Ball Flight Distance

Optimizing ball flight is a common goal of clubfitting and instruction. Using a radar launch monitor allows us to analyze the factors that maximize distance and make the ball curve or go straight to achieve the ball flight we seek. Here's a brief rundown on what's important for increasing ball flight distance.

Maximizing distance requires a different optimum launch angle and spin rate for any given ball speed. Changing one factor counteracts or enhances the other factors. For example, a slower clubhead speed should be balanced by increased spin rate and higher loft angle to achieve a high enough launch angle that will maximize ball carry distance. 

Spin is generated by friction of the ball with the clubface at impact. The ball spins towards the clubface around a rotational axis that influences lift and determines ball direction. Ball spin rate is influenced by the interacting effects of clubhead loft, speed, angle of attack, contact position of the ball on the clubface, and friction between clubface and ball. 

Angle of attack (AoA) of the clubhead center of gravity into the ball combines with clubhead loft at impact (dynamic loft). We can think of the combined effect as spin loft, and it's equal to the dynamic clubhead loft angle minus angle of attack. It means that hitting up on the ball (positive AoA) decreases the spin loft, allowing us to use a lower lofted driver to reduce spin and maximize distance for any given swing speed.

The clubhead will have a tendency to rotate around its center of gravity (CoG) when the ball contacts the clubface off-center. Bulge and roll of the driver clubface generates a gear effect on the ball that modifies the spin axis. 

Contact of the ball in the center of the clubface always generates the most efficient transfer of swing energy to the ball and results in maximum distance. This contact efficiency effect is usually termed "smash factor" and provides a useful indicator for clubfitting and instruction. Smash factor equals ball speed divided by clubhead speed. The maximum smash factor is 1.50.

We'll discuss additional factors that control ball flight direction in our next blog.