Dave Ramsay For Your Swing January 2012
Grip and Rip?
It’s a safe bet that at (or near) the top of most players’ wish list for improvement is an increase in their shot distance. There is always much interest in what a golfer can do to increase clubhead speed. However, when seeking to increase distance we often overlook a critical aspect to hitting a ball farther: striking the ball on the sweet spot. When you make solid contact with the clubface’s center of gravity, the ball will travel significantly longer than when struck even ¾ of an inch away from the ideal spot. It’s not just the distance that is affected, either. Shot direction, trajectory and spin rate are all adversely affected when hitting away from the center of the face.
There’s no question that improving mechanics and speed of swing can improve your clubhead velocity to help you hit the ball longer distances. However, keep in mind that you want to find the best balance between clubhead speed and controlling your coordination in order to impart consistently flush contact off the sweet spot. Proper swing mechanics are so much more than just swinging harder with the “grip it and rip it” mentality. Simply swinging faster usually means swinging out of control, and swinging out of control will negate any inconsistent gains in distance with much greater inaccuracy. Work on properly timed mechanics and your balance through the swing with the goal of pure ball contact, not just clubhead velocity. Get some help to find out how to increase your clubhead speed while also improving your contact and consistency.
It’s a safe bet that at (or near) the top of most players’ wish list for improvement is an increase in their shot distance. There is always much interest in what a golfer can do to increase clubhead speed. However, when seeking to increase distance we often overlook a critical aspect to hitting a ball farther: striking the ball on the sweet spot. When you make solid contact with the clubface’s center of gravity, the ball will travel significantly longer than when struck even ¾ of an inch away from the ideal spot. It’s not just the distance that is affected, either. Shot direction, trajectory and spin rate are all adversely affected when hitting away from the center of the face.
There’s no question that improving mechanics and speed of swing can improve your clubhead velocity to help you hit the ball longer distances. However, keep in mind that you want to find the best balance between clubhead speed and controlling your coordination in order to impart consistently flush contact off the sweet spot. Proper swing mechanics are so much more than just swinging harder with the “grip it and rip it” mentality. Simply swinging faster usually means swinging out of control, and swinging out of control will negate any inconsistent gains in distance with much greater inaccuracy. Work on properly timed mechanics and your balance through the swing with the goal of pure ball contact, not just clubhead velocity. Get some help to find out how to increase your clubhead speed while also improving your contact and consistency.
