If you want to know how to increase your swing speed, you’ve come to the right place.
I have progressively increased my own swing speed over the last couple of years, and have tried pretty much every method you’ll find on the internet. Including training aids, exercises, and simple DIY methods.
I’ve gained 40 yards off the tee and consistently hit the ball over 300 yards.
But it’s not all unicorns and rainbows, there are some things you should consider while you work to increase swing speed in your golf game. In this article, I’m sharing my tips and lessons learned over the last couple of years as I’ve worked on my own clubhead speed.
Ways to Increase Swing Speed
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Why Increase Clubhead Speed?
Well, you probably already know this, but quite simply – More clubhead speed = more distance
And more distance translates to lower scores on the golf course.
Most recreational golfers can add 5 – 7 MPH of clubhead speed within just 6 weeks, including those 60+ years old. That translates to an extra 15 – 21 yards of distance off the tee! That means using 1 to 2 less clubs on your approach shot.
Imagine using a 7-iron on your approach as opposed to a 5-Iron. Or a 9-Iron instead of a 7-Iron. Huge difference!
Swing Speed Training
Whether you are an experienced golfer, a beginner, old, young, male, or female…swing speed training is in my opinion the most effective way to increase swing speed.
Related – Comparison of the best swing speed training aids
According to Dr. Sasho MacKenzie “swing speed training is crucial for golfers as it focuses on enhancing the neuromuscular system, enabling them to maximize the kinetic energy transferred to the club”
In layman’s terms, this means that swing speed training helps golfers train their muscles and nerves to work together more effectively, allowing them to swing faster and generate greater swing speed.
Related – Rypstick Review
Optimize Your Equipment
Optimizing your equipment can get you some immediate gains in both swing speed and distance. But this is my least favorite method since it will offer limited gains and you will have some tradeoffs to consider.
Gym Exercises for Maximum Speed
Professional golfer and swing coach, Jaacob Bowden, outlines the most effective exercises to help golfers achieve more clubhead speed. Each of these exercises can be done with a set of exercise bands.
Optimizing Swing Mechanics
How to Increase Flexibility for Golf
Hip Mobility and overall flexibility are critical for speed in the golf swing. Many golfers just go out and play, maybe a brief stretch here or there, but if you want to add more speed to your game, hip range of motion is critical. Here is a great 90-90 transition stretch routine from Dr. Chris Collier on hip mobility. I like the 90-90 stretch and perform it in addition to the others listed below.
Total Time: 30 minutes
Hip Mobility Stretch:
Position: Stand upright for a standing version, or begin in a kneeling position for a floor-based variation.
Execution: For standing, step into a lunge with the front knee bent and back leg straight. For the floor version, step one foot forward from a kneeling position into a half-kneeling stance.
Movement: Gently push hips forward to feel a stretch in the hip flexors of the back leg. Keep the front knee aligned with the ankle. For a deeper stretch, raise the arm on the same side as the back leg overhead, leaning slightly to the opposite side.
Duration: Hold the stretch for about 30 seconds.
Repetitions: Perform 2-3 times on each side.
Tip: Maintain an upright upper body, engage the core, and breathe deeply throughout the stretch.
Chest Stretch:
Position: Stand or sit upright. You can do this stretch standing in an open doorway or against a wall to deepen the stretch.
Execution: Extend your arms out to the sides, parallel to the floor, with palms facing forward. If using a doorway, place your hands on the door frame.
Movement: Gently push your chest forward and squeeze your shoulder blades together until you feel a stretch across your chest. Keep your spine straight and avoid arching your back excessively.
Duration: Hold the stretch for about 30 seconds.
Repetitions: Repeat 2-3 times.
Tip: Ensure that your shoulders are down and relaxed, not hunched up toward your ears.
Shoulder Stretch:
Position: Stand or sit upright. You can perform this stretch anywhere.
Execution: Bring one arm across your body at about chest height.
Movement: Use your other hand to gently pull the elbow of the stretched arm closer to your body. You should feel a stretch on the outside of your shoulder.
Duration: Hold the stretch for about 30 seconds.
Repetitions: Repeat 2-3 times on each side.
Tip: Keep your shoulders relaxed and avoid lifting the shoulder of the arm being stretched.
Quadriceps Stretch:
Position: Stand near a wall or chair for balance. You can also do this lying down on your side.
Execution: Lift one foot towards your buttocks and grab the ankle with the same-side hand.
Movement: Gently pull your heel closer to your buttocks until you feel a stretch in the front of your thigh. Keep your knees close together and your pelvis neutral.
Duration: Hold the stretch for about 30 seconds.
Repetitions: Repeat 2-3 times on each leg.
Tip: Focus on keeping your standing knee slightly bent and your spine straight to avoid arching your back.
Glute Stretch:
Position: Sit on the floor with both legs extended in front of you.
Execution: Cross one leg over the other so that the foot is flat on the floor outside the opposite knee.
Movement: Gently pull the raised knee towards the opposite shoulder while twisting your torso towards the raised knee. You should feel a stretch in the buttocks of the bent leg.
Duration: Hold for about 30 seconds.
Repetitions: Repeat 2-3 times on each side.
Tip: Keep your back straight and avoid rounding your shoulders forward.
Lower Back Stretch:
Position: Lie on your back on a mat or comfortable surface.
Execution: Bend your knees and keep your feet flat on the floor.
Movement: Gently pull both knees to your chest, wrapping your arms around your knees or thighs. Rock gently side to side if comfortable.
Duration: Hold the stretch for about 30 seconds.
Repetitions: Repeat 2-3 times.
Tip: Keep your head and neck relaxed on the floor. Avoid lifting your hips too high off the ground.
Increasing flexibility is something every golfer looking to gain speed should be doing. Whether you are working on speed training, optimizing your swing mechanics, or just playing in general, these stretches can help you prevent injury and reduce overall pain while you play.
Other Considerations When Increasing Swing Speed
Now that you know all of the things you can do to increase swing speed, here are a few things you should also consider to maximize your efforts and produce long-term gains.
Final Thoughts
Swing speed training is the most effective way to increase swing speed. Your muscles and nervous system need to be trained to produce greater speeds. Equipment optimization, swing mechanics, and strength training will produce results, but they will be limited compared to speed training.
Flexibility is also critical, not only for added speed, but for injury prevention and recovery from any speed training you may do.
You should also set a goal and track your progress, this will keep you accountable and help ensure you maximize your potential.
Don’t overdo it, get proper rest, and take the time to recover. This will help you avoid injury and contribute to long-term gains.
Adding swing speed to your game takes a long-term approach. You can certainly see gains quickly, but tangible and sustained increases take months, not weeks.
Good luck, and let me know if you have any questions in the comments.
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