Power in Golf
Striking the ball beyond the players stature is always impressive, especially when power is combined with high quality ball contact.
Unleashing a fully loaded club requires a synchronised body and a free flowing arm movement. They must combine during the angular acceleration to produce a high speed club head that is square at the moment of impact.
Posture
The components for power need to be trained. Increasing a player’s speed into and through the ball is achievable; however there is a relationship between the power and the accuracy and that is speed and stability.
With the correct training you can increase ballistic rotation of the body assuming that a correct postural position is established. Postural positioning does change through impact with the powerful players, but having stability control allows the body movement to be a ‘speed multiplier’.
Rotation
Body rotation involves both Internal and external movements of your joints. The closer the outer edge of the rotation is to the centre the faster the
rotation will be. For example a skater extends their arms and goes into a spin. As their arms are drawn closer to the body the rotational velocity increases. This is used in the golf swing, but often fails as the player doesn’t establish stability for this acceleration.
There are often imbalances in joint rotation ranges too. Especially as the golf swing is based around angular rotation and acceleration. A player may be able to internally rotate their left shoulder for the backswing, but is unable to externally rotate the right. This creates a restriction that requires a compensatory adjustment, throwing the club out of position. Advanced and low handicap players develop a reaction to attempt a recovery, often this works, especially when they are relaxed. However place that recovery move under pressure and you have inconsistencies appearing.
Leverage
Arm leverage is also rotational. This maintains the relationship with your body and allows your speed multiplier to continue. Developing arm speed is essential for maintaining your swing plane, this allows the club to be continually 'fed' with power.
A row of skaters circling around a central person explains the importance of leverage. If the centred person spins too quickly the chain will beak as the outside skate fails to maitain their relationship with the link.
The same occurs in the golf swing. As centre rotation increases the arm link often breaks down early in the downswing.
Loose and correctly warmed up shoulder joints are required if an explosive movement is to be made. Arm stability has to be able to deal with the rotational acceleration of the body in order to avoid a 'trapped' arm position.
Here is a list of some possible arm speed reduction issues.
- Poor posture that restricts arm range and movement
- Joint rotation range
- Shoulder girdle strength
- Joint stability
- Poor central body strength that doesn't support an explosive arm movement
- Incorrect pelvis movement that doesn't support your posture during an explosive movement
Disassociation
The ability to disassociate your body is essential for power delivery. If your shoulders cannot rotate seperately to your pelvis and your pelvis cannot rotate seperately to your shoulders you will not be able to multiply your power.
The movement does not have to be huge, but it does have to be there. The very common 'over the top' swing is often (but not always) a disassociation issue.
Body Mass and Club Head Impact
Let's assume you power multiplication has taken place and the club is 'loaded' with power. It's about to contact a stationary ball and create a collision. If your body weight is not in the correct position the collision speed of the club will seriously drop reducing the ene
rgy transfer in to the ball. Have you ever hit a good shot and the ball has come up 20 yards short? This can be down to your body mass not supporting the club at impact.
Body mass positioning is essential for an efficient energy transfer into the club. It's important you know where your body balanced power line is if you want maximum power and consistency. Attempting to develop your game without this knowledge will restrict your progress, increase your frustration and discourage effective practise.
Articles Coming Soon...
Develop Ballistic Rotational Speed
Develop Arm Speed
Develop Strength
Develop Dynamic Stability
Increase Joint Range
Develop Internal Power
Develop Muscle Sequencing
Develop Tendon Power