GOLF The 5 Biggest Mistakes You Make With Your Driver

The 5 Biggest Mistakes You Make With Your Driver:
01:19 - Mistake #1 - Ball Position
06:03 - Mistake #2 - Tilt At Address
10:10 - Mistake #3 - The Hold
14:11 - Mistake #4 - Swing Direction
18:30 - Mistake #5 - Head Too Far Forward Of The Ball
**If you like my videos and instruction here, be sure to check out my membership site at www.cogornogol... That’s our online community where I work with golfers from all over the world. That’s where you can send in your swing and get feedback, priorities and direction from me to improve your game.
While we were in Los Angeles, our friend Steve Pratt was kind enough to make the trip from his course and share his expertise on "all things Driver" with us. Steve was a student of Mike Austin and teaches how to pivot and throw the clubhead, and all the precision details in between. In 2007, Steve used the Austin swing to average 332 yards per drive in professional tournaments. You can learn more about Steve and his instruction on his KZbin Channel, Steve Pratt Golf, and at hititlonger.co....
Special thanks to Scott Morgan and The Lakes At El Segundo for allowing us to film while in the Los Angeles area.
**To book a lesson with me go to: www.cogornogol...
_______________
**You can find our entire catalog of Master Classes at ericcogornogol... (Members of cogornogolf.com get all of our individual products for free with membership)
** The LiveView Golf Camera is my favorite tool for golf swing feedback. Take a look at the LiveView Pro and use the coupon code ECGOLF to get special deals and discounts liveviewsports...
**I may earn a small commission for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial, and/or link to any products or services recommended on Eric Cogorno Golf sites. Your purchase helps support my work in bringing you free content to help you learn about golf and improve your game. My goal is to help people through my experience so I will not recommend a product or service unless I've
1) Used it personally. (which will be the case the vast majority of the time)
2) Thoroughly researched it and gotten first-hand user feedback from other professionals I trust and that have used the product/service.**If you like my videos and instruction here, be sure to check out my membership site at www.cogornogol...! That’s our online community where I work with golfers from all over the world. That’s where you can send in your swing and get feedback, priorities and direction from me to improve your game.

[@solomonngan6072]

Thank you Eric, these are excellent lessons on the driver. I tried them out this afternoon, gained at least 20 yards at the range and the ball flight and direction looked so good. Will continue to work on your lessons to improve. Thanks again !

[@CogornoGolf]

:) Love to hear this!! Appreciate you watching the channel!

[@jamesmaceyra1974]

I've been playing golf about once every 3-4 months for the last 10 years. I recently started playing twice a week. I took 1 minute to line up to the ball in my garage and immediately noticed the "wrong" methods that I have embedded in my approach and swing. Thanks a ton! I'm sure I will be able to apply what I've learned.

[@CogornoGolf]

Hope you continue to enjoy your golf, James!

[@GolfHiLights]

Went to range last night with these 5 mistakes in mind and it helped launch my ball higher, a lot higher. I'm fading it now, which I'll take considering I'm a terrible hooker. Keep doing these videos. I really appreciate it.

[@CogornoGolf]

Love to hear that!!

[@twed57]

Eric, what would have helped me was a slo mo of each of the swings - especially the good ones! - you are so quick! Thanks for a great video!

[@CogornoGolf]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@adamw13]

I tried a ton of videos on here. After 20 years, this fixed my slice in 1 day. No lie.

[@CogornoGolf]

Excellent!

[@brianjohnson8918]

I like the feel of my head moving "backwards" coming down; it's really pretty stable, but the feel gives a great sense of swinging against the heavy anchor of a stable head. Great video; there are more than enough videos of people with great swings explaining their great swing, and not nearly enough helping to guide the mistake-ridden dedicated hacker to correcting their mistakes.

[@CogornoGolf]

Love it, Brian! That sounds about right! Appreciate the kind words!

[@kimgoulette738]

Joined your lesson videos, really helped my slice

[@CogornoGolf]

Love to hear that, Kim!

[@scottchristie7945]

Hey Eric,great driver lesson! Would you say tip number 3....the bad version is more of an iron swing?? I've been working so hard on my irons,trying to compress the ball,hold the lag etc....I can't hit driver anymore! So I think I'm basically swinging the driver like it's an iron and hitting down on the ball! Can't wait to try tip number 3! Thanks again

[@CogornoGolf]

100%!

