Hit Your Driver Further using Overspeed Training
By: Patrick Stephenson
In the quest for a more powerful golf swing, many golfers are turning to overspeed training as a key method to boost their performance. Swing speed is a crucial factor in achieving greater distance and accuracy, and overspeed training offers a targeted approach to enhance this aspect of the game.
This training technique involves using clubs that are lighter and heavier than your standard driver, pushing the limits of your muscles and nervous system to adapt to faster speeds. By regularly incorporating overspeed training into your routine, you can significantly increase your swing speed, resulting in longer drives and improved overall performance on the course.
How to Implement Overspeed Training
To effectively implement overspeed training, you will need a few essential tools and equipment: weighted clubs, lighter clubs, and your regular driver. The best way to acquire these specialized clubs is through speed training products available on the market, such as speed sticks or the Stack system, which gained popularity following Matt Fitzpatrick’s notable speed gains on tour.
Begin your training with basic drills and exercises that involve alternating between lighter and heavier clubs in sets. A typical routine might include 3 sets of 5 swings with a lighter club, followed by 3 sets of 5 swings with a heavier club, and concluding with 3 sets of 5 swings with your regular driver. For optimal results, use a launch monitor, such as the Mevo+ or PRGR, to capture swing speed data. This allows you to track your progress and ensure that each swing is performed with maximum intent. It’s important to swing hard during these sets, even if it means losing your balance initially. This effort helps push your limits and improve your speed.
As you practice, experiment with different techniques and feels to discover what helps you swing faster. Play around with your stance, grip, and swing mechanics to find the most effective combinations. Start with 2-3 training sessions per week, each lasting about 20-30 minutes. As you become more comfortable with the exercises, gradually increase the intensity and volume of your sessions. This progressive approach helps maximize the benefits of overspeed training while minimizing the risk of injury.
Key Takeaways
- Boost Swing Speed: Overspeed training is an effective method to enhance swing speed, crucial for achieving greater distance and accuracy in golf.
- Specialized Equipment: Essential tools include weighted and lighter clubs, often obtained through products like speed sticks or the Stack system.
- Structured Drills: Implement training with alternating sets of lighter and heavier clubs, followed by swings with your regular driver. Using a launch monitor can help track progress.
- Maximum Effort: Swing hard during drills, even if it affects your balance initially, to push your limits and improve speed.
- Experimentation: Play around with different techniques and feels, such as stance and grip, to find what best increases your swing speed.
- Regular Training: Start with 2-3 sessions per week, each lasting 20-30 minutes, and gradually increase the intensity and volume over time to maximize benefits while minimizing injury risk.
