Francois-Xavier Li

Traditionally, golf biomechanics has focused upon achieving consistency in swing kinematics and kinetics, whilst variability was considered to be noise and dysfunctional. There has been a growing argument that variability is an intrinsic aspect of skilled motor performance and plays a functional role. Two types of variability are described: 'strategic shot selection' and 'movement variability'. In 'strategic shot selection', the outcome remains consistent, but the swing kinematics/kinetics (resulting in the desired ball flight) are free to vary; 'movement variability' is the changes in swing kinematics and kinetics from trial to trial when the golfer attempts to hit the same shot. These changes will emerge due to constraints of the golfer's body, the environment, and the task. Biomechanical research has focused upon aspects of technique such as elite versus non-elite kinematics, kinetics, kinematic sequencing, peak angular velocities of body segments, wrist function, ground reaction forces, and electromyography, mainly in the search for greater distance and clubhead velocity. To date very little is known about the impact of variability on this complex motor skill, and it has yet to be fully researched to determine where the trade-off between functional and detrimental variability lies when in pursuit of enhanced performance outcomes.

This study examined the variable error (VE) for the golf impact position of high and low skilled golfers. A consistent shot type was employed by 20 golfers from 2 skill groups over 10-15 shots with a mid-iron. Analysis reported similar positional variability across categories. Significant differences were found for the whole group in VE of the distance of various body segments to the ball (p<.001) where variability reduced across the distance of the ball to the midpoint of the stance, compared to the pelvis and shoulders. Alignment variability significantly decreased towards distal segments of the kinematic sequence with VE for the alignment relationships of pelvis-stance compared to shoulder-stance and shoulder-pelvis  showing reduced levels (p<.001) in the low skilled golfers. Tilt variability in the frontal plane around the sagittal/anterior-posterior (AP) axis also presented significantly reduced levels from the pelvis to the shoulders (p<.001) with no effect of skill level. Conclusions suggest that coaches should pay particular attention to the variability presented at the distal end of the kinematic sequence and the alignment of the pelvis in relation to the stance.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to determine whether differences in variability at address exist between golfers of low and high handicaps. A consistent shot type was employed by 20 golfers from 2 skill groups over 10–15 shots with a midiron. Kinematics analysis revealed only one significant difference between skill levels: the alignment relationship between the stance and shoulders, with the high skill golfers demonstrating reduced variability. Whole group variability was significantly reduced between the distance of the ball and the midpoint of the stance, pelvis and shoulders. Alignment variability also significantly decreased toward distal segments of the kinematic sequence where variable error decreased between the alignment of stance relative to shoulders and pelvis relative to shoulders with no effect of skill level. Results suggest the more distal segments of the kinematic sequence present a greater need for reduced detrimental variability. Coaches should ensure that golfers understand the importance of shoulder alignment in relation to the stance and how on course slopes and lies can influence the positions presented at address for distal segments of the golf swing kinematic sequence

Traditionally, golf biomechanics has focused upon achieving consistency in swing kinematics and kinetics, whilst variability was considered to be noise and dysfunctional. There has been a growing argument that variability is an intrinsic aspect of skilled motor performance and plays a functional role. Two types of variability are described: &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;strategic shot selection&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39; and &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;movement variability&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;. In &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;strategic shot selection&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;, the outcome remains consistent, but the swing kinematics/kinetics (resulting in the desired ball flight) are free to vary; &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;movement variability&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39; is the changes in swing kinematics and kinetics from trial to trial when the golfer attempts to hit the same shot. These changes will emerge due to constraints of the golfer&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;s body, the environment, and the task. Biomechanical research has focused upon aspects of technique such as elite versus non-elite kinematics, kinetics, kinematic sequencing, peak angular velocities of body segments, wrist function, ground reaction forces, and electromyography, mainly in the search for greater distance and clubhead velocity. To date very little is known about the impact of variability on this complex motor skill, and it has yet to be fully researched to determine where the trade-off between functional and detrimental variability lies when in pursuit of enhanced performance outcomes.

This study aimed to determine whether differences in variability at address exist between golfers of low and high handicap.  A consistent shot type was employed by 20 golfers from 2 skill groups over 10-15 shots with a mid-iron. Kinematic analysis revealed only one significant difference between skill levels:  the alignment relationship between the stance and shoulders, with the high skill golfers demonstrating reduced variability.  Whole group variability in the distance between the ball and the midpoints of the stance, pelvis and shoulder was significantly reduced as midpoints became more superior.  Alignment variability also significantly decreased towards distal segments of the kinematic sequence where variable error decreased between the alignment of stance relative to shoulders and pelvis relative to shoulders with no effect of skill level.  Results suggest the more distal segments of the kinematic sequence present a greater need for reduced detrimental variability.  Coaches should ensure that golfers understand the importance of shoulder alignment in relation to the stance and how on course slopes and lies can influence the positions presented at address for distal segments of the golf swing kinematic sequence.