Q&A for How to Swing a Driver

Return to Full Article

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    No matter what I do I always hit my driver very low to the ground. I can't get any air. Swing feels good as well as contact. How do I get some air?
    Brett Gilbert
    Top Answerer
    If you're certain your swing is good, you may need to raise the ball on the tee a little. Also check your grip, since loosening it may help. Otherwise, a mechanical issue, such as the angle of the club as it moves and strikes the ball, can be the issue.
  • Question
    Do I swing differently when hitting a driver than an iron?
    Community Answer
    There is a very little difference from hitting an iron and a driver. The main technique remains the same, but with the driver your body is positioned slightly different than when hitting an iron or wedge. During the swing, your arms remain still (same as iron) as you come through to hit the ball. The most common mishits come from an individual swinging the driver like they are trying to hit the ball 3 miles. It's important to remember your club does the work, you just need to get that club in the right position to do so. Soft and steady and your ball will be plenty!
  • Question
    How do I hit irons?
    Community Answer
    When hitting an iron you want to hit the ball more so with your left hand or arm. So on your swing keep it straight and don't bend it to much. Try and keep your right forearm close to your body. A good way to get the right swing pattern is to have someone hold a club horizontal behind you, and miss the club on both the down and back swing.
  • Question
    My ball goes to the right most of the time with my driver and fairway woods. How do I correct this?
    Community Answer
    If your hands are not lined up on ball contact, this causes the face of the club to strike the ball at an angle. Its known as a slice. Slow down your swing, and make sure your turning your wrists back to straight on contact.
  • Question
    How do I stop swaying using my driver?
    Community Answer
    Assuming you are a right-handed golfer, once you set your right foot into alignment, press the inside bottom of your heel into the ground. Then, press the inside ball of the foot into the ground in a clock-wise direction. You don't have to over-do it just press in and maintain these pressures. Take a practice take-away and you will find that this braces the rear leg and hip from allowing you to sway. This will also allow you to coil better and will allow a better movement into impact.
  • Question
    I hit the ball straight but have a hard time getting the ball in the air, how can I correct this?
    Community Answer
    You may either be swinging too high or putting a forward spin on the ball.
  • Question
    Is the ball positioned off the inside of left heel or slightly back in the stance when hitting a draw with the driver?
    Brett Gilbert
    Top Answerer
    You can leave the ball in the normal position, which is in front the inside part of the heel on your forward foot. To hit the draw, point your golf club slightly to the side of your target (right if you hit from the left, left if you hit from the right), then point your body in the same direction.
  • Question
    When is the correct time to shift my weight on the downswing, top of swing, half way through, or immediately before contact?
    Brett Gilbert
    Top Answerer
    Your weight will begin shifting as soon as you start the downswing. As you start the swing, it will center in the heel on your back foot. As you bring the club around, the weight will transfer over to your other foot. About halfway through the swing this will happen.
  • Question
    When I hit with driver balls move towards the right side. How do I fix this?
    Brett Gilbert
    Top Answerer
    If you hit from the left side, this is a slice. If you hit from the right, this is a hook. Make sure your grip is consistent in both hands. Also, work on adjusting your stance and swing. If your body is pointed in the wrong direction or your swing isn't smooth, the ball can change directions on you.
  • Question
    When hitting off the tee my ball goes straight up and not out. How do I correct this?
    Brett Gilbert
    Top Answerer
    This can be because you are hitting the ball too high on the upswing. You can try lowering the tee or positioning it further back. Also, make sure you are balanced in your stance and swing in an arc with consistent speed, since issues in either area can affect your drive.
  • Question
    How do I hit with wood on the fairway?
    Brett Gilbert
    Top Answerer
    It's very similar to hitting with an iron. You may need to position the ball a little further back. Square your shoulders more and use a flatter swing so you don't catch the ball so much on the upswing. Keep your swing smooth, focusing on contact instead of hitting fast or hard.
  • Question
    How do I get more distance?
    Brett Gilbert
    Top Answerer
    The secret to distance is a smooth, consistent swing. Many golfers try to hit the ball hard but end up with bad drives. Focus on making contact with the ball. Once you have your swing down, you'll notice that your distance increases without you having to swing harder.
  • Question
    How can I stop shanking?
    Brett Gilbert
    Top Answerer
    The best thing to do is focus on your swing and making proper contact with the ball. Poor posture or standing too close to the ball can cause this. You can try lifting your toes up a little and raising your chest as well. Shake out your arms to loosen them, and lighten your grip if you're tight. Shift your weight as you swing. Also, worrying and feeling distracted can mess up your swing, so relax and have fun!
  • Question
    Why are my wrists hurting?
    Brett Gilbert
    Top Answerer
    Wrist pain is often a sign of overuse. Take breaks while golfing and consider seeing a doctor. You may need to use different golfing equipment or adjust your grip to compensate. Do some wrist stretches before golfing and make sure your swing feels natural.
Ask a Question

      Return to Full Article