Effects of two-step golf swing drills on rhythm and clubhead speed in competitive juniors

Vertical and horizontal rhythms are crucial aspects of a dynamic golf swing, and the two-step swing drills (TSSD) were specifically designed to promote rhythmic unloading and loading of the legs. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of a TSSD training session on the swing rhythm and clubhead speed (CHS) among competitive junior golfers (3.1 ± 4.4 hcp). The driver swings (7 swings each) of 10 competitive junior golfers (aged 15-18) were captured before and after a TSSD session consisting of four stages (lasting less than 45 minutes). Post-TSSD training, there were significant increases in CHS (p < .001), maximum unweighting (p = .006), the trail-side push (p = .009), the horizontal motion ranges of the body and pelvis (p = .005-.031), the upward/downward motion range of the body in the backswing (p = .042/.024), and the backswing/downswing angular velocity peaks of the axle-chain system (p < .033). The stepping-like leg actions primarily facilitated horizontal motion rhythm over vertical motion and unweighting over push in terms of ground interaction. These findings suggest that TSSD can serve as an effective method for developing a rhythmic and dynamic motion pattern while increasing CHS.

THE IMPACT OF WARM-UP ON YOUTH GOLFER CLUBHEAD SPEED AND SELF-REPORTED SHOT QUALITY

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Physical preparation in golf is now considered a key component of the game. With players becoming more athletic, warm-up has become an important area in a player's preparation for practice and competition. Much of the research to date has focused on the adult golfer, showing potential for improvements in clubhead speed, driving distance and shot quality, as well as reductions in injury risk. However, there is currently no work specifically investigating the impacts of warm-up in youth golf. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of a club only warm-up and a dynamic exercise routine followed by a club warm-up on club head speed and self-reported shot quality.

METHODS

Using a counterbalanced repeated measures design, eight male and 13 female youth golfers completed a control (no warm-up), club only warm-up and an exercise based dynamic warm-up followed by club warm-up on three non-consecutive days. In each session, players were required to hit 10 maximal effort shots with a driver and clubhead speed (CHS) was recorded using a launch monitor alongside self-reported shot quality scores.

RESULTS

Statistically significant improvements in clubhead speed and self-reported shot quality were seen in the dynamic warm-up combined with club warm-up. No significant differences were seen in the club-warm up only or control groups for either clubhead speed or self-reported shot quality.

CONCLUSION

A combined dynamic physical warm-up and club warm-up improves clubhead speed and self-reported shot quality in youth golfers. However, a club warm-up alone does not seem to be sufficient in eliciting these same improvements.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3.