S u m m a r y

In the world of golf the swing em-phasis is placed on generating club head speed and proper mechanics (form) to accurately hit the golf ball the proper distance. The golf swing can be separated into 5 phases. This technical article seeks tangibly to describe, organize, and analyze this highly popular topic of conver-sation.

The Golf Swing: Sequential Summation of

Angular Velocities Kevin Duenas B.S., NASM-CPT, PES

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THE GOLF SWING: SEQUENTIAL SUMMATION OF ANGULAR VELOCITIES

Introduction

In the golf swing emphasis is placed on generating clubhead speed and proper mechanics (form) to accurately hit the golf ball the proper distance. The golf swing can be separated into 5 phases. These phases in order

are:

1.) Stance phase (properly ad-

dressing the ball)

2.) Take away phase

3 . ) B a c k sw i n g p h a s e

(preparatory)

4.) Downswing phase (action/

movement)

5.) Follow thru to finish

(posting phase)

The golf swing is a skill that be-longs in the major category of giv-ing motion to external objects. The action/ movement phase belongs to the category of the clubhead striking the golf ball. The body will move in sequential order in the golf swing. The summation of force on the golf ball will best be accom-plished when the sequence is prop-erly performed. The proper se-quencing of the golf swing after address is (in accordance with Ti-

tleist Performance Institute (TPI):

-Shoulder rotation at the tho-

racic spine (backswing)

-Hip rotation (backswing)

-Hip rotation (downswing)

-Shoulder rotation (downswing)

-Release of arms, hands, club-

head (impact)

-Follow thru to finish

The following page will give an anatomical analysis of the move-ment phase (downswing) of the

golf swing (Fig. 1A).

Although clubhead speed and accu-racy are vitally important in golf, the ultimate mechanical objective in the full golf swing is the projection of an object (golf ball) through the air for distance. Because energy is transferred from the clubhead to the golf ball through the body, those factors that cause the body to produce the greatest force must be considered. The sequential nature of the golf swing allows for nu-merous impeding forces to be encoun-tered. The force applied by the mus-cles throughout each joint’s range of motion is the force-causing motion. Full golf swings occur when the golf ball is either suspended in air by the use of a tee, or when the ball is lying on the fairway (short) grass or rough (long grass). Obviously, both the fair-way and rough would be a cause for impeding motion by hitting the ground at impact. Lack of strength does have an impeding impact, but limited range of motion is the most instrumental im-peding force. For optimum perform-ance when attempting to hit the ball the proper distance many principles must be considered:

-Proper mechanics/ angles at top of backswing

-Proper sequencing when perform-ing the downswing

-Lag coming from the flexibility of the shaft of the golf club

-Alignment (direction)

-Drag produced by the clubhead

-Lie angle of clubhead

-Launch angle of golf ball

Spin rate of golf ball produced by clubhead

-Side spin is discouraged

-Back spin limited

-Wind factor

-Full extension at impact

-Square clubhead at impact

Anantomical Analysis of a motor skill

Skill being analyzed: Full Golf Swing (Right Handed)

Phase being analyzed: Action Phase

Name of

Joint

Starting Po-

sition

Observed

Joint Action

Segment Be-

ing Moved

Force for

Movement

Main Muscle Groups Ac-

tive

Kind of Con-

traction

Ankle (L) Neutral Neutral - - - Static

Ankle (R) Neutral Plantar flex-ion, slight eversion

Lower leg Muscle Plantar flexors Concentric

Knee (L) Flexed Extended Thigh Muscle Extensors Concentric

Knee (R) Extended Flexed Thigh Muscle Flexors Concentric

Hip Flexed Extended Pelvis Muscle Extensors Concentric

Pelvis Right trans-verse rotation

Left trans-verse rotation

Trunk Muscle Spinal rotators Concentric

Lumbar spine Right Rotation Left rotation Trunk Muscle Spinal rotators Concentric

Thoracic spine

Cervical spine

Right Rotation

Slight exten-sion

Left rotation

Flexion

Trunk

Neck

Muscle

Muscle

Spinal rotators

Spinal flexors

Concentric

Concentric

Shoulder gir-dle (L)

Abduction Adduction Shoulder gir-dle

Muscle Adductors Concentric

Shoulder gir-dle (R)

Adduction Abduction Shoulder gir-dle

Muscle Abductors Concentric

Shoulder joint (L)

Diagonal ad-duction

Diagonal ab-duction

Upper extrem-ity

Muscle Diagonal ab-ductors

Concentric

Shoulder joint (R)

