6 key positions that will add power to your golf swing

Golf instruction is always evolving, but the best tips stand the test of time. In GOLF.com’s new series, Lifetime Tips, we’re highlighting some of the greatest advice that teachers and players have shared in the pages of GOLF Magazine. Today, we have some tips from our July 2001 issue on how to add more power to your drive.

So you want hit the ball longer? Join the club. There is no skill in the modern game that is more in demand than turning off the device.

Speed ​​training and improved fitness are two obvious routes to achieving this goal, but there’s another way to add to your machine’s stride: improved technique.

Improving your swing technique isn’t an easy change, but when done right, it will add a seemingly effortless power to your game. So what are the methods to improve your technique? You can start by trying some key positions that will unlock extra power in your movement.

Back to the July 2001 issue of GOLF magazineMaster Teaching Professional Robert Baker wrote a feature about the six angles that are key to power generation. Hit your move and you’ll soon be bombing it longer than ever. See below.

6 corners for more power

Like many of you, | sat in math class and asked myself, “How is this going to help me in real life?” Now that I’m a teacher, I’ve found a practical application, and it’s one that I think you’ll find more useful—and much simpler—than architecture or rocket science: a few more feet off the tee.

Here’s how it works. During a powerful golf swing, different parts of your body form very specific angles. These “power angles” are easy to visualize and understand, allowing you to overcome the confusion that often accompanies the golf swing. Just adjust yourself to these six angles. Once you do this, your body and club will be in the right positions to maximize your power potential.

Power hitters like Tiger Woods hit all six corners; the more corners you hit, the farther you will hit the ball. So let’s begin. And don’t worry: there will be no exam.

1. Cup of the left hand

Formed by: Back of left hand and wrist at address.

Why it works: Shows a firm grip, which helps close the face at impact – a must for strong contact and a draw, leading to more yardage.

How to create it: At address, rotate your left hand to the right (away from the target), making sure to keep your thumb on top of the shaft. The angle is most effective when combined with a powerful release. Consider rotating the back of your left hand at impact so that if you’re holding a watch, its face looks at the target, then faces the ground on the next part.

2. “7”

Formed by: Left shoulder and swing arm.

Why it works: It creates width and allows you to fully rotate your left shoulder – essential elements for establishing power during the backswing. That shoulder rotation is key: You can’t build power—or form a 7—if you only swing the club with your arms.

How to create it: Keep the relationship between the arm and the shoulder set at address – 7 – as long as you can in the back movement, turning the shoulders while keeping the hands in front of the chest.

3. Corner

Formed by: Right arm at the top of the back bend.

Why it works: It ensures that your swing arc is wide and the club is in the right position at the top of the backswing. From here, the wings can just drop straight down and through the shot. If your right arm bends beyond 90 degrees, the swing narrows and the club sits too far behind you, forcing you to recover (spread your arms) before starting down. This is a wasted move that drains energy.

How to create it: Limit the right arm bend at the top of the backbend to 90 degrees, then drop the arms in the downbend.

4. Lean right leg

Formed by: Right leg while landing.

Why it works: Weight shift is a key energy producer. You need to shift your weight away from the target on the backswing to conserve power, then towards the target on the downswing to release it. Creating this angle will ensure that your right side is firing at the target. Additionally, the angle will help move the low swing point just behind the ball for consistent consistent contact, another source of off-season power.

How to create it: First you need to shift to your right foot in the backbend. Then, rotate it on the right ankle to start the leg in the downward motion. You want the right knee to follow the club for impact.

5. Access inside

Formed by: The back of the right wrist in the swing.

Why it works: This means the club is approaching impact from within the target line. From here, the club will meet the ball solidly with a square face. If your right hand and wrist form a straight line before impact, it means your swing is moving inward, cutting the ball weakly with an open face.

How to create it: Imagine that the clubhead has come off the shaft at the top of the backswing. Think of trying to throw your head off the shaft to the right of the target with the curve down. To do this, you’ll need to launch your arms correctly inwards – creating the angle – before launching the clubhead hard to the right. The farther you want to hit, the faster you throw your head.

6. Tilting of the spine

Formed by: The upper body bends away from the target through impact.

Why it works: Staying behind the ball at the stroke means the body is providing leverage for the arm movement, which means power. The hips should be in front of the head, with the right shoulder lower than the left. This slope will also shallow the swing path so that the clubhead is hit slightly uphill, producing a higher launch angle and additional carry.

How to create it: Preprogram the angle at address starting with your head behind the ball, weight favoring your right side and right shoulder low. Then just go back and pass.