If you’re looking to increase your swing speed and gain more distance on the golf course, speed-training programs can be a great option. However, it’s crucial to translate the progress you make during practice to actual rounds. GOLF Teacher to Watch, Matt Henderson, shares a four-phase system to help golfers bring their speed-training gains from practice to performance.
In the first phase of Henderson’s system, you’ll take high-intensity swings with your driver without a ball or radar. This allows you to focus solely on accelerating your swing with your actual driver, building comfort and confidence with your own club. Moving on to the second phase, you’ll use a net and radar to hit actual balls, focusing on speed numbers rather than direction or distance. This phase helps push your limits and achieve higher speeds without worrying about ball placement.
Transitioning to the driving range in the third phase, you’ll use a radar to monitor your speed while hitting balls with your driver. This phase allows you to focus on clubhead speed and aim to replicate the numbers from the previous stage. Henderson recommends adding in some light cardio to boost intensity and keep your swing as fast as possible. Finally, in the fourth phase, you’ll bring your driver to the course and test your speed in real-life conditions using a launch monitor to assess your on-course speed.
Henderson emphasizes that small changes can make a significant difference when translating training gains to actual rounds. By following this four-step process, golfers can have a clearer path to improved clubhead speed on the course, not just during practice. He cautions against doing speed-training programs rogue, as it can lead to inconsistencies, frustration, and potential injuries. Utilizing the right aids and programs can help golfers efficiently develop more power and speed.
One popular speed-training aid is TheStack Swing Speed Trainer, which includes hardware and an app bundle for comprehensive training. The hardware features 5 milled Stack weights that enable 30 weight combinations between 0g and 300g, a dual-purpose weight case/phone stand, and a highly engineered training club available in adult or junior versions. The app provides dynamic speed training formulated by Dr. Sasho MacKenzie, guided workout timer, custom speed metrics tracking, voice entry technology for hands-free data entry, and access to Stack Putting beta.
Overall, translating speed-training progress from practice to the course requires a structured approach and consistency in your training regimen. By following a phased system like the one shared by GOLF Teacher to Watch Matt Henderson, golfers can ensure that the gains they make in speed and power during practice sessions are effectively applied to their performance on the course. Utilizing aids like TheStack Swing Speed Trainer can enhance your training experience and help you achieve your goals of increased swing speed and distance.
