What Should I Know About Biomechanics of the Golf Swing?
If you've read some of my articles in the past, we focused a lot on training the body to help you provide more power, consistency and accuracy to your golf swing.
Today, we are going to get a little more scientific. So hang with me.
I am going to explain the biomechanics of golf. Biomechanics is the study of human movement.
Using this definition in golf, it is essentially studying how the body moves when swinging a golf club. Biomechanics is the study what the skeleton, muscles, and nerves of the body do when hitting a golf ball. There are actually folks out there that make a living studying these movements, they are called Biomechanists'. And the great thing about golf is that there have been a ton of scientific studies on the golf swing. In addition, this research has allowed biomechanists to create a model of the "optimal" swing in the sport of golf.
All of this research has been beneficial to the golf industry. It has provided club manufacturers, swing coaches, trainers, and players with an abundant amount of knowledge to improve the game in many areas.
Biomechanics of the Golf Swing Stage by Stage
Most biomechanists break the golf swing down into phases.
We will talk about the swing into the following phases: 1) address, 2) back swing, 3) transition, 4) down swing, 4) contact, 5) follow through, 6) finish. I will also relate what the body does during each of these phases, which muscles are active, and any additional information applicable to biomechanical study of the golf swing.
The golf swing begins in the address stage. The address stage is the position that the golfer places their body in to begin the swing. According to Glenn Fleisig MD, the address position is a functional body position which includes the proper grip and body position. A balanced, "athletic" address position, which is consistent swing to swing, will provide the golfer with the correct starting position for the swing. Inconsistency in either how the body is set up or with the grip leads to inconsistency on shot to shot. The body in terms of muscle activity is fairly low at address. The muscles of the body are supporting the body in a specific anatomical position and preparing it to swing a club.
The back swing (take away) is when the body begins to move the club. The back swing is the portion of the swing that places the body in the correct position to begin the downswing. During the entire back swing the body begins the recruitment of energy that will be transitioned at the top of the back swing towards the ball. Key points from a biomechanical analysis of the back swing are: as the club moves backwards shear force is applied to anterior portion of the right foot, at the same time a posterior shear force is applied to the left foot (Fleisig, Biomechanics of Golf). This is the beginning of torque development in the body that will be transitioned into the club head at impact. Rotation of the knees, hips, spine, and shoulders continues during the back swing creating additional torque to be translated into the club head in later stages of the swing. The important point to remember in the back swing is that the entire rotation of these body parts occurs around an imaginary axis of the body. EMG activity is moderate during this stage of the swing as a result that the body during this portion of the swing is essentially creating/storing energy that will be released towards the end of the swing.
The completion of the back swing is what is termed the "transition" stage of the swing. The transition point of the swing is where the body finishes its backward movement and begins the forward movement of the swing. The best reference point of when the transition stage of the swing begins is when weight shift onto the inside of the right foot (right-handed golfer) is completed and movement back towards the left foot begins. The transition in terms of a time frame is very short and is completed when weight transfer begins to move forward, and the club completes its movement backwards. Research states that the transition of the swing is where additional elastic energy is stored within the body. This is a result of the lower body moving forward and the upper body still "coiling" backward. Studies show that at the completion of the transition (top of the back swing) the hips are closed to approximately 45 degrees and the shoulders are closed to about 100 degrees (Fleisig, Biomechanics of Golf).
After completion of the transition, the down swing into impact begins. Weight shift continues during the down swing. The generation of torque is created in the lower body and then transitioned up through the body into the club and eventually the club head. According to Fleisig, the majority of torque in the swing is generated by the lower body muscle groups of the glutes, hamstrings, quads, and core region (low back, abdominals, obliques). The torque created in the lower body creates acceleration in the upper body as energy is transferred into the club head. EMG studies indicate that there is moderate activity of the pectoralis major, latissimus dorsi, and rotator cuff muscles (Geisler, Kinesiology of the Full Golf Swing) during the downswing. The downswing is complete at the point in which impact occurs with the golf ball.
Impact with the ball occurs for approximately half a milli-second (Fleisig, Biomechanics of Golf). The purpose of impact is to hit the ball in the correct direction with the chosen amount of force by the golfer. At impact the weight transfer is complete. Shear force from both feet are towards the intended target. Research indicates that at impact the left foot (right-handed golfer) is supporting 80% to 95% of the golfer's weight (Fleisig, Biomechanics of Golf). Impact again occurs for a very short amount of time (.0005 seconds). Impact is the point at which the potential energy created by the body during the back swing, transition, and down swing is transferred into the club and club head. The potential energy created by the body is then transferred into kinetic energy as club head comes into contact with the ball.
After contact, the impact stage of the swing is complete and the follow through stage begins. The follow through is essentially the deceleration of the body after contact with the ball has been made. This is completed through the body rotating to a completion point where the club head is behind the golfer. Deceleration by the body occurs as a result of the absorption of energy back up through the kinetic chain of the body. Follow through is where the body slows itself back down and dissipates all the kinetic energy create by it, which was not delivered into the ball.
