Distance presents a big problem to many amateur golfers and because of that, I feel that this subject is worth spending time and effort on in order to fully understand the requirements so that the player will be able to improve this important area of the game.

Clubhead speed is how fast the player swings the club at impact. Mass is the amount of mass behind the ball during impact. 

Trajectory, is the vertical flight path of the ball. 

Co-efficient of restitution is the way the ball restores itself after the strike (compression) and will not be dealt with further here except to say that ball compression is an important equipment issue that can have a significant impact on distance. 

Ask you supplier about the relevant merits of compression, material and dimple pattern before making your golf ball selection.

The only governor on how far the club should travel is control. If control is a problem then make sure that the club does not pass the horizontal position at the top of the backswing. 

The clubhead will be visible through the left eye if the club is passing horizontal. Reasons for over swing include, bending the left arm and looseness of the grip. 

The club should also travel freely during the through swing, the illustration above left shows what for many would be an excellent length of arc. 

Width can be improved by checking the left arm position to make sure that the arm is as straight as possible (at the top of the backswing).

Once again, control should not be sacrificed for extra width. If the player finds difficulty in straightening the left arm during the backswing, then look for other ways to improve distance.

It is also possible to increase width by pushing with the right hand. Paul Ritson, the renowned Floridian golf coach calls this, using the right hand lifeline to increase width. The method employed is simply to push the palm of the right hand by the thumb (the lifeline) away from the target straightening the left arm and so increasing width of arc.

The secondary lever system (primary, is length of arc) is created when the player cocks the wrist and is an immense source of potential power.

Having created the lever it is vital that the energy (formed by the lever) is released at the right moment

Too soon (often known as hitting from the top) and the power will be dissipated before the strike.

Release too late however, and a weak block to the right will ensue.

 The drill illustrated on the left is an excellent way to learn lever & release. 

Pull the club down in slow motion to the impact point 4 times in a row. Each time concentrating on the lever action as illustrated. 

On the fifth swing, use the same action but swing at normal speed and allow the club to follow through. Repeated use of this drill will improve the player's appreciation of lever and release.

When the ball is contacted away from the sweet spot, then the clubhead will rotate around the shaft. This twist (or rotation) will affect Direction and will also cause dissipation of energy. 

Modern clubs are designed with speed and mass very much in mind. Light weight graphite shafts allow the clubs to be have extra weight in the heads (more mass) lengthened (increasing leverage and so adding clubhead speed) without losing control. 

It may also be beneficial to change to a more flexible golf shaft. This will potentially affect control but if distance is of major concern this option should be explored.    

Talk to your local pro or club maker or call the Golf Factory on 01772 252523 for further advice. 

Wider sweet spots (mid and over sized clubs) will ensure that maximum mass is transmitted to the ball at all times. Take a look at the factory shop link to find out more.

Increasing mass at impact can be influenced in only three ways:- 

b) Use club heads with more mass.