Why Dry Air Swings Are Vital for Golf Practice & Speed Training: 3 Big Reasons (Plus a Bonus)

If you're looking to swing faster, refine your technique, and reduce injury risk — all without needing a single golf ball — dry air swings should be a core part of your training.

In this post, we’ll break down the top three reasons why dry air swings are so effective, and share a bonus tip that can take your swing speed to the next level. This method helped me (co-founder, Dr. Sam Attanasio), break the world record for clubhead speed at 172.5 mph and ball speed world record at 245.0 mph on Trackman.

Let’s dive in.

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1. Raise Your Club Speed Ceiling

Dry air swings are essential for one major reason: they allow you to train at maximal speed without worrying about accuracy or ball contact.

When a golf ball is present, your brain naturally focuses on control, which limits how fast you’re willing to swing. By removing the ball, you free up your nervous system to move faster, helping raise your club speed ceiling — the maximum speed your body can produce.

Once this higher ceiling is established through dry reps, your “normal” on-course swing speed also rises. (80% of 100% will always be 80%). This was crucial for Dr. Sam when he trained for his world record — dry air swings enabled him to push his nervous system past former limits without interference.

Added Bonus: Better Technique Without Distraction

Dry air swings also remove pressure to hit the center of the face. This lets you focus on improving technique, not just results — from refining your backswing positions to optimizing transition and sequencing.

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2. Perform Swing Drills More Effectively

Many great swing drills become nearly impossible when a ball is involved. That’s where dry air swings shine.

Here are a few favorites:

• Step-back drill: Loads the trail side for better coil and stability

• Step-forward drill: Engages the lead side and ground force

• Baseball drill: Encourages full-body rotation and early pressure shift

• Marathon drill: Adds momentum and rhythm for increased speed

Trying these with a golf ball typically results in slower swings because your brain goes right back to "make contact" mode. Without the ball? You get full intensity, full benefit.

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3. Train Anywhere, Anytime

One of the biggest perks of dry air swings? You don’t need a range, a net, or a simulator.
Just grab a club (or better yet, a training aid like the Speed Toad) and swing in:

• Your backyard

• A garage

• A parking lot

Just 15 minutes a few times per week can lead to major gains in both speed and technique.

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Bonus: Train with Speed Training Aids Like the Speed Toad

When you're swinging without a ball, you can also take advantage of overspeed training tools like the Speed Toad. It’s lighter than a driver and built to utilize your actual shaft for maximum familiarity and timing.

Training with a tool like this boosts:

• Swing speed

• Efficiency

• Motor control

• On-course transfer

All while continuing to swing faster — and safer — without the golf ball holding you back.

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Final Thoughts

If you’re serious about speed, technique, and longevity in your game, dry air swings should be a non-negotiable part of your training routine.

They’ve helped golfers across the world unlock faster, more powerful swings with less effort — leading to lower scores, anywhere, anytime.

⚡️ Learn more about the Speed Toad: https://thespeedtoad.com/Speed_Toad
Follow us on Instagram: @speedtoad