High swing speed with half-3/4 swing (118mph), slower with full swing (108-112mph)?

[travvyb]

I picked up a swing speed radar and have been putting it to good use lately. On the course I am rather inconsistent with my driver with a full swing. Usually hitting a slice. But occasional I get those straight ones that are landing at about 270-285. After some range time with the radar I found that I am usually about 105 with a full swing sometimes up to 112 and still rather inconsistent. I found that I can increase my accuracy and swing speed by doing a half to 3/4 swing. This usually results in a straight or sometimes draw ball flight, and the radar often hitting 118mph. I have double check my full swing for glaring problems nothing seems to out of place, I am reaching a consistent parallel. Why is my shorter swing so much faster, and is it even worth it to try to develop my full swing when I can hit consistent and fast with a shorter swing? I will try to get a view up soon. Just try to get some basic thoughts.

Thanks,

[Lihu]

Welcome to TST.

Your 3/4 swing might actually be a proper full swing. Many of us over swing and get out of sequence. I would stick with your 3/4 swing for now. It seems to get the distances you need anyway at 118 mph.

[SavvySwede]

Welcome to TST.

Your 3/4 swing might actually be a proper full swing. Many of us over swing and get out of sequence. I would stick with the 3/4 swing for now. It seems to get the distances you need anyway.

This is very common, not many people can get their swing to parallel without cheating a little bit. Your typical pro is a lot more flexible than your average amateur and most of them are still only going to parallel.

Also the Swing Speed Radar is pretty sensitive to the angle you set it at so results can easily vary without a change in the swing. It also tends to read a bit higher when you are hitting a ball versus making a practice swing.

[Mr. Desmond]

I've observed, and experienced, that what I feel is a 3/4 swing is a full swing, and I tend to go after the ball on that "shorter" swing and that translates into more speed.

As to the swing speed radar, it will pick up the toe that is turning fast, and I've been told by many sources, that it can register 6-9% percent more than actual speed, depending on how fast that toe (I assume) is turning.

[WatchOutLeft]

From what I've read (and it is backed up for me by the fact that my "3/4 swing" often goes as far or farther than my "full swing") is that often when we think we are making a 3/4 swing we are making a full swing and often when we think we are making a full swing (or harder swing) we are making the same swing but tensing up a bunch of muscles that are of no benefit to the swing or increasing speed.

Seems to apply to what I have been doing anyway.

[CR McDivot]

Early extension? Lack of a full follow through?

The "feel" of highest clubhead speed should be just beyond the point of impact towards the target.

Just a thought.