How many times during a round of golf do you stand and ask, “What are some of the hitting driver basics?”
If you are currently struggling with the driver, you will probably not agree with me … but… Your driver does not hate you. There are some things about this club that may make it seem harder to hit as well as some of your other “favorite” clubs.
Here are some things that you need to understand about hitting driver basics…
Your Attitude When It Comes To Hitting Driver Basics
Understanding hitting driver basics begin with your attitude. I know you do not want to hear this… but… everyone needs a little tough love every once in a while. I will even go easy on you by asking you to answer two simple questions. 1. What is your favorite club? And 2. Why?
I am going to go out on a limb and guess that it had something to do with the way it looks at address and how solid it feels through impact. Am I right?
And these feelings give you a sense of confidence while setting up over the golf ball. In turn, you make a much better swing and enjoy a much better result.
It simply comes down to one of my favorite quotes “Whether you think that you can or you think that you cannot you are right” – Henry Ford. You first have to have a good attitude about the club in your hand before you swing it.
If you do not, then grab a different club, like a 3-wood or even a hybrid if it is what it takes to get it in play… for now.
Ok, Ok, I can hear you while you are reading this… “So far you are telling me my driver does not like me but I have to like it?” That helps, however, there are a few other reasons that this club seems to be harder to hit for many golfers. Here you go…
Driver Head Size
Bigger is always better! Right? In this case, not always. As a new golfer or just a casual golfer, you may not have realized that several years ago, the USGA limited the coefficient of restitution, which is also known as COR in the industry.
I know this may seem like a big confusing word for a golf professional to use but it simply refers to is the amount that a golf ball can spring or have a trampoline effect off of a clubface.
It is safe to say that all of the manufacturers are at the limit. If they were not, their clubs may not make the ball fly as far, and then sales would go down the tubes. So looking for a driver to purchase is much like looking for a new putter.
If the head does not fit your eye or look good to you when it is sitting on the ground… keep on looking.
Centeredness of Contact When It Comes To Hitting Driver Basics
One of the five laws to hitting a golf ball is centeredness of contact. If you are out of control from your Macho Outlook, you will more than likely not catch the ball in the “Sweet Spot” of the face.
So until you can produce a swing that allows you to consistently use the sweet spot, you really are not doing yourself any favors other than feeling like you are going to take out some frustration.
As we all know this does not work because you are just looking in the woods for your ball or re-teeing another one.
Length of Your Driver
We have already discussed that bigger is not always better and it holds true for the length of your driver shaft too.
In trying to gain more distance for the recreational golfer, many manufactures slowly started to lengthen the shaft. The reasoning was sound in that the longer the lever the more power could be created. However, there comes a point of diminishing returns (Another big term for a golf professional).
It very well may go longer. However, it is more difficult to control. This equates to players just deeper in the woods and frustrated.
When looking for a driver, of course, I suggest that you are custom fit with a launch monitor and a respected, busy club fitter.
Ask to hit a 43.5 inch to 44.5-inch driver. Keep in mind centeredness of contact is the goal. I have learned that you do not know what exactly will happen until the player has swung the golf club. Swing as many as you can.
Loft and Shaft Flex
You will need a high-end launch monitor to measure this such as a TrackMan, FlightScope, etc. as a fitter cannot see this with their naked eye.
These numbers are all about how you deliver the club into the ball and are determined by many things such as ball position, spin rates, static loft on the club versus dynamic loft, etc.
Long story short, the loft and shaft that you will need should optimize flight conditions for your swing speed and spin rates.
To me, it is too complex to throw a blanket statement out that if you have a driver swing speed of 90mph then you should swing this shaft and this head with this loft.
That is why you need the launch monitor and the experience of the fitter.
My goal is to provide you with some information to ask the right questions and get the best driver for you and your game.
Too many times, a player will walk into a golf shop or discount store and want to buy what the hottest player on one of the tours is playing. This is a disastrous mistake.
Odds are they do not swing the same, have the same physical conditioning, and most importantly deliver the shaft and clubhead to the ball the same way.
Macho Man Outlook
Now you would think that I am only talking to the guys here. However, I have seen this just as much in the ladies that I have taught. They pull the driver out and you can physically see their body change.
All of a sudden, they think that they have to swing as fast as a drag car moving down a drag strip!
If you simply “feel” your driver swing the same speed as you swing your favorite club it will go farther due to some factors that we have previously talked about.
Keep in mind that the harder that you try to “HIT” a ball the tighter, shorter, and slower many of your muscles get, which only slows down your swing! That is you doing that to you, not your club! Wo will talk about this in future posts!
