Inside The Golf Swing

The simple golf swing is a biomechanical marvel. Though the ball and target are not moving, the margin for error is extremely small, requiring exquisite motor coordination. The proper coordination between the body parts must be taught and repeatedly practiced in order to develop the proper swing mechanics. The process used to do this is called motor learning. Motor learning is simply teaching the neuromuscular system to perform a specific task in a consistent, reproducible fashion. Because the golf swing requires communication among all body segments, motor learning or muscle memory might be the key factor for making the biggest difference. You must teach your body parts to work correctly and sequentially, within the available structural and functional range of motion.

The goal of motor learning, or computer-like programming of the neuromuscular system, is to develop the least stressful and most productive movement patterns for a successful golf swing. Remember that movement can be defined as a series of muscular contractions, controlled by the nervous system and conditioned through the process of motor learning.

Athletic movements require coordination, balance, and timed weight-shifts of the various segments of the body. Several neurological systems provide the feedback necessary for a person to accurately move body segments and contract and relax muscles in the smooth ballet of sporting movements. As humans, we all have the same basic anatomical elements yet some are able to use their particular neurological senses in a more effective manner in sport. 'Gifted athlete' we often call them; they excel at sports because they are able to move in repetitive patterns of highly coordinated, sequenced movements. They are somehow able to integrate information from these systems better than others.

GOLF SWING BIOMECHANICS

During the backswing, the hip and shoulder segments rotate clockwise around the orientation of the spine. As this occurs, trunk musculature that connects the hip and shoulder segments begins to load as a result of the coiling action. This is important because the energy stored in the muscles during the loading process will help accelerate the shoulders during the swing. Even more important, however, is the dynamic interaction of the hip and shoulder segments. In other words, it is not just how much coil, but the timing and sequence that creates maximum power.

Three subsystems of the central nervous system (CNS) control our ability to maintain balance and equilibrium: the somatosensory system, the vestibular system, and the visual system. Higher CNS centers (cerebral cortex and brain stem) are also very much involved; this article will primarily concern itself with the somatosensory system.

The somatosensory system may most simply be described as a system providing information concerning the orientation of body parts to one another and to the supporting surface for the purpose of maintaining postural equilibrium. In other words; it controls how we move our center of gravity and body parts in relation to our environment. It includes cells or organs called proprioceptors and tactile sensors. Proprioceptors are receptors spread throughout our muscles, ligaments, joints, and connective tissues that tell us not only where our body parts are in relation to each other and the outside world but also how fast and where they may be moving. The tactile organs detect such things as touch, pressure, and vibration and also influence balance and movement.

There are two functional groups to which tactile organs and proprioceptors may be further divided: slow and fast adapting to external stimuli. Slowly adapting sensors relay information regarding continuous tension or deformation while fast adapting perceives rapid changes in movement or pressure.

TRAINING DEVICES

Over the years, many devices and, unfortunately, 'gimmicks' have been developed to aid golf swing motor learning. Currently, 100 PGA, LPGA and Champions Tour Players and using a swing training device called the INSTANT REPLAY™ tubing system. This particular device and its use are detailed in the following to illustrate typical techniques for swing improvement or rehabilitation. The INSTANT REPLAY™ and its methodology rapidly enhance input from the somatosensory components enabling people to learn athletic movements faster as well as improve existing motor skills. Additionally, the device provides a platform for enhanced rehabilitation and strengthening. The constant tension of the elastic component (RNT tubing) helps increase input from those sense organs that are slowly adapting. The INSTANT REPLAY™ encourages loading of the legs in functional patterns at different times as weight shifts are progressively trained. This results in massive sensorimotor input and raises the level of excitability and contractility of the nervous system, speeding the rate of muscle shortening. In other words, movements and muscle contractions become more responsive and quicker. The INSTANT REPLAY™ , using an optimal combination of open and closed chain maneuvers, loads the joints of the spine and lower extremity in sport-specific patterns; a requirement for any exercise designed to enhance neuromuscular control of joints or movement patterns.

During swing training with the INSTANT REPLAY™, the line of the RNT from its wall attachment to the body forms a perfect visual reference to align the hips and feet with the swing plane. Additionally, any swing made that does not control the center of gravity to finish on a firm lead-side will cause the user to lose his balance. So visual input and additional balance perturbations use the brain stem and associated areas. Now the user has a device that calls into play massive sensory input from all three levels of motor control. Additionally, the device and methodology of the INSTANT REPLAY™ allows for multiple repetitions using minimal load (if desired) on the muscular system allowing for daily use and rapid formation of a cognitive program.

COMMON SWING BREAKDOWNS

The two most common breakdowns in transferring energy from the lower body to the upper body originate with the hip segment. The first of these is called sliding hips, which occurs when the hips move laterally to the left without rotating. No rotational speed is created. This actually diminishes energy that can be passed to the upper body. In many cases sliding hips also indicate an excessive spine tilt. When the spine tilts, muscles that work to rotate the segments around the axis of the trunk become asymmetrical in that one side shortens and the other side lengthens. This asymmetry causes inefficient generation of power and can increase stress on the low back and joint structures. The second problem is called spinning hips, which occurs when the golfer forces the hip segment through the swing too quickly. This creates an excessive lag between the lower body and the upper body, and the upper body typically does not catch up. The trunk musculature therefore is unable to pass energy created by the hip segment rotation to the shoulder segment rotation, which means lost power and slower club head speed.

FOCUS ON CONTROL

As a training modality, the INSTANT REPLAY™ method focuses its effects on the three motor control centers of the body for the purposes of promoting coordinated, sequenced movements as well as fostering a stable, core foundation and spine. This system is geared towards neuromuscular control vs. bulk size and strength. As such, its methodology centers upon accepted progressions: from slow to fast speeds, low force to higher force, controlled to uncontrolled movements and from conscious to unconscious, automatic activities. Using dynamic, weight-bearing functional postures, closed as well as open chain forces, and 'isoeconcentric' contractions, maximizes excitation of proprioceptive pathways providing for coordinated, balanced movement. Training for balance and coordination is recommended for golf, spinal rehabilitation, and nearly any other sport that requires sequenced weight shifts. This system allows multiple repetitions of specific patterns to be precisely repeated, just like on INSTANT REPLAY(TM).