A golfer uses approximately 22 muscles during the forward golf swing, according to Dr. Larry Van Such of AthleticQuickness.com. To hit a world-class tennis forehand, which uses the same basic mechanics as a golf swing, athletes generate approximately 4,000 watts of energy. The proper coordination of all your muscles during the kinetic chain of events that forms a sport striking movement is key to golf swing success.
The Muscles
According to Dr. Van Such, golfers use the following muscles during the forward swing: gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, quadratus femoris, pyriformis, superior gemellus, inferior gemellus, obturator internus, obturator externus, gluteus minimus, external abdominal oblique, multifidus, rotatores, pectoralis major, posterior deltoid, teres major, latissimus dorsi, triceps brachii, anconeus, right flexor carpi radialis, right flexor carpi ulnaris, left extensor carpi radialis, left extensor carpi ulnaris. Many of these muscles are used during the backswing, making different contributions and to different degrees.
Dr. Bruce Elliott of the University of Western Australia has concluded from his research that internal shoulder rotation contributes the majority of acceleration during a sport swing. To achieve this, you should open your hips slightly before you begin your forward swing in order to drive your shoulder into your shots.
Eccentric Muscle Contractions
During the backswing of a golf stroke, you use eccentric muscle contractions, which are a lengthening of the muscles. Eccentric muscle contractions store more power than concentric muscle contractions, which are a shortening, or contraction of the muscles. This is why a longer backswing generates more power than a shorter one. In order to transfer the power generated during the backswing to the forward swing, you should slow down or slightly pause at the top of your takeback.
Concentric Muscle Contractions
During the forward swing, the energy created by your backswing is transferred into your forward swing as your muscles contract. The forward swing starts with reactive power created as your leg muscles bend downward, then push upward off the ground. As you drive your self upward, your upper body, previously coiled during the backswing, uncoils into your shot as you open your hips. After contact with the ball, your muscles begin the deceleration process aided by the wrist snap that allows you to maintain your acceleration through contact. If you did not snap your wrists and follow through naturally, you would begin to decelerate prior to ball contact.
References
- Athletic Quickness: Golf--The Anatomy of the Forward Swing
- "British Journal of Sports Medicine"; Biomechanics and Tennis; Dr. Bruce Elliot, December 10, 2005
- "The 4,000 Watt Tennis Player"; W. Ben Kibler; Med Sci Tennis, 2009
- "British Journal of Sports Medicine"; Muscle Activity During the Golf Swing; A McHardy, H Pollard, 2005
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