If you want to maximize power on your drives, it all starts with proper weight shift. Watching the pros hit their tee shots, you’ll notice that they always finish on their lead side. If you want to emulate their success, you need to copy this move by shifting your weight correctly. Back in 1988, Peter Jacobsen shared a valuable drill for proper weight shift that is still relevant today over 30 years later. This drill can work wonders for your game and help you hit longer and more powerful drives.
Peter Jacobsen’s weight-shift drill is designed to address the issue of weak “popcorn” drives that result from improper weight distribution. By moving the full weight of your body into the shot, you can generate more power and hit the ball further. Just like how you move your weight when throwing a ball, the same should apply in golf. Players who don’t use their weight properly often make mistakes like a reverse shift or failing to shift their weight forward on the downswing, leading to a weak arms-only swing. To correct this, try stepping forward with your right foot in the follow-through to encourage the correct weight shift.
To use Peter Jacobsen’s drill, start by distributing your weight evenly at address, with your feet shoulder-width apart and knees slightly flexed. On the backswing, flow your weight to the right side so that 90% of it is on the inside of your right foot at the top. Swing down without focusing on weight shift, then step forward with your right foot in the follow-through to encourage the correct balance. Take practice swings incorporating this step until you get used to the feeling, then try it in your regular swing. This step may not directly affect the shot, but it helps reinforce the proper weight shift.
Incorporating this weight-shift drill into your driving practice can lead to significant improvements in your power and distance off the tee. By focusing on shifting your weight correctly throughout your swing, you can generate more power and hit the ball like the pros. Remember to start by distributing your weight evenly, flow to the right side on the backswing, and step forward with your right foot in the follow-through. Practicing this drill consistently can help you establish a more efficient weight shift and ultimately improve your driving performance on the course.
