Hey there, fellow golfers and wellness enthusiasts! Alexis Morgan here, your Lifestyle Editor for The Daily Duffer. Today, I want to talk about something I hear a lot on the course, in the gym, and even in casual conversations with golfers of all handicaps: speed. We all want more of it, right? That feeling of effortless power, the ball rocketing off the clubface, the satisfying *thwack* that tells you it’s going to be a good one. But how do we get there?
For too long, the pursuit of speed felt like a mystic art, reserved for the pros who spend countless hours with trainers. But I’m here to tell you, it’s more accessible than you think, and it boils down to understanding a fundamental athletic movement that extends far beyond the tee box.
It’s More Than Just a Swing; It’s an Athletic Expression
I’ve noticed a common misconception among golfers, especially those of us who juggle work, family, and fitting in a quick nine: we focus so much on the mechanics of the swing—the perfect rotation, the flat wrist, the club path—that we sometimes forget the raw athleticism required. Speed isn’t just about technique; it’s about channeling your body’s power, efficiently and explosively. And often, we miss a crucial piece of that puzzle.
The source article puts it perfectly:
“Every golfer wants more speed. You’ll never attain it if you hang back on your trail side through impact. Or simply slide forward or think only of finishing on your front foot. Your move must be more athletic to deliver the club at the speed you’ve been looking for. What you’re missing is a right side push.”
That “right side push”—or trail leg push for left-handed golfers—is the secret sauce. It’s not just about turning; it’s about *driving* through the ball.
The Baseball Connection: Unlocking Your Power
Think about other explosive athletes. Olympic sprinters, basketball players jumping for a rebound, or, as the article suggests, an MLB pitcher. What do they all have in common? They generate immense power from their lower body, specifically from pushing off their trail leg.
“I liken the move to what an MLB pitcher does. Sure, he finishes on his front foot. But what gets him there? The answer is a big push off his trail leg. It’s this push that has the potential to send your swing speed off the charts.”
This analogy really resonated with me. It shifted my perspective from thinking about just “rotating” to actively *propelling* myself through the swing. It’s an active, dynamic move that uses your body’s biggest muscles to generate force.
And here’s the really exciting part: you don’t need a fancy personal trainer or an expensive gym membership to start working on this. You can do it at home, with a simple resistance band and a friend.
3 exercises every golfer should do to help their golf swing
Tony Ruggiero, with Zephyr Melton
Bringing it to Your Everyday Golf Life: An Actionable Drill
The beauty of this approach is its simplicity. The drill suggested by GOLF Top 100 Teacher Tony Ruggiero is something we can all incorporate into our pre-round warm-up, our at-home fitness routine, or even just a quick practice session in the backyard.
“Have your friend hold one end of the band and you the other, as you see above. Load up as normal on your backswing, where the band will go loose, then swing through by really pushing off that trail leg and not just rotating your hips. Think of it as a knockout punch.”
Perform 10 reps of this dynamic push, and then take a few swings with your club. I’ve tried this myself, and the difference is palpable. You immediately feel that engagement in your lower body, that explosive transfer of energy that translates directly into a more powerful swing. It’s not just about speed; it’s about a more athletic, integrated feel throughout your swing, which often leads to better balance and consistency too.
Beyond the Course: The Ripple Effect of Better Movement
This focus on athletic movement goes beyond just golf. Understanding how your body generates power—whether it’s for a golf swing, a tennis serve, or simply picking up gear after a round—is a cornerstone of overall fitness and wellness. When we move with purpose and engage the right muscles, we reduce the risk of injury, improve our overall strength, and frankly, just feel better in our bodies.
Integrating these kinds of movement patterns into your routine creates a lifestyle where golf isn’t just a sport you play, but a catalyst for living a more active, dynamic life. It’s about building a body that supports your passion for the game, for years to come. Think about how this trail leg push can translate to your daily walking, climbing stairs, or even just getting in and out of the car. It reinforces good habits that benefit your entire physical well-being.
Style Meets Substance: Confidence On and Off the Course
And speaking of feeling good, let’s not forget the confidence that comes with knowing you’re building a stronger, more athletic self. When you feel powerful and capable, it shines through in every aspect of your life. It affects how you carry yourself, how you interact with others, and how you approach challenges.
When you step onto the first tee, not only will you have that extra yardage, but you’ll also have the confidence of knowing you’ve put in the work. And let’s be honest, looking good while doing it never hurts! Performance wear has evolved to blend function with style seamlessly, allowing for maximum movement and comfort.
Cayman Polo
Buttery soft. Cool to the touch. We designed this polo to keep you comfortable and confident wherever the day takes you.
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Just like this “Cayman Polo” – designed for comfort and confidence on those courses where you’re really pushing off that trail leg! It’s all part of the holistic golf lifestyle.
So, next time you’re on the course, or even just thinking about your game, remember the profound effect of that “right side push.” It’s not just a technical tweak; it’s an invitation to a more athletic, powerful, and ultimately, more enjoyable golf life. Give it a try, and let me know how much difference you feel!
