Padraig Harrington’s must use step drill will revolutionise your club head speed off the tee
Many amateur golfers suffer a lack of club head speed and their swings are often far from reaching full potential.
Failure to maximise swing speed isn’t the end of the world, but in a sport where the margins for improvement are so fine, an extra 10 yards off the tee can make a huge difference.
A faster club head speed helps generate more ball speed allowing for longer tee shots and importantly, shorter approach shots – leading to more looks at birdies and pars.
It also helps achieve better ball flight and consistency with fluidity in your swing, ultimately reducing those frustrating mishits that can rip rounds apart.
Taking on board the necessary changes to increase club speed can give amateurs a significant edge, making the game much more enjoyable and improving competitiveness.
Padraig Harrington is a three-time Major winner who has built an elite career upon his reliable and consistent golf swing.
The long-time Irish pro has for many years advocated that the hips and shoulders need to work in tandem to unleash maximum speed on the golf ball when teeing off.
The 51-year-old has proven that the simple ‘step drill’ can reap rewards and maximise club head speed potential for those who have more in the tank.
The step drill may seem unusual and unnatural at first glimpse. However, there is a method to the madness…
Sports such as cricket have explosive, athletic movements when striking or throwing a ball; the use of the body to generate power works in contrast to the stood-still nature of a golf swing.
As a result, the step drill incorporates the explosive and athletic characteristics of something like the swing of a cricket bat in an attempt to increase club head speed.
To perform the drill, you address the golf ball as if you were setting up for a normal tee shot.
But instead of maintaining the natural stance, the front foot is brought back to the rear foot and you then step into the swing to promote explosiveness and increased speed of motion.
Ultimately, the drill looks to highlight that a flat-footed swing of just the shoulders is a quick-fire way to limit potential.
Get loose, step in and rip hard to improve power and club head speed with Harrington’s step drill!
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