Summary
As you can see, the golf swing is directly connected to the body. And it is the body that generates, directs, and delivers energy to the golf ball. Limitations in the body in terms of flexibility, muscular strength, endurance, or power can create limitations in the swing from a biomechanical perspective. In addition, mechanical inefficiencies in the swing itself limit the potential and kinetic energy outputs of the body. For more information on how to improve your golf game please visit our website www.bioforcegolf.com.
References
1. Fleisig, Glenn MS: "The Biomechanics of Golf"
2. Geisler, Paul MA: "The Kinesiology of the Full Golf Swing"
Sean Cochran is one of the most recognized golf fitness instructors in the world today. He travels the PGA Tour regularly with 2004 Masters Champion Phil Mickelson. He has made many of his golf tips, golf instruction and golf swing improvement techniques available to amateur golfers on the website http://www.bioforcegolf.com
 Google News Updated : Sun, 06 Jul 2008 06:55:22 GMT Analysis: McCain struggles to regain footing - The Associated Press
The Associated Press - WASHINGTON (AP) - John McCain calls himself an underdog. That may be an understatement. The GOP presidential candidate trails Democrat Barack Obama in polls, organization and money while trying to succeed a deeply unpopular fellow Republican in a year ... Rural voters lean to the GOP Neither Obama nor McCain meets Energy Party standard Publ.Date : Sun, 06 Jul 2008 04:40:55 GMT Smallest planet shrinks in size - BBC News
BBC News - The smallest planet in the Solar System has become even smaller, studies by the Messenger spacecraft have shown. Data from a flyby of Mercury in January 2008 show the planet has contracted by more than one mile (1.5km) in diameter over its history. First Results From Messenger's Mercury Flyby Mercury is shrinking, NASA craft finds; a cool clue: 'lobate scarps' Publ.Date : Fri, 04 Jul 2008 11:45:26 GMT Hippie Arrests Draw ACLU’s Attention - New York Times
New York Times - By AP CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) - The American Civil Liberties Union said on Saturday that it would investigate the actions of federal officers who had arrested five members of the Rainbow Family in western Wyoming during the group’s annual gathering. ACLU plans to investigate Rainbow Family treatment ACLU to investigate Rainbow Family treatment Publ.Date : Sun, 06 Jul 2008 00:40:38 GMT Argentine Lower House Passes Grain Export-Tax Plan (Update3) - Bloomberg
Bloomberg - By Eliana Raszewski July 5 (Bloomberg) -- Argentina's lower house of congress approved the government's plan to increase taxes on exports of grains and oilseeds, risking a resumption of three months of strikes by farmers. Export Tax That Angers Farmers Advances in Argentina Argentina lawmakers approve farm export tax hike Publ.Date : Sat, 05 Jul 2008 22:41:30 GMT Obama "puzzled" by Iraq comment frenzy - Reuters
Reuters - By John Whitesides, Political Correspondent ST. LOUIS (Reuters) - Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama said on Saturday his plan to end the Iraq war was unchanged and he was puzzled by the sharp reaction to his statement this week that he ... Obama struggles to thread needle on Iraq Obama Refines the Blame on Iraq Miscue Publ.Date : Sun, 06 Jul 2008 05:08:23 GMT Ore. man completes flight of fancy _ in lawn chair - The Associated Press
The Associated Press - CAMBRIDGE, Idaho (AP) - Using his trusty BB gun to help him return to Earth, a 48-year-old gas station owner flew a lawn chair rigged with helium-filled balloons more than 200 miles across the Oregon desert Saturday, landing in a field in Idaho. Video: Ore. Man Uses Balloons and a Lawn Chair to Fly Believe it or not, he's lounging on air Publ.Date : Sun, 06 Jul 2008 05:50:31 GMT McCain Battles a Nemesis, the Teleprompter - New York Times
New York Times - Mary Altaffer/AP By MARK LEIBOVICH LAS VEGAS —Senator John McCain was performing relatively smoothly as he unveiled his energy plan. McCain Campaign, in Relaunch, Seeks Tighter Message Focus McCain Campaign on Obama and Iraq Publ.Date : Sat, 05 Jul 2008 23:31:52 GMT Increased Web Site Traffic |
PARLOT::Ebooks, Scripts,
Websites, and more... He's not eager to reveal his handicap; Around the truth... Read More It is a simple question yet one that is not... Read More Golf fitness training might sound grueling, sweaty and a lot... Read More What you are about to read... will change your golfing... Read More Golf is one of Americas most popular sports. People of... Read More I have a friend who blew out his ACL in... Read More Golf warm up you say? Aren't you supposed to rush... Read More One of the main problems for golfers is power. Yep,... Read More If you have turned on the television to watch any... Read More Golf fitness has never been considered as important to one's... Read More Golf swing training is a critical area in the improvement... Read More There are many types of effective golf swing exercises. Golf... Read More 'Golfer' back exercise is a key part of any golf-specific... Read More Timing the golf swing is extremely critical. It is not... Read More It happens to all of us, even though we do... Read More It is a proven fact that any power exercise will... Read More We all here different opinions of great challenging golf courses... Read More Even as you read this article, golf stretching routines continue... Read More A golf training book needs to be 'user-friendly' and 'plug-and-play'.... Read More Even the most casual of golfers needs a golf bag.... Read More When it comes to fitness training for your golf game... Read More If you love to play golf as much as most... Read More To begin a golf game, your golf practice game or... Read More Let's face it, if you are a passionate golfer who... Read More Believe it or not, there are three different types of... Read More
Adsense
websites
Golf Humor Poetry:- Ode To The Fanatical Golfer. (Part Two)
Increasing Flexibility, Not Stretching, is the Fastest Way to a Better Golf Swing
Golf Fitness Training Made Easy?And Anyone Can Do It
Three Secrets of A Consistent Golf Stroke
The Basics Of Learning Golf
One Out of Two Golfers Will Have a Golf Swing Related Injury - Can You Prevent Yours?
