Golf Biomechanics is the study of how the body moves in the golf swing both normally and pathologically from address posture throughout all stages of the golf swing. The need for biomechanical analysis has been proven fundamental in most other sports, and in the golf swing with all of its complex movements that analysis is essential. Regardless of a particular style, method or school of thought regarding the mechanics of a golf swing, the fact is that the body can only move optimally in one way. This is due to the basic structure of a human being; alignment of bones, direction of muscle fibers and the designated contractive properties of those fibers. As an example, think of other rotational movements such as: hitting a baseball, serving a tennis ball, shooting a hockey puck, throwing a javelin, etc. All of these very different sports rely on rotational motion. The body can only rotate its parts in one ideal way, so these different sports rely on the same sequencing we want in a golf swing.
The advances in 3D sensor technology have allowed us to measure the subtleties and complexities of a golf swing and certain aspects of golf fitness accurately and reliably. The study of golf fitness is a relatively new endeavor; even at the tour level, “working out” in a golf specific way was not accepted until Tiger Woods changed the viewpoint of the games purists. With the continual studies and the new technology coupled with the advent of TPI (Titleist Performance Institute) those old viewpoints have now changed the game forever.
3D motion analysis technology has allowed us to view the golf swing from nearly any angle -e.g., front, back, top, below. We can measure the true angles of any body segment, whether it is side tilt, forward bend or rotation. We can now measure true angles in degrees and compare with the measured results from the world’s best players to find the commonality necessary to swing better. We can now measure the 3D velocities and accelerations throughout the swing or at specific points. Technology has changed golf forever.
Strength and flexibility are needed to execute a powerful and efficient golf swing. As an example, if you do not have the necessary range of motion in your body to make a full turn, then there are some common mechanical breakdowns that will occur. Some of the more common breakdowns include: excessive lateral sway, loss of spine angle, loss of extension and width, straightening of the backside knee and thus little if any coil. All of these actions are almost always the result of either overturning or a misunderstanding of what a backswing turn is. Once the body is in any of these positions there must be a compensation to get back to the ball. There is a limited ability to maintain vertical levelness and a tendency towards excessive lateral sway, leading to inconsistent play and back stiffness or pain. By implementing a golf specific flexibility program or adding it into your current exercise program you can help to eliminate these kinds of compensation moves that can lead to poor performance and golf related pain or injury. You will also be better able to perform the swing changes you are trying to make.
Please review the information on the Kinematic sequence in the next section. With 3D we can develop a scientific Golf Swing Training program that will help prevent injury, improve performance and lower your scores. We now have the ability to develop golf swing and golf specific fitness drills with 3D animation and audio tone feedback to accelerate the learning curve. This helps you feel the changes we are trying to make. Golf is not easy, however, it is learnable. Lower scores are attainable when the diagnostics of what you need to do are accurate, measured, understandable, and affordable. Our Golf Performance Screens followed by one of our player development programs and your hard work will insure a more efficient and consistent golf swing.