[Jeff]

GBD

Here is a graph showing the arm speed of an excellent golfer.



Note that arm speed increases after the shoulders decelerate. However, arm speed decreases prior to impact. Note that clubhead speed increases all the way to impact (slope of the clubshaft curve represents its rate of acceleration).

Let's presume that one could prevent the left arm from slowing down in this kinetic sequence by some supplementary biomechanical maneuver (eg. increasing right shoulder thrust). Would that be advantageous and increase clubhead speed at impact?

I think not - because the arms have to slow down to allow for the complete release of PA#2 and PA#3 in a swinger's action. Accelerating the left arm in the late downswing will interfere with the club's release phenomenon, and actually decrease clubhead speed into impact.

I think that the only practical method of increasing clubhead speed is to increase the speed of evolution of the entire kinetic sequence. In other words, Tiger Woods performs this entire kinetic sequence much faster than the average amateur golfer, who is skilled enough to get the kinetic sequence correct.

Where can I get a copy of golf-o-metrics?

Jeff.