The Piston Drill: Train Sequencing and Right-Arm Extension for Explosive Power

Key Points

• Origin of Drill:
  Based on a technique Ben Hogan learned from his coach Sam Byrd.The idea: “Throw the right arm at the ball” to develop clean contact and power.
• Drill Concept:
  Set up and break the wrist, then extend the right arm through impact.Forces correct body and arm sequencing—if you use only your wrist, you’ll hit behind; if you overuse your body, you’ll hit in front.
• Key Movement:
  Right arm must extend through impact to compress the ball effectively.Promotes a downward strike with power and precision.
• Student Drill Application:
  With two clubs: one for the right elbow/right hip pull, and one to guide the left side push.Think of it as "pull–push" motion:Pull the right elbow and hip back (activates right glute).Push the left side and palm through (activates left glute).
• Mental Visuals:
  Like starting a lawn mower—pulling back, then driving forward.Trains the body to fire in sequence, creating explosive yet controlled power.
• Takeaway:
  Simple, feel-based drill to teach full-body coordination and right-arm extension through the ball.Builds consistent contact, proper compression, and increased power.