External rota-tion

Internal rota-tion

Upper extrem-ity

Muscle Internal rota-tors

Concentric

Elbow (L) Extended - - - Extensors Static

Elbow (R) Flexed Extended Forearm Muscle Extensors Concentric

Radioulnar (L) Pronated Supination Forearm Muscle Supinators Concentric

Radioulnar (R)

Semi Pro-nated (neutral)

Pronation Forearm Muscle Pronators Concentric

Wrist (B) Neutral - - - - Static

Phalanges (B) Flexed - - - Flexors Static

CMC (B) Neutral - - - - Static

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THE GOLF SWING: SEQUENTIAL SUMMATION OF ANGULAR VELOCITIES

Fig.1a

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THE GOLF SWING: SEQUENTIAL SUMMATION OF ANGULAR VELOCITIES

One of the principles violated is the proper sequencing during the downswing. The error occurs at the pelvis. The pelvis should rotate to the right on the backswing and then rotate back to the left on the downswing. The model rotates to the right properly and then rotates the pelvis laterally prior to transverse rotation. In golf this is called sliding through the ball, as opposed to rotating through the ball. Another violation occurs at the top of the backswing just prior to initiating the downswing. At the top of the backswing the error occurs at the wrists. The wrists should be neutral at the top of the backswing. The model’s left wrist abducts and the right wrist extends at the top, just prior to initiating the downswing. This can cause an early release of the clubhead and reduced force through the ball at impact8among other inconsisten-cies. Both errors are caused primarily by a lack of flexibility in the model. By extending the right wrist at the top of the backswing the model is attempting to lengthen the levers involved. This works on a very limited basis. When timing (sequencing) is off the results are inconsistent, short and increased side spin type shots. The lateral pelvic rotation prior to transverse rotation can be either a flexibility or strength issue in the lateral subsystem (gluteas medius, TFL, adduc-tors, contralateral quadratus lumborum). On the downswing the lateral subsystem stabilizes the left side so that the pel-vis can rotate transversely.

The best way to improve the performance of this motor skill by this model is to increase his flexibility. Increased rotation of the thoracic/ lumbar spine will lead to a longer lever at the top of the swing. This increase in range of motion will allow the model to keep his wrists in the neutral position. Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) stretching can be done to help increase his flexibility. Due to weakness in the lateral subsystem, strength exercises done in the frontal plane can be done. Exercises such as lateral tube walking and lateral planks will help the lateral subsystem with strength/ stabilization on the downswing phase. Performing single leg exercises can also be done to increase strength/ stability. This increase in strength and stability will allow the pelvis to rotate transversely without a prior lateral rotation. These exercises, along with proper practice, will help eliminate the mechanical principles being violated.

KevinDuenas B.S.,NASM-CPT,PES

About the Author

Kevin Duenas is an accomplished athlete and golf enthusiast currently finishing his Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology with an emphasis in health fitness. Having been named Fitness Manager of the year in 2001 for the largest health/ fitness corporation in the world, Kevin is no stranger to the fast growing industry. To Dynamic Fitness High Performance Kinesiology, Kevin brings hard science specializing in golf performance enhancement, health and wellness, youth fitness, as well as general fitness. Kevin states, “Without the clear understanding of correct testing protocol along with human biomechanics, it is impossible to guide the client to success.” While focusing on valid scientific properties, Kevin also understands the clients program should be fun and at-tainable. Kevin currently works with a number of high school, college, and professional athletes specializing in speed, strength, and power in such sports as golf, baseball, volleyball, and soccer to name a few. n 2006, Kevin Co founded Dynamic Fitness High Performance Kinesiology which seeks to combine science, passion, and motivation, with the art of personal training in order to assist the athlete with maximum and attainable results. For more information visit www.dfperformance.net.

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THE GOLF SWING: SEQUENTIAL SUMMATION OF ANGULAR VELOCITIES

References

1. Clark M. Performance Enhancement Specialist Training Manual. Calabasas, CA: NASM publish-

ers; 2001.

2. Neumann DA. Kinesiology of the Musculoskeletal System- Foundations for Physical Rehabilita-

tion. St Louis, MS: Mosby; 2002.

3. Clark MA, Lucett S, Corn RJ. NASM Essentials of Personal Fitness Training. 3rd ed. Baltimore,

PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2008.

4. Nelson RT, Brandy WD. An update on flexibilty. J Strength Cond Res. 2005; 27(1): 10-16.

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THE GOLF SWING: SEQUENTIAL SUMMATION OF ANGULAR VELOCITIES