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DrivingSpeed, Power, and Distance Driver Expert / Intermediate ⏱ 6 min 🇫🇷 Video in French

4 Keys to a Powerful Drive: Maximum Distance

When you really want to step on the gas, Paul Lambersens offers four simple adjustments for drivers. Two are made before the swing, two during it, and all aim for the same thing: to strike the ball on the upswing with as much speed as possible.

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Paul Lambersens
Paul Lambersens · his YouTube channelFree lesson selected by Fred P.

To be continued

11 minSame problemIncreasing Your Clubhead Speed: Adjustments and ExercisesQuentin Rachinel · Intermediate8 minSame problemSeniors: Lift Your Left Heel to Drive FurtherPhilip Sparks · Intermediate / Seniors3 minFrom the same pro4 Exercises to Improve Swing Speed in GolfPaul Lambersens · Intermediate

What the lesson shows

Tip 1: A higher tee. It's usually recommended to position the ball's equator at the crown of the driver; here, we go even higher half to one centimeter. The divots aren't caused by the tee but by a clubhead that comes down too hard on the ball, as evidenced by the marks on the crown. Key 2: A wider stance. Stand with your feet together facing the ball, take a small step with your front foot, and a large step with your back foot, planting it firmly on the ground. Lean back slightly: with the tee positioned high, you’ll strike the ball on the upswing with little spin, and it will fly farther.

Key 3: A Full Rotation, until you turn your back to the target, your hips opening, your back muscles tensed. Key 4, the most important one: use the floor. You push hard with your back leg; this force is gradually transferred through the different parts of your body all the way to the clubhead. He recommends practicing these adjustments on the driving range before taking them out on the course.

The Exercise, Step by Step

  1. Set up the tee so that the equator of the ball is half to one centimeter above the crown of the driver.
  2. Stand with your feet together, facing the ball.
  3. Take a small step with your front foot and a large step with your back foot, planting it firmly on the ground.
  4. Let your spine lean back slightly.
  5. During the backswing, turn until your back is facing the target, with your hips open.
  6. To lower yourself, push hard against the ground with your back leg.

Key Takeaways

To achieve maximum distance, you should swing the club upward as you hit the ball.
Set the tee higher: half a centimeter to one centimeter above the usual mark.
The high shots come from a swing that comes down on the ball, not from the tee.
Wider stance, large step with the back foot: the spine leans slightly backward.
Full rotation: the back faces the target.
Speed comes from a strong push off the ground with the back leg.

Mistakes to Avoid

  • Keep the tee at the equator when aiming for maximum distance.
  • Going down on the ball: marks on the crown and candles.
  • A stance that's too narrow, without solid footing.
  • An incomplete rotation.

Driving Range Mode

Keep it in plain sight, on the rug.

  1. Check the height of the tee before each drive
  2. Pre-shot routine: feet together, small step forward, big step back
  3. Swing with your back to the target, followed by a push off the ground
  4. Start at the driving range before hitting the course

Your Questions

Doesn't a higher tee result in high fly balls?

Not according to Paul Lambersens: divots come from a swing that comes down too hard on the ball, as shown by the marks on the crown. When you make contact with the ball on the upswing, a high tee doesn't cause divots.

Why take a bigger step with your back foot?

To widen your stance, keep your feet firmly planted, and lean your upper body back slightly. With a high tee, this helps you make contact with the ball as you swing up, with minimal spin.

Which of the four pieces of advice is the most important?

The last step: push hard into the ground with your back leg. The force is transferred through your body to the clubhead.

Learn More

All “Driving” videos →Find the lesson that's right for youAll “Speed, Power, and Distance” videos →Find the lesson that's right for you Increasing Your Clubhead Speed: Adjustments and ExercisesGain speed without straining: adjust your loft, tee, and ball position; swing with a relaxed hip motion; and feel the acceleration after contact. Seniors: Lift Your Left Heel to Drive FurtherFor senior golfers, keeping the left heel planted on the ground shortens the takeaway and causes you to tense up; letting it lift allows for a full shoulder turn and a relaxed swing. Senior swing width: wide and similar to a driverTake a wide backswing and keep the club close to the body on the downswing to create lag; depending on the senior category, use a medium or wide-wide swing with a short club. Paul LambersensAll of his lessons

Video posted on YouTube by its creator (Paul Lambersens). Best Golf Tips selects and summarizes the best free lessons, without hosting them.

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