One thing I believe you will hear more and more of in the coming years is ground force. More specifically how do you increase ground force in the golf swing. Many golfers, myself included in an attempt to get more shoulder turn in the backswing, end up basically spinning like a top.
A typical golfer who spins in an attempt to get more shoulder turn does not use the ground in either the backswing or downswing. This may be versus a golfer who is trying to elongate their swing and in doing so sways away from the ball. Again, moving their spine away from being centered and not using the ground correctly. Either golfer ends up with an inconsistent golf swing.
So why would we want to increase ground force in the golf swing?
- More power
- More control in the golf swing
How To Use The Ground In The Golf Swing
Ground forces. What that means is pressing into the ground with your feet as you move the golf club in both the backswing and downswing. Most amateur golfers initiate the backswing too much with their arms and then start the downswing (looking in the mirror here) with their upper body. For some this results in an over the top move. Our goal should be to start the downswing with the large muscles. In other words, the lower body.
Backswing
For us right handed golfers. Sometimes a good way to think of the golf swing and shifting weight is to start with a little more weight on the left hand side. As in 60% on the left foot. Start your backswing by firmly putting weight on your right foot. Meaning a complete shift from left foot to right foot. Do not sway in making this transition.
Keep your spine centered over your hips. Some might call this a reverse C but in reality we are just trying to stay centered and not sway away from the golf ball. This in turn will make for a much easier move when getting to the downswing. All the while keep your weight towards the balls of your feet.
I won’t further elaborate on the backswing, except to say that a quicker backswing sometimes takes away the ability to guide the golf club.
Downswing
As the backswing is nearing completion or completing, keep your back towards the target and start to put pressure on the lead foot. In doing so and because you’ve kept a centered spine, your weight will shift and your pelvis will start to move forward. Both are prerequisites to hitting well struck golf shots on a consistent basis.
If you’ve initiated your downswing by putting pressure on your lead foot (think of almost stomping into the ground) all the while keeping your back to the target as long as possible, you most definitely should see increases in clubhead speed.
My typical 8 iron will have a total distance of 135 yards. In fact during the cold winter months I will bring that down to 132 yards on average and am sometimes lucky to get that. I just left my golf cave while hitting balls and practicing the above technique. I am by far a newbie in learning about how to use the ground in the golf swing but am happy in the results I am seeing. Yes, this is after warming up but it was about 36 degrees inside my golf shed this evening. Highest ball speed I have seen to date with my 8 iron on the PRGR Launch Monitor.
Is There A Product To Help With Ground Forces?
The only product that I am aware of and have at least some familiarity with is the Force Pedal. I have not used this product so I can’t put my stamp of approval on it. Seems very basic only because I’m not sure about the measurable feedback. I’ve also seen someone create a product that acts as the ground and it teeters (goes from side to side) as weight moves from one side to another but there again, maybe there is some feedback but what is being measured? If you know of another product and can make a recommendation, please let me know.
Additional Info?
If you want more insight to increase ground force in the golf swing, I recommend you check out Dr. Kwon. He shares his knowledge over on DrKwonGolf on YouTube and while you are there, look at BE BETTER GOLF to see more interviews and training the golf swing with Dr. Kwon. You’ll learn about some practice techniques that can take your golf swing and clubhead speed to the next level.