In the game of golf, few things are as much of a "make it or break it" issue as the biomechanics of your golf swing. It determines such things as efficiency and energy expenditure. It can also make the difference between the pro and the amateur.
But how do we go about gathering and analyzing data to determine the biomechanics of an individual golf swing? We use the technology known as Motion Capture Technology or MOCAP.
In a MOCAP lab, sensors are attached to the golfer’s joints. The sensors are then connected to a computer, which is loaded with motion capture software. As the golfer swings, data from the sensors are processed by the computer and records acceleration, velocity and angle of motion.
One of most important data results is the velocity of the club head at the bottom of the arc when the head impacts the ball. As you might expect, the greater the velocity, the further the ball will travel.
When the legendary Tiger Woods had the biomechanics of his golf swing analyzed, it was shown that he achieved an amazing 125 miles per hour!
You might wonder how Tiger does this since when most professionals have the biomechanics of their golf swing tested, they average in the neighborhood of 100 miles per hour.
As it turns out, Tiger decided early on to take his own approach to training. Not only does he spend countless hours hitting the ball, he follows an exercise routine that is very specific to the game of golf. His routine not only maintains, but improves the biomechanics of his golf swing.
Many golfers do not see themselves as athletes. If you want to improve, this is one of the most fundamental things you can do -- shift your image of yourself.
By now you probably see what you need to do to take your game to a new level. The three specific parts of your body that need attention are the upper, lower and core. So find a workout routine that will ratchet up the biomechanics of your golf swing!
For more Improve Golf Swing information , read the Perform Better Golf Blog, published daily by Mike Pedersen.
About the Author: Mike Pedersen is one of the top golf training and conditioning experts in the country, author of the Ultimate Golf Fitness Manual, and founder of several online golf fitness and exercise websites.
Check out his golf exercise dvds, training programs, and workout products, and his new and proven Golf Fitness System, specifically designed to improve golf specific strength, flexibility, coordination, and overall golf swing mechanics!
