When it comes to power off the tee, there are a few components that, if implemented, will help you improve your swing drastically. The following 4 components will teach you how to fix some of the smaller and more common mistakes that can easily affect the outcome and efficiency of your swing.
Think 4:2:1
Firstly, you need to focus on where your power is coming from. While not entirely, the power mostly comes from the body. The most crucial requirement here is that your body turns with a lot of resistance. However, not every body part should move equally. To know how much every part should turn, use a 4:2:1 ratio. This ideal ratio will help you use the full power off the tee. Here is an example of that ratio on the body:
- Shoulders turn at 90˚
- Hips turn at 45˚
- Legs and knees turn at 22.5˚
These are the flex points you should use for the perfect combination of stability, rotation, and resistance. This way, you will be able to get everything loaded and you’ll be ready to go. Some golfers may say that you should turn your hips less, but better ball strikers usually use a little bit more hip turn.
The efficiency in hip turn is the key and starting element of the downswing. It creates shoulder speed and as a result creates up to 20% of clubhead speed. If you don’t know how to efficiently lead out with your hips, you will most likely lose both power and sequence.
Custom fitting
If you were to walk into a pro shop and buy a new driver that would provide you with 50 more yards, that would mean one of two possible things – an illegal club or an existing driver that is ill-suited to your golf swing.
Okay, yes, it may be a bit of an exaggeration to say 50 more yards. That would never happen. However, many golfers can produce extra power, distance, and speed with the help of customized fitting. Custom fitting can make a huge difference. When something is tailored to your individual launch characteristics, it can significantly help improve your performance. The right shaft that suits you will help you generate more power from your swing without you even having to change anything about your current swing.
The big toe
Another important element for power off the tee that most people neglect is the big toe. The resistance you create through the trail foot helps you control your hip turn as well. There are three major pressure points under your foot, and all of these allow you to kick off. The main pressure point is the big toe. If you lift this pressure point during the backswing, you won’t be able to initiate an efficient enough motion with consistency.
So, to ensure consistent and better power off the tee, you need to keep your big toe on the ground while retaining some flex in your right knee during the backswing. This will create that little amount of ‘braced-ness’ you need for your hips to have something to resist against.
A great way to practice this is to put something under the outside of your right foot while you swing. You can use a shaft, a headcover,a club, or any other similar object you find.
Anti-casting drill
The last but not the least important component for power off the tee is anti-casting drill.
Most golfers lose energy because they cast the club early in the downswing and end up dumping it too quickly. However, this anti-casting drill can help fix that tiny mistake.
All you need to do is hold the balls loosely between your palm and the thumb in your right hand. Then, set yourself up and bend your wrist backward. This motion will allow you to move your elbow slightly inwards. Your next task is to throw the ball in the direction of your target and try to land it on the target line. If you cast early, the ball will head straight to the ground before it gets to build any impact.
Conclusion
To sum up, there are certain mistakes golfers make when it comes to turning, positioning of their feet, casting, and even the fitting they use that can worsen their swing and make it weaker. If you implement these four key components for power off the tee, you’ll be able to move more swiftly and quickly, as well as with more stability in your feet. All of these factors together can help you make a winning swing.