[@carlor.s.4742]

Best video ever for highlighting my mistakes. My ball can start out straight & then goes right with an outside in, too steep angle of attack. The worst is when it lands and spins wildly to the right costing me yardage. Last year I was also leaning more left(ouch!). No wonder I had such a hard time with driving last year. My drives used to be far better, and I don't know why I got the idea of leaning left!

[@CogornoGolf]

Thanks for the kind words! Hope it helps!

[@ko9306]

Your one of the best online golf coaches out there....I watch all your videos and they are great and improved my game....I know you always recommend to video the swing to measure results....what affordable app or swing analyzer would you recommend purchasing that’s affordable for the average golfer....I have looked at a lot of them and like the zap golf 2 system....it would be great if you did a video on the more afforble ones...I know you use the live video but that is expensive....

[@CogornoGolf]

commented on your other question about this for ya!

[@leewhittaker1532]

Great vid again Eric, that last point you make is definately me. Feels like there is much more of a chance of pulling it left by keeping behind the ball.

[@CogornoGolf]

Thanks, Lee!

[@garywishart7115]

This video just sums up my driver, always leaking to the right. Some good shots but mainly to the right. Thank you for the video and the tips.

[@CogornoGolf]

You got it, Gary!

[@funkster007]

Excellent tips Eric. I've been using a reversed k stance at set up, and while centering my head more above the ball, it seems to correct my swing path a bit more.. My ongoing problem is I have a tendency to tilt too far (including my head) at address.

[@CogornoGolf]

Thank you! Hope you get it sorted my friend! Head too far behind the ball with driver generally better than too far forward kzbin.info/www/bejne/npPWeat5aMd8rZY kzbin.info/www/bejne/fGPVq5eCq72cbck

[@marcussheldon9220]

You need to see Mike Austin way how he demonstrated it. Its impossible to get it wrong.👍

[@funkster007]

@@marcussheldon9220 Yep, seen his stuff. Learned a lot. The guy was a golf Dynamo.

[@donhammer1306]

Eric I just started to watch your videos I love them I have been having recent trouble with plane and ball striking I have found through your Videos my errors I am excited to go to the range and practice your drills and start to make solid swings and better club and ball contact. Thank you

[@CogornoGolf]

Thanks for being with us, Don!

[@geoffcohen613]

Mistake number 1, at 3.00, putting your shadow over fellow players ball. I was thinking, Steve please move a bit so we can see the ball position, which is hidden by your shadow. Some great advice in this video I will try some of these tips , Thanks Eric, you are a great teacher,

[@CogornoGolf]

Hope it helps my friend!

[@johnbak9395]

Ecellant video really points out the importance of the setup. As a senior I used a closed swing should I use the same setup? Do you have a video showing the 5 mistakes people use with an iron?

[@CogornoGolf]

Hey John! Thanks! You can use the same setup as the closed coil-yes! We do not have that video for irons. nope. Maybe in the future!

[@__Edge]

That 5th one is one I struggle with. With ball do far forward, tilting away from the ball AND being told I should be shifting weight to lead food at the start of the downswing, I tend to do exactly what's shown. If I don't shift weight, I lose balance.

[@CogornoGolf]

Hope you get it sorted my friend!

[@chrisschwanitz2933]

I’m confused because I thought in another video about the right wrist we are supposed to hold the right wrist back as far as we can fit as long as we can?

[@CogornoGolf]

Hey Chris! I explain things more here...should help: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hKjdZ4yop56GqKs

[@John-ej2oj]

My problem is leaning back on the take away and leaning farther back on the down swing.

[@CogornoGolf]

Hope you get it sorted, John!

[@ericdumont610]

Eric just want some clarification on what was said about throwing the club from the top. As I play off a +2 and know that 80% of the top players in the world hold onto lag, its very easily seen in video how the right wrist is bent throughout the down swing, and I'm sure Lino Miles would concur with me, why would you go with the concept of letting it go from the top.

[@CogornoGolf]

Hey Eric! I would touch base with Steve on his channel and ask him as this was more of his philosophy here!

[@ericdumont610]

@@CogornoGolf looking forward to hearing from you thanks my friend, anyway you have great content.

