5 directional keys to hit longer and straighter shots

Your driver may be the easiest club in the bag to hit, but it’s also the hardest to control. If you want to hit more fairways and lower your scores, you need to increase your stamina from the top. And the basics are a great place to start.

According to Erika Larkin, a top 100 GOLF teacherthere are certain things every great ball handler does: get the ball up, set his stance, use his legs for power and stay balanced. Let’s break them down so you can develop your freeway search.

Raise your half ball over the driver’s face

It may seem trivial, but the height of your ride is crucial to driving. As Larkin explains in the video above, the correct tip height allows you to catch the ball on the rise, which allows you to deliver more speed on the shot.

So what exactly is this? FAIR the height of the tee? About half a ball over the face, according to Larkin.

“Half the ball should land on the driver,” says Larkin. “It gives me a chance to get the club up and the ball to find the sweet spot.”

Play the ball inside your lead heel

With the right ball position, you can time your swing so that you hit the shot when you reach your maximum speed. Which means more speed and distance off the tee.

To find the correct ball position, start with your feet together, pointing towards the ball. Make sure the ball is in the middle of your stance. Then, take a wide side step with your trailing leg. This should position you so that the ball is now at the front of your stance, in line with the inside of your lead heel, which Larkin says is ideal.

Check the position of the shoulders and add the tilt of the spine

Before starting the swing, be sure to check the position of the shoulders. A common mistake amateurs make before teeing off is leaving their shoulders open at address, which causes you to hit the ball.

Once you’ve squared your shoulders, it’s time to add a little spine tilt. Larkin explains that adding spine tilt is key to hitting the driver well because it helps you hit the ball, which maximizes distance.

To add spine tilt, grip the driver with the lead hand to launch. Then, as you place your trail hand on the stick, let your trail shoulder angle slightly lower than the lead shoulder.

Use your legs to swing

Now that you’re in the right setup, it’s time to swing, and according to Larkin, the secret to a good swing is using your legs—and it’s easier than you think.

Start by pushing your lead foot into the ground as you step back. It should feel light and controlled. Then, push your trailing foot into the ground as you pass.

“Turn that club to swing back and through using your legs to help turn your body and let those arms swing naturally up,” says Larkin.

As you practice this push and turn motionlet the size of your swing gradually increase until you are making a full swing.

Stay in balance

As you put all these steps together, you may be tempted to drive harder with the driver in hand.

“Don’t fall into that trap,” Larkin says. “It’s very important to keep a smooth movement with balance.”

Remember, Larkin says, your goal isn’t just to hit the ball far, it’s also to find the fairway.

For more helpful ‘how to’ tips from Larkin, check out her series ‘How to hit every shot’.

Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Max 10.5° driver with Tensei 1K Pro Blue 50 R

$689

Used Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Max driver with UST Mamiya TSPX Quantum Speed ​​4F3 shaft. The driver is in excellent condition, like new and has little use. CONDITION Like New (9/10) Number of Rounds Played: 1-5 Very Little to No Wear SPECS Dexterity RH Loft 10.5° Shaft Tensei 1K Pro Blue 50 R Grip Master Sewn Singer Black Red STD Length 45 .5″

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