BACKSWING LENGTH AND SWING PATH TENDENCIES FROM AMATEUR GOLFERS

Authors

Boris Bacic, Auckland University of Technology, AucklandFollow
Shruti Bhandurge, Auckland University of Technology, AucklandFollow
Sarah Kate Millar, Auckland University of Technology, AucklandFollow

Category

Other

Document Type

Paper

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify if shorter backswings off the tee influence the ‘outside-in’ ball impact (i.e. tendency to slice, fade or pull). Participants motion data were obtained on a reduced-size driving range, using a SmartSwing driver club (3D data sampling at 1000 Hz). Findings from a representative sample of the amateur golfers’ population (N=13, 531 swings) indicate a pattern where a shorter backswing reduced the tendency for ‘outside-in’ (-17.8%) while increasing ‘parallel’ (+6.9%) and ‘inside-out’ ball impacts by (+10.8%). For golfers who suffer from repetitive overuse or ageing-related reduced range movement or back pain, shortening the backswing is a viable option when considering safety and risk of injury. The findings can help golf swing coaching, as well as competitive/strategic and recreational aspects of self-management.

Recommended Citation

Bacic, Boris; Bhandurge, Shruti; and Millar, Sarah Kate (2020) "BACKSWING LENGTH AND SWING PATH TENDENCIES FROM AMATEUR GOLFERS," ISBS Proceedings Archive: Vol. 38: Iss. 1, Article 149.
Available at: https://commons.nmu.edu/isbs/vol38/iss1/149