Effect of Balance before and after Impact on the Velocity and Angle of Golf Club during Driver Swing

Abstract

The purpose of this investigation was to determine whether correlations exist between balance and impact velocity, angular position, and maximum velocity of a club during drive swing. Twelve skilled golfers were recruited in this study. They were asked to perform ten swing trials and two trials were selected for analysis. Balance parameters were calculated via the force platform while kinematic variables were determined by using the Qualisys system. The results of the present study demonstrated that the average of COP velocity was faster in the medio-lateral direction rather than the anterio-posterior direction. Also, left foot's COP velocity and free torque were greater than the right foot's before impact. The range of the right foot's COP in the anterio-posterior direction before impact were correlated with the club velocity and angular position at impact. There was a negative correlation between the left foot's COP velocity before the impact and the velocity at impact. Additionally, the range and RMS of the left foot's free torque affected on the club angular position at impact and the maximum velocity at release, respectively. Finally, a negative correlation existed between the range of the right foot's free torque after the impact and club's maximum velocity at release.