Chasing 177.5 Ball Speed Part 2
In part one of my speed training journey, I highlighted the importance of reaching a set of minimum relative strength goals that would give me the freedom to speed train without concern of injury. This was especially important since I started to speed train during the season, which already includes a more rigorous practice schedule and tournament play.
As you can imagine, after hitting these strength goals I was eager to start swinging. For my introduction to speed training we started by simply swinging my current driver, a lighter shafted driver and a headless driver shaft.
Some speed training drills were done from a kneeling stance and other drills involved using movement or stepping with the intention of teaching me how to more efficiently use my lower body.
After this introductory stage, I went ahead and ordered the Stack System speed straining aid. This allowed me to adjust the weights with one speed stick and tailor training to my needs. I started setting PR’s (personal records) right at the start. It was extremely satisfying to try to beat my personal best each time. However, I found that I was swinging the heavier weights fast (relative to their weight and my swing speed) and the lighter weights below their relative expected speed. This was a signal that I was just muscling the weight with my arms instead of creating speed from the ground and lower body.
After working on that for weeks, it seemed like every time I tested my ball speed I set a record. My ball speed (swinging hard) went from 166.5 to a record of 173.9. More recently when testing I am able to get to 170 on my first or second swing of the day.
Despite having a minor foot surgery between the intro stage and the “Stack” stage I was able to surpass my previous ball speed records within a couple weeks of training at 100%.
If you are interested in seeing results like these. Click the link below to check out the Stack System Speed Training aid. As a special offer through In The Golf Zone you can also get 10% off with the code “ITGZ10”. Even if you end up bundling for a large discount I would greatly appreciate anyone using the link in this article or on the In The Golf Zone Website.
