Hey golfers,
I’m hitting the driving range this weekend and could use some advice. What’s the best way to make the most of my time there? Any drills or tips that have really helped you improve your game?
Looking forward to your suggestions!
5 Likes
Hello,
To maximize your driving range practice, focus on proper grip, stance, and swing technique. Start with shorter clubs before progressing to drivers, and use alignment aids. Track your progress and adjust based on feedback and results.
4 Likes
Practice like you play. Choose your target, decide the type of shot, and follow your usual pre-shot routine for each shot. Avoid rapid firing, as it won’t benefit you in the long run. Focus on quality over quantity.
I start warming up with half to three-quarter swings using a wedge, aiming at closer targets with around 10-15 balls. Then, I move on to full swings, gradually working up the bag from wedges. I typically hit every other club, as there’s little difference between a 9 and 8 iron.
Always pick your target and align yourself for each shot. With range balls, distance isn’t important; focus on accuracy. For drivers and woods, I imagine a fairway using two flags or other landmarks on the range.
When practicing fades and draws, I select a target on the starting line and another on the finishing line. The targets don’t need to be at the correct distance since distance is irrelevant with range balls.
For stretching, I focus on my back and legs. I touch my toes or place my palms on the ground, kick my leg up to waist height and lean in to stretch my glutes and hamstrings, and pull on my toes to stretch my calves. These stretches benefit me the most. I also do shoulder shrugs and rotations to loosen up my arms. If any muscles feel tight, I make sure to stretch those as well.
3 Likes
This is the best advice. In short, practice as if you’re playing.
3 Likes
I’m ready for the downvotes, but here goes…
Stop static stretching. Instead, use dynamic stretching, where you move into and out of stretched positions. Static stretching can reduce strength, power, and performance immediately after, making it better suited for post-activity relaxation.
Dynamic stretching mimics the movements you’ll perform (like a golf swing) and increases circulation, warming you up. Start with quarter backswings and downswings, hip rotations, upper torso rotations, and shifting your weight from leg to leg. I personally practice hip rotations past the target line and sometimes do soft three-quarter swings with my feet together. It keeps me warm and helps me work on specific movements, like avoiding early extension.
3 Likes
No downvote from me. That seems to be the trend in my son’s football and wrestling groups, and I think there’s some validity to it.
I have a stiff back and a problematic shoulder. I still do static stretching because it hurts to swing a club otherwise, but I’ve also started incorporating some dynamic movements to warm up.
3 Likes
Agree with the premise but I do it differently. I like to get into a normal stance, put my hands on the club shaft like i’m doing a barbell row but a narrower grip, and then do my 1/4s and slowly easing into a full turn. Main reason for this is i’m practicing my backswing width while getting an excellent stretch in, and being mindful of my tempo and weight transfer. For me it’s like a drill and a stretch.
3 Likes
Makes sense and it is a stretch but with dynamic movement as well.
3 Likes
Totally agree, static stretching before warming up your muscles increases the risk of injury. As a soccer coach, I’ve had many debates with other coaches and parents about this. Static stretches should be done during the cooldown after physical activity.
2 Likes
But I think it also depends on your focus…
Identify what you need to improve. Is it swing changes, wedge distances, driving power, shot shaping, or your pre-shot routine?
Once you’ve pinpointed an area to work on, you can structure your practice time around that specific goal. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to range practice.
1 Like
So Emma, I know you’ve received a lot of responses already but listen, this is the best advice yet. Always have a specific focus, and don’t let it be just “your swing.”
I would also suggest practicing mishits. Try hitting the ball 1cm off the toe, 1cm off the heel, 0.5cm off the toe, and so on, including practicing thin shots.
This type of practice helps you learn to navigate the club face. You can’t fine-tune your swing on the course if you don’t know where you’re missing or how to get back to center.