7 Golf Swing Distance Killers and Proven Ways to Fix Them
Most golfers are doing everything they can to try and increase distance in their golf game. We know that the further you can hit the ball, the easier it is for you to score.
However, there could be things you are doing in your game that are actually causing you to lose distance.
Before you start worrying about speed training programs and new golf equipment, look at these 7 golf swing distance killers to see if any of them are causing trouble in your game.
You may be surprised how small of an adjustment you can make and the impact it will have.
Golf Swing Distance Killers (Key Takeaways)
If you don’t have time to read our entire article on golf swing distance killers, here are a few things to take with you.
- The lead wrist angle is one of the most important contributors of distance in the swing, use HackMotion to check the wrist angle at the top of your backswing and then again at impact.
- Weight transfer through the golf ball will add distance to your game; use the ground to transfer your weight and push off the ground.
- Don’t ignore the fundamentals, setup, stance and grip all could be taking away yards.
- Inconsistent tempo can result in poor contact and reduced distance. Practice tempo and then add speed to gain more yards.
Contents
1. What do you want to improve in your full swing?
7 Golf Swing Distance Killers and How to Fix Them
Too Much Wrist Extension at the Top of the Backswing
The lead wrist position is something that is going to come up throughout this article.
Getting your lead wrist properly positioned at the top of your backswing is key to gaining distance.
Most golfers have an extended lead wrist. This is more of a cupping of the wrist. You’ll notice the label on your glove doesn’t point towards the sky at the top of your backswing, it points more towards your watch.
This position gets the club off plane and it also opens the clubface.
If you want more distance, the clubface must be square or slightly closed.
Inadequate Weight Transfer
Transferring your weight properly from back foot to front foot will add distance.
If you are currently hitting most of your shots from your back foot, without transferring smoothly to the front it is likely causing you to lose distance.
Work on shifting your weight right from the top of your swing. With the driver and fairway woods, this extra push towards the ball will help improve launch and increase total distance.
For the irons and wedges, consider staying a bit more on the front foot and not making so much of a conscious weight transfer to the trail leg. It’s less work, and you will see better results.
Placing an object like a golf shoe under your lead foot will make you more aware of your weight transfer and help you do it more efficiently.
Improper Wrist Angle at Impact
Back to the wrists!
Wrist angle at impact is just as important as wrist angle at the top of the backswing.
An incorrect wrist angle at impact leads to a loss of power and control in the swing.
You’ll want to see your wrist in more of a flexed position at impact instead of extended.
This is very important for iron shots. The flexed wrist helps you create a better angle of attack and compress your iron shots.
With the driver, a flat to slightly flexed lead wrist will eliminate the slice and give you those few extra yards you may need.
One of the best ways to work on improper wrist angle at impact is to use the HackMotion wrist sensor. You’ll be able to see just how far off your wrist position is from that of the professionals.
For a quick drill on how to feel the proper wrist angle at impact (that will produce distance), try this one from Eric Cogorno.
It’s a simple cross-handed drill that will help make everything make sense!
Poor Setup
The setup is something golfers are quick to ignore. They simply stand over the ball and can’t wait to take the club back.
I completely understand that setup is not the most exciting part of the game of golf.
However, by ignoring setup and not properly placing your feet, your weight, and even your hands, you could be setting yourself up for a lack of distance.
The mistakes golfers make in their setup that can cause a lack of distance include:
- A grip that is too weak.
- Stance is not wide enough.
- Too much shoulder tilt or lean.
- Standing too close to the golf ball.
- Shoulder or hip line open to the target.
Use some alignment sticks on the ground to make sure your stance is square. Ensure you have a wide enough stance with a stable base that allows you to get some extra speed.
When working on the driving range, experiment with different setups to see which one helps you gain a few extra yards.
Lack of Hip Rotation
If you are an “arms” swinger chances are you are costing yourself a lot of distance. Practice rotating your hips properly and you’ll be able to increase your swing speed and distance.
Here’s another interesting fact: if you are also able to get your wrist in the right position at the top of your backswing, then you can rotate through the golf ball with your hips at very high speeds.
Look at players like Collin Morikawa and Dustin Johnson. They have a flexed lead wrist at the top of their backswing, which allows them to swing through the golf ball with more speed.
They hit it plenty far.
If your hips need some help with their rotation, this video showcases a great drill you can work on.
Swinging Too Hard
Isn’t it funny that by swinging harder, you actually could lose distance?
Here’s what you need to know about this:
It’s not the swinging harder that makes you lose distance. It’s the loss of control. You can swing as hard as you want with a square clubface, and you’ll get impressive distance and power.
However, as soon as you lose control of that clubface angle, you’ll lose distance.
Work on increasing speed while maintaining a square clubface. It’s your only chance of hitting the ball further.
Inconsistent Tempo
Finally, you have to check your tempo and see if it is killing your distance. The standard tempo in the golf swing is two counts to swing the club back and one count to swing it down.
Many golfers who are attempting to get more distance take the golf club back too fast and throw off the rest of their tempo.
Try taking some slower backswings and feeling like you rotate, transfer weight, and gain speed on the downswing.
The most important thing about your tempo is keeping it consistent from one hole to the next and from one round to the next.
1. What do you want to improve in your full swing?
Three Drills to Gain Distance in Your Golf Game
Now that you have stopped some of these issues in your swing that are causing you to lose distance, here are three great drills to help you gain more distance in your golf game.
Increase Driver Distance
This drill from Rob Cheney will show you how to gain extra distance in your driver. These concepts will help you understand where power comes from and then apply that to your game.
Half Swing Drill
To gain some extra distance in the irons, this half-swing drill from Eric Cogorno is a great option to consider.
You’ll be able to really accelerate through the ball and ensure that the lower and upper body work independently.
Extension Through Impact Drill
Creating extension through impact will gain you more yards.
If you feel like your arms are collapsing as you move through the ball, this drill from Mr.Short Game could help you gain back your distance.
Final Thoughts
Some golfers don’t hit the ball as far as others. However, if you are the reason that your golf ball doesn’t go as far as it should, these drills and fixes should help you figure that out and then take your game to the next level.
Work with HackMotion to really narrow down the exact positioning of the wrist at the top of the backswing and then again at impact. This is one of the most underutilized or appreciated ways to gain distance in your game.
Your feedback shapes the future of our articles. Help us deliver the best content for you.
Great to hear! But what could we add to make it even better? Share any suggestions to make this post top-notch.
We're sorry to hear that. Could you share what was missing or off?
