Essential Driver Golf Tips For Longer Shots

driver golf tips Feb 09, 2019

Essential Driver Golf Tips For Longer Shots

If you’re having trouble adding long distance to your golf shots, you’re not alone.

Most golfers, regardless of skill level, complain of hitting their shots shorter than intended, with little idea of how to effectively expand the distance of their drives.

While golfing does not have a cookie cutter application for adding distance to our shots, there are several adjustments able to be applied to our golf swings that create the perfect environment for increased distance.

Proper Weight Distribution To Increase Driving Distance

Very important though often overlooked, properly distributing our body weight can add more distance to an otherwise normal golf swing.

At the pinnacle of our backswing, ideally 40% of our body weight should be on our front leg, with the remaining 60% distributed to our back leg.

As our body rotates through the golf ball, guided by our hands and hips, only 10% of our body weight should remain on our back leg, having shifted 90% to the front leg through this process.

Leveling Our Lead Arm To Expand Our Distance

Most golfers may be unaware, but maintaining optimal straightness in our lead arm will produce golf shots with deeper distances.

Crucial when looking to expand the distance of our drive, straightening our lead arm provides more distance for the clubhead to travel through the ball upon impact.

Creating a longer overall golf swing typically provides expansive distance in the resulting golf shot.

Pursuing a perfect 90 degree angle, maintaining a straight and level lead arm achieves such by stabilizing our wrist during the backswing portion our golf swing.

Getting a Grip On Distance

Grip adds or subtracts more from a golf swing than most golfers are willing to admit.

With the infinite amount of ways that a golfer can grip the club, understanding how adjustments to grip affects distance will greatly improve our results.

In the interest of adding distance to our golf swing, often taking our weak hand inside, knuckles facing our intended target, will improve our ability to strike the ball deeply upon impact.

Sometimes our grips are too tight, causing players to excessively squeeze their club.

Treating our golf club grip as if it were a tube of toothpaste will often lead to firm yet mindful squeezing that produces an ideal golf swing with expansive depth.

Leveraging Proper Hip Rotation To Add Distance

As indicated in many of the articles featured on our website, our hips have a wealth of untapped power waiting to be used if the golfer has yet to establish proper hip rotation in their golf swing.

Many of the smaller pros on the PGA Tour are able to produce deep golf shots simply by leveraging the power found in the hips of every golfer.

When seeking to expand the distance of a golf shot through modifications to our current hip rotation, golfers must remember such motion begins as we start the downswing section of our golf swing.

As we turn our hips through the downswing, our momentum will increase speeds through our clubhead, as long as we are not pushing the shot excessively with our arms.

Adding Distance - a Hands On (or Over) Experience

Turning our lead hand over at the ideal time during the finish of our golf swing will ensure additional distance has been added.

In order to add distance to our golf shot, players must snap their lead hand into the ball upon impact, which provides additional momentum to our golf club, effectively expanding the overall distance of the golf ball.

Proper Ball Placement For Expanding Distance

While using a driver, hitting upward during our golf swing acts as the obvious goal, which calls for adjustment to our normal teeing procedure.

Ensuring that the equator lines up directly with the top of our clubface during our swing setup will then create the ideal height for expanding the distance of our golf shot.

Once we’re ready to take our swing, we must ensure that the tee sits slightly ahead of the midpoint of our golf stance.

Widening Our Stance To Achieve Deeper Distances

Understanding that our driver usually acts as the longest club in our golf bag, it’s clear that this club retains the fastest swing of all.

With interest to increasing our distance, ensuring that a proper stance has been established beforehand will ultimately produce the balance needed to deepen our shot.

Extending the outside of our shoulders downward to the inner positioning of our feet will establish the solid foundation needed to send the ball flying down course.

Adding Distance To Our Golf Swing

Adding distance to our golf swing will obviously drive the ball deeper down course, hopefully setting up a very simple short game.

However, sacrificing control and precision for distance would be a disservice to the overall goal of producing a deeper golf shot.

Maintaining a balance between our speed and accurate control of the golf shot will be the perfect medium to produce amazing results on the golf course or at the driving range.

STOP Sliding Your Golf Swing

Most golfers that overload the right side of their bodies during their backswings are essentially sliding rather than rotating their bodies correctly.

Sliding rather than properly turning our bodies during our backswing leads to several issues, such as the straightening of our right knee and the disruption in body weight balance that leaves the bulk of our body weight placed on our lead foot.

When sliding in our golf swing, the rotation normally taken in our torso under performs to the extent that we’re in a severely imbalanced position at the beginning of our downswing.

