Trying to reach 140+ speeds average

[DirtStrap]

Hello fellow long drivers. I have just started my journey a few months ago to long drive golf. Right now I am averaging right around 135mph on my swing speed. I can reach 137-139 swing speed probably about 40% of my hits. My top club speed recorded was 144. I have only reached 140+ club speed maybe 4 or 5 times.  

 

Right now I am trying to lose weight by doing a low carb diet. This is where I personally think my biggest problem is. I weigh about 235 and if I can get slimmed down to about 205-215 I think that will be my peak performance weight. Every other day I am going to the gym to work out using leg press, body weight squats, back rows and a little bit of tricep work as well. In between the gym days I am going to try and do more yoga type stretching to get more flexible.  I make it a goal as well to hit the range at least 4x a week and hit every single ball I get. Probably swinging 100% through 80 balls. 

 

in the meantime I have been wondering if anyone else has felt a plateau of reaching 135-137 consistently? 

 

Are my workout expectations reachable? Will I need to work out at the gym more or less? 

 

[tgrabowske]

I have been up to 140+ CHS and recently cruising 132-136 with game driver and stock swing. I am 99% sure I have more than 140 in the tank now. I started lifting heavy and trying to get strong while maintaining flexibility and that has seemed to increase my speed. I used to be like 128-131 and could get up to 140 and now I cruise way faster than that now. I think swinging 100% @ 80 balls is going to be a waste of your time. I think train hard in the gym and maybe 20-30 balls per session. So to answer I think more gym. Less balls. Then test and see if it doesnt work change it up. 

[indianagolf2]

On 3/28/2024 at 2:50 PM, tgrabowske said:

I have been up to 140+ CHS and recently cruising 132-136 with game driver and stock swing. I am 99% sure I have more than 140 in the tank now. I started lifting heavy and trying to get strong while maintaining flexibility and that has seemed to increase my speed. I used to be like 128-131 and could get up to 140 and now I cruise way faster than that now. I think swinging 100% @ 80 balls is going to be a waste of your time. I think train hard in the gym and maybe 20-30 balls per session. So to answer I think more gym. Less balls. Then test and see if it doesnt work change it up. 

How old r u 

[tgrabowske]

On 5/4/2024 at 7:20 PM, indianagolf2 said:

How old r u 

27

[fromearth]

I used to compete and had a deep interest in the science of it all. I also have experience lifting heavy.

In the long-drive world, I have seen all types of competitors. Joe Miller could deadlift a house, and Jamie Sadlowski, while strong, topped out at 165 lbs soaking wet. Miller was only marginally faster than Sadlowski. You also have guys like Dave Mobley and Jeff Crittenden. They were regularly 130-135 but they always placed well and could win at any time. 

In my opinion, while strength training can certainly contribute, the most significant gains are to be made in the nervous system. Let's consider the two individuals I mentioned earlier. The one who was heavier and stronger should, theoretically, have a swing speed that matches his physical attributes. However, he was only marginally faster than Sadlowski, which speaks volumes about the role of the nervous system in performance. 

 

Over-speed training is important. You can use those speed sticks. I have seen guys drill holes in Golf balls and mount them on a long drive shaft.  This trains your nervous system for speed.  I used a light weight head that was made for training. Made by Integra If I recall.

When hitting, I would always do a lot of slower swings to work on form and accuracy. Then, I would mix in full-speed swings that were controlled and then full speed with accuracy secondary. Accuracy secondary is basically swinging out of your shoes. Push the envelope. You will need a beater head for that last part. If you are not shanking or topping a few shots, you are not swinging hard enough. 

In total, I would hit about 200 balls with 30 full swings and 30 overspeeds. I would then do the lightweight club (speed stick) to exhaustion but not hitting balls. 

A last tip.... Buy some older Krank Rage heads for your overspeed ball striking. They will hold up to anything. 

HOpe this helps..

[tgrabowske]

On 5/9/2024 at 1:36 PM, fromearth said:

I used to compete and had a deep interest in the science of it all. I also have experience lifting heavy.

In the long-drive world, I have seen all types of competitors. Joe Miller could deadlift a house, and Jamie Sadlowski, while strong, topped out at 165 lbs soaking wet. Miller was only marginally faster than Sadlowski. You also have guys like Dave Mobley and Jeff Crittenden. They were regularly 130-135 but they always placed well and could win at any time. 

In my opinion, while strength training can certainly contribute, the most significant gains are to be made in the nervous system. Let's consider the two individuals I mentioned earlier. The one who was heavier and stronger should, theoretically, have a swing speed that matches his physical attributes. However, he was only marginally faster than Sadlowski, which speaks volumes about the role of the nervous system in performance. 

 

Over-speed training is important. You can use those speed sticks. I have seen guys drill holes in Golf balls and mount them on a long drive shaft.  This trains your nervous system for speed.  I used a light weight head that was made for training. Made by Integra If I recall.

When hitting, I would always do a lot of slower swings to work on form and accuracy. Then, I would mix in full-speed swings that were controlled and then full speed with accuracy secondary. Accuracy secondary is basically swinging out of your shoes. Push the envelope. You will need a beater head for that last part. If you are not shanking or topping a few shots, you are not swinging hard enough. 

In total, I would hit about 200 balls with 30 full swings and 30 overspeeds. I would then do the lightweight club (speed stick) to exhaustion but not hitting balls. 

A last tip.... Buy some older Krank Rage heads for your overspeed ball striking. They will hold up to anything. 

HOpe this helps..

Excite the nervous system! Rest/Recover do it again. I definitely think body type and genetics will dictate which is better for you whether its fast twitch type of training(CNS excitement) or the need to add strength. Find which one you are and go from there! Love this!

[holdem75]

Some impressive speeds you guys have going on. Good luck with the continued pursuit to increase.