Oisín McCabe
Senior Physiotherapist
Winter Golf
As the dark evenings descend, the opportunity to play as much on the course is unfortunately limited here in Ireland.
While some may be lucky enough to get away to the sun for a couple of days of golf, we are moving towards more time in the driving range, practice facilities and 9 hole competitions.
Although there are many downsides to the winter from mats and temporary greens, it does bring a time for reflection and an opportunity to work on other aspects of your game. This type of periodisation is important to allow for variance in training and which is difficult when hitting hundreds of balls per week with a (hopefully) repeated pattern.
Changes can be made in a variety of ways and locations. Certain players may benefit from gym-based strength increases, others may need to improve flexibility and control which may be done at home. Some players may be looking to make wholesale swing changes now rather than in the peak of the golf summer season. Whatever category players fit into, there are common deficits observed which can be applied to all swings and levels.
Lateral Hip Strength
Many people talk about “getting into the lead side”, this is sometimes difficult to imagine or execute. To effectively generate the speed in good positions, golfers need to be able to do a combination of a hip rotation movement and weight shift which requires a high level of control and strength in the lateral hip. It is difficult to execute this properly without adequate strength in this region and it is the driving force behind the speed of the swing.
Hip Rotation Control
As the decades progress or for those who have previously played other field team sports, hip rotation range of motion can often be limited. This important movement is vital to be able to effectively use our legs to drive power in the swing. Initially we require adequate movement to achieve the top position of the swing, from there we need to be able to forcefully turn from the top of the backswing into the ball. This rotational range of motion can dictate certain compensatory actions that happen through the swing such as “reaching and casting”.
Spinal Rotation Range of Motion
The golf swing is viewed as a rotational movement. This is partly true however there are certain players that may, intentionally or unintentionally, compensate with different movement patterns to make up for a lack of spinal rotation (think Joaquin Niemann). Maximising the available range of spinal rotation, both mid-back and low-back, allow the player to generate a bigger turn which provides greater access to more speed.
Training to improve golf performance is not intended to change a player’s swing or any technical aspect of their game. Instead, the objective is to improve the ability to achieve positions that may have previously been available to a player or to make gains in strength or movements they have always been lacking. It will also provide the player the physical ability to make a lasting swing change without lending themselves to a needless injury.
If you have questions on any of the above topics, would like to discuss your own personal case or would like to learn more, feel free to reach out to me via the form below and I will be happy to discuss.
Oisín
Phone : 046 9062265
Email : oisin@mcenteephysio.com