[@vicpnut1]

Wow…i havent filmed myself in 10+ yrs …but ive been perplexed recently ,in regard to #5… im becoming a bit obsessive because still not getting most drives as straight as i need (best case scenario maybe 75-80% ,maybe a bit better some days) while on range ……ive seemed to have more ,”better “,shots where it feels like im in what ive heard described as a “reverse tilt” …my body moves back instead of through during rotation …so ill try and correct it and it seems everything goes crazy, most likely because what you guys showed at beginning of #5 , where im probably over compensating and getting my upper body ahead of the ball … though i could use / need help and work on every shot and club, driver is my absolute worst by far ..so bad at times (like right now ) i leave it in the bag and tee off with a longer iron instead….its saves me like 5+ strokes a round , but, the loss of distance i could have is costing me so e strokes too…great video , simple and straight forward . Am off to range right now lol..video saved to playlist for future reference

[@vicpnut1]

The difference between your good and bad #5 was so minimal to me ..i had to slow play back to 50% to even notice any difference …to me this says its definitely something i should try and work on 👍🏼

[@CogornoGolf]

Hey Vic!! Hope this one helps ya!!!

[@MichaelSmittySmithScottsdaleAz]

What about the low hook? or low hook with good tilt

[@CogornoGolf]

Thats for another video!!

[@psmcafecom]

Really great job Eric, here are 10 perfects videos . Greaaaattttt Job !

[@CogornoGolf]

Thanks!

[@richardfawcett4647]

Eric love the videos do you have any about a fade and draw thanks again you videos are a very teachable experience.

[@CogornoGolf]

Thanks, Richard! We dont have any NEW ones....some old ones. Probably good to put that on the list for this year!

[@RiseUp1000]

Fantastic! Five great tips/keys on how to improve driver distance. Love the contrast between Good Swing Eric and Bad Swing Eric to demonstrate the five driver tips/keys. Well done Eric and Steve!

[@CogornoGolf]

Appreciate it!

[@per_growth]

I can understand most of the tips - save for the 'casting' move or throwing out move. This could result in huge pulls. I actually saw Steve's video regarding this and I couldn't understand it there as well. Funny how he mentioned "there is no need to time the swing". Is there a better way to explain this?

[@CogornoGolf]

Hey Salvatore....I think you said it best. My suggestion to understand this more would be to head over to Steve's channel and watch his videos and ask questions in the comment section where he can help answer!

[@marcussheldon9220]

Hi The great Jack Nickels once said quote : I feel I cannot release the club head fast enough. If you transfer your-weight to the left and rotate its impossible to cast the club. You are totally doing it all wrong.

[@joshuawolf222]

Which one of these tips or is there something else that fixes a chicken wing on the follow thru? Also, what model was the pocket track man that Steve was using? Great video!

[@CogornoGolf]

Thank you, Joshua!! Not sure on the model there, sorry! Here is a great resource for you in regards to the chicken wing: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pYu4Z3pvfNaSopI Check that video out and let us know if you have any questions!

[@firstname7330]

Got any videos on how to "get after it" with driver (and/or other clubs)? Assuming someone has a good fundamental swing, are there drills to work on faster lower body/hip rotation/turn?

[@CogornoGolf]

Hey! I don't know that we have any videos specifically on that topic! Good idea!

[@christ2906]

His shadow is right in the way kinda right? Lol. But great tip with early refease vs holding angle. I think I saw my problem thanks

[@CogornoGolf]

Hope it helps my friend!

[@johnvolk8324]

Hi Eric, I have really enjoyed your videos so far and find them very informative. I do have a couple of suggestions. This might require a video editor, but I think it would really help us amateurs to see the "right" and "wrong" ways of the swings if you could somehow do one or both of the following: 1) repeat the swing, but in slow motion, so we can better follow the club path and body movements; and 2) if you could incorporate some lines in both static and dynamic (motion) shots for reference purposes. Unlike a PGA instructor who sees hundreds, if not thousands of swings each and every day, I have trouble absorbing or taking all the information my eyes are transmitting to my brain and therefore need to watch things a dozen or more times to pick up all the details in the split second it takes to execute a swing. I understand if there are issues preventing you from doing that (expensive equipment, hiring expertise, etc.) but it would help you separate yourself from the seemingly hundreds of other pros who are now online. Thanks!

[@CogornoGolf]

Great ideas, John! Appreciate the feedback. Will see if we can do better with this!

