Hit Bombs: Improve mobility to add distance

golf physical therapy sport performance training Feb 15, 2024

by Grant Norland

One of the most important factors in adding distance to your golf shot is mobility. While being stronger or faster can help, having more range of motion to produce force is often the most impactful change a player can make to hit the ball farther.

If you've ever watched a long drive competition, you'll notice players move through what many would consider an extreme range of motion. The big hitters do things an golf instructor would tell most players not to do when playing normal golf.

Long drive competitors make adjustments to max out their range of motion for more force production. Watch how much range the player moves through in the video below.

Three of the most common areas that players experience limitations to range of motion that impact their swing are in the shoulders, thoracic spine (mid back), and the hips. Losing mobility in any of these joints can have significant impact on how far you're able to hit the ball.

Any good training program for golfers should include elements of mobility in these 3 areas. The following videos provide good examples of exercises that focus on mobility in the shoulders, spine, and hips that will help maintain range of motion for your swing.