Ditch the ‘Hit Up’ Myth: How a Simple Tee Drill Can Unlock Driver Distance
For decades, golfers have been told to hit “up” on the ball with their driver. But what if that advice is actively costing you yards? Increasingly, instructors and data analysis are revealing that a shallower angle of attack – hitting down and through the ball – is a key to unlocking significant distance gains. The traditional “hit up” approach can lead to excessive spin, inconsistent contact, and a loss of power. A surprisingly simple drill, utilizing just a few tees, can help you recalibrate your swing and experience the difference.
The Problem with ‘Up’ and the Rise of Downward Attack
The conventional wisdom behind hitting up on the ball was to launch it higher for increased carry. However, modern driver technology, particularly low-spin designs like the TaylorMade Qi4D, are engineered to optimize launch conditions without requiring an upward swing path. In fact, hitting up often results in a higher launch and more spin – a combination that can actually decrease total distance. A downward strike promotes a more efficient transfer of energy, leading to greater ball speed and a penetrating flight.
“A lot of golfers get stuck trying to lift the ball into the air,” explains Bernie Najar, Director of Instruction at Caves Valley GC in Owings Mills, Md. “That creates a scooping motion and inconsistent contact. We’re looking for a more controlled, descending blow.”
The Two-Tee Drill: A Visual Guide to a Shallower Attack
This drill provides immediate feedback on your swing path. Here’s how to do it:
- Tee up a golf ball as you normally would.
- Place two tees directly in front of the ball, aligned with your target line. They should be close enough that your driver head will pass over them during a normal swing.
- The goal is to hit the ball and drive your clubhead through the two tees.
If you’re accustomed to hitting up on the ball, you’ll likely miss the forward tee. This indicates that your swing path is too steep. Focus on feeling like you’re driving the clubhead through the ball and the tees, maintaining a slightly descending angle. This encourages a more efficient impact position, catching the ball closer to the center of the clubface.
Why This Drill Works: De-lofting and Path Control
The two-tee drill isn’t about drastically changing your swing overnight. It’s about creating a feeling of a shallower angle of attack. By forcing you to think about driving through the tees, you naturally de-loft the club at impact. This means the clubface is less angled upwards, reducing spin and promoting a more powerful, penetrating ball flight. Furthermore, it reinforces a swing path that’s more on-line, minimizing the risk of slices or hooks.
The Future of Driver Technology and Swing Mechanics
The trend towards lower-spinning drivers isn’t slowing down. Manufacturers are continually refining clubhead designs and materials – like the 60x Carbon Twist Face™ in the TaylorMade Qi4D – to maximize ball speed and forgiveness, even on off-center hits. However, technology can only take you so far. The next frontier in distance gains lies in optimizing swing mechanics to complement these advancements.
We’re likely to see more emphasis on:
- Ground Reaction Forces: Understanding how your body interacts with the ground during the swing to generate power.
- 3D Motion Capture: More accessible and affordable 3D motion capture technology will allow golfers to analyze their swings with greater precision.
- Personalized Swing Profiles: Data-driven insights will lead to more customized swing instruction tailored to individual body types and athletic abilities.
The days of one-size-fits-all swing advice are numbered. The future of golf instruction will be about finding the most efficient swing for you, and for many, that will mean abandoning the outdated “hit up” myth.
What adjustments have you made to your swing to maximize distance? Share your experiences and insights in the comments below!
