Adding distance to your golf drives is one of the most satisfying parts of the game, but it can also be a challenge for players at almost any level. Getting that extra yardage off the tee isn’t just about swinging harder; it’s about technique, practice, and a few key drills that build both control and speed. Speaking from my own experience, nothing makes me feel more confident than crushing a long, straight drive down the fairway. I’ve put together a series of practical drills that can really help boost your driving distance, whether you’re new to golf or just want to add a few more yards to your shots.
Why Driving Distance Matters
Driving distance often gets a lot of attention, and for good reason. More distance off the tee puts you in a better position for your next shot, making courses play shorter and, in some cases, helping you score lower. Data from the PGA Tour shows that longer hitters can have shorter approach shots, which often leads to better chances at greens in regulation. For amateur players, just adding a bit of distance can mean using a more comfortable club for your second shot, and possibly even reaching par-5s in two. Being able to hit longer drives isn’t about showing off. It’s just a practical way to take some pressure off the rest of your game.
Most gains in distance come from learning how to use your body efficiently. Balance and stability is very important and you will understand this through being able to finish your swing without feeling as though you are falling over. I’ve seen plenty of players swing as hard as they can and actually lose distance because their technique isn’t quite right. Focusing on drills that develop both swing speed and solid contact can give you the best results.
Core Drills to Increase Your Driving Distance
I’ve tried countless training routines and always come back to these core drills. They’re simple, don’t require expensive gadgets, and are super useful for building consistent, powerful drives.
- FeetTogether Drill: Stand with your feet nearly touching, then hit balls using a regular full swing. This drill teaches balance and center-face contact. When you bring your normal stance back, you’ll feel more grounded and stable, which is huge for maximizing distance.
- StepThrough Drill: Set up to the ball as usual, but after you start your swing, take your trail foot and step forward after impact, like you’re walking toward your target. This helps you feel the right “flow” and encourages a complete weight transfer toward the target, which is super important for power.
- Pause at the Top: Take your regular backswing, but pause briefly at the top before swinging down. If your timing gets rushed, your form can break down. Pausing teaches a smooth transition and keeps your upper and lower body in sync for better contact.
- Swing Speed Training: Without hitting a ball, swing your driver as fast as possible, focusing on making a “whoosh” noise at the bottom of the swing. The goal is to get used to moving the club quickly. This drill is great for increasing your clubhead speed over time.
- Tee Height Experiment: Try hitting a few drives with the ball teed higher than usual, then switch to a lower tee. Pay attention to launch, spin, and feel. Finding your ideal tee height helps you catch the ball on the upswing and optimize launch angle for more distance.
How to Build a Practice Routine for Driving Distance
Practicing randomly isn’t as effective as having a plan. Here’s a routine I’ve found pretty handy, turning these drills into real results on the course:
- Warm Up Efficiently: Start with a few light stretches focusing on shoulders and hips. Take several smooth swings with a wedge or short iron to get loose before grabbing your driver.
- Pick Two Drills (per session): Focus on two of the drills above each practice session, spending 10 minutes on each. For example, combine the feetTogether drill with some swing speed swings. This gives you targeted feedback without feeling overwhelmed.
- Finish With Focused Drives: End your range session by hitting 10 drives using your normal swing, aiming for both distance and accuracy. Imagine a fairway target and visualize hitting your best shot.
- Track Your Progress: Use an app or a simple notebook to keep notes on which drills produced better contact or more distance. Small improvements add up fast.
Common Obstacles to Gaining Driving Distance
Most players, including me, have run into roadblocks while chasing more distance. Here are a few issues I see often, with some quick fixes and insights:
- OverSwinging: It’s tempting to swing harder thinking it’ll mean longer drives, but usually this backfires with worse contact. Focus on smooth, controlled swings and let your body (not just your arms!) generate the power.
- Poor Weight Shift: Staying stuck on your back foot limits your distance big time. The stepThrough drill helps break this habit and trains a complete followthrough.
