Kinematic Sequencing

Have you ever wondered how someone with a golf swing like Jim Furyk experiences success in golf? As unusual as his swing is, it has produced a US Open Championship. Furyk’s swing is just one example. There is the swing of John Daly, who has two major victories in his career. Let’s not forget the unorthodox swing of Raymond Floyd. You could make the argument that Floyd had a pretty good career. He only has sixty-six professional wins with four major championships under his belt; two PGA Championships, a US Open, and some tournament that is held in Georgia. I think it’s called the Masters!

Through the aide of modern technology, researchers have been able to capture measurements of the human body during the most efficient golf swings in the world today.  Putting the pieces together in an effort to improve does not revolve around making ones swing look like Tiger Woods or Ernie Els on a video camera.  It is a proven fact that as different and individualistic as a golf swing is, the Kinematic Sequences of the best players in the world is almost identical.

Understanding Kinematic Sequencing is the key to swinging the golf club efficiently.  Physical limitations can influence the sequence.  Having said this, understanding the sequence allows you to address these areas that are hindering you from swinging the golf club efficiently.

Have you ever thought about decelerating in your golf swing?  There is an element of deceleration in the golf swing that should exist when trying to improve your Kinematic Sequencing. In transition down swing, the best players in the world start with their lower body first.  As the lower body moves towards the target and then begins to slow down, the thorax begins to maximize in terms of speed.  As the thorax, or core, rotates towards the target it too will begin to slow down.  At this point the arms are speeding up.  Finally, as the arms slow down the club picks up speed. At this point the club is impacting the ball transferring energy from the ground all the way through the body and out of the club head into the ball.   This chain of events is referred to as Kinematic Sequencing. Each segment of the chain slows down while the other accelerates, very similar to cracking a whip.

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Your Early Extension

What Is Early Extension In Your Golf Swing?

Early extension in the golf swing is illustrated by the hips moving towards the target line at impact.  This sort of move in a golf swing guarantees a change in spine angle at the impact position.  This causing a variety of inefficient swing characteristics.

The Titleist Performance Institute, or TPI, has proven that 99% of the individuals that fail the deep squat test will suffer from early extension in their golf swings.  Let’s test you to see if you can pass the deep squat test.  So get up out of your chair, and stand perfectly erect.  Raise your arms up in the air.  Now simply squat into a position where your thighs break a plane parallel to the ground.  Did your heels come off of the floor?  If so, there is a 99% chance that you are early extending in your golf swing.

The reason that you are having trouble keeping your heels on the floor is due to your physical limitations surrounding Dorsiflexion of the Ankles. The range of motion in your ankle s are most certainly factors in early extension.  Another way to test mobility in the ankles is to take a knee.  Then slide the knee that is up in the air past your toes, preferably about three to four inches past the toes.   Again, if the heel comes up off the floor you are likely to early extend in your golf swing.

If you are experiencing early extension in your golf swing and do not seem to have limitations concerning Dorsiflexion of the Ankles, don’t be alarmed.  There are other limitations that can cause early extension as well.  Just to name a few; you could be suffering from limitations surrounding stability in knees, mobility in the hips, or stability in the lower back.

If you are interested in having your swing analyzed for FREE, click the Send Me A Video button.  It’s FREE!!!! Make sure to purchase your Automatic Swing Trainer.  The Automatic Swing Trainer is a great tool to get rid of those inefficient moves in your golf swing.

 

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The Hexagon Of Your Game

Modern Technology Has Changed The Game Of Golf!

You are probably thinking, “Tell me something I don’t know.”  Everyone that has played the game for any significant amount of time is aware of the fact that technology has changed the game of golf.  Technology has changed the equipment so that the ball will go further and straighter.  Everyone is aware of this.  This being true, there is an enormous amount left to talk about.

In this era of golf everyone is wrapped up in the effects of equipment.  Although very important, there is a great deal more involved in the game of golf than just equipment.  These areas of the game often seem to get lost in the shuffle.

Up until the emergence of technology, molding a good player was thought of as The Triangle of Player Development. There were three focal points of development.  The focal points were Instruction, Equipment, and Mental. The molding of a players development as been modernized as well.

Once a player is involved in quality instruction, been fitted for the right equipment, and is prepared mentally; does this mean the development stops?  There is much more to the game.  How about Course Management, Shot Making Skills, or maybe most importantly Physical Conditioning.

