Diagnostic Philosophy

Because there is a tendency for golfers to develop motor patterns around physical limitations, we have to diagnose what those weaknesses might be.

There could be issues of mobility and/or stability. For example, often times a loss of posture during the swing can be attributed to weak lower abs, or a lack of calf flexibility. We also have to determine whether a golfer’s swing is inefficient or merely expressing “their” style. For example, if a person has an idiosyncratic “fingerprint” of a swing, but is highly effective, then there might not be a compelling reason for them, or us, to alter that swing to fit some ideal model. In which case, we might decide to work on some other aspect of their game.

In addition, we need to catch body imbalances in terms of right/left asymmetries. Moreover, as the body is set up to survive and compensate, if there is a physical weakness, there can be poor movement patterns, or in more extreme cases, pain.

With this new paradigm, one of the most important technologies available to us is the 3D biomechanical motion analysis system. This technology cannot only aid us in diagnosing swing errors and inefficiencies, but can also assist us in pinpointing possible physical limitations.

"Science and traditional golf instruction are not incompatible—they complement and feed off each other."

Kinematic Sequence
The 3D Kinematic sequence in the golf swing is the proper unwinding of the hips, torso, arms, and club during the downswing. When done in proper sequence, the golfer can produce the most efficient amount of power. It is arguably one of the most important features of an effective golf swing.

Power in the downswing is initiated from the ground up. With proper pressure from the feet and legs into the ground you can create a stable foundation so that you can first accelerate, then quickly decelerate the hips during the downswing. When the hips decelerate the torso can speed up. When the torso decelerates the arms can speed up. Finally, when the arms decelerate near impact, the club speeds up.

Tour professionals are experts at this sequencing from the ground-up, and the accelerate/decelerate cycle. In fact, decelerating may be one of the most important aspects of a proper sequence that you can learn. For a proper kinematic sequence to unfold your body not only has to initiate acceleration, but also accept deceleration. If there is a physical weak link in your body, in terms of rotational mobility, you may have difficulty performing a proper sequence. Likewise, for your body to accept deceleration of the various segments, it needs to have functional stability.

With 3D sensor technology, we can now accurately measure and graph your entire kinematic sequence, isolating each important body segment. If we detect a weak link in the chain, we will be able to diagnose it as a swing fault and/or physical weakness.





The efficient swing graph is from a highly ranked PGA Tour Professional. It might be "easy" to guess who this person is. All segments accelerate and decelerate in the proper sequence—pelvis, then trunk, then arms, and finally the club. Maximum clubhead speed is thus produced at impact. With the inefficient swing, however, the firing sequence is out of order, especially with regard to the pelvis and trunk. We could surmise from this graph, without even seeing this golfer swing, that they were initiating the downswing from the torso and shoulders and accelerating the arms and club prematurely. Some would call this problem "casting." The result: maximum clubhead speed, as evidence by the peak in the graph, occurs before impact.

X Factor Stretch
The “X-Factor” is a term that was coined by John Andrisani of Golf Magazine and introduced to the golfing community by Jim McLean in a 1992 Golf Magazine article. The X-Factor describes the relative rotation of the shoulders as compared to the rotation of the hips during the backswing. It is considered a key factor in the production of swing speed and distance.

Recent research conducted by Phil Cheetham at Arizona State has extended the X-Factor concept to include downswing dynamics. Named the X-Factor Stretch, it is now widely considered to be at least as important as the X-Factor itself. More highly skilled golfers were found to have a greater increase in the X-Factor early in the downswing (“X-Factor Stretch”) than less skilled golfers. For example, a highly skilled player might have an X-Factor differential of 60 degrees, and on the downswing, they increase this differential between shoulders and hips to 73 degrees, resulting in an X-Factor Stretch of 13 degrees. What has occurred in this instance is that the hips have rotated significantly faster than the player’s shoulders, creating additional coiling of the torso.

Ideally, just prior to the transition phase from backswing to downswing, the pelvis will slow down, change direction, and begin to rotate forward while the upper body continues to rotate backwards. In fact, the hips move at their fastest at the very beginning of their movement forward in the downswing. With this forward movement, there is an increase in the stretch of the large and powerful rotating muscles of the trunk. The trunk can then rotate forwards with a faster and more forceful contraction because of greater stored elastic energy in the big torso muscles. The result: Greater club head speed at impact.

"The backswing is nothing more, or less, than a probability system."
-a golf sage

With our 3D system, we can measure your X-Factor as well as your X-Factor Stretch. We can also use our 3D systems in a training mode to help you learn how to increase both of these measurements using biofeedback audible tones.

Golf Tip:
Ideal Biomechanics

Ideal biomechanics may not exist as there can be multiple strategies to a goal. However, for you there probably is a better way to move if you are to get beyond your weakest link and most inefficient movement.