2 tests that led this long drive champion to record-breaking clubhead speeds

Every golfer craves high clubhead speed, believing it will take their game to the next level. And while they are there it is abundant In other factors that go into shaving strokes – such as approach shots, short game, putting and course management – the closer your second shot is to the flag, the better your chances of hitting more greens in regulation and making more pars and birdies.

But generating more clubhead speed isn’t just about biting your bottom lip, bringing the club back as far as your body allows and swinging as hard as possible. It also requires dedicated training, practice and a systematic plan, which allows you to gradually see positive results.

Take it from long-drive competitor and world record holder Seb Twaddell, whose excellent Golf Science Lab video below reveals two helpful drills.

(The full video is available on the Golf Science Lab YouTube channel.)

Try these 2 exercises to get more clubhead speed

Having great clubhead speed is great, but controlling clubhead speed is even better. This allows you to maintain good posture and alignment, promoting mid-face contact for more distance and accuracy.

While there are different ways to generate more speed, Twaddell – who holds the world record for clubhead speed at 169.6 miles per hour – says the following two exercises helped him go from a long hitter to one of the longest hitters in the world.

Baseball drill

Most of you have probably thrown a baseball or swung a baseball bat before, and Twaddell says the same motion helped him pick up clubhead speed.

Basically, you need to use more of a line weight shift from the back foot to the front foot (imitating the pitcher from his swing), which allows you to return the clubhead for more spin and speed.

But Twaddell said at first the move was difficult to incorporate into his speed training.

“It took 40 good balls to hit the clubface and hit the net, which was like 12 feet in front of us,” he said in the video.

He then demonstrates how the drill works.

“I was putting the club first and kicking back [with the lead leg, shifting the weight toward the trail side] and go from there,” he said. “I had been a pitcher, so my feeling was like I was playing baseball. When I went back, my hips fell in [lead] long.”

One arm swing

There are many moving parts to the swing, but if you’re trying to add clubhead speed, it’s important to use each part to add power. That’s why Twaddell trains using a one-arm swing.

“One thing I like about [lead] the arm is that, when you get to the top, you feel like you can really turn around and get that big lat hair — that alone is a huge outlet,” he said. “You can wrap and unwrap, like an elastic band.”

Using some of Twaddell’s tips, you can start incorporating speed drills into your workout routine. And while you won’t have record-breaking speeds, over time you can add all of this up to see big gains and long drives.

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Nick Dimengo

Golf.com Editor