[@joseserranosuner]

Eric is it correct to say that the throw is only for the driver and more of a slower swinger move?

[@CogornoGolf]

Hey! I would say it lends to that-yes. Here is more of my thoughts on Driver throw and how it can be adjusted per swing speed/type kzbin.info/www/bejne/gqXVYoB8oc6AgNU

[@robertdebaker1911]

Hey, 6.6 degrees down & 6.5 degrees left, that's my swing! Get your own!!! :(

[@CogornoGolf]

:)

[@youdidist]

thx Eric 👍

[@joek4745]

Do you place the ball in line with your big toe before or after you flare your front foot? Otherwise, a informative session.

[@CogornoGolf]

Thanks, Joe! I like it off lead shoulder...I would say lead toe BEFORE the flare....more lead ankle

[@davefountain303]

Morning. Great topic. Get Steves shadow off the ball. Lol

[@CogornoGolf]

Thanks, Dave!

[@DannyN140]

What is Eric’s swing speed and how far is he hitting it? I’ve seen Steve’s numbers on his channel.

[@CogornoGolf]

When I am hitting balls at least once per week I swing 111-115 and usually am carrying it 280-290...rolling out 295-310. That would be an average set of 20-30 that I've done on my trackman AFTER I have warmed up.

[@ko9306]

Could follow up on the good casting with a turn technique rather than that tight technique with the driver for a golfer that has a 95 speed

[@CogornoGolf]

Go ahead and watch todays video on this topic should help!

[@Chris_Traynor]

Hey Eric. When hitting 'on the up' off the lead toe do you advocate closing the stance/shoulders slightly in order to avoid path going too far left to ensure your swing feels the same as with irons despite the setup pieces? Or would you recommend similar foot alignment but with the feeling of the clubhead moving to the right like in the video you did with Bazalgette i.e clubhead releasing right of the stick you placed out in front? Probably the only part of the driver swing i've really struggled to feel for a significant amount of time. When I get it right I feel like hands are going up and out and hit the ball like 40 yards further effortlessly but struggling to engrain it in to happen more often, despite trying a lot of different drills.

[@CogornoGolf]

Hey Christian! Good question---you can do it either way. I have great drivers of the ball who close the feet line and that takes care of swing direction. Others let the feet more square and move the swing direction more right other ways... Neither is right nor wrong...see what works best for you.

[@Chris_Traynor]

Cheers Eric. Will spend some time on each and see what’s cooking.👍🏻

[@Rd-bi7vr]

Ball position takes care of tilt does it not?

[@CogornoGolf]

Nope! Ball forward AND some tilt....need both.

[@CogornoGolf]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/e6DFimCHjZeWoZI

[@alansunshinemd]

Is the early release of the driver on the downswing applicable to iron play as well? Is there a difference?

[@CogornoGolf]

It can be... Largely depends on your CLUBHEAD SPEED The slower your speed the less shaft lean you want with the irons...you need more LOFT to get the ball to LAUNCH high enough and CARRY far enough. IT also depends on what you are currently doing. If you are already throwing TOO MUCH then certainly you should do less :) If you aren't doing it enough you need more! How do you know? Need to record your swing and find a good coach to work with to analyze.

[@alansunshinemd]

Eric Cogorno Golfthank you for your reply it was a little confusing.

[@alansunshinemd]

There must be a difference in release with the shaft of the driver. Shaft lean at impact appears less critical with the driver and the early release is responsible for the difference?

[@CogornoGolf]

Hey Alan sorry if I wasn't clear....I could explain this in detail at length....but hard to sometimes in a short bit on a KZbin comment. Maybe this will help you more...all the best kzbin.info/www/bejne/invXqWCni7iajLc

[@CogornoGolf]

The answer to your question "Is the early release of the driver on the downswing applicable to iron play as well? Is there a difference?" Is not a YES or NO answer....that what makes it tricky. ITs a HOW, WHY, HOW MUCH question... Lots of variables involved. The basic idea I was conveying was IF YOU SWING SLOW......you should THROW some. IF you swing FAST.....dont need to throw as much.

[@zwkzmzbt]

What apps was Steve using to analyze swing?

[@CogornoGolf]

I believe we had a Trackman going here!

[@guitar1950]

Steve needs to be aware of his shadow over the ball!!! Lol!

