Bryson DeChambeau's Power: Using the Ground
For GolfPass, Bryson DeChambeau sits down with Chris Como to break down the technique behind his increased swing speed. Beyond speed training, he explains how he uses the ground right from the start of the backswing, how he extends his arms during the transition, and how he releases the club at impact.
To be continued
What the lesson shows
Bryson DeChambeau He admits it: his desire to run long distances stems from Kyle Berkshire. Beyond the long speed workouts, his key technique is to release the ball during the backswing by rising up, then crouching down toward the ground, like a basketball player who lowers himself before jumping. The longer he stays above the ball, the less speed he generates. He uses the ground from the very beginning, with a slight forward movement to generate momentum for the backward motion, and let your knee rotate and your left heel lift off the ground to increase your hip range of motion.
At the top, the hands remain raised for a moment As the body lowers and the hips rotate to the left: this stretch loads the arms like a whip, creating a sensation of the arm pressing against the neck. The longer he delays, the more speed he generates. Near impact, he pushes upward and pulls the club toward him, up and inward, wrists fully down, and the left shoulder rising: this closes the clubface and increases clubhead speed. He warns that you might hit the ball anywhere at first: you first need to get a feel for the speed, then learn to control it, starting with practice swings.
The Exercise, Step by Step
- To start, take a small step forward, then stretch as you step back.
- Turn all the way: let your knee rotate and lift your left heel off the ground to increase your range of motion.
- At the top, keep your hands up for a moment while your hips rotate to the left.
- Lower yourself toward the ground as you go down, feeling your arms stretch.
- Near impact, push upward and pull the club toward you, with your wrists pointing down.
- Start with a few practice swings before hitting balls.
Key Takeaways
Mistakes to Avoid
- Stay over the ball during the backswing.
- Move the club position by position instead of swinging dynamically.
- Push the club down all the way without pulling it toward you.
- Keep your left shoulder low at impact: Bryson DeChambeau says he would scratch.
- Turning too early or too late on a downhill section.
Driving Range Mode
Keep it in plain sight, on the rug.
- Practice swings while standing up straight and then while squatting
- Slow transitions, hands up as the body lowers
- Speed drills before working on accuracy
Your Questions
How does Bryson DeChambeau use the ground?
Just like a jump: he extends his body during the backswing, crouches down toward the ground on the downswing, and then pushes upward near impact. He begins to use the ground for leverage at the start of the backswing.
Why does he keep his hands up during transitions?
To create a stretch between the body as it lowers and the arms as they remain raised. The longer he delays this moment, the more speed he generates at the end.
What is he doing with the Impact club?
He pulls it up and inward, with his wrists pointing down and his left shoulder rising. According to him, this closes the clubface and increases clubhead speed.
Should we expect a loss of accuracy?
At first, yes. Bryson DeChambeau warns that you might hit the ball anywhere: you first need to know your swing speed, then learn to control it, starting with practice swings.
Learn More
Video posted on YouTube by its creator (Bryson DeChambeau). Best Golf Tips selects and summarizes the best free lessons, without hosting them.