The lateral movements in our hips take direction to the left, over and outside of the positioning that our left foot takes during our golf swing.

An Easy Indication That You’re Sliding Your Golf Swing

Many players take shots on the course or driving range with their golf bag standing to the left of their body.

When taking our golf shot, if we feel our left hip collide with the golf bag to our left, we know that our bodies are sliding during the golf swing.

If swinging correctly, our body will be turning towards the left, striking the golf ball without our hips coming into contact with the golf bag to our left.

During the downswing portion, our body will rotate in the direction of the bag, with our pelvic region pointed towards the bag as we finish the swing.

Our upper body will take the direction of the target, with our chest pointing directly towards the target or slightly to the left of our designated target.

Taking notice of where prominent parts of our body point before, during and after a golf swing can often provide a clear indication as to whether we’re sliding when swinging or properly rotating our body.

Common Causes For Sliding During Golf Swings

Though not an overwhelming problem for most, nearly 40% of all golfers will slide during a golf swing rather than rotating their bodies correctly.

There are a few common causes that may be disrupting the form a golfer takes during their swing, most of which can be mended with focus and practice drills that promote proper swing rotation.

Many golfers are unable to rotate their bodies correctly because of an immobility in their thoracic spine movement or their hips ability to rotate properly during a golf swing.

When met with a bodily disability of this nature, golfers are forced to compensate for their lack of mobility, and thus sliding usually happens.

Another common cause of sliding in during our swing manifests in a golfer’s inability to evenly balance their body weight during play.

The stability created when properly distributing our body weight during a golf swing will allow our body to rotate correctly, an inability to balance this weight results in a poorly composed swing, which often sees the golfer sliding rather than turning.

The final common reason that golfers slide during golf swing comes from an inability to move the upper and lower body separately, causing our entire body to move as one unit during the entire golf swing.

Such an issue with our body movement will ultimately destroy our swing balance, as our whole body moves simultaneously in similar fashion rather than the movement of separate parts during the kinematic process.

Corrective Golf Drill To Eliminate Sliding In Our Swing

With your back against a sturdy wall, assume your normal golf swing stance, while remaining tethered to the wall with your tail end.

Creating our backswing as we usually would, keep an eye on whether or not the left side of your tail end comes off of the wall.

Golfers that currently slide during their downswing will find their backside sliding on the wall, a clear indication of a troubled swing.

If your the left side comes off of the wall while practicing your backswing stance but the right remains flush against it, then you’re taking the correct form during your golf swing.

Rotating our body correctly through this drill will require making our backswing and balancing the left portion of our tail-end against the wall, while freeing our right side to release from the wall.

With the seam on our left pant leg moving towards the wall, shift the majority of your body weight to your left foot.

Our right heel should then rise off the floor, with the laces on our shoe turned towards the direction of our target.

Next the left side of your tailend should rejoin the wall, keeping the right side now against the wall, with the seam on our left pant leg flush towards the wall.

This drill will ensure that rather than sliding through our golf swing, our body now takes the correct rotation needed to ensure proper shots are taken each time we swing.

Deep Distance Driver Golf Swing | Steep Downswing Fix

Golfers with a high handicap typically share at least one thing in common, driving the ball steep during their downswing.

As players struggle with their angle of attack during their driver shots, a steep shaft often prevents their downswing from making a solid connection with the ball, leading to pulled or missed shots as a result.

Renowned for his innovative approach to coaching, George Gankas golf lessons continue to assist golfers from around the globe, under the GG Swing Method program.

The GG Swing Method promotes training that amplifies the golfer’s natural ability while working to correct any flaws, as witnessed in the hundreds of George Gankas golf videos found here and on the popular GG Swing Tips Golf YouTube Channel.

In order to correct a steep downswing, golfers must first familiarize themselves with their angle of attack.

Describing the angle by which our golf club approaches the ball, our angle of attack can either be upward, level or downward.

In regards to players suffering from steep downswings during drives, they are most likely striking the ball at a downward angle of attack, which generates several problems in their drive.

For example, downward angles of attack cause misguided flight paths for the ball, which leads to missed shots, diminished distance when striking with a driver and a complete fiasco for players trying to strike with irons.

While this lesson focuses heavily on using a driver, golfers will be able to apply George’s tips to their irons game as well.

Understanding The Angle of Attack in Your Downswing

Having the ability to strike a golf ball at either upward, level or downward angles of attack, players must be conscience of how our driver shots react to such angles and which work best for their intended target.

Many novice or casual players who haven’t gotten out on the golf course often are usually not concerned with the angle of attack in their golf swing.

While their technique may be flawed, most players in this category are simply utilizing the sport as a socially rather than looking to improve their overall ability as a golfer.