Everyone that has ever played the game of golf has experienced a point and time where they have struggled with their game.  Many have pinpointed the problem precisely only never being able to get over the hump.  When presented with this problem, be very aware of limitations that may exist. Flexibility and conditioning is a proven aspect of the golf.

Many golfers spend the majority of their time making sure the equipment fits the swing.  What most likely needs to be fitted is the body to the golf swing.  For more insight please view Golf Talk w/Robert Robbins. You can also Become a Fan of Golf Professional Robert Robbins – Corolla Light Resort in Corolla, NC. If interested in sending in a video please check out Send Me A Video.

Disconnect In Your Golf Swing

 

Many of you saw the title of this article and thought that this was just another article about the arms staying connected to the core! If that was the case for you, you were wrong.

True, the arms should remain connected to the body in an efficient golf swing. However, the message of this article has nothing to do with the arms at all. In all actuality this article is encouraging disconnection. This article is addressing the disconnection of the Core from the Lower Body.

In the grand scheme of things, the disconnection from the core and the lower body is often the first step in maintaining the connection of the arms and the core.In the most efficient of the efficient golf swings, there is without a doubt, separation of the lower body and the core. In the most efficient and powerful golf swings of this era, the lower body remains extremely quiet while the core is rotating around the spine. This is the disconnect that is ideal in the golf swing. Once the lower body rotates along with the core during the back swing, extra moves must occur. More times than not the disconnect of the arms is the result of the extra moves.

With the golf swing being an athletic movement, it is extremely important to be physically capable of making these movements. In order to achieve true disconnection of the lower body from the core, the legs must be strong enough to support the upper body while it rotates. More times than not, if the lower body is not strong enough it will begin to sway or rotate along with the core. This kind of move will cause the golf swing to deteriorate. 

Check out Golf Talk w/Robert Robbins Vol. XVI for a quick view of what can happen when a golfer struggles with disconnect in the golf swing.  Also check out Physical Fitness & Golf to improve on your disconnect.

Your One Piece Take Away

How many times have you heard mention of The One Piece Take Away? What are the characteristics of a One Piece Take Away? In a one piece take away the core of the body initiates the golf swing. This way of thinking of the golf swing can be detrimental to your ball striking.

When the core initiates the golf swing it typically routes, not only the golf club behind the body, but the arms as well. This position is often referred to as stuck inside. It can cause the body to react in a very negative manner starting a chain of events that can and will ruin your golf swing. More times than not, this position causes inefficient movement during the back swing that can result in many undesirable golf shots.

The most common of these moves is the sway. Once the arms get trapped inside, or behind the body, a sway in the lower body is most likely to occur. Once the dreaded sway takes place, the spine typically begins to lean towards the target. Not only is this type of movement in the golf swing an issue with leverage, but more importantly balance. As in any athletic movement, balance is a key ingredient.

Watch Vol. XV of Golf Talk w/Robert Robbins for a good visual of this position during the back swing and focus on your take away to correct it. It is a proven fact that all good players actually start their golf swings with the wrists, followed by the arms, then the core, and finally the hips. This sequence of events is often referred to as the Kinematic Sequence. A one piece take away would mean that the golf swing begins with the core starting the golf swing in unison with the arms, this is simply not athletic.

Are You Practicing Or Playing

There is an interesting question. Golfers get so wrapped up in swing mechanics that they rarely focus on playing the game.

Remember this, the brain can cause tension! Tension puts the golfer in a position where he or she cannot move freely. Once a golfer has begun their round of golf, one should forget swing mechanics. If a golfer does not possess this ability it is very difficult to actually play the game.

While playing a round of golf the golfer should focus on aspects of the game such as; the targets of each individual shot, the lie of the golf ball, the wind conditions, the terrain of the course, and the speed of the greens. Few golfers actually do this. While attempting to play a round of golf most golfers are so focused on their swing that the focus required to play the game is laid by the wayside.

The best players in the world rarely think of their golf swings while playing the game. When focused on the swing itself, the golfer enters the mindset of one who is practicing. The problem with this is, that tension is likely to set in at some point. Once tension has become apart of the golfers swing the golfer cannot swing freely. This makes playing a difficult game virtually impossible.

In an effort to make you a better player, begin to work on mindset. Make sure that you can distinguish the difference between practicing and playing. Practice is for the range. Playing is for the golf course. Confusion between the two makes playing golf more difficult. Remember, there are no penalty strokes involved on the range!

For instruction to carry to the RANGE, view Golf Talk w/Robert Robbins. Thanks for viewing and don’t miss out on the Thanks For The Visit Gift.  It’s free!

