Have you ever wondered if your body can generate the power required for that ideal golf swing speed? Or perhaps you're concerned that you might be pushing your body beyond its limits, risking injury on the course? These are the kinds of questions that many golfers, just like you, have thrown our way, and they're the fuel that propels our approach at FHPT.
In a previous post, we discussed some key tenets of golf performance that will serve as a roadmap for golfers looking to enhance their swing velocity. As a quick refresher, these tenets encompass equipment, technique, mobility, stability, strength, and power. If you find that your swing speed is falling short of your goals, these are the areas where you can make targeted improvements to unleash your full potential. While equipment and technique enhancements are best addressed by fitting and instructional experts, assessing and enhancing mobility, stability, strength, and power is our specialty at FHPT.
Measuring power in golf involves various jump tests and medicine ball throws. The seated medicine ball chest throw, standing rotational throw, and countermovement jump show strong correlations with club head speed. Club head speed serves as a crucial metric for evaluating the impact of interventions on the golf game. A mere 3.29 mph increase in club head speed, all else being equal, has been proven to result in an additional 10–15 yards of carry distance from the tee. For a comprehensive assessment of a golfer, these power tests should be a staple in the initial evaluation, and regular retesting is recommended to monitor progress over time.
The examinations conducted by TPI (Titleist Performance Institute) included three specific tests to assess their connection to club speed: standing shot put from both sides (using a 6lb medicine ball), seated chest pass (6lb medicine ball), and vertical jump. The correlations between each test and club speed for the entire sample are outlined below. A correlation score of 1.0 signifies a precise relationship between the two variables, while a score of 0.0 indicates no relationship whatsoever. Notably, the vertical jump displayed the lowest correlation, whereas the shot put on the right side exhibited the strongest correlation.
Seated Chest Pass: 0.802
Shot Put Right: 0.822
Shot Put Left: 0.809
Vertical Jump: 0.644
A common misconception is that a low handicap guarantees strong performance in power tests, which, in turn, promises higher club speeds. However, it's imperative to discern the distinction between correlation and causation. While there is a link between excelling in power tests and achieving impressive club speeds, it's important to remember that one doesn't directly lead to the other. Hitting the ball farther doesn't assure a lower score, although it undeniably contributes and remains a sought-after skill, especially among PGA tour professionals.
Therefore, when delving into the results of these tests, we focus on two key aspects. Firstly, we analyze the raw data from each test individually. This provides insight into how you perform in each specific test. Secondly, we explore the relationship between the tests. For a well-rounded golf physique, we aim for symmetry. Specifically, we seek to see if your vertical jump score in inches aligns with the distance of both medicine ball throws in feet. This balance ensures that your body generates power uniformly.
Analyzing these relationships not only reveals whether your power levels are consistent or variable across different areas of your body but also pinpoints specific areas that might require targeted attention. With this comprehensive understanding, we can tailor training programs to address individual needs, increasing the likelihood of positive results.
At FHPT, we are unwavering in our commitment to helping golfers play better, swing faster, and enjoy the game while staying injury-free for as long as possible.Â
If you have any questions or would like to discuss these insights further, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. Your golf journey is our passion, and we're here to support your goals.
Stay swingin' and stay awesome,
The FHPT Team