If you’re a serious player looking to hone your skills, angle of attack has to be on your radar as one of the many mechanisms needing attention and refinement in your game.

Understanding and leveraging the correct angle of attack in your downswing during key moments on the golf course helps players achieve lower scores and more enjoyable outings on a consistent basis.

If you’re golfing several times per month and have not addressed any of the underlying issues found in your angle of attack, golf may become a very frustrating ordeal and cause some players to give up the sport before ever developing into an exceptional golfer.

Too Steep or Too Shallow: What’s The Correct Angle of Attack?

Being either too shallow or too steep will cause the player to produce horrible shots and lead to a loss in confidence.

While certain clubs are designed to be hit at a downward angle of attack, like irons, others must be hit at an upward angle attack, as our driver shots should be.

We strike our driver shots at an upward angle of attack simply because doing so provides ascending contact with the ball, which will greatly expand distance and speed in our drives.

Gankas finds that one of the leading issues his students have with driver shots, specifically their downswing, can be traced back to a poor angle of attack.

Once corrected, our angle of attack will provide increased power behind our drives, which will then add distance and speed to the overall trajectory of your shots, and help the player develop their overall ability in relation to the game.

Straight Shot Driver Golf Tips

Every golfer at the driving range has intentions of ripping the ball deep, as close to the hole as possible.

For players with little knowledge of producing a proper golf swing, swinging hard and fast will be the obvious answer. In golf, the obvious answer rarely ends up being a correct answer.

George Gankas golf swing tips, also known collectively as the GG Swing Method, continue to help players develop their driver shot consistency.

Credited with assisting players everywhere, George Gankas golf VLOGS refine existing skills in a player while aiming to correct any flaws.

Golfers are very focused on developing their driving ability. Driving the ball well tends to simply instantly improve other crucial elements as well.

Possessing the ability to rip your shots deep and straight down the fairway will result in closer shots on the green. The ability to drive the ball deep gives players an obvious edge over other golfers . Not to mention, your handicap will improve as your ability to drive shots develops.

Every player developing their tee shots intend to strike the ball cleanly. A clean strike at impact will send the ball sailing deep and straight down the fairway.

Not every player will dedicate the time, energy and effort to developing a consistent driver golf swing. These players will continue to be plagued with their drives falling short of their intended landing zone.

Driving The Ball Deep and Straight

One of the chief elements all golfers must master before hitting their drivers consistently straight involves their golf swing alignment.

Alignment in our driving pertains to where we are aiming our club prior to impact.

Even prior to our initial address of the ball, players are encouraged to shape the shot using mental golf strategies. Mental golf relates to the visualization of where they must align their bodies to ensure their shot lands as intended.

Beginners benefit from the utilization of alignment rods during the early phases of their driver shot training. Using alignment rods will provide a visual guide to base your swing around.

When developing driver swings, pay special attention to angle of attack, position the ball correctly and experiment with tee height. Consider practicing your drives with alignment sticks as they'll provide added assistance that create a consistent golf swing.

While setting up your golf swing, stance plays a huge factor in the overall success of the shot. Sometimes swing stance outweighs other elements at work during the typical driver shot.

Separating your feet just slightly further than your shoulder width establishes a solid foundation to make full contact with the ball.

Keeping your lower body ( legs and knees) and shoulders in line toward your clubface will increase the accuracy of your aiming. Golf swings with accurate aiming produce straighter drives.

Align the golf ball to your lead foot’s inside heel while tilting your lead shoulder slightly. This positioning prepares your golf swing for success.

With your head positioned to the rear of the golf ball, your body will then naturally motion through the swinging process. Expect to produce a straight, deep driver shot that gets you in great position beyond the fairway towards the green.

Final Takeaways on Proper Driver Shots

While working on your driving, players are encouraged to swing with the same force they would with a smaller club.

Players often believe that driving the ball down the fairway means they must hit the ball harder and faster. This belief exists contrary to the fact that most deep drives are taken at a natural pace. 

Deep Driver Golf Tips For Distance and Accuracy

If you’re new to the sport, driving a golf ball deep may look easy for seasoned players at the driving range. Understand, it can be difficult to put into practice if you’re unfamiliar with the fundamentals behind your drive shot.

Every player wants to be able to hit the long drive consistently.

George Gankas golf videos have captured the attention of the golfing community. The GG Swing Method continues to be a go to system for players of all skill sets.

The GG Swing Method, comprised of George Gankas golf lessons and tips, continues to assist players in reaching their goals.

George and other golf instructors point to short game as being most important, solid driver shots plays a very close second.

