How to Increase Swing Speed in Golf: Mastering Momentum

Science was not my favorite subject in school, but the reality is that a faster swing speed generates more clubhead speed, which in turn translates to greater force applied to the ball at impact.

This result of all the above: hitting the ball farther with your driver!

Some may argue that you don’t need to hit the ball a long distance and that you can still be a solid golfer if you are proficient with your iron game and short game around the greens. While this can be true, imagine how much more fun it is when you can smash the ball farther and still be great at those other things.

Often, when golfers try to swing harder, they end up creating a bunch of problems in their swing which results in a slice or hook, or just completely discombobulating their swing tempo and putting a bad swing on the ball. 

In this article, I will help you learn how to increase swing speed through some tips and exercises that will put in a good position it will feel like your swing speed is faster without overly swinging "harder". I've seen it too many times where somebody putting extra tension to swing harder ends up with shanks.

Key Takeaways

• Enhancing your body physically through key muscle building combined with flexibility exercises can optimize range of motion and increase swing speed.

• Staring your swing with purpose and increasing momentum, while creating energy through lag, will release the club at faster speeds.

• Swinging harder does not guarantee a faster swing speed if your swing is not controlled and in a smooth motion.

What exercises can help boost my golf swing speed?

Golf-Specific Exercises

Building strength in key muscle groups makes a significant difference. Some of the most effective exercises include:

• Squats: This exercise targets your leg and lower back muscles, providing a stable base for your swing.

• Deadlifts: Working on your lower back and hamstrings, deadlifts contribute to generating power during your swing.

• Rows: Strengthening your upper back muscles aids in maintaining proper posture throughout the swing.

• Overhead Presses: Shoulder muscles play a vital role in the control and power of your swing.

In addition to these exercises, incorporating medicine ball throws and planks can help improve core strength. I like to get into my swing posture with medicine balls of increasing weight (only what you are comfortable with, and do not try to be a hero) in hand and play out my swing motion while throwing the ball against the wall and catching it. 

Ideally, these exercises will build strength and range of motion that allows you to create the maximum momentum back then forward in your swing to generate that swing speed and enable you to hit the ball much farther. 

I always wondered why smaller guys on tour hit the ball 50 yards longer than me, and understanding all these concepts showed me why. You don’t have to be the size of Brooks Koepka to generate a fast swing speed for incredible distance. 

Flexibility and Range of Motion

A more flexible body allows for a wider, smoother swing, leading to greater speed and distance. 

• Dynamic Stretching: This is even more important as you get older, but you should do appropriate stretches (hips, back, shoulders) before you start playing. Not only can you prevent getting hurt, but your swing will be better off, and the probability that you enjoy your round increases.  

• Yoga: Helps with overall flexibility and balance, benefiting many aspects of your golf game. There is also "golf yoga" out there, focusing on these body attributes for the game.

• Elastic Band Exercises: Enhance flexibility and target specific muscle groups necessary for a powerful swing.

Balance and Stability

Maintaining the correct stance throughout the swing provides a solid foundation for optimal body rotation and weight transfer. 

1. Feet positioning: Your feet should be shoulder-width apart to establish a stable base. Wider stances offer more balance but can limit rotation.

2. Posture: Maintain a slight knee bend and a straight back. This will help you stay in control of your swing.

3. Weight distribution: Weight must be evenly distributed between your feet and gradually shift towards your front foot during the downswing.

Balance in your golf swing

Optimizing Body Movement

Hip Rotation and Golf Swing

The power generated from your hips is an important factor in the overall speed of your swing. Start by assuming a stable golf stance with your feet shoulder-width apart. Initiate your backswing by allowing your hips to rotate away from where you are aiming.

As you reach the top of your backswing, ensure your weight shifts to the inside of your back foot. During the downswing, concentrate on rotating your hips smoothly and powerfully, leading your lower body to create a whip-like effect.

This will efficiently engage your pelvic rotation and result in increased swing speed.

Some helpful exercises to enhance your hip mobility include:

1. Seated hip rotations

2. Hip bridges

3. Standing hip circles

Shoulder Turn and Swing Speed

A more extensive shoulder turn allows you to create a longer swing arc, generating higher clubhead speed at impact. As you begin your backswing, turn your lead shoulder behind the ball while maintaining a proper spine angle.

To make sure you're maximizing your shoulder rotation, use the following checkpoints in your swing:

• At the top of your backswing, confirm that your lead shoulder is pointed at the ball or slightly further

• Ensure that your trail elbow is pointing downward, creating a 90-degree angle with your torso

• During the downswing, let your shoulders unwind naturally, turning fully toward the target

Incorporating shoulder mobility and strengthening exercises in your routine, such as shoulder dislocators and external rotations, can further support the development of this essential skill.