Simple Golf Warm Up Exercise
What You Should Know About Plyometrics And How It Will Help You Get Longer Drives
5 Golf Fitness Tips That Work
Fitness For Golf Is The New Gold Standard
Golf Swing Training The Right Way
An Effective Golf Swing Exercise
Golfer? Back Exercise Can Eliminate Back Pain
How Timing The Golf Swing Is So Critical To Consistent Shots
Becoming an Ageless Golfer
The Power Exercise In The Golf Swing
The Worlds Elite Golf Courses
How A Golf Stretching Routine Can Impact Your Game Quickly
What Makes A Golf Training Book Effective
Baggin It Right...Raises Your Game
Golf Training Uses Flexibility, Strength, And Power
Guide to Playing Golf for Free and Getting Huge Discounts on Golf Balls, Golf Gloves, and Golf Stuff
Golf Clubs - Your Golf Putting - Use These Putting Practice Tips
Warm Up With A Back Exercise For Golf
What Night Golf Ball should I use for my Glow Ball event?
Affordable and Reliable Web Hosting Starting at $4.49/Month
Discover How Golf Schools Can Help You Play Better
Services offered by Golf Schools need to be analyzed before... Read More
The Best Golf Training Aid
The best golf training aid is pretty basic.But first let... Read More
Golf Core Exercises For More Power
Golf core exercises. You hear that phrase quite often on... Read More
Golf Exercise And Fitness? And Why You Can No Longer Ingnore It
No golfer can afford to ignore golf exercise and fitness... Read More
Why Tiger Woods Golf Swing Technique Is So Effective
Golf sensation Tiger Woods' golf swing technique has been the... Read More
The Power of A Golf Training Club
Some golfer's idea of a golf training club is using... Read More
Golf Vacation Schools ? Choose the Perfect Golf School Vacation for Your Game
Golf Schools, like golfers, come in all shapes and sizes.... Read More
Online Golf Instructions Are Cheap But Effective
The number of online golf instruction programs on the net... Read More
Balance Your Checkbook and Golf Swing
We all search for it. Balance in our daily lives.... Read More
Sit Up Straight! It Will Help Your Game
What does it take to reproduce the perfect golf swing?... Read More
Golf Clubs - Your Golf Putting - Use These Putting Practice Tips
To begin a golf game, your golf practice game or... Read More
Why You Should Be A Risk-Taking Golfer
Very few people, whether they are golfers or not, realize... Read More
Invest in the Right Equipment and Take Your Game to the Next Level
Golf is a $60 billion per year industry. Much of... Read More
Your Putter Fitted Perfectly in 5 Easy Steps
Ever wonder why putting is so difficult for you? Want... Read More
What a Load of Golf Balls
Through out the history of golf the golf ball has... Read More
Why Golf Tips Work Better For The Woman Golfer
Gone are the days when a woman would feel intimidated... Read More
Success in Golf and Meditation - The Same Skills?
When we say to people that you need the same... Read More
The Cost/Benefit Analysis
There is a very useful method that many accountants use... Read More
3 Things You Must Check Before Buying Used Titlist Golf Clubs To Avoid Regrets
Used Titlist golf clubs are great golf clubs even if... Read More
Easy To Implement Golf Improvement Techniques
Golf improvement techniques abound. This article will cover some golf... Read More
Left Handed Golf Tips
Where do you find left handed golf tips? You find... Read More
Power Golf The Easy Way
Power golf is a game very few golfers can play.... Read More
Baggin It Right...Raises Your Game
Even the most casual of golfers needs a golf bag.... Read More
Warm Up With A Back Exercise For Golf
Let's face it, if you are a passionate golfer who... Read More
How To Use Exercise For Golf To Strengthen Your Swing
Using exercise for golf to strengthen your swing could be... Read More
Golf |