Golf Lecture 11

Lecture Overview

  • Course: HMSV322 Biomechanics II

  • Lecture 08: Biomechanical Characteristics of Golf

  • Date: 26 September 2023

Introduction

  • Overview of biomechanics in golf swings and key performance indicators.

Key Components in Golf Swing

General Golf Goal

  • Displace the ball from one position to another with the least number of strokes possible.

Ball Displacement Factors

  1. Carry Distance: Distance the ball travels through the air.

  2. Roll Distance: Distance the ball rolls after landing.

  3. Length of Carry Dependent On:

    • Speed of ball release.

    • Direction at which the ball leaves the clubface.

    • Height of the ball at release.

    • Air resistance encountered during flight.

Phases of the Golf Swing

Set-up Phase (Address)

  • Weight: 50-60% on back foot.

  • Knees: Flexed to 20-25°.

  • Trunk: Flexed at hips approximately 45° with a right shoulder tilt of 16°.

  • Importance: Optimal for generating power and maintaining control.

Backswing Phase

  • Purpose: Align clubhead for an effective downswing.

  • Duration: Avg. < 1 second (≈ 0.82 seconds).

  • IMPORTANT: Triangle formed between arms and chest for first 40-60 cm.

  • Shoulder and hip rotation noted; average rotation values:

    • Shoulders: 78-102°

    • Hips: 47-55°

Downswing Phase

  • Purpose: Maximize clubhead velocity at impact.

  • Duration: Avg. ≈ 0.23 seconds (Elite golfers).

  • Eccentric trunk actions aid in the quick transition to downswing.

  • Important muscular actions include:

    • Right arm: Internally rotates, adducts, and extends elbow.

    • Erector spinae and abdominals stabilize posture.

Follow-Through Phase

  • Purpose: Decelerate body and clubhead using eccentric muscle actions.

  • Muscular actions:

    • Left shoulder: Abducts, externally rotates.

    • Right shoulder: Adducts, internally rotates.

    • Trunk must maintain stability during the finish.

Factors Affecting Golf Performance

Ball Displacement Factors

  • Initial Ball Velocity: Velocity affects distance.

  • Release Angle: Inclined by the clubface (loft angle); normal and parallel to the clubface velocities affect trajectory.

  • Air Resistance: Four types of angular motion:

    1. Topspin: Decreases lift and increases descent.

    2. Backspin: Provides lift and prolongs air time.

    3. Slicing/Hooking: Imparts sideways spin affecting direction.

Ground Reaction Force (GRF)

  • Essential for power transfer during the swing.

  • Greater GRF increases swing effectiveness and ball velocity at impact.

Stretch-Shorten Cycle (SSC)

  • Enhances muscle efficiency and power generation.

  • Better SSC with rapid muscle loading, especially during backswing.

Injury Prevention

  • Major causes of golf injuries include:

    • Overuse, technical errors, physical fitness deficiencies, lack of warm-up, and environmental factors.

  • Common injuries areas: spine, upper limbs, lower limbs, etc.

  • Effective preventive techniques include proper conditioning and routine.

Summary

  1. Understand variables affecting golf performance, including swing phases.

  2. Maximize distance through optimal GRF, SSC, X-Factor, and wrist uncocking.

  3. Familiarize with involved muscle groups.

  4. Recognize how injuries can arise and effective preventive measures.