So… your driver does not hate you. Due to multiple factors, many players find the driver so hard to hit. Hopefully, with the information above, you can find a driver that you love… or… at least like a little bit!
Find yourself asking the question “What are hitting driver basics?” Look into the benefits of The Ball Flight Academy online membership. Click here.
What Other Golfers Are Saying…
ExcellentBased on 105 reviewsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Gregg Kinney2023-09-20I recently had the privilege of receiving golf instruction from Brad after years of inconsistent golf play. His ability to break down complex concepts into simple, digestible instructions is a testament to his skills as a golf instructor. Brad creates a relaxed and positive learning environment, making it easy to ask questions and seek clarification. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced golfer, Brad has the ability to identify and correct the subtle flaws in your technique, leading to improvements in your overall game. He is professional, courteous and a true asset to anyone seeking to enhance their golfing skills. Thanks to Brad, my golf game is much more enjoyable!Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Kevin Tokarczyk2023-08-01I am a new golfer and just started playing 2 years ago with my roommates in college. Now that I have graduated, I’ve wanted to play the game more seriously and started taking lessons 3 months ago. I have had multiple instructors with little improvement. Brad was the first instructor that was able to break down my swing in the simplest way and gave me a better understanding of how my body is supposed to move through my swing. Brad is articulate and concise which is great for me as a beginner golfer because he is able to efficiently communicate without confusion or over-explanation. I have seen more improvement from my one session with him than I have with any other instructor. 1 week on from my lesson with him I am making much better contact with the ball and my swing is smoother and straighter. Thank you Brad, I look forward to taking another lesson from you!Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Jeff Haag2023-07-29Brad is one of the best golf instructors I’ve had. He’s very patient, and worked with my swing. It was horrible in the beginning. He broke it down and explained, in small steps, how to improve it. I was never overwhelmed. He gave me drills to do, and I followed his instructions. After 8 lessons, my game has improved immensely. Brad met me at a club fitter, which was helpful. I plan to take more lessons as soon as my rotator cuff is healed! (Not from golf)Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.john jones2023-07-08WOW, what a great training experience. Brad is patient, knowledgeable and a great instructor. He is able to feed information in small increments and it makes it so much easier to learn. I am looking forward to more lessons on the future.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Benjamin Grais2023-06-20I am new to the area so I was looking for a golf coach who could help me improve my game. I have played golf for 35 years but as I have aged, I needed to adjust my swing with golf lessons and expert instruction. I found Brad's website with a plethora of options including private and group lessons. In the last 3 weeks with Brad's coaching, I have enrolled in both private and group instruction with substantial Improvement. Besides being an amazing coach, Brad has exceptional interpersonal skills. He is authentic and truly wants to learn about you and your golf game. He has the latest technology and is able to explain the results which translates to a better golf game. Thank you Brad! I appreciate all of your help, patience, and guidance.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Bob Hansbrough2023-05-31I started taking lessons in July 2022 and my goal was to regain my swing that I had lost due to lack of play for 10 years. I was shooting 100-105. My goal was to regain my tempo and break 90 by 1/1/23. That goal was shattered in just 90 days. I’m now scoring in the mid 80’s consistently and I’ve shot 79 once. Brad has been there every step of the way. He breaks the swing down in bite size pieces. I improve after each lesson and he’s there for his students daily. He even helped me get fit with a custom driver just a few weeks ago at Club Champion. He’s the real deal if you want to improve your game. Thanks BradTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.James Suren2023-05-22Brad is a great Golf Instructor. He is good at asking questions to help you learn rather than just giving you the answer right away. Helped me fix my swing and find consistency. Responds to texts when I have questions during practice to keep me moving in the right direction. Highly recommend.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Jr Yang2023-05-20After so much frustration hacking away at balls on the range - it was a relief to finally have fun. I improved more in my one hour with Brad than I have in the past two months getting back into the game. His style is personable and relaxed, and he is a very effective communicator explaining concepts and correct feels. I finally feel confident standing over a golf ball again, and look forward to my next lesson with Brad. Roll Tide!Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Sam Stebbins2023-05-13Really personable, easy to get a long with, and great applicable knowledge. I was a little anxious because I have a non traditional swing, but I was at ease with Brad immediately. He didn’t try and change my swing, rather he showed me where I could improve using my normal swing. I highly recommend Brad to anyone looking to improve their game.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Michael S2023-05-11Brad is an extremely knowledgeable and patient instructor. He explains things in an easy to follow manner. I highly recommend.
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