Practice Techniques

Effective Practice Routine

When I am on the range, I like to stretch and get all warmed up, and then when I move to hitting balls with my clubs, I like to start with wedges and move down all the way to hit the big stick. 

I can’t tell you the number of (what look to be inexperienced) golfers who show up beside me on the range, go right for the driver, and hit some balls.

For me, starting from the wedges, moving them from short irons to long irons, hybrids/woods, and then finally hitting the driver last is an excellent routine to ease into hitting further as I go, with my muscles getting warmed up synchronously. 

Speed Drills and Practice Swings

Here are some effective drills to try while practicing:

1. Arm Speed Drill: To practice generating speed in your arms, stand with shoulder-width apart feet while extending your arms out to your sides, forming a "T." Rotate your upper body back and forth, allowing your arms to follow and creating a whipping motion.

2. Step and Swing Drill: This drill focuses on increasing the speed of your lower body. Start with your feet together and club in hand. As you step toward the ball with your lead foot, simultaneously begin your backswing. Start your downswing as your foot comes down, allowing your lower body to lead and generate more speed in your swing.

3. Over-Speed Training: Practice swinging as fast as possible while maintaining control using a lighter club or speed stick. This helps train your muscles to move faster than usual, eventually leading to increased swing speed with your regular club.

How to Increase Club Head Speed

Understanding and Using Lag

Lag refers to the angle created between your wrists and the club shaft during your downswing.

The greater the lag, the more potential energy is stored, resulting in a faster and more powerful swing. This power is built up and released right before that snap crack on contact.

Practice tip: Hold a club upside down, with the grip touching the ground. Swing and focus on creating a loud "whoosh" sound at the bottom of the swing. This sound indicates you have maintained and released lag effectively.

Tension and its Effects

Too much tension restricts movement, limits flexibility, and decreases overall swing speed. 

Here are some tips to manage tension and increase your speed:

• Grip pressure: Don't ever grip the club too tight. Keep a firm yet relaxed grip to allow smooth wrist hinge and release of lag.

• Relaxed muscles: Relax your muscles throughout your swing. Tight muscles can slow down your swing and mess up the fluid motion and momentum needed to create clubhead speed.

• Smooth tempo: A smooth and consistent tempo during your swing is critical. Rushing the downswing can create unnecessary tension and decrease swing speed.

• Breathing: Remember to breathe deeply and maintain regular breaths throughout your swing. This can help keep tension at bay.

Common Misconceptions

Several misconceptions can impact your swing speed and overall performance. 

• Misconception 1: Swinging harder equals faster swing speeds. Contrary to popular belief, forcefully swinging the club doesn't always result in optimal speed. Instead, work on a smooth, controlled swing, prioritizing tempo and proper mechanics. This can lead to increased ball speed and accuracy.

• Misconception 2: A longer backswing increases distance. While a longer backswing may generate more speed, it can also lead to less control and off-center hits. Focus on a compact and efficient swing that emphasizes consistency.

• Misconception 3: Keeping your head down is essential. While maintaining a stable head position is necessary, the belief that you must keep your head down throughout the entire swing can limit your ability to rotate and follow through. Allow your head to rotate naturally, letting your gaze follow the ball after contact.

I think one of the most overlooked aspects of creating swing speed is the vertical/downward force that creates so much swing speed and allows for much improved distance on shots.

I found my focus was always trying to be more controlled or at least get the shot in the fairway (or just not out of bounds), so I would unknowingly not allow myself to create much power and focus more on a smooth rotation through the swing to make contact.

While this rotational aspect is important, if you have your hands high during your backswing with the ability to come down inside-out on your swing, your rotational shoulder turn and lateral weight shifting happen naturally as you power that club downwards through vertical force along the swing plane.  

Danny Maude has a fantastic lesson here on increasing your swing speed to gain distance, emphasizing the downward force. 

Again, it's all about creating momentum into the downswing. 

FAQ

At what age does swing speed typically peak and how does it change?

A golfer's swing speed generally peaks around their early to mid-30s.

That is obviously not a one-size-fits-all approach because it also depends on your skill level, physical fitness, and experience in relation to individual swing speed progression. 

What are the keys to increasing swing speed for a beginner golfer?

The same physical attributes and focus should apply to beginner golfers and high handicappers. 

However, more emphasis should be put on understanding the golf swing techniques to ensure you have the best possible swing mechanics to maximize your swing speed.

Once the foundation is established, practice the following tips to boost your swing speed:

1. Utilize the ground for power by improving weight transfer during your swing.

2. Develop proper wrist hinge in your backswing.

3. Pay attention to proper golf shaft selection, ensuring the right flex and length for your swing.

4. Work on body conditioning and flexibility to support a full range of motion throughout your swing.

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