Difference Between Driver and Iron Swings
Golfers often ask: "Is there a difference between how you’re supposed to swing a driver and an iron? How are they different? And how can I make sure I’m swinging correctly?"
The simple answer is yes, there are significant differences. Today, we’ll break down the set-up, backswing, and downswing for both the driver and iron shots, highlighting their unique characteristics and providing top tips to enhance your practice.
Key Concept: Low Point
Low point refers to the lowest point on the swing arc during the hitting zone. Understanding this is crucial when comparing the two clubs.
Driver
- Purpose: The driver is designed for power and distance. It’s used with the ball teed up high, which means the ground doesn’t interfere with the shot. To achieve maximum distance, you should hit upward on the ball. This creates an upward angle of attack, with the low point of the swing occurring before the ball.
Iron
- Purpose: Irons focus on precision and control. Unlike drivers, iron shots are usually played off the ground, making them more affected by ground conditions (e.g., if the ball is in a low spot or on a slope). Therefore, you should hit downward on the ball, creating a downward angle of attack. The low point will be past the ball.
Set-Up
Driver:
- Ball Position: Teed up high, aligned with the heel of your lead foot.
- Stance: Wider stance for stability.
- Weight Distribution: 55/45, favoring the trail side.
- Torso Tilt: Significant tilt towards the target, as shown in the image.
Iron:
- Ball Position: Centered or slightly forward in the stance.
- Stance: Narrower stance compared to the driver.
- Weight Distribution: 55/45, but favoring the lead side.
- Torso Tilt: Minimal tilt, more upright compared to the driver.
Backswing
Driver:
- Movement: Significant shoulder movement away from the target, which helps create a shallower, upward angle of attack. Weight should be loaded onto the trail leg.
- Tip: Try the “Weight Bounce Drill”—bounce your weight between your feet during the backswing to become more aware of weight distribution.
Iron:
- Movement: The body remains more centered, with less dramatic shoulder movement. The lead shoulder turns away from the target, but with less range than with the driver.
- Tip: Use the “Thong Drill”—place an alignment stick behind you, touching between your butt cheeks, and practice moving the stick towards the target with your right butt cheek. This helps with correct movement and weight transfer.
Downswing
Driver:
- Movement: The torso should hold back, with less weight transfer to the lead leg. Focus on pushing up from the floor with your legs.
- Tip: Try the “Thunder Stamp Drill”—lift your lead heel at the top of the backswing, then slam it down to initiate the downswing with your lower body. This helps you feel the push off the ground and initiate the movement up and back.
Iron:
- Movement: Shift your weight onto the lead leg, creating significant forward shaft lean. This helps you hit down on the ball with a steeper angle of attack.
- Tip: Practice the “Two Tees Drill”—place a tee peg in front of the ball and try to hit the front tee peg as you strike the ball from the original tee peg. This encourages a downward swing.
