We all want to improve driving distance off the tee. Is true power generated through technique, strength or something more? According to a recent study published in the National Strength and Conditioning Association’s (NSCA) journal, amateur golfers significantly increased their driving distances after just eight weeks of strength training while incorporating plyometrics.

Plyometric training is one simple way to describe the method of developing explosive power. For golfers, athletic movement originates from the legs and hips. The transfer of energy then moves into the midsection (or core). The final transfer of energy moves to the upper body for completion of the golf swing.

Examples of plyometrics for golf include seated horizontal twists, split lunges, golf swings and wood chopping patterns utilizing a medicine ball or cable system. Now, here’s one of my favorites for building more explosive power in the hips.

      Squat Jump

• Stand with your feet shoulder width apart and hands behind you head.
• Sit back into a squat position maintaining good posture throughout. Keep your abdominal muscles contracted in.
• Jump into the air while driving the motion from your glutes and upper thigh muscles.
• Be sure to land back in an athletic position. Try two sets of 6 to begin with.

For more information on exercises and stretches specific to golf, contact http://www.fitnessforgolf.com.