I just love watching the National Long Drive Championship on TV. In this competition the top 6 – 8 guys in the country will display their ability to hit the driver farther than anyone else. They set it up with the grandstands behind the players, blast loud music and turn on the lights. The player then has 6 chances to let the Big Dog Eat and get a ball in the 40 yard landing area (not just about distance). These players use 50-inch drivers and have swing speeds that top 130 mph. They will then attempt to get that perfect contact to maximize the distance and win the championship.

Now I know that the majority of us do not have 50-inch drivers and we are nowhere near the 130 mph club head speed, but there are a few things we can do to increase our driving distance.

First: Lets make sure the set-up is good for the driver. Take a wider than normal stance, this will allow you to make a good turn. Check that the ball position is inside the left foot. A forward ball position will make it easier to hit slightly up on the ball at impact. Last tilt the right shoulder lower than the left. You can check this by placing your right hand at your side. The fingers should touch below your right knee.

Second: Tee the ball with the middle of the ball at the top of the driver. The most solid part of the driver is high on the face and we need to get the majority of the club head below the ball.

Third: You have to be on plane to hit big drives. The plane is the angle that the club rest at address. The driver is the longest and therefore will swing the most around the body or flattest. A great way to practice hitting the driver is to take baseball swings about waist high. This will give you the feel of the club swinging around the body. You can also take some swings sitting in a chair (be sure there is nothing behind you before doing this). When your club is on plane you will gain 10 – 20 yards and the ball will go straighter.

Work on these techniques and enjoy longer drives.