing speed, hit the ball farther, hit my driver farther, hit it further, more clubhead speed
Most golfers gain distance fastest by hitting the center of the face and getting the right launch and spin for their speed, before chasing more speed. To add swing speed, many coaches combine speed training, strength and mobility work with a fuller turn and better sequencing. Build any speed work up gradually.
Distance comes from ball speed, launch angle and spin. Ball speed depends on club speed and how centered the strike is. An off-center hit can cost more distance than a small gain in swing speed adds. With the driver, many golfers also gain distance by hitting slightly up on the ball. A higher tee, the ball forward in the stance and a little more tilt away from the target help launch it higher with less spin. TrackMan has shown how better launch and spin can add distance without a faster swing.
To swing faster, start with technique. A full shoulder turn, a relaxed grip and natural wrist hinge give the club more room to build speed. Starting the downswing from the ground up, lower body first, lets the speed arrive at the ball instead of too early. Many golfers then add speed training. They swing lighter and heavier clubs or sticks as fast as they can for a few short sets, a few times a week. Strength, power and mobility work for the hips, upper back and core supports that speed over time.
Equipment can help as well. A fitting can find a shaft weight, flex and loft that suit your speed. Speed work adds load to the body. Warm up first, build volume slowly and stop if something hurts. See a qualified medical professional for pain that persists. Do not trade solid contact for speed, because a faster swing that misses the center can go shorter.
Tips by skill level
Check your strike before anything else. Spray foot powder on the driver face, hit five balls and see where the marks land.
Measure club speed and ball speed together. If ball speed rises less than you expect as club speed goes up, strike quality is the limit, not speed.
Example
A golfer who wants 20 more yards learns on a launch monitor that most of his drives hit the toe with a downward strike. After moving the ball forward and teeing it higher, his strike and launch improve. He gains distance before any speed training starts.
Why it matters
More distance means shorter approach clubs, and shorter clubs are easier to hit close. Knowing whether you need speed or better strike tells you where to spend practice time.
Common mistakes
- Swinging harder with the arms and hitting the ball off the toe or heel
- Hitting down on the driver, which raises spin and lowers launch
- Gripping the club tightly in an effort to add power
- Starting an intense speed program without warming up or building up slowly
Frequently asked questions
How do I increase my swing speed?
Make a full, relaxed turn, keep grip pressure light and start the downswing from the ground up. Many golfers add speed training with lighter and heavier clubs a few times a week, plus strength and mobility work. Build up slowly and stop if anything hurts.
How can I hit my driver farther?
Hit the center of the face first. Then tee the ball higher, play it forward and swing slightly up on it for higher launch and less spin. A fitting can help match the shaft and loft to your speed.
Can I hit it farther without swinging faster?
Often, yes. Centered contact and better launch and spin can add real distance at the same club speed. A launch monitor shows where your yards are being lost.
Sources
Related terms
- Club SpeedClub speed is how fast the clubhead is moving just before impact, in mph. It sets the ceiling for ball speed and distance — but only if contact is clean.
- Ball SpeedBall speed is how fast the ball leaves the clubface, measured in miles per hour. It is the single biggest driver of carry distance.
- Smash FactorSmash factor is ball speed divided by club speed — a measure of strike efficiency. A driver smash factor near 1.50 means the ball left the face at 1.5× the clubhead speed, the practical maximum.
- Launch AngleLaunch angle is the vertical angle, in degrees above horizontal, at which the ball leaves the face. Together with spin it determines how high and far the ball flies.
- Attack AngleAttack angle is the vertical direction the clubhead is moving at impact. Negative means hitting down on the ball; positive means hitting up.
- Kinematic SequenceThe kinematic sequence is the order in which body segments accelerate and decelerate during the downswing: pelvis → torso → lead arm → clubhead. Each segment slingshots the next for maximum speed.
Related guides & benchmarks
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