The biomechanics of the golf swing can be quite confusing to the lay-person. You must be able to understand the concepts if your goal is to improve in golf.
First, the definition of biomechanics – “The study of the action of external and internal forces on the living body, esp. on the skeletal system.”
Anyone who has played this great game of golf knows intimately the external and internal forces on the body when you swing a golf club.
These external and internal forces are crucial to a good golf swing. I also learned how difficult it was to manage these forces.
It took me a lot of practice and research to realize that the key ingredient in a great golf swing is understanding the internal and external forces. Next, align the two forces together so that they function in harmony.
You can develop a strong golf swing that you can always repeat.
Biomechanics in golf swing work according to the laws of Physics. Anything that is against these laws can only delay learning.
As much as I have enjoyed this discussion of biomechanics in the golf swing, it will also help you.
Jon Barrett from Golf Swing Eureka conducted a survey asking golfers: What part of your body is most important for club head speed?
This question had a significant impact on how I understand the biomechanics behind the golf swing. This is a key factor that creates effortless power and consistency in golf swings, yet most pros don’t even mention it.
Only 20% of golfers got it right.
Only 1 out of 5 golfers got it right!
These golfers were from beginners to highly handicapped.
This figure is related to another statistic about golf – Did you know that 20% of golfers have handicaps less than 18.
These 20% are the same golfers that I think understand this vital biomechanical aspect to their golf swing.
Is it the shoulder, arms or hands that contributes to your club head speed most?
Is it:
– Shoulders
– Arms
– Hands
– Hips
– Legs
– Torso
– Wrists
The answer:
***THE HANDS CONTRIBUTE THE MOST TO CLUB HEAD SPEED!!!***
High handicap golfers usually “hold on” through the impact area causing a weak hit resulting in a slice or a push shot.
The reason High handicappers “hold on” through impact I believe is because they do NOT have a clear biomechanical understanding of what creates club head speed…
Let me make an illustration that will “hammer home” (excuse the pun) this biomechanical concept in the golf swing. You can hammer nails with your hands and wrists.
Then, only break or release your wrist. This will give you more power, huh? You are using biomechanical angular and centrifugal forces to create much power with very little effort…
Much like golf!
You’ve probably seen the golf tricks shot artists. While kneeling down on the ground, he can hit a golfball 275 yards. You’d be wrong to think that the lower body is responsible for most club head speed.
You wonder how he manages to generate such incredible power on his knees.
The power of Sergio Garcia, a professional golfer, is derived from his full hand release through the impact zone. It is the way a 150 lb person can hit 300 yards with a single swing. They know how to master this maneuver.
By far the most important force in the biomechanics of the golf swing is a full hand release through the golf ball…
Once you learn a full release through the golf ball you will be on your way to great golf…
Hit ’em Long and Straight!
John Lynch