[@CogornoGolf]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@DoubleDoglegGolf]

Great instructional video Eric! Completely agree ball position is usually the first thing to check. When I miss with the driver, its usually to the right. My swing thoughts for driving have been making sure to keep a smooth tempo going back, and making sure I am aggressive and turning my body on the downswing to make sure the face is square through impact. Check out my channel for some cool golf videos.

[@seek3n]

Why camera equipments in b roll?

[@CogornoGolf]

Not sure!

[@findmelightsdotcom9280]

Love these tips, I took so much from them. However, the 3rd point I feel goes totally against what you've just taught me in the last video I've watched from you.

[@CogornoGolf]

I will do a new video on this to clarify at some point. Different for IRON VS Driver... also depends on what you CURRENTLY DO as to what you need to FEEL If your throw too early you want to feel a later throw, if you throw too late you want to feel earlier Also depends on speed....

[@markhillyer721]

Damn wish I would have known you were in town. Opportunity missed.

[@CogornoGolf]

Next time!

[@c9155pxm]

Why is not looking where he is standing difficult to see where the bal is

[@CogornoGolf]

Sorry about that-hope all is well!

[@onesipwonder]

How to fix No.5 I do that with iron too lol

[@CogornoGolf]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/kHu5d3l_fMZjnJY

[@joannerobitaille2358]

your shadow blocking the ball

[@CogornoGolf]

Sorry about that!

[@555Trout]

I've been known to call my driver bad names. It doesn't help.

[@CogornoGolf]

:)

[@nengstro]

Pros hit on average 1 degree down with the driver--- up is a myth

[@CogornoGolf]

Thanks for your feedback! Of course that is an average of players on tour from the past few years. Players who swing 115-120mph Hitting up is certainly not a myth. The math is straight forward. The lower the clubhead speed the less the player can afford to hit down (in terms of distance) www.joeparkgolf.com/single-post/2015/03/18/AOA-Angle-Of-Attack

[@robertnwaxman]

WTF!!! They are not maintaining social distancing!!! :}}

[@gtflyer]

All these were likey filmed before the v thing, as the Lakes have been closed.

[@CogornoGolf]

Hey Robert! Sorry for not making it clear--we filmed this back in February! All the best!

[@robertnwaxman]

I was only joking around.

[@CogornoGolf]

All good!

[@Lowkey_ID]

Number 1 mistake: Taking the driver out of the bag. Mistake 2: put driver in hands...

[@CogornoGolf]

Unless you can hit it good :)

[@olahelness4526]

Tip 3 throwing the club from the top. Show me one pro who does that. All of the longest hitters make sure to keep the lag angle intill well into the downswing. Thats a big speedsource. Release out in front after contact. Thats just impossible when you throw. I watch all your videos and love them. But this is advice is just not good.

[@CogornoGolf]

Thanks for your feedback, Ola! If you read some of my responses above you will see this is very speed dependent. I won't do a long, drawn out response as you can read above :) All the best!

[@mendhamgolf]

Eric, you always have great videos, but I think you missed the mark on this one. Since you were the person who was doing all the hitting, both you and Steve seemed to go out of your way and dance around your distance and clubhead speed. Both measurements would have been nice to know and provide context along with quantifiable results that your viewers deserve. Just to say that "that second one went 13 yards farther" or "that one looked like it was 60 yards shorter than normal" does your viewers no justice. We want to know so we can relate to our own distances and clubhead speeds by comparing ourselves to your numbers.

[@CogornoGolf]

Thanks for the feedback, Edward! We will work to be better moving forward.

[@mikesullivan2731]

Giving those numbers would give context to what is the right vs bad in comparison

[@mendhamgolf]

Hey Scott, club head within 1 mph of what? It's not that I "need" more data, but it would be nice to have had "more" data. What is your main issue with my comment other than being argumentative and a contrarian.

[@mendhamgolf]

Scott, you're a mind reader! How did you know that about me? I think I have a good assessment of you too. I think you're an a**hole. So go take your passive/aggressive missed the mark go out of your way and dance around your viewers deserve intentionally misleading BS and stick it up your dumb a**. You should never assume something in the first place or anyone's comments in a tone that you interpret. That's how "you" would think. It doesn't mean how others interpret or think. Are you Eric Cogorno business manager? Because if you were you would suck at that too.