How Golf Fitness Training Helps to Correct Common Golf Swing Flaws

Based on the law of bio-mechanics known as 'structure' governs 'function', every golf swing motion - both good and bad - has a physical/structural cause. Therefore, before any golfer can really safely and effectively improve any diagnosed swing flaw from their golf coach, they first need to have their baseline golf-specific physical characteristics of posture, balance, flexibility and strength properly evaluated by a golf-fitness expert to help determine the structural causation to their current swing.  Then, a custom golf fitness training program can be designed that will help develop the  physical/structural improvements needed to support the more optimal swing motions. 

When interviewing top professional golf coaches, they all agree that the most common swing fault for amateur golfers is the "over-the-top" move that contributes to a slice and/or a pull hook. The structural flaws that most contribute to this swing motion dysfunction starts with poor standing and address posture. If a player is physically identified to have an overly rounded upper/middle spine and/or an overly side bent spine in regular standing, and also at address, then they will be unable to make a proper shoulder turn with the primary rotational motion coming from their middle spine. Improper spine rotation then forces the golfer to physically and bio-mechanically compensate during their backswing by using other, inappropriate body segments (legs, arms, etc.) to generate 'false' rotation as an attempt to create the 'loading' portion of their full backswing.  

However, this all-to-common 'cause and effect', movement compensation during a golfer's backswing prevents the optimal rotational separation between upper and lower body. The golfer will, therefore, initiate their down/forward swing motion by leading with their arms and upper half of their body instead of from their lower half, they will not be able to maintain the proper postural and spine angle positions during their full swing, or institute the proper weight shift. The net result from this combination of 'structure governs function' swing motion during the forward swing is the 'over-the-top' swing pattern that produces a weak slice ball flight.

As we are now aware of the physical/structural causes of the over-the-top swing fault, we also recognize that there are physical/structural conditioning elements required to correct this swing fault. Every golfer who slices the ball must have the physical ability to create rotational separation between the upper and lower body. This separation allows the golfer to begin the downswing with the lower body and create an 'X-factor' (greater rotational degrees of motion created during their full backswing with their upper spine/torso than from their hips/pelvis). The creation of this separation starts with good address posture (primary and secondary tilt angles) and requires good middle (thoracic) spine and hip functional mobility (combination of flexibility, strength and stability), and core stability.

If the golfer is evaluated to be lacking in any of these essential physical components then their potential for bio-mechanical dysfunctions affecting their golf swing increases substantially. Correction of these physical dysfunctions and development of a physical foundation to support the golf swing can be achieved via customized, golf-specific, exercises combined with the proper sequence of bio-mechanical, swing re-education drills over a consistent period of time.

So, if you are a slicer, hooker, puller or pusher, and/or if you are just  feeling frustrated in any way about your lack of progress with your game, don't worry!  There is a solution that can help you get back on track. Locate a golf fitness training specialist and schedule an evaluation right away. He/she will identify the physical factors of posture, balance, flexibility, strength and conditioning that may be creating the swing compensations that are blocking your optimal and safe performance on the golf course. Once identified, the fitness professional will be able to design your customized golf fitness training progression that, when integrated with professional swing instruction, you will be able to make the desired improvements in your swing and in your game that will make your total golf experience much more enjoyable!

For more information about golf-specific physical assessments and customized golf fitness training programs, please visit www.CallawayGolfFitness.com or contact Paul Callaway, PT, PhD at Paul@CallawayGolfFitness.com