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Game Improvement
Sponsored by:
Strength and Flexibility: the
“driving” forces behind ball flight
Heather Gilchrist, MPT/ATC, MGS
In my physical therapy experience,
certain trends have become apparent across genders and age ranges
relating to all physical functions, but especially to golf
mechanics. Though there are always exceptions, generally speaking,
women and juniors (of both genders) are limited in power by strength
and stability weakness, while men and seniors (of both genders) fall
victim to restrictions in joint range of motion and muscle
flexibility. An imbalance of strength, flexibility, or both has a
significant negative impact on the power and distance of ball
flight.
Flexibility limitations, primarily
at the hips, shoulders, and spine adversely affect arc width and arc
length of the swing, both of which are primary influences on
distance. To compensate for a lack of flexibility while maintaining
optimal arc length and width, the golfer is forced to find
unfavorable compensatory mechanics that jeopardizes both accuracy
and personal safety. I recommend stretching daily and warming-up
before every golf outing. For more individualized and golf-specific
instruction you can become involved in SpineCare, Inc.’s “19th Hole”
program, which includes a 20-30 minute Golf Stretch class and boxed
lunch twice weekly.
Strength and stability limitations,
especially involving muscles of the hips, core, and shoulders,
adversely affect clubhead speed, clubface alignment, swing plane,
and centeredness of contact with the ball. Greater strength and
stability directly equate to increased distance and accuracy.
Engaging in a regular resistance training program (3-5 times a week)
is of critical importance to improve in this area. As a first step
in implementing a golf-specific training program developed and
supervised by a physical therapist, I recommend scheduling an
initial golf body screen at SpineCare, Inc.
Many physical limitations can be
overcome with proper intervention. Don’t try to mask an underlying
problem that can be fixed to add yards and years to your game. For
more information about the programs available, or to schedule your
initial golf body screen at SpineCare, Inc., call (314) 432-7100.
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