In high school, I competed in track and cross-country events. The basics of discus throwing was very similar to the fundamentals of golf swing. I wasn’t good at either.
I saw one of my team-mates more as if he belongs at the pole vault, rather than the discus. We were there because failure is all around in small high schools.
We were competing against the Illinois state record holder, who also won a spot on the Illinois All-State football team as the first tackle.
My young and slender friend was preparing for her discus throw. I didn’t expect that he would face stiff competition from his bigger brother.
The state champion, 6ft 5in and 150lbs, seemed to win the contest.
But distances were measured to surprise the athlete. He was only able to throw the discus within just a few yards of the champion’s top throw.
Is there any secret behind his actions?
Rory McIlroy stands at 5 feet 9 inches tall, 165 pounds, and drives an average US open distance of 310 meters.
What is the secret to his ability to transfer this much power on the tee.
Both can answer the same question. This is the same secret that whip handlers know. You need to be able to determine the timing and sequence of the ‘kinetic chain’ to achieve the best snap.
It is possible to reduce the power input to generate the last intense energy crack by having the knowledge and skill to do this kinetic sequence.
The body’s energy is continuously being transmitted through its body via a number of connecting body parts that are controlled by muscles and fascia. Depending on how each link is controlled and moved, this energy can be channeled efficiently or wasted.
The key to long-range golf is using this kinetic sequence. These long ball players all have one thing in common: their ability to store energy, and then increase it through specific swing patterns.
Now technology can measure each section’s rotational velocity as it goes through the swing. These measures show that energy can be transferred in a progressive manner by using the correct sequence.
For example, the ground force is transferred from the feet through the backswing of golfers to their legs and torso arms. The body’s fascia, which is elastic and allows for energy storage (fa sha), makes this possible.
The transition is when that stored energy gets transferred again via rotational velocity, starting at the hips and building up through the body, increasing momentum through arms and out to the clubhead.
The Titleist Performance Institute’s Dr. Greg Rose claims that average amateur golfers rotate at 300-335 degrees per second. The average speed of Pro-tour players is between 500 and 550 degrees per minute.
Comparatively, Little Rory McIlroy’s hips whip at an average of 720 degrees per second. His arms are not as powerful as his legs, but they do require stability to produce maximum power when impact occurs.
How can we find out the secret to this success? TPI Certified Golf Fitness Instructors are also trained in using 3D swing analysis. You can have them help identify areas of weakness and create a plan that will help improve your swing.
Enjoy a Great Game