Driving is a steep learning curve

Driving is a steep learning curve

Get the lowdown on how to hit your driver low and left.

Earlier in the week, I received a swing video from a client who was having problems with hitting his driver low and left. If you are one of these players, this article may interest you.

This player was swinging the club too steeply and over the top i.e. excessively down and to the left for a right-handed player. I noticed three things which needed immediate attention.

Pic 1: The ball was teed very low and towards the middle of his stance
Pic 1: The ball was teed very low and towards the middle of his stance

Firstly, as always, we start with the set-up. The ball was teed very low and towards the middle of his stance (Pic.1). This encourages a downward angle of attack and not an upward swing as is required with a driver. 

Pic 2: The player to move the ball up in their stance i.e. opposite their lead heel, and to tee the ball a little higher
Pic 2: The player to move the ball up in their stance i.e. opposite their lead heel, and to tee the ball a little higher

To counteract this, I would encourage the player to move the ball up in their stance i.e. opposite their lead heel, and to tee the ball a little higher (Pic.2).

Pic 3: The player should feel the body opening up in the downswing by turning the hips and body, thereby facing the intended target at impact.
Pic 3: The player should feel the body opening up in the downswing by turning the hips and body, thereby facing the intended target at impact.

Finally, in the downswing I would ask the player to feel the body opening up by turning the hips and body, thereby facing the intended target at impact (Pic.3).

To help with this I would suggest rehearsing with very slow movements to get the feel we are after. Also, I would use a mirror or video for feedback.

So, to recap: 1, Move up. 2, Tee up. 3, Open up.

I hope these pointers help. Get out and try it.

If you have any specific questions regarding this article, email Eddie on eddietraceypga@ yahoo.com or phone 087-9208852.

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