The ability to rip deep drives, straight down the fairway provides a huge edge to most players. This ability becomes amplified if players have also developed solid short game skills beforehand.

Driving the golf ball deeply down course will eliminate many of the obstacles that most golfers dread. These obstacles include extended play in the rough, and the ever dreaded bunker shot.

There are huge incentives that golfers have to drive the ball beyond these unsavory parts of the golf course. Developing sound driving fundamentals should be one of the first things any player does.

Focus On The Backswing

Many times players will hurry through their golf swing. This rush to swing will usually end up with a lackluster drive that falls very short of their intended target.

Moving quickly through our backswing during drive shots prevents the proper posture needed to successfully harness our core muscle group. This flawed motion also decreases the power found through the rotation of our hips.

Transitioning from backswing to downswing too quickly prevents our golf club from ever reaching the apex of our golf swing. Such motion results in a huge decrease in energy, ultimately causing our club to travel outside of the standard swing plane. This flawed action has been pegged as the source of most slices.

Balancing Your Driver Shot

Maintaining our balance when driving the ball must be our main objective, especially when starting to master this technique.

Often players neglect to maintain their balance during drives. Typically swinging their golf club with too much force, golfers attempt to extend the depth of their shot.

Ironically, sustained balance in our golf swing during drives will also promote more distance, through clean impact as they strike the ball.

Ensure that the mid point of our posture during the golf swing also acts as the center of gravity. This action will be the clearest indication that we have maintained optimal balance during our drive.

Too Much of a Good Thing

The object of golf concerns hitting the ball as close to the hole in the least amount of strokes.

Many golfers completely overexert themselves during their golf swing, causing more trouble in the long run.

Rather than utilizing energy found in a properly executed golf swing, many players try to swing with greater force. This technique often causes their swing to become imbalanced in the process.

Most PGA tour players do not swing their driver clubs at full force. Many pros ease up on their swing to maintain balance to make a cleaner impact with the golf ball.

Driving the ball with an imbalanced golf swing will bring disastrous results , which often can end up ruining an entire round.

Range Ready Driver Drills | Simplified Golf Swing

Any player intent on improving would be best served to study effective driver drills.

Often, players arrive at the driving range with the best of intentions but ultimately waste their time training ineffectively.

Players must first familiarize themselves with the correct drills that will build accurate consistency in their driver game.

Renowned for his ability to reconstruct golfers, George Gankas golf drills provide clear explanations to players in search of drastic improvements.

Known as the GG Swing Method, George Gankas golf drills are credited by golfers with improving their performance.

Coaching players on driving ability and consistency comprises much of Gankas’ time as a private instructor.

There are several key factors that golfers should incorporate into their typical driving range routine. These elements ultimately make the most of their practice and refine their existing driver performance.

Making The Most Of The Driving Range

Many people enjoy going to the driving range and practicing with their friends. This can be especially fun at larger facilities that host group outings and get togethers.

Checking out one of these driving ranges can be fun and a great way to team build with colleagues. For the golfer that seeks to improve, always walk into the driving range with an agenda.

Creating a swing routine will be the first step towards ensuring your visits to the range yield measurable results.

Setting up a routine way to practice at the range will assist in establishing muscle memory. Then a consistent tempo will begin to produce the shots that every golfer desires.

There are benefits for a player’s mental golf game through establishing a consistent swing routine at the driving range.

A routine for every shot developed at the range will transfer over to the golf course.

Routine creates a constant game time mindset for golfers. Building your routine eliminates self-doubt or pessimism which often plagues the minds of players.

Focusing On Specific Elements of Your Game

Players want to develop and improve several elements of their existing game. Arriving to the driving range without a plan can be compared to taking a road trip without a map.

Players should use the time at the driving range to familiarize themselves with the many clubs in their bag. Only plan on working with one club per session, especially when beginning your training as a golfer.

Once you’ve become comfortable with the clubs individually, consider using several clubs per outing, saving your driver practice for last.

Sometimes players will begin with the driver on day one and just hit the ball without any refinement or strategy.

Using your driver to crack balls all over the range may be great for stress relief. This activity will add nothing but frustration to your overall driving ability and aspirations for building a successful golf swing.

Make sure that you’re choosing the appropriate target and change your targets often during any session.

The variance in target selection will increase the fun you have at the driving rang. This will become evident once you’re able to hit your targets with consistency.

We’re passionate about assisting golfers of all playing levels in sharpening their skills towards optimal golfing versatility.

Please take a look at the great content found in our blog archive on this website, as well as the hours of free video golf instruction found on our popular YouTube Channel.


50% Complete

Two Step
