Kinetic Chain In The Downswing – Simple Drill
How to stop rushing the golf swing. The Kinetic Chain – The sequence in which we accelerate our transition into the downswing is of utmost importance.
This is one of the true fundamentals of almost every elite golfer’s swing. The downswing must be uncoiled from the ground up for power, to be the most efficient and to generate our optimum clubhead speed.
According to biomechanical graphs, Ernie Els and Jim Furyk have almost identical acceleration patterns! The downswing sequence is as follows:
1. Forward rotation of the hips
2. Unwinding of the torso
3. Lead arm accelerating downwards
4. Club shaft begins its arc to the golf ball
This all happens in a split second at the beginning of the downswing. However, if the sequence is changed, the power is lost. In fact, the golfer could struggle with all sorts of issues, such as casting and scooping, hanging back, fat and thin shots and of course…..Rushing! We have all experienced that feeling of not completing the backswing and Rushing the swing from the top. This is us messing up that ideal sequence and starting the downswing with the club or the arms and shoulders.
The kinetic chain is synonymous with power output and isn’t restricted to golf. We see examples of this ground force energy at work in tennis, baseball, hockey and cricket, to name a few. Watching a World Series Pitcher gives us the perfect example of an effective and powerful kinetic chain.
