Lower Body Efficiency in Golf
By Tracy Chapman, TPI Golf Fitness Specialist
The ideal golf swing results from controlled, balanced rotation of the upper body over a fairly stable base of support or lower body. Your feet provide the connection to the ground while the knees and hips create the stability for upper body motion.
One of the “keys” to maximizing lower body efficiency is to put the lower body in a position where it can be successful. The low back is not designed for repetitive rotational strain and therefore the knee and hip joints are important in controlling motion of the spine over the the lower body.
Lower Body Efficiency is dependent on:
- Achieving a good address posture with a proper hip hinge and knee flex.
- The availability of strength, flexibility and endurance throughout the musculature of the lower body.
- Coordination of the lower body focusing on kinesthetic awareness at the hips, knees and foot complex.
- Stability and controlled motion of the lumbar spine / low back.
- The quality of motion over a stable base of support / dynamic balance.
Technology such as the Dynamic Balance System, a single axis force plate can help us specifically where your weight is distributed throughout your golf swing. The is a great tool to help detect dysfunctional movement patterns and compensations. It also helps train your body to be more efficient.
