Aristotle wrote the first book on Biomechanics. Some examples of biomechanics research include the investigation of the forces that act on limbs, the aerodynamics of bird and insect flight, the hydrodynamics of swimming in fish and locomotion in general across all forms of life. The biomechanics of human beings is a core part of the Kinesiology which is the scientific study of human movement. The biomechanics of the Golf Swing is a very interesting subject. More and more PGA pros are delving into this area with the result being much lower scores.
There are factors that control human movement that are quite difficult to understand but there is one thing we do know for sure and that is that human muscles work best when they are in a very relaxed state. Researchers that study the biomechanics of the golf swing know that when muscles are tense they don’t work as well and are more likely to be injured. A relaxed muscle works normally and is less likely to suffer injury. A very good example is as follows: Hold a rubber band from your fingertips and watch what happens. Take the same rubber band and stretch it between your fingers. Which of these two examples would you want your muscles to emulate the next time you set up for a golf shot?
Clubhead speed determines just how far a typical golf shot travels but in order to generate the kind of speed required to hit a 300 yd. drive the biomechanics of the golf swing come into play. During the swing the body creates centrifugal force through a coiling action. In essence being more relaxed at address results in a better “turn” which generates greater torque resulting in more clubhead speed.
Obviously, in order to remain relaxed, the computer between your ears has to be in control otherwise it can really complicate the biomechanics of the golf swing. In order to remain in a relaxed state on the course your mind has to be free from all anxiety, worry and fear, all of which cause tension. One of the very best examples of a person with great mind control is Tiger Woods. In my view the single biggest reason why Tiger Woods is the world’s best golfer is his ability to remain mentally relaxed and in control of his emotions at all times. He knows that anxiety creates tension and tension is the venom that can poison a good golf swing.
