Understanding how to increase swing speed can make all the difference for amateurs, as more speed will lead to more distance — which means being closer to the hole. That’s always a good thing.
Problem is, speed drills can be taxing on the body — especially for amateurs who don’t know what they’re doing — which can lead to injuries. Plus, unless there’s a teacher helping guide you through speed practice, many players may not understand how to apply the information to an actual round of golf.
That’s where the power of social media comes in, with GOLF Top 100 Teacher Cameron McCormick recently posting a video of a simple trick to increase swing speed in just one minute.
McCormick is best known for being the swing coach of pro golfers like Jordan Spieth, So Yeon Ryu and Beau Hossler, among others, so he has lots of knowledge about what works versus gimmicks to avoid. And in the video below, he breaks down an easy drill to try for added speed.
How to increase swing speed
McCormick demonstrates an easy drill that will help golfers of all skill levels to increase swing speed — and all you need is a Therband or something elastic that can stretch over your head.
In the video, McCormick cuts the Theraband to a five-foot length. He then says to place it underneath the lead foot, tucking it underneath the grip and holding it in both hands.
Next, take some practice swings, trying to stretch that piece of elastic as high as possible over the back shoulder. Pull it back as if you’re pulling back a bow in archery, with McCormick adding, “the distance you take the handle back, the grip of the club back, governs how much swing speed you can create.”
Finally, set up over a golf ball immediately after the elastic exercise, trying to stretch the handle up as high in the sky as you can to duplicate the sensation from the drill.
Adds McCormick, “increase the distance of that hand path, the length the grip travels back, accelerate through, and hit it further.
By following the drill above, you can slowly generate more resistance during your practice swings, which can then be applied to your golf shots for increased swing speed and longer shots. The best part? All it takes is 60 seconds.