Golf instruction: Follow a long driver’s training program to increase clubhead speed
It’s time to stop looking for the magic swing tip to increase your clubhead speed and distance.
Ever wonder how some long drivers get up to 140 mph or more? It’s not all about the positions of the swing but more about getting comfortable swinging fast and pushing your limits.
Bobby Peterson out of One Stop Power Shop in North Carolina has coached some of the world’s fastest competitors, like Kyle Berkshire. He follows a a five-day ramping cycle with almost all his athletes to increase speed and accuracy.
Every golfer is different on how much their bodies can handle, but it is important to note that pushing yourself and building endurance is the first step. Be honest with yourself on how much energy you are exerting. Staying comfortable will never allow you to make changes and improvements.
Whether the goal is to pick up a few extra miles an hour or become the next World Long Drive Champion, try this easy to follow program for any skill level.
Day 1
It’s crucial to focus on a good warm-up at the beginning of each session. A proper warm-up will help prevent injury and ensure you are mastering fundamentals before working on any speed.
Start by hitting 24-48 balls focused on fundamentals with your driver. Take it slow.
The next 24-48 balls will be hit with club face impact stickers. Hit four to eight balls with each sticker on and take pictures of the sticker to show the patterns of where you are making contact with the ball.
Then move on to a speed session of 50-75 balls of swinging fast and pushing yourself. Note the average speed of this set.
This day should be difficult, your heart rate should be high at the end of the session and you will have to gauge what is possible for your activity and skill level moving forward.
Day 2
Day two is similar to day one with the same warm-up. Hit 24-48 balls solely focused on fundamentals.
Use your impact stickers on the next 24-48 balls and take pictures of each tape after four to eight balls. We are looking for patterns and ways to correct impact to the center of the club face each time.
This speed session should be longer than the day before, hitting 50 to 75 balls and noting the average speed of the set. This may feel like a lot of golf balls to some if you aren’t used to hitting this many drivers, but it will get easier the more you do it.
Day 3
Day three is the same warm-up again of 24-48 balls swinging slowly and working on fundamentals.
The next 24-48 balls will be using the impact stickers on the club face. Take pictures of each sticker after four to eight balls.
This will be your hardest speed session of the week with aiming to hit 75-100 balls. A lot of athletes find that they get faster throughout the week as their body gets more comfortable with the programming. Note the average speed of the set.
Day 4
Take day four off. Prioritize sleep and hydration to ensure proper recovery.
Day 5
Take day five off as well. Stretch or foam roll and do everything possible to keep the body healthy and ready to repeat the ramping cycle the following day.
For more information visit www.ospsgolf.com to learn more and shop the EMP6 training program.
