Power. Almost every golfer I have worked with, at one time or another, has asked “how can I hit the ball farther?” or “how can I get more distance?” And in most instances, it leads back to being more powerful. From amateur to professional, power is an integral part of progressing your golf game, which is why today I’ve brought on Brad Thompson from Elevate Sports Performance and Chiropractic. Based out of Nevada, Brad is going to walk us through their process of testing for power, training for power, the factors to hitting a ball farther, and why it is so important in your quest to play better golf.
Brad Thompson’s Background
- Brad Thompson is not only a performance coach but also a former competitive golfer, which gives him the edge to know both sides of the coin.
- Brad’s Certifications include NASM-Certified Personal Trainer, TPI Level 2 Fitness, Junior, and Power Coach, Functional Movement Screen Level 1, USAW Level 1 Weightlifting Coach, StrongFirst Level 1 Kettlebell Instructor, Functional Range Conditioning Mobility Specialist, and Precision Nutrition Level 1 Nutrition Coach.
- Brad participates in golf tournaments and long-drive competitions. When he’s not training or golfing, he spends the rest of his time with his family—girlfriend Sanoe and daughter Rya.
Highlights from this Episode
- Brad kicks the episode off by talking about what he does at Elevate and the benefits of having a chiropractor in-house, as well as the difference between mobility and stability issues he sees and how many times when we are looking for flexibility it’s not our hips physically can’t turn that extra 20 degrees, we just don’t have full control of that aspect of our movement yet.
- The lessons he learned from competing in long-drive and how he applies that personal experience in working with his clients on a day-to-day basis. This ranges from what the major components of swing technique and training that determine how far you can hit a ball.
- Differentiating between strength and power. How they are often used synonymously despite the big difference, how to train those separately, and when to train for power versus strength.
- The formula you can use at home for measuring your power output to give you a better understanding of where your power is and isn’t. This also helps you realize where you are more dominant: Upper body or lower body.
- Brad’s favorite exercises and tools to use when focusing on power training and his philosophy of keeping it simple: from kettlebell swings, weighted jumps, and dumbbell snatches. He also talks about balancing out mobility with power and strength training to keep the workout well-rounded, and prerequisites Brad looks for before trying these with his clients.
Parting Questions . . .
Caddy Shack or Happy Gilmore? Caddy Shack
“Walk-Up” Song: Hate Me Now by Nas
Who would you play 18 holes with? Ben Hogan at Augusta
Last Piece of Advice? Get assessed, figure out your weak points, and attack them.
Find more on Brad Thompson and Elevate Sports Performance and Chiropractic at:
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