How do you hit a driver

Hi guys,

Just thought I would give you an update. Went to the local club maker that has a launch monitor. The big problem was my shaft, I was swinging at 95 mph but the flex of the standard Nike driver was more like a seniors flex. So I was over powering the shaft which was accentuating my swing faults.

I am getting the shaft changed for a more regular(stiffer) shaft and booked in for a lesson(on Tuesday) on the launch monitor to see if we can iron out the swing faults.

Christopher

Hi Guys,

Just thought I would post an update on the driver. The change in shaft has been brilliant. Couldn't be happier. Wish I could say the same about the lesson, the pro wanted to change everything. Ended up that I couldn't hit anything on the course later that day with all my clubs.

Been hitting at the driving range today and there is still a push on my shots but not really any more then what I get with my 3 wood. Distance is about the same as my 3 wood, but I thing as I get used to it I should get a little more distance.

Christopher

If the ball drops very rapidly you're either imparting top spin (rather then backspin) on the ball and the reason could be that when you hit the ball your driver head is ascending too steeply or; you're teeing up the ball too high thus catching it underneath. Have you tried so that only 1/3 shows above the driver. With 1/2 of the ball showing above the driver it's all too easy to hit under the ball. Also try to have your hands in line with the ball and your head at the moment of impact. This is only for the driver. With all the other clubs the hand ahead of the ball is good. I hope it helps.

try and get a faint draw to your balls trajectory off the driver. this will give you a little extra roll and should help with more distance.

i've been experimenting with ball placement on my woods lately and i'm starting to push some nice figures. my drives are reaching 280m and my 3wood is reaching 230m (but i do want a new 3wood ).

remember to "stay down" as long as you can until after your arms have passed your body, and let them bring your head up.

Ok time for an update.

Had a video lesson with a different pro 2 days ago and it went really well. As it turns out I was holding the club head closed on the takeaway and right into the top of the backswing. When coming back down I must have unconsciously recognized the closed face which I tried to open up on the down swing, resulting in varying degrees of bad shots. Using the video was really helpful as the pro could show me exactly where I was going wrong.

Now I just need to groove all the changes. I have been down the range today and ran through all my clubs. I can definately say I am hitting straighter with all of them, and more importantly, most of the mishits would have been useable on the course as well.

So I think my driver woes are over for now.

Thanks for all the feedback guys.

Christopher

Let's not get crazy - there's only one type of shot that imparts topspin on the ball - and that's the cold-top. Topspin is imparted when the clubhead CoG is significantly above the ball CoG through impact. Otherwise, you get varying degrees of backspin.

Something in general that helps me with driving and may help you - is pay special attention to make sure you are not overswinging. I think it's mental since we all obviously want to destroy the ball when standing over it. Lots of times people's backswing is incredibly long and complex, and they almost always lose power and accuracy as a result. I know that's not directly related to your hitting the ball much to high, but just keep it in mind.

I try to start all my range sessions with what feels like half swings with my driver. Just try and hit the 200 yard marker. You'll be amazed how smoothly everything flows when you don't overdo the backswing so much, and then begin to get the feeling of all your power and swing speed coming from your hips as you rotate thru on the downswing

Hi Reefboy.

From what you say (high like pitching wedge), seems to me that you are probably playing the ball in middle of your stance. For me when hitting driver I try to apply the following: Tee up with 3/4 ball above club head, Tilt right side to encourage an upswing strike, stance width approximately the same as shoulders and square feet. I have a habit of opening my shoulders at adress which encourages nasty hooks. When this happens, as soon as i square my shoulders for next drive it usually corrects my ball direction.

Life is too short to be serious, laugh it up.


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Hi guys, I hit my driver well when I feel kind of like my body and arms are behind the ball at impact, It feels like everything is concetrated like a pullshot in cricket, or so I would imagine a baseballer in a powerfull swing. Don't Know if thats how it should be but it works for me. It seems to start with the small shunt of the hips towards the target then the uncoiling of the body and shoulders through to impact. Hope this is usefull,
Regards, Peter.

From my own experience, and questionings, I have a tall backswing, coming down on the ball, putting backspin on it, it goes high and about 220, when the drive lands, i get a foot to a yard of roll usually, using a 9 degree. Have even plugged a drive before. so, I think your swing affects the spin on the ball..remember Calcavechia saying he could spin anything?

Hey! I know this is a seriously old thread but thanks for posting that vid. It's exactly the kind of stuff I came here looking for!

Hey Reefboy, I have the same driver with R-Flex shaft and love it, though did take some getting used to. I have found the secret to hitting my driver is not to hit it or try and smash it. I have found that with the driver that when I swing smooth with nice rhythm the thing goes like a bullet, when I try and smash it this is usually when the thing looks like a 7 iron. Once you have your setup where it should be for you take a note from Obi-wan Kenobi and use the force Luke, relax swing smooth and let the modern technology help with the work. Look at big Ernie they don't call him the big easy for nothing you would never guess that he is swinging at 120+