INTRODUCTION To improve performance most golfers increase their playing or practice time. However, merely playing or practicing the swing does not improve your ability to hit harder or farther (especially if you currently don’t have your optimal swing). You do, however, become more consistent which usually results in greater accuracy.
The three proven ways to improve and perfect your abilities and overall performance are: 1) Improve technique (swing execution); 2) Develop your physical qualities (strength, flexibility, power) to the optimal level and 3) Improve your technique and physical abilities together. Of the three, technique coupled with physical development shows the greatest improvement!
Without excellent skill execution and optimal development of your physical capabilities, it is impossible to demonstrate the strategy or tactics you need in game play or to perfect the abilities you need to perform on the highest levels.
How good your technique is depends to a great extent on your physical capabilities. This is why it is possible to find so many differences among golfers in how they hit the ball which in turn requires different training programs. Individualization is the main principle of training: i.e., your program must be individualized to you and only you. To do this, it is necessary to know how well you can execute swing techinque in relation to your physical abilities.
STEP ONE – Biomechanical & Physiological Evaluation
Most important is to evaluate your technique, i.e., determine exactly what you do in execution of the swing. Then specific exercises can be developed to modify and enhance your technique. To analyze technique, a biomechanical analysis of your techniques through video taping is needed. The tape is viewed frame by frame to see exactly what occurs. The key actions that need improvement and those that are done well are brought out. You will then be taken through the changes that must be made to make the technique more effective. Instructions on how to practice each movement in an effective and proper manner will be given.
A physiological evaluation is done through the technique analysis and through the use of various golf specific strength and flexibility exercises. Levels of strength and flexibility are determined in order to prescribe specific exercises needed to enhance the main physical abilities and to master the techniques needed.
STEP TWO – Special strength training
At this time more intense special strength training, which duplicates what you do in the swing begins together with technique work. Speed is the key to success in almost all sports. Keep in mind that in golf it is the speed generated by the clubhead that relates to how far the ball will travel.
STEP THREE — Perfection of swing technique coupled with your physical, tactical and mental abilities.
In this phase of training which takes place prior to major competition the workouts become highly specific. It is at this time that you will be perfecting your technique in relation to the levels of strength, flexibility, speed, explosiveness and play strategy that you now possess.
The ball is on the tee. Do you want to play at your maximum potential or do you want to continue doing the same thing and playing at the same level?