You're Correct!

The simple answer to When should I accelerate? would be never. The swing will create its own power. After the ball has been hit is actually when the swing is at its fastest.

The back swing is creating the coil, tension and power and the unravelling of this coil is when the power comes to fruition. The speed of the swing is for the player to work on. The back swing does not need to be fast as it is just setting itself into a strong coiled powerful position. The down swing should be faster because the hips initiate the transition, pulling the arms down and rotating the shoulders with the hands unhinging (releasing) half way down, adding to the club head speed.

Achieving positive, consistent acceleration throughout the swing is important to ensure the correct amount of power and control. If you try to swing too fast, it can create uncharacteristic shot directions as the rotation of the club through impact can be inconsistent.

To achieve the correct swing speed, start by hitting balls with a slow back swing and gradually increase your down swing speed. Then speed up both elements to see if you can still control the ball consistently. Once you get too fast you will notice poorer strikes and a higher dispersion rate of ball direction.

Incorrect Answer: From the top of the swing

The common cause of the slice is an out to in swing path caused by the transition from the top of the back swing. Once you make it up to the top of the back swing you are only half way there! The over the top down swing is caused by the hips rotating, the arms then pushing forwards towards the ball and the shoulders then working in tandem with the hips causing everything to swing to the left of the target, leaving the hands pointing the club head to the right of the swing path.

What makes golfers do this?

The eagerness to hit the ball from the top of the swing rather than controlling the down swing and approaching it from the correct swing path angle.

The back swing is a coil and creates power. Uncoiling the back swing is what produces the power into the ball.

The common cause of the slice is an out to in swing path caused by the transition from the top of the back swing. Once you make it up to the top of the back swing you are only half way there! The over the top down swing is caused by the hips rotating, the arms then pushing forwards towards the ball and the shoulders then working in tandem with the hips causing everything to swing to the left of the target, leaving the hands pointing the club head to the right of the swing path.

What makes golfers do this?

The eagerness to hit the ball from the top of the swing rather than controlling the down swing and approaching it from the correct swing path angle.

The back swing is a coil and creates power. Uncoiling the back swing is what produces the power into the ball.

Trying to think of accelerating your club head speed at impact is golf suicide! By the time you even think about speeding up through impact you have already passed it and you probably forgot to transfer your weight and release the club head! Focus more on the sequencing of the swing and the speed of your overall swing rather than trying to speed up and hit the ball.

Being overly aware of your swing speed can lead to other aspects of your swing not working in order. If you try and start your golf swing quickly from the takeaway you will tend to create a whole lot of problems for yourself. It will cause a change in the swing path, an adjustment in your weight distribution and transition therefore leading to more off centre hits and poorer strikes.