Driving

For more swing power, feel like you’re throwing an uppercut punch

Every golfer wants more swing power, but how should it feel? GOLF Top 100 Teacher Mike Dickson says this uppercut sensation is the answer

Every golfer wants more power, but how should it feel? GOLF Top 100 Teacher Mike Dickson says this uppercut sensation is the answer.

Getty Images

Welcome to Play Smart, a regular GOLF.com game-improvement column that will help you play smarter, better golf.

No matter what level of golfer you are, everyone seems to be seeking more power. But how can you achieve it without sacrificing accuracy? Players who figure that out might feel like they have the golden ticket — because it can be difficult.

One of the hardest moves in golf is the start of the downswing. Even Sam Snead said it was the most difficult move in the swing, and many average golfers struggle with it.

Unfortunately, things haven’t changed much since 1975.

Get more power off the tee by creating width in your backswing. Here’s how
By: Nick Dimengo

The right shoulder of most players rotates out toward the ball at the top of the swing, looking like they’re throwing a hook punch. This will bring the hand path more over the plane and lead to coming over the top.

I remember reading an article in which Tiger Woods said he feels “like I throw an uppercut punch” when talking about his swing. Tom Watson referred to this movement as the “secret” to golf, how the player stays in his posture throughout the backswing and downswing.

The drill below is designed to help duplicate this very move, and it’s something you can do at home to work on this magic swing power move.

This uppercut drill can lead to more swing power

In this drill, we will be using one of your irons. Place the club across your shoulders with the iron head on your trail shoulder and the toe of the club pointing up. Make an ‘X’ across your chest with your arms to hold the club in place. I like to place a ball on the ground as a point of reference when doing this drill.

Next, take your golf posture by hinging from your waist and not squatting into your knees. You should feel balance, which will help your mobility in the golf swing.

3 quick drills to help your golf swing posture and rotation
By: Nick Dimengo

Now, rotate your upper body back, making sure that the grip on your lead shoulder points downward towards the ball on the ground. Also remember to make sure your shoulders don’t turn level in the backswing.

The next move is the most important.

You need to replace your left shoulder position with your right shoulder. This keeps you in your posture, helping the arms and hands from coming out over the plane. When rotating down and forward, the clubhead will appear as though it would strike the ball that’s on the ground.

Work up into your follow through, with the clubhead over your left foot. Repeat this slowly, trying to feel where your balance is and how your entire body is working.

By working on this swing power drill, you’ll begin to see an improvement on both your balance and ball striking. It’s important to maintain your posture and using that trail shoulder to deliver the power — which should look like an uppercut punch.

SuperSpeed Golf Training System

$379.99
The Speed Training System of Choice for Padraig Harrington, 3x Major Winner and 2024 World Golf Hall of Fame Inductee.Realize the dream of more distance with our original overspeed training system. This system has helped hundreds of thousands of golfers increase their swing speed and create more powerful, consistent golf swings.This system includes our 3 specifically weighted training clubs and access to our full online training program. The research is clear showing 5% swing speed gains in about 6 weeks of regular practice.Choose your appropriate set and then choose your tech to track your speed gains.  BUNDLE YOUR SET WITH TRACKING TECH FOR UP TO $80 OFF! Choose the MEN’S set if you use an X, S, or R flex driver and/or swing above 90MPH.  Not sure which set you need? Take our quiz here!
View Product
Exit mobile version