Golf Coaching knowledge has grown significantly over the last decade, in large part due to technological advancement. Perhaps more importantly, the introduction of sports science research has spread to all levels of golfers. As a result, golf science research, particularly in biomechanics, has led to a better understanding of what contributes to a more optimal golf swing for any individual and background, which can also be measured accurately rather than relying solely on a coach’s opinion.
Force Plates are one of the most advanced and important tools used by golfers these days. This technology measures an individual’s ground reaction force (GRF) during movement or exercise. This is the force exerted by the athlete’s body on the ground, and it is a significant factor in determining an athlete’s performance.
Understanding how an individual interacts with the ground can help us gain a better understanding of how a golfer is:
- Losing speed and distance.
- Experiencing pain or injury.
- At greater risk of injury.
- Moving inefficiently in the golf swing.
Overall, this information can help a golfer understand why they swing the club they do; what limitations make certain swing movements unrealistic; and what methods can be devised to achieve better movement, both physically and technically during the swing.
However, one common misconception about this approach to player development is that it is only for elite players or those who understand “numbers.” This couldn’t be further from the truth, because if the information is delivered correctly, all levels of golfers and learning styles will benefit.
Why is Physical Profiling essential to long term golf development?
To play their best golf, golfers of all levels should naturally focus on swinging the club to the best of their ability. However, age, injury history, playing experience, practise time availability, physical capacity and personal perception of what the golf swing should look and feel like – to name a few – all have an impact on how the golfer moves.
Unfortunately, over the years, golf coaches have frequently ignored these key principles in order to get a player to create ‘perfect’ swing mechanics, completely ignoring why this is unrealistic for most, and perhaps more importantly, why this could lead to injury and a reduction in performance output, i.e., weaker ball striking, lower consistency, and shorter distance.
As a result, in this day and age, it makes sense for a golfer who wants to improve their golf swing and tee to green performance to have critical information at their disposal before attempting to improve their swing. Small changes can and often do result in immediate improvements, but once the smaller areas such as grip, stance, posture, alignment and so on have been cleaned up, the larger changes in technique are frequently where many golfers hit a wall.
As a result, a physical profiling assessment can be extremely beneficial. Although golfers may view the sport as more of a leisurely hobby and movement than an athletic demanding game, the reality is that higher levels of flexibility, stability, strength and power are required for the golf swing to be performed optimally. As we all know, most amateur golfers will be restricted in one or more of these areas. Knowing what is limited and how it affects the golf swing directly can go a long way towards making both physical and technical changes. The reality is that a golfer does not always need to make significant physical improvements to make relevant technique advancements, as long as they are working in accordance with their body’s physical capacities, rather than against.
Furthermore, in my experience, once a golfer understands what they can and cannot achieve, as well as what is required to make a change, this information alone can frequently lead to an increase in performance simply through a greater trust in their swing and peace of mind that things are not as far away as they may appear.
So, what is measured and why is it relevant?
During a physical and bio-mechanical assessment, we assess flexibility and mobility of the key joints in the body and determine how these may limit swing mechanics and/or be causing excessive stress on the body during the golf swing.
Furthermore, any limitation in joint stability and muscular strength are assessed to determined how movement might be altered to compensate for a lack of movement control and how this can reduce swing speed and distance, increase injury risk and limit the golfer from creating desired swing movements.
Additionally, the force plates measure key golf performance metrics from the ground up, identifying any joint weakness and how it affects balance, strength and power. Asymmetries between the left and right legs, for example, can show any difference in balance, specifically ankle stability, hip range of motion and stability, power output and overall ability to create force. Depending on the results, this can provide a clear indication of where a golfer’s stability, balance and speed are lacking in their golf swing.
A speed device and training tool are also used to assess clubhead speed, which shows a golfer’s current speed output versus their maximum potential. When combined with the physical testing results, golfers can immediately begin modifying their practise to maximise their distance and understand what physical changes are required to improve.
Why are Force Plates the gold standard of ‘Golf Fitness’ testing?
Unlike some ‘Golf Fitness’ assessments, force plate data has been scientifically proven to have strong correlations to golf performance metrics. The golfer is then able to make the necessary physical and biomechanical changes through a personalised plan after determining key physical components of the golfer to within a highly accurate and reliable level. In turn, reassessment at predetermined intervals provides a clear indication of progress and aids in the monitoring of any changes over both shorter and longer time windows. Furthermore, both the player and the coach are held more accountable, and the objective data eliminates any biases.
Whether you are recovering from injury, focusing on hitting the ball further or optimising your swing movements, force plate assessment is the most objective and reliable process a golfer of any age, level or background can go through.
Book your assessment through the link below and find out exactly what your body is capable of.
