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One of the most difficult challenges a golf instructor faces is helping a student attain more distance. Although the modern golfer-athlete has benefited from the latest technology, the key component to hitting it farther is building speed into the swing.

Of course, swing path, angle of attack and ability to make solid contact are critical as well. On the following pages I'll show you the power positions that generate more clubhead speed. You'll also get tips on how to use--and where to buy--training aids designed to boost swing speed. Vijay Singh and other top pros combine the use of a fan (like the one I'm swinging at right) and weighted clubs. The concept isn't new. Gene Sarazen, who played into his 90s, swung a heavy club nearly every day to maintain flexibility and speed. What worked for the Squire will work for today's golfer-athlete.

Drill: How to build power

Improve your muscle memory of the correct power positions by holding a weighted club (the one I'm using here is three pounds) in the correct swing positions for 15 seconds. Using a mirror to check the positions, start by making a full shoulder turn and wrist-hinge to the top of the backswing. Next, swing the club halfway down, keeping the toe up and the shaft parallel to the target line. Then rewind, swinging it back to the top, making sure that your left wrist nearly lines up with your left arm and that your elbows aren't separating. Don't be surprised if your left arm bends more than usual. The weighted club makes it difficult to keep the arm straight. The correct position at the top should give you a feeling of balance and stability, especially in your right leg.

Drill: How to unleash it

Again using a heavy club if you can, swing to halfway back, then feel that your core muscles are pulling the club forward to the halfway-through position. Repeat this mini-swing motion several times. On the takeaway you want to feel like your shoulders, arms, hands and the club are working together. Maintain good knee flex and posture as your weight begins to shift to inside your right leg. As you hold that position, make sure the shaft is parallel to the target line. The right elbow should be pointing to the ground, partially obscured by the left arm, as seen from face on. On the through-swing, your left side should be firm, not swaying to the left. Your position halfway through should be a mirror image of halfway back, the toe of the club pointing skyward.

Speed bumps and boosts

Too much tension in the arms is the No. 1 speed killer. Increasing your flexibility and adopting a light grip pressure allow you to swing freer, more fluidly and ultimately faster. Poor technique and improper sequencing also restrict swing speed. Most people swing harder with the upper body on the downswing and lose the proper sequence of motion to maximize distance. The over-the-top motion of the average slicer is a prime example.

Setup Good players have an athletic setup. Your stance should be the width of your shoulders for a normal iron shot (above). Some players have too narrow a stance, which restricts hip turn and, consequently, inhibits swing speed. Proper ball positioning will place your head behind the ball; it stays there through impact.

Takeaway Lack of width on the backswing is a big speed bump. In the photo below my hands are too close to the body, which means improper width during the backswing. When you get narrow, the upper sternum stops turning, which leads to a power shortage. Power and speed are sacrificed whenever any of the various elements of a good swing are not in concert. The gap between the arms is also indicative of a flying right elbow--the beginning of a total breakdown of the swing.

At the top Make a full shoulder turn and hold the shaft short of parallel at the top of the backswing. Notice that my hands are pretty far from my head, a sign of good left-arm width through to the top. Be careful not to hyperextend. The hips should also rotate and shift laterally slightly during the backswing.

Downswing You lose speed by starting the downswing with your arms and upper body (below)--a throwing move that usually results in a pull or weak slice. Ideally, you want to feel movement of the club in front of your body in concert with the middle part of the body down to the knees.

Through impact The club extends straight down the target line through impact. The toe of the club passes the heel as it is released naturally through the area where clubhead speed is maximized. Any breakdown in mechanics or improper sequence of movement will decrease clubhead speed in the hitting area.

The finish A reverse pivot occurs when a player leaves weight on the back foot (below). Notice the spine angle forms a "reverse C." On a balanced swing, the weight shifts into the left leg at impact and the belt buckle faces the target. The right shoulder moves under the chin on the follow-through.

Key note:

It's a common misconception that you must swing "harder" to increase speed. When the average player swings harder, there is almost always a breakdown in mechanics and a decrease in swing speed.

Learn what speed feels like

Baseball coaches have their players swing extra-light bats to experience speed. This is a major key to success. You need to experience what "fast" is in the

golf swing

. Below, I'm swinging a club that weighs a mere 10 ounces. After using a heavy club to practice the proper power positions, this super-light club feels like a feather. You can also feel how a golf shaft "loads" and whips through the hitting zone. Just remember to swing in balance. I also recommend swinging a medium-heavy club to enhance flexibility; you can swing it fast and not pull a muscle or injure yourself. Use it daily to build golf muscles. (For more information on specific speed-building training aids, see the listing below, compiled by the editors.)

WHAT TO BUY

Here is a short list of products that help you increase, or measure, your swing speed.

* Heavy Hitter by Gary Player

Weighted clubs in light, medium and heavy versions (Driver, $90; iron, $80; 888884-3289; www. heavyhittergolf.com).

* Impact Builder

Promotes speed through proper timing at impact ($120; 800-824-4279; www.golfaroundthe world.com).

* McLean Power System

Set of three weighted clubs, as mentioned in article ($170; 866-462-2023; www.McLean PowerSystem.com).

* Power Swing Fan

Uses air resistance to help build speed, as shown on page 115 ($50; 800-824-4279; www.golfaround theworld.com).

* Power Hip Trainer

Exercise machine helps you resist, then accelerate, hip rotation ($275; 800-227-6629; www. somaxsports.com).

* Swing Sock

Attaches securely to clubhead (photo, left). Four weights for irons, two for woods ($20 each; 479-271-0823; www.swingsock.com).

* Swing Speed Radar Uses Doppler radar to clock swing speed ($100; 888-542-9246; www.swingspeedradar. com).

* The Speed Stik Weighted training aid comes in three versions according to user's weight and playing ability ($125 each; 402330-4144; www.the speedstik.com).

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