Effect of Weight Ball Throw Training on Weight Shifting of Lower Body, Head Speed of Club, and Driving Distance of Amateur Golfers

The Influence of an 8-Week Strength and Corrective Exercise Intervention on the Overhead Deep Squat and Golf Swing Kinematics

ABSTRACT

Langdown, BL, Bridge, MW, and Li, F-X. The influence of an 8-week strength and corrective exercise intervention on the overhead deep squat and golf swing kinematics. J Strength Cond Res 37(2): 291-297, 2023-It has previously been suggested that performance of the overhead squat (OHS) is a useful predictor of loss of posture in the golf swing. Using an 8-week intervention to improve OHS performance, this study assessed this suggestion and analyzed the impact of any resultant physical adaptations on golf swing kinematics. Thirty-seven golfers (handicap = 14.8 ± 13.3) were randomly split into a control group ( n = 16) and an intervention group ( n = 21)-who completed an 8-week strength and flexibility program. Pre- and postintervention OHS assessments and 3-dimensional (3D) 6-iron swing kinematics were captured. The level of significance set for the study was p < 0.05. Despite the intervention group's significant improvement in OHS thigh angle ( p < 0.001), there were no significant changes in 3D swing kinematics between the groups and over pre- and posttesting for address ( p = 0.219), top of the backswing ( p = 0.977), and impact ( p = 0.994). In addition, regression analysis revealed that the 4 measured OHS variables were significant and small predictors of swing kinematic variables at the top of backswing and impact (ranging from R2 = 0.109 to R2 = 0.300). These may, however, be spurious relationships as swing changes could be expected following the intervention if they were indeed true predictors of the postural variables. The use of the OHS to understand the cause of loss of posture during the golf swing is therefore not recommended because many other variables could influence swing kinematics. It may, however, be a useful assessment tool for strength and range of movement, provided that any motor learning issues are resolved before results influencing conditioning programs.

Effects of Resistance Training Methods on Golf Clubhead Speed and Hitting Distance: A Systematic Review

ABSTRACT

Uthoff, A, Sommerfield, LM, and Pichardo, AW. Effects of resistance training methods on golf clubhead speed and hitting distance: A systematic review. J Strength Cond Res 35(9): 2651-2660, 2021-Resistance training is widely regarded within the golfing community to improve golf performance by increasing clubhead speed (CHS) and drive distance and can be classified into 3 categories: nonspecific, specific, and combined. However, it is currently unclear which resistance training methods are most effective in improving predictors of golf performance. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to compare the effectiveness of nonspecific, specific, and combined strength training methods on CHS and drive distance. A systematic search strategy was performed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines to identify eligible articles through PubMed, SPORTDiscus, MEDLINE (EBSCO), and Google Scholar. The searches identified 4,557 potentially relevant results, with 20 studies that met the inclusion criteria and were included in the final review. Thirteen studies investigated nonspecific resistance training, one study investigated specific resistance training, and 7 studies investigated combined resistance training. Collectively, resistance training positively impacts golf CHS and hitting distance, but adaptations vary depending on the type and intensity of training, as well as subject's characteristics. Using a combination of nonspecific and golf-specific training (average increase of 4.1% CHS and 5.2% hitting distance) seems to enhance golf performance more than nonspecific strength training (average increase of 1.6% CHS and 4.8% hitting distance). Eight-week programs including golf-specific movements at high velocities for 3 to 4 sets of 5 to 15 repetitions are the most effective in increasing CHS and hitting distance. Future research investigating how golf-specific training influences CHS and hitting distance in various subgroups may provide further insight regarding prescription of this training type.

The effects of strength and conditioning interventions on golf performance: A systematic review

There is a growing body of literature on strength and conditioning (S&C) interventions for golfers of various skill levels. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the effects of S&C interventions on measures of golf performance (clubhead speed, ball speed, distance, etc.). Three databases (PubMed, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science) were searched and twenty-five studies identified that evaluated the effects of a S&C intervention on at least one golf performance measure compared to a control or comparison group. Most studies used combinations of strength training, plyometrics, stretching or core exercise, with many finding a benefit. Though it varied across studies and outcomes, average increases in clubhead speed, ball speed and distance measures were 4-6.4% when significant findings were synthesized. Four studies also found significant changes to golf swing kinematics, while three others found positive effects on measures of accuracy or consistency. Future research should compare different S&C interventions, explore the role of training status, skill level and intervention duration on the effects of S&C interventions, and report individual responses in addition to group data. Further, research should continue to evaluate effects on swing kinematics, accuracy and direct golf performance measures (e.g., handicap index).