Ball Speed in Golf: What It Is & Why It Matters
VECTOR SWING LAB /// PRO
VectorGOLF.ai
7-Iron · 12 metrics · Click any metric to learn more
Carry
189
Target: 165-175
Total
199
Target: 175-185
Club Spd
95.2
Target: 82+
Ball Spd
123.4
Target: 118+
Back Spin
3459
Target: 6k-7k
Side Spin
736
Target: <250
HLA
-4.6°
Target: ±1.5°
Launch
12.5°
Target: 16°-19°
Descent
35.8°
Target: 40°-45°
Face Tgt
-5.2°
Target: ±1.0°
Face Path
2.5°
Target: ±2.0°
Smash
1.31
Target: 1.38+
What Is Ball Speed?
Ball speed is the velocity of the ball immediately after impact. It's the result of club speed, contact quality (smash factor), and club design.
Units: mph
Why It Matters
Ball speed directly drives distance. It's the most reliable predictor of carry. Improving ball speed—through better contact or more club speed—is the primary lever for distance gains.
Typical Ranges
Driver: 140-170 mph. 7-iron: 110-125 mph. Ball speed is typically 1.3-1.5x club speed for irons.
Common Issues
Low ball speed with high club speed = poor contact (low smash). Off-center hits lose significant speed.
Related Metrics
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