WRIST KINEMATICS DURING THE GOLF DRIVE FROM A BILATERALLY ANATOMICAL PERSPECTIVE
Matthew Sweeney1,2, Peter Mills3 , Aditi Mankad 2,4, Bruce Elliott2 , Jacqueline Alderson2
1 Australia Catholic University, Brisbane, Australia 2 University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia. 3 Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, Griffith Health Institute, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia, 4 CSIRO, Brisbane Australia
Despite the reported importance of the wrist ‘un-cocking’ measure in the golf swing, only anecdotal evidence exists with respect to the three dimensional or bilateral nature of wrist motion. Through the downswing such anecdotal reports suggest that good players generally maintain a fixed flexion/extension position at the left (lead) wrist but perform rapid flexion at the right (trail) wrist. To assess these anecdotal assertions, 3D wrist kinematics of 8 skilled male golfers were determined during a high velocity golf drive. Each participant used their preferred driver, with data recorded using a Vicon 3D optoreflective system operating at 400 Hz. The results support anecdotal recommendations with respect to the large extent of right wrist flexion. However, all players underwent a considerable amount of left wrist flexion, which was in contrast to common coaching recommendations.
Matthew Sweeney1,2, Peter Mills3 , Aditi Mankad 2,4, Bruce Elliott2 , Jacqueline Alderson2
1 Australia Catholic University, Brisbane, Australia 2 University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia. 3 Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, Griffith Health Institute, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia, 4 CSIRO, Brisbane Australia
Despite the reported importance of the wrist ‘un-cocking’ measure in the golf swing, only anecdotal evidence exists with respect to the three dimensional or bilateral nature of wrist motion. Through the downswing such anecdotal reports suggest that good players generally maintain a fixed flexion/extension position at the left (lead) wrist but perform rapid flexion at the right (trail) wrist. To assess these anecdotal assertions, 3D wrist kinematics of 8 skilled male golfers were determined during a high velocity golf drive. Each participant used their preferred driver, with data recorded using a Vicon 3D optoreflective system operating at 400 Hz. The results support anecdotal recommendations with respect to the large extent of right wrist flexion. However, all players underwent a considerable amount of left wrist flexion, which was in contrast to common coaching recommendations.
So what does this mean for the use in our golf game? Often we are told anecdotally that the wrist hinge is needed and must be maintained in the downswing for greater distance. In the down swing phase, this is referred to "lag". There are many recommendations for how the lead wrist is positioned at the top of the backswing. Flat, cupped, and neutral have all been recommended as proper technique. Being that champion professional golfers have all played from these positions, then maybe it doesn't really matter and may just be personal. That it is what happens in the downswing in how the golfer delivers the club into the ball that really matters.
Based on the research conducted by Dr. Sweeney, of 10 right handed golfers, showed that at the top of the backswing the golfers averaged left wrist position of 27° (±8) extended and 9° (±15) radially deviated while the right wrist position at the same point was 58° (±12) extended and 16° (±21) ulnar deviated. In the downswing, angular velocities showed that right wrist flexion (1531 deg/sec) was over 2 times faster than left wrist ulnar deviation (669 deg/sec).
This validates that the focus on the downswing in creating a properly positioned trail wrist extension prior to impact may be the most important factor, not deviation or "hinging & maintain" or "hold the lag" to develop clubhead speed.
Based on the research conducted by Dr. Sweeney, of 10 right handed golfers, showed that at the top of the backswing the golfers averaged left wrist position of 27° (±8) extended and 9° (±15) radially deviated while the right wrist position at the same point was 58° (±12) extended and 16° (±21) ulnar deviated. In the downswing, angular velocities showed that right wrist flexion (1531 deg/sec) was over 2 times faster than left wrist ulnar deviation (669 deg/sec).
This validates that the focus on the downswing in creating a properly positioned trail wrist extension prior to impact may be the most important factor, not deviation or "hinging & maintain" or "hold the lag" to develop clubhead speed.
