10 Golf Swing HACKS that got me to 180 MPH Ball Speed

Over the past year I’ve gotten over 180mph ball speed just based on swing changes.  Here are the key concepts that have helped me on my journey!

Treat the Warm-Up Like a Workout

Most golfers think a warm-up is stretching your hamstrings and doing some torso twists with a 7-iron.  What really helped me? A full-on gym session before I hit balls.
30–45 minutes in the gym. Heavy lifts. Explosive movements.

The goal: Wake up the big muscles. Load. Turn. Explode.
 Biggest difference-makers:

     

      • Resistance band loading drills

      • Medicine ball throws

      • Quick hip/glute mobility

      • And this big one: Move fast in the gym so you can move fast in your swing. Not everything should be slow and controlled.


    Setup Tweaks That Actually Matter

       

        • Flaring both feet—especially that lead foot—helps you rotate. Go extreme here. 45° feels weird, but weird = good.
          Grip pressure—stronger than you think. Long drive guys and tour pros don’t hold it like a baby bird.
          Wider stance—just look at guys who mash it. Feels awkward. Works wonders.


      The Backswing is Your Speed Multiplier

      This was a game-changer. Length and speed in the backswing directly impact how much force you can create.

         

          • Go Jon Daly-long. Hands way up. Trail elbow flared. Reach for the sky.
            Rip it back fast. Like, aggressively fast. The combo of long + fast = force.

          • Lose sight of the ball. Seriously. You’re moving off it more, pressure into the trail side, and lifting that lead foot? That’s a good sign.

               

                • Feels to try:

                     

                      • Trail hip rising like you’re standing up

                      • Pressure shift way back—like you’re almost swaying

              • Lead foot lift = better rotation + a trigger for the downswing


            Video for Real-Time Feedback

            Here’s the thing: when you “try something,” you’re probably not doing it anywhere near enough. That’s why instant video feedback is non-negotiable. You have to overdo it to actually do it. If it doesn’t feel crazy, you’re not changing.


            Pre-Swing Triggers: Stay Loose, Move Fast

            Ever notice Kyle Berkshire’s little bounce before he launches one into orbit?

               

                • Rocking pressure side-to-side before the swing keeps your body primed and fast.

                • It’s a trigger. It’s a rhythm thing. And it works. Try it before your next speed session. Feel the bounce, then launch.


              The Weirdest (but Best) Concept: Up-Down-Up

              This one is wild. Imagine your swing like a chop:

                 

                  1. Up in the backswing

                  1. Down to load

                  1. Up again to explode through

                 That vertical movement feels awkward at first, but it leads to huge speed gains because you’re applying vertical force at the right time.


                Downswing Keys That Made the Difference

                This is where I left the most speed on the table—and worked the hardest to change.

                   

                    • Don’t hold the lag too long. Your hands should be flying when your lead arm is parallel on the way down. You’re not saving speed for impact—you’re releasing it early so it whips.

                    • Peak vertical force should happen early. Ideally, when that lead arm hits parallel. If you wait till impact, you’ve missed it.  You’re pushing so hard into the ground off the ball of your lead foot, it’s pushing you back.

                  More Articles