To maximise driving distance, long-ball hitters like Bubba Watson [above] catch the ball on the upswing. Sweeping it off the tee increases the distance the ball stays in the air and reduces backspin, so it rolls more when it lands. This is the same approach to the driver I use when teaching my new A Swing. All you need to do is make some easy adjustments to hit longer drives. Follow these steps.

David Leadbetter

1. Tilt Behind The Ball
Address the ball so it’s in line with your left heel, and widen your stance beyond shoulder width. Your spine should be tilted away from the target, and your sternum behind the ball. Also, make sure the shaft is not leaning towards the target.

2. Smooth To The Top
Rhythm is the key to consistency, so it’s important to put some flow into your backswing. Use your core muscles to start the club back, and try to keep your arms relaxed as you swing to the top. Don’t let anxiety cause you to rush.

3. Don’t Lunge Forward
At the start of the downswing, resist the urge to shift all of your weight towards the target. You need to keep your upper body behind the ball to hit up on it. Feel as if some of your weight is still supported by your back foot during the downswing.

4. Thrust At Impact
Thrust your lower body upwards as you swing into the ball. Your torso will tilt farther away from the target, and you’ll be a little taller than you were at address. This thrust causes the arms to extend so you can hit up on the ball with some real power.

David Leadbetter, author of The A Swing, operates 24 golf academies worldwide.