How to Swing a Driver

Golfers' swings vary as much as snowflakes with no swing being exactly the same. But a player's swing requires some similar traits for success. You don't need to swing like a pro to achieve success but good technique will make your efforts on the tee box a bit easier. Backswing, swing plane and footwork are all part of driver swing that are important in your game.

1. Set up your shot. Start with a wide stance with the ball positioned in line with the front heel. The wider stance helps you position your head behind the ball. Your hands should be positioned directly above the head of the driver. Your weight should be placed slightly more on your back leg. Tilt your back so your left shoulder is higher than the right shoulder (if you're a right-handed golfer).

1. Address the golf ball with the driver.

2. Hold the club comfortably to form a "V" with your hands. Your weight displacement and your hands placed ahead of the ball forces your shoulders to open up parallel to the shot's target line.

1. Make the backswing by rotating your entire upper body beginning with your shoulders.

2. Shift your weight to the back foot. Bring the driver back to where the head is over your shoulders and facing the target. Keep your arms away from your body to prevent you from swinging inside-out.

1. Create your downswing. To maintain a consistent shot, shift your weight from your right foot to your left foot to create power from your lower body.

2. To ensure you're hitting the ball straight, hit the ball first then turn your back foot, as opposed to turning then hitting. By hitting with your heels down, you keep from topping the ball during the downswing. Staying flat also helps you get under the ball as you swing and move your weight.

1. Finish your shot. Extend your arms through the shot's impact and extend them away from your body.

2. Follow through by keeping you head down and bringing the club through the ball.

3. Extend your club head to where it finishes over your head. Your shoulders should point left of your target when your swing is complete, if you're a right-handed golfer.