Webster defines Kinesiology as “the study of the principles of mechanics and anatomy in relation to human movement”. Simply said, it is the study of how we move and the causation of our movements. How then, does this apply to the golf swing? In order to help you understand this let’s unravel what the biomechanics of golf swing kinesiology is all about.
The study of human anatomy and movement has been going on for literally thousands of years. With the advent of computer technology modern science has been able to pinpoint exactly how muscles function. The ability to look inside the human body has not only helped those in the medical community it has also created tremendous strides in the sports field especially in the game of golf!
That is why the biomechanics of golf swing kinesiology has become such a popular field of study.
It can easily be said that biomechanics of golf swing kinesiology has three primary functions: preventative, therapeutic and hi-performance. Reason would seem to dictate that in the field of sports, the prevention of injury would receive the highest priority. At present the study of biomechanics seems to be concentrated on achieving high performance. In athletes this means that in order to be at the top of your sport you need to be a “lean and mean, fighting machine”!
What this amounts to, for those of us that hope to drop our scores, is more time exercising. There are certain muscle groups that play a major role in swinging a golf club. The strengthening of these muscles will go a long way toward preventing injury and creating high performance on the golf course. Not everyone has the luxury of a personal trainer, however, there is plenty of literature available on the subject of biomechanics. Once you start your exercise program you will begin to see significant improvement in your physical stamina and your ability to swing in a more fluid fashion. Let’s not forget how a good exercise program can also help your ability to stay focused on your game. Biomechanics of golf swing kinesiology, described in the simplest form, means that a good exercise program is the best way to prevent injury, stay healthy and improve your athletic ability.
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.
