A bit of instruction that is often overlooked is the importance of using the ground to help golfers hit the ball farther. In every sport I’ve studied, professional athletes maximize their leverage with the ground to produce speed in their hitting, swinging or throwing motions.
A large percentage of amateur golfers don’t push into the ground, or increase pressure in their feet from the top of the swing. That results in an early extension that causes a loss of speed and shots hit either heavy or thin.
To increase pressure in the ground I like my students to imagine that there are two sponges under their feet. Then, from the top of the swing, I want them to increase the pressure in their feet to squeeze the water out of the sponge as the club moves into the downswing motion.
Start with a short club and short swings to build the feel and technique and gradually move up the bag. Enjoy your added distance.
Andrew Marr, PGA, is a TPI golf fitness instructor and director of instruction at GolfTEC San Diego at Encinitas Ranch. He can be reached at (760) 208-1400.