- Grip and Setup Issues: An improper grip or setup makes it tough to launch the ball high with low spin, a magic combo for longer drives. Double-check your grip pressure (light is better) and set up with the ball just inside your lead heel.
- Tight Muscles and Flexibility: Limited mobility makes it tough to make a big, full turn. Regular stretching and basic mobility work for your shoulders, back, and hips will help unlock more swing potential. Loose arms travel quicker than tense stiff arms. Practice with your arms and wrists nice and loose. You will notice the difference if you practice it both ways.
Ball Striking and Launch Angle
Getting the right launch angle is really important for maximizing distance. If you hit the ball too low or with too much spin, you lose valuable distance. A simple way to check your launch is to watch for the “window” your drives fly through. Most pros want a ball flight that goes up and out, not down or ballooning up. Increasing your launch angle often just means making sure you’re hitting the ball slightly on the upswing and teeing it up high enough. You can also try hitting into a net and tracking your ball’s initial flight with video, which can make subtle improvements more noticeable.
Using Technology for Feedback
You don’t need fancy launch monitors; tools like smartphone apps or even video can help you spot flaws in your swing. Sometimes, just seeing your swing on video highlights things like early extension or losing posture, both of which can rob you of power. If you have access to a range with a launch monitor, recording your carry distance and club speed after each drill can show clear progress as you practice. Even budget-friendly apps offer feedback that helps you set realistic goals and map out your next practice session.
Advanced Tips To Get Even More Distance
Once you’ve built a solid foundation, a few advanced tips can push your drives even further:
- Train Fast, Then Slow: Mix extra-fast practice swings (without a ball) with deliberate, slower swings focusing on form. This teaches your brain and body to move quickly while staying in control.
- SuperSpeed Sticks or Weighted Clubs: Training aids like these add resistance or speed, building fast-twitch muscle memory. You can improvise with an old shaft or broomstick if you’re on a budget.
- Work on Hip Rotation: Fast hips help whip the club through impact. Try placing an alignment stick along your hips and practice rotating through to the finish; don’t let your hips stop early.
- Grip Strengthening: Strong hands and forearms increase club control and speed. Squeezing tennis balls or using a simple hand gripper a few times a week can go a long way. Consider also incorporating wrist curls and other forearm exercises to get that extra pop at impact.
Real Life Examples: How Drills Made a Difference
I used to struggle with fading the ball and losing distance because I was all arms. When I added the stepThrough drill to my routine, I started turning better and picked up about 15 yards over a couple months. I’ve seen friends gain similar results by combining balance work (feetTogether) with swing speed drills. Watching your practice pay off on the course is an awesome feeling!
- Amateur Golfer: Used pause-at-the-top drills to slow down and started hitting drives past their playing partners for the first time.
- Beginner: Focused on tee height and hitting up on the ball, turning weak slices into high, straight drives.
- Senior Player: Improved flexibility off the course and worked on hip rotation, adding noticeable speed and distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
I get asked a lot of common questions about driving distance. Here are some that pop up the most, along with straightforward answers.
Question: How many times a week should I do these drills?
Answer: I recommend two or three focused practice sessions a week. Overdoing it can tire you out, but regular, short sessions are super effective.
Question: Does my driver make a difference in how far I can hit?
Answer: Yes, but not as much as you might think. Proper technique is more important. Getting fit for a driver that matches your swing can help, though.
Question: What can I do if I’m not flexible?
Answer: Start adding five minutes of stretching each day, especially for your back and shoulders. Small improvements in mobility can really add up to bigger drives.
Final Thoughts on Gaining Driving Distance
Getting more distance off the tee is a mix of smart drills, solid practice, and a bit of patience. It doesn’t happen overnight, but even small wins are super motivating. These drills have helped me and a lot of other golfers unlock more powerful drives without sacrificing accuracy. Focus on progress, enjoy the process, and don’t forget that next personal best drive might be just one swing away.