3 Ways To Hit Up On Your Driver

Enrique Martínez Luque October 10 2023

It's no secret that in golf, there are many important processes that need to be performed with a certain technique. In general, the entire game is tied to your technique.

Even the way you hold the club can play a significant role and affect the outcome of the game. In addition, you need to learn how to make the right shot and maximize your driving distance.

Hitting up on your driver can be a game-changer, just like other parts of the game, so you must not underestimate this action.

Doing it in a proper way will allow you to send that little white ball soaring through the air with power and excellent precision.

So, we are going to provide you with three key techniques that can help you achieve this coveted upward strike on the golf ball.

Before we dive into the techniques, you should keep in mind that mastery of your driver takes time, patience, and, of course, a willingness to embrace change.

However, it is worth it because the techniques described below can elevate your game and bring you closer to achieving your full potential off the tee. Now, it is time to begin with the first method.

1.Spine tilt: setting the stage for success

Spine tilt: setting the stage for success

The first technique we will analyze is spine tilt. Proper spine tilt is the basis of a strong golf swing, and it plays a critical role in enabling an upward strike on the golf ball.

Let's imagine a situation. You are addressing the ball, driver in hand, ready to take your shot. Now, place the driver down so that the head is nestled between your knees.

Here is the magic: you have to tilt your spine away from the target until the club head lightly touches the inside of your lead knee. Hold that position.

By doing this, you're positioning your body for success, creating the ideal conditions for an upward hit on the golf ball. It's a subtle adjustment that can yield significant results in your driving game.

2.Low to high: imagining the upward swing

Low to high: imagining the upward swing

The next strategy involves visualizing the trajectory of your swing. Many golfers inadvertently make a mistake by going "high to low" in their swing, leading to a downward strike on the ball.

Instead, we want to encourage a "low to high" motion. Basically, here is how to practice it. Begin from your address position and rehearse short swings where your backswing moves from low to high.

Imagine the club ascending as you make contact with the golf ball. Repeat this several times to get a feel for the motion.

This mental exercise can be especially beneficial if you have been struggling with a "high to low" tendency in your swing. It's all about reprogramming your muscle memory to favor an upward path.

3.Turn and reach: correcting the reverse spine

Turn and reach: correcting the reverse spine

Finally, let's tackle a common swing fault that can hinder your ability to hit up on the driver—the dreaded Reverse Spine.

Not only can this fault hamper your driving prowess, but it can also lead to injuries. Fortunately, there's a drill to help correct it.

Here's how to execute the drill. Assume your golf posture, holding the club as you normally would.

Now, pull your arms and hands in close to your chest. It's like you're hugging yourself with your golf club in hand.

After that, initiate a powerful torso turn over a stable lower body. The key here is to focus on leaning your upper body away from the target as you complete your turn.

This action loads your weight onto your trail leg and positions you behind the golf ball. Then, as you finish your turn, extend your arms outward, reaching away from your body.

It's as if you're unwinding the potential energy you've stored up. This position sets the stage for a dynamic drive toward the target, utilizing the power of your lower body and launching that golf ball off the tee.

The path to mastery

In conclusion, hitting up on your driver is a skill that can unlock untapped potential in your golf game.

These three techniques—spine tilt, low to high visualization, and the turn and reach drill—can help you achieve that elusive upward strike on the golf ball, resulting in more distance off the tee.

But remember, mastery takes time. Don't be discouraged by initial challenges; instead, constantly keep improving.

Golf is a game of continuous growth, and each small adjustment can lead to significant gains. You have successfully studied all the necessary information from this article.

The only thing left for you to do now is to put your knowledge into practice. Naturally, success in golf is impossible without hard work and many attempts. So go, try, and win!


Enrique Martínez Luque

Enrique Martínez Luque is the Argentina-based golf expert and professional writer. He built his career in the world of golf taking a number of positions. Enrique was the manager of a golf club, director at a federation level, an agent for professional golfers and director institutional relations on the Argentinian Tour. Assissted the professional golfers on major tours for almost 20 years. Worked as the press officer of national and international golf tournaments.

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