Driver tee height and centre strike

Setup

1. Warm up fully first, then a few mid-iron shots before the first driver.
2. Hitting stations along one line with extra space between them for driver swings. Everyone hits the same way; nobody goes forward of the line.
3. Lightly spray or mark the driver face so each strike leaves a visible mark. Wipe it clean between balls.
4. Ball position: just inside the lead heel, with the trail shoulder a little lower than the lead.

How it runs

1. Three balls at each tee height: low (top of the ball about level with the top of the clubhead), middle (about half the ball above the top of the clubhead) and high (nearly all of the ball above it).
2. After every ball, check the face mark and say where it was: centre, heel, toe, high or low. Note the flight too.
3. Pick the height that gave the most centred marks and a strong flight, then hit five more at that height.
4. Score the last five: 2 for a centre mark, 1 for a near-miss, 0 for heel, toe or the top edge.
5. Partners check face marks only when the other player has finished their swing and the club is grounded.

Coaching points

• With the ball forward and teed up, the driver can meet it slightly on the way up.
• Tilt the spine away from the target at address and keep that tilt through the strike.
• Wide, smooth takeaway; build speed through the ball, not from the top.
• A centred strike beats a hard swing: ease off to 80 per cent until the marks cluster.
• Use the same tee height on the course, and only change it with a reason, such as into the wind.

Common mistakes

• Teeing it low and hitting down on it, which gives a low strike and too much spin.
• Ball drifting back in the stance, so the club arrives too early in its arc.
• Lunging at the ball to hit hard, causing heel and top-edge marks.
• Hitting too many drivers in a row; long sessions strain the back.