Extension & Athletics

Why Is Extension So Important In The Golf Swing?

Are You Starting Shots Left Of Your Target?

Are You Hitting A Big Slice?

If you answered YES to any of these questions, make sure you read this article.

The direction that the golf ball starts in is determined by the direction that the clubhead is swung in.  The ultimate goal in the golf swing is to swing the golf club down the target line for an extended amount of time.  If the lead arm is breaking down at impact, the clubhead will certainly be swung across the line rather than down it.

Once the golf club is being swung down a line that is left of the target, the golf ball is certain to start left of the target if struck well.  Not only is the golf ball now started off-line, but clubhead speed is of a concern as well.  Once the left arm breaks down the club head has begun to slow down.  Not only do we now have an issue with speed in the golf when the lead arm breaks down, but the release is now suffering as well.

Notice how the trailing hand in both Mr. Hogan and Ryan Howard have passed the lead hand.  This is what the proper release looks like.  It is unlikely that the release will occur in a golf swing that lacks extension.  Again, once the left arm begins to break down at impact the club head fails to travel down the target line.  Not only does the lack of  extension cause shots to leave the  club face off-line, but because the release is suffering the ball will now curve as well.  Because the release is suffering the  club face will be left open.  At this point the golf ball is slicing.

Lets simplify things, to get rid of that ugly pull slice simply check your extension.  More times than not golfers who are struggling with this shot lack extension in their golf swing.  Be sure and check out Golf Talk w/Robert Robbins   Vol. X for a good visual on exactly what we are talking about with extension.

Improve Your Swing Through Your Lower Body

Are you struggling with swinging the golf club down the target line?
If so, give this some serious thought.   Start building your golf swing around your lower body.

The lower body is the foundation of your golf swing.  It is as important to the golf swing as the foundation is to ones house.  A poor foundation leads to poor balance.  This translates into a decline in club head speed and causes extra moves to occur throughout the swing.

The next time you are watching the best players in the world, pay attention to the lower body during the golf swing.  More often than not you will view the the lower body remaining under the upper body.  This reduces the desire to make extra moves.

For a great mental image, be sure to check out Vol. IX of Golf Talk w/Robert Robbins.

The Release Is Effected By Extension

Still hitting that weak push? If so, make sure you read this article!
To understand what makes the golf ball travel in undesirable directions we must first understand how the club face relates to the ball at impact. When the golf ball is moving left to right in the air, it is a guaranty that the golf ball is spinning left to right. When the golf ball is spinning left to right, it is a guaranty that the club face is open at the impact position of the swing.
Extension in a golf swing can certainly play a role in the club face being open at impact. One must first understand that in order to start a golf shot at a target, the club head must be swung down the intended target line for a reasonable amount of time. In order for the ball to remain on this line it must be rotating vertically, not horizontally. Horizontal rotation is caused by the club face being open or closed. When the left arm of a golfer is beginning to break down at impact, the club face will certainly be open. Once again, causing the golf ball to spin left to right. Hence making it very difficult to release the golf club after impact.

Get Behind the Golf Ball

Are you hitting shots to the right? Are you getting in front of the golf ball at impact?

If you are struggling with the weak shot out to the right, and you are right handed, you are going to want to read this entry. Obviously if you are a lefty, and you are struggling with shots being played to the left, you will want to read this entry as well.

Envision your favorite athlete playing their respective sport. Envision this individual hitting the object involved in their sport. Lol, if the sport doesn’t involve an object being hit pick a sport that does. Lets go with tennis for the time being. Lets envision Steffi Graf.

In a video that I viewed earlier, I watched Steffi Graf play a series of four shots that were incredible. As I sat and viewed this video, I couldn’t help but notice how Steffi Graf was behind the ball at impact on every shot played. This fundamental applies to the golf swing as well.

If an athlete is right handed, and tends to hit shots to the right, it could be because the athlete’s body is in front of the object being hit at impact. Does this mean that the sole reason for hitting the golf ball to the right is that the body is in front of it at impact? Absolutely not! However if it is, the golf ball will certainly start right unless there are extra moves.

Many aspects of a golf swing can make a right handed golfer hit the ball to the right. One may be that the golfer is aligned incorrectly. The golfer may not be releasing the golf club properly. The golfer may be making extra moves in the golf swing in an effort to make up for improper back swing techniques. With all of this being said; it is a given that if a golfer positions their body in front of the golf ball at impact, the tendency will be to start the golf ball to the right.

The golf swing is no different than any other athletic motion in terms of the fundamentals.