Go the Distance – Easy Tips to Increase the Distance on your Golf Swing

If you are a golfer, chances are that you are looking for ways to improve the distance on your golf swing.  The further you can hit the ball, the better your chances of getting a hole in one or at least cutting a few strokes off of your total count.  There are several ways that you can try to do this.

Probably the most effective way of increasing your distance is to look at your general health.  If the most exercise you get in a day is the walk from the golf cart to the tee, then you may not have the strength and stamina that are needed to improve your game.  Adding strength training to your regime is a good idea.  Strength training also helps improve the neurons firing to your muscles, which means a higher peak force in your swing.  Overall, this means a faster club speed with less effort on your part.  You will be able to shoot further more accurately and not tire as quickly. Leg presses, squats, dumbbell presses, cable rows, lateral raises, and crunches are all good exercises to get you started.  If you are new to weights, make sure you speak to a trainer before beginning to learn proper techniques to avoid injury.

Along similar lines, make sure that you are not sabotaging your game before you even get out there.  Come prepared for a long day.  Drink plenty of water before you leave the house, and always carry water with you.  Dehydration can seriously affect your game.  Make sure you eat a good breakfast (or lunch if you are an afternoon golfer) ahead of time – something that includes both a complex carbohydrate and a protein to give you energy to get going.  Carry healthy, energizing snacks with you like dried fruit or energy bars.  Waiting until the end of the game to eat again can sap your performance and you will tire more quickly.

Another thing to try is to make sure that you are warming up and stretching before and during your golf game.  Going out “cold” means that your muscles are not going to be as ready to begin as you are, which can mean poor game performance as well as a potential for injury.  A quick 15-minute cardio workout will get your blood flowing.  Some stretches that stretch your back and upper body will help to limber things up as well.  Be careful not too over do it – too much stretching and warming up will tire you out before you even get started.  Doing small sets of stretches throughout the game can help keep you flexible and prevent muscles from tightening up.

Another factor to look into is the technique of your swing, particularly if you are a beginner to golf.  Small adjustments may be necessary to get the maximum distance out of your swing.  Have a trainer or other golf professional watch your swing.  They can then critique your technique and get you going on the right track.  Doing some warm up swings before you go out can also remind your body of the feel again before you get started.

A last resort to look into for some people may be gadgets that help them improve their swing.  Weighted clubs have been around a while just make sure that you know how to use them properly.  Swing fans are newer to the market and use air resistance in their training.  And other companies will promise you improved performance if you purchase their clubs.  However, it is wise to take these promises with a grain of salt; nothing can replace being in good shape and good technique.

Also, it is helpful to remember that practice makes perfect.  It is such a cliché, but for the game of golf it holds true.  Spend some time doing drills that will perfect your balance and swing, regardless of how ridiculous the make you feel.  Get out on the green as often as possible, even if it is only for 9 holes instead of 18.  Take your kids out to play putt-putt golf so that you can practice your putting.  Practice, practice, practice!

With a few changes in what you are already doing, you can quickly get that swing up to the maximum distance and accuracy that you are capable of.

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