The Kinetic Link Principle Of A Golf Swing

The golf swing, like many other athletic endeavor, benefits from the most efficient biomechanical approach for the purpose of generating power. According to Todd Ellenbecker and George Davies, the application of the kinetic link principle -- a series of sequentially activated body segments -- results in the increased clubhead speed all golfers hope to acquire. The kinetic link principle is also the correct way to engage these body segments to avoid undue stress and possible injury.

Kinetic Link

The kinetic link principle relies on two essential elements. The first is a necessary sequence of movements, the disruption of which undermines the attempt to generate power or velocity. As Dr. Sean Fletch describes it with the example of an arm snapping a towel, the arm must move first and the towel subsequently snaps over the arm -- as the arm comes to a stop. Any other approach to this sequence will not bring the desired results. This example also illustrates the second element of the kinetic link: the heavier, larger parts of the sequence -- the arm -- must act first, initiating the motion of the smaller and lighter elements -- the towel.

Kinetic Components in the Golf Swing

Fletch also identifies the four components of the kinetic link found in the golf swing: the hips, torso/shoulders, arms and the club. Each plays a unique part in the sequence executed in each and every golf swing. So important is the involvement of these segments that Fletch contends their proper use is incorporated by "every elite golfer." More specifically, the kinetic link principle is important for the conservation of angular momentum to generate adequate clubhead speed -- there are a variety of ways to swing a club, but without the proper biomechanics, the angle of momentum can actually work against an effective generation of power.

The Sequence

The kinetic link in golf begins with the backswing, which is the counter-movement -- a movement that does not contribute directly to the ultimate kinetic goal other than to put the body parts in the proper positions to begin the sequence. The conclusion of the backswing should find the arms and club furthest from their point of origin, the shoulders/torso next furthest from the starting point and the hips least removed from where they began. The sequence of the downswing begins with the hips moving toward the target. The shoulders/torso follow with the arms -- which are connected to the club -- coming last. The club ultimately becomes the fastest moving element of the set, benefitting from kinetic energy passed along from hips, shoulders and arms.

Avoiding Injury

The benefit of the kinetic link principle in the golf swing goes beyond the efficient generation of power. Not surprisingly, when a golfer not using the fundamental sequence of the kinetic link receives unsatisfactory power and distance in their shots, one of the natural reactions is to simply swing harder. Not only will this not result in better biomechanical efficiency, it also increases the likelihood the golfer will strain or injure a body part in this effort to use brute force to achieve his goals.

Practice

The ability to make productive use of the kinetic link principle in golf requires considerable practice. This is particularly true if your swing has previously been missing one of the segments of the sequence --many golfers, for example, have very little hip rotation. A good way to practice applying each of these different segments is to build from the hips up -- by practicing the act of initiating your downswing with the hips. Once you are able to reliably do so, time the release of the shoulders to follow the hips and then develop the feeling of bringing the arms through the swing, led by the shoulders.