The Kinetic Sequence in the Golf Swing: Part 1
This week, let's take a closer look at the kinetic sequence in the golf swing—the powerhouse behind the kinematic sequence you’ve been reading about. The kinetic sequence outlines the forces driving the fluid motion of the swing. But how do these forces come together to create an efficient and powerful kinematic sequence? Let’s break it down below.
The kinematic sequence
The kinematic sequence describes the movement of the pelvis, trunk, arms, and clubs relative to each other in the golf swing. You can see many different swings in the PGA Tour, but one thing that holds resolute in all great golfers is the kinematic sequence. Check out the video below to learn more about the order of event in the downswing…
To summarize, the pelvis leads the way in the downswing. This creates a stretch between the pelvis and the trunk that slingshots the trunk. There is then separation between the movement of the trunk and the arms. The same process repeats for the arms which slingshot the club. This is how an effective, powerful, and efficient golf swing is produced. But what forces are in use to create these events and how can we make it better?
The Kinetic Sequence
The kinetic sequence in the downswing is as follows…
1. A lateral shift from back side to front side
2. A side tilt
3. Twisting
4. Bending
5. “Jumping” or vertical force.
As we can see, these “forces” are still described as actions to help you conceptualize them. You can see a lateral shift is a lateral or side to side force, and “jumping” force is a vertical force, and so on. In reality, all of these forces need to be created at the connection between us and the ground.
Are you creating an effective kinematic sequence/ Kinetic sequence forces?
There are a few ways we can go about assessing your capacity to create the appropriate sequencing.
1. Testing your ability to create separation
2. Testing your ability to separate at end ranges
3. Analyze your swing video
Let’s do all three here.
3 tests to see if you can create a kinematic sequence.
A) Pelvic rotation test
This test helps us better understand if we have the minimum motor control, mobility, and strength to create some separation between the pelvis and trunk. If you can’t do this, there is little chance you are following a kinematic sequence in your golf swing.
B) Trunk rotation test
This test flips the script. Can we create a stable pelvis while creating rotation at the trunk.
C) Shoulder 90/90 test
This test assesses for active range of motion at the shoulder joint for external rotation. Take an especially close look at the trail side shoulder in this test. If you cannot get past 90 degrees of external rotation (past spine angle) then we certainly cannot maintain the needed level of rotation in this shoulder to create the separation from the trunk while maintaining the shallow club path as needed.
2. End range motor control
This level of testing takes things to the next level. Even if you could pass the original three test, it does not mean you are capable of creating the forces needed (kinetic) to create the level of separations we want for the kinematic sequence. Try these test below…
A) End range pelvic rotation
This test will challenge us to create separations while in the positions we will be in during the transition to the downswing. If you struggle here, you will also struggle during the dynamic effort of the golf swing.
B) Shoulder separation
A simple test, but you may be surprised at how many people can struggle here. Further, how much effort do you have to put in to create this motion? We want this to be a smooth and easy effort.
C) Wrist hinge test
This test tells us if we can maintain our wrist angle through the downswing, creating lag between the arm and the club to effectively deliver the last slingshot and force producing component of the swing. This also helps us maintain plane and contact consistency.
3. Swing analysis
Last, we can assess our kinetic sequence by looking for these movements in our actual swing. Again, we expect to see a slight lateral movement just before finishing the backswing, then a side tilt, twist, bend, and jump in the downswing. Take a look at your own swing to see if those components are there or send me a video and I’d be happy to look at it for you! Use the email below to get in touch…
Conclusion:
To execute an effective kinetic sequence for the golf swing, it’s essential to generate the right forces, in the right amounts, and in the right directions. A background in sports like baseball or hockey may influence your swing mechanics, making it necessary to re-learn how to harness these forces specifically for golf. Use these tests and follow the outlined steps to determine whether your swing is missing any of these critical components, and start building a more powerful, efficient swing today.
-Dr. Nick DC, MS, TPI, CSCS
If you would like to learn more about your body, pain, and performance, send Dr. Nick an email at contact@integratedrpc.com or call at (585)478-4379, or schedule a FREE discovery visit at Contact.
Instagram @Integrated.Rehab.Performance
