Turning your right shoulder away from the ball while shifting your weight will put you into a powerful position at the top of the backswing. (Courtesy of The PGA of America)

Five tips for increasing your power off the tee

By Les Miller,
Contributor

Driving the ball longer is the ultimate goal for most golfers, and there's no doubt we all can improve our distance off the tee by making a few simple adjustments.

The following golf tips will absolutely improve your driving distance potential ...

1. Turn on the power:

During the backswing turn your right shoulder away from the ball while shifting your weight and the club head back (right handed golfers). This puts you into a powerful position at the top of the backswing.

2. Generate power to the ball:

Much of the power in your golf swing comes from a solid base. As you swing the club down from the top of your back swing feel as though your front leg is as solid as it can be. At impact your front hip should be turning out of the way so you can straighten the front leg upon impact. Allow the force of your swing to let the hands release the club head into the follow-through position.

3. Loosen up:

Before your round, hit as many driver shots as possible (15 to 20), making a full backswing and full follow-through. These full swings will get your body loose faster than any other exercise. Also, end on a good shot, as it will be the last thing you remember before you hit that opening tee shot.

4. Chin at the ball during impact:

Keep your chin over the ball while swinging though the impact zone. Allow the force of your swing to pull your head up after you hit the ball, as this will keep you "behind the ball" upon impact. All good players do this to generate power.

5. Maintain your spine angle:

Power comes from releasing your coil at impact. When you hunch over the ball you lose your coil and decrease swing speed. The proper address position is to stick out your butt, straighten your back and bend from the hips. (Feel like you are about to sit in a chair.) Try to maintain this position through the entire swing. Begin by taking easy half swings to get the feel. As it becomes more comfortable lengthen your swing and increase the speed.

Experiment with these tips and find the one or two that help the most. Practice those and see your distance increase.

September 29, 2009

Les Miller was a longtime Golf Writers of America member who covered golf instruction for several newspapers and golf publications. His many years of experience as a golf professional, director of product development and tour relations for several major golf companies gave him a unique background and ability to help golfers increase their enjoyment of the game.