What are the merits of this training aid over the speedstik?
Not to mention the swing mechanics benefits, but from a pure speed standpoint:
The speedstick, momentus, and weighted clubs are isotonic or "dead weight" devices. Meaning when one swings them, on the downswing their own inertia plus gravity is assisting on the downswing. They are probably ok for strength but not real effective for speed IMO. They also fail to meet the 4 laws of specificity for speed training.
Contrast those with the SC. The SC is a variable weight resistance device which provides an overload/resistance on the crucial start of the downswing and thru the impact zone. And it can be swung extremely fast. Much faster than weighted clubs and the speedstick. It is the only training device I know of that meets the 4 laws of specificity for speed training.
Not to mention the swing mechanics benefits, but from a pure speed standpoint:
The speedstick, momentus, and weighted clubs are isotonic or "dead weight" devices. Meaning when one swings them, on the downswing their own inertia plus gravity is assisting on the downswing. They are probably ok for strength but not real effective for speed IMO. They also fail to meet the 4 laws of specificity for speed training.
Contrast those with the SC. The SC is a variable weight resistance device which provides an overload/resistance on the crucial start of the downswing and thru the impact zone. And it can be swung extremely fast. Much faster than weighted clubs and the speedstick. It is the only training device I know of that meets the 4 laws of specificity for speed training.
Hope this helps.
Could you post the 4 laws of specificity for speed training here- thanks. In addition, it would be nice to see the references that you have that supports the logic of these four laws.
Could you post the 4 laws of specificity for speed training here- thanks. In addition, it would be nice to see the references that you have that supports the logic of these four laws.
Mike O,
Here are the 4 items trainchain is referring to. I would be interested in any references he may have as well.
1. Movement pattern must be exact or as similar as possible to the athletic motion involved.
2. Contraction velocity must be similar to the event.
3. Contraction force must be higher than the event.
If HK said the #2 Accumulator was the true velocity accumulator than it wouldn't it make sense to train the muscles that govern the uncocking of the wrist?
Surely for the swinger the arms and the hands job is to transmitt CF. To do this surely they need to be relaxed, i would think any muscular effort would be disruptive.
As far as Freddie goes to me he's the epitome of a swinger efficiently transfering CF through relaxed arms and wrists.
Surely for the swinger the arms and the hands job is to transmitt CF. To do this surely they need to be relaxed, i would think any muscular effort would be disruptive.
As far as Freddie goes to me he's the epitome of a swinger efficiently transfering CF through relaxed arms and wrists.
The grip tightens significantly (assuming the golfer doesn't have a death grip at address) by the time impact is reached involuntarily so as to stabilize the club. When the club is swinging over 100mph you don't want to have your Great Grandmother's grip on it, otherwise the club would go flying. Most people cannot force themselves to swing faster than their grip strength would allow, doing so would mean the club would leave your hands. Research that was published in Golf Magazine a few years ago indicates that people with more grip strength swing the club faster.
As an aside, I think it is entirely possible that some of Comdpa's swing speed increase came as a result of his grip strength catching up to his ability to apply force with his body. According to Bob Bush's research 70% of a golfer's power comes from the right shoulder. Certainly a person can hit the ball over 30% of their actual distance with just the left arm, but the most efficient way to swing a club is considered to apply most of the force with the right arm and shoulder (my interpretation of Bush's research).
Matt
__________________
"In my experience, if you stay with the essentials you WILL build a repeatable swing undoubtedly. If you can master the Imperatives you have a champion" (Vikram).
The reason you can't sustain the lag is because you are so eager to make the club move fast (a reaction to the intent of "hitting it far"). So on a full shot you throw it away too early, which doesn't happen for your short chip. (bts)
Matt, i agree with what you say about the grip, i think it's very important to have strong hands. Primarily because strong hands means you can have a secure, stable grip and retain relaxed muscles.
In my post i was really talking about how i can't see how strengthing muscles to physically uncock the wrists faster can help a swinger. Also i certaintly don't see how Freddy can be used as an example of a golfer who uses this technique and not his pivot to create power.
Could you post the 4 laws of specificity for speed training here- thanks. In addition, it would be nice to see the references that you have that supports the logic of these four laws.
Sure, In the early 90's Dr. Digby Sale did a study that found for an exercise to increase speed it should meet the 4 laws of specificity.
1.Movement pattern must be exact or as similar as possible to the athletic motion involved. Movement pattern is simple to see. Pulling a rubber band is not as effective as the speed chain in strengthen one’s swing simply because the movement pattern is too disimilar. Rubber band resistance has a linear path, whereas swinging a golf club is a circular, rotational movement on many planes. Same thing with bench pressing or using weights.
2.Contraction velocity must be similar to the event. Velocity is easy to see. Turning with or throwing a medicine ball is very slow in comparison to the swinging of a golf club.
Also, weighted clubs do not meet this criteria simply becuase it cannot be swung fast. Another analogy would be why a sprinter does not train by running marathons.
3.Contraction force must be higher than the event. Force is difficult to measure without the use of high tech biomechanical equipment. But understanding that one needs to overload somewhat to get a strength benefit is logical. The problem arises when one overloads too much and velocity slows down, which in turn decreases the amount of force. This is also the problem with weighted clubs or weight lifting. The weight is so high that velocity cannot be attained.
4.Contraction type must be the same. Contraction type is extremely important since explosive movements use the stretch-shorten cycle. The stretch-shorten cycle is the
short, rapid stretching of the muscles prior to a forceful contraction and is present in all explosive movements. Proper weightlifting techniques discourage this type of contraction.
Kelvin Miyahira (my partner), who was quoted in post #1 invented the speed chain after 25 years of research into this field. Our speed chains defy the laws of gravity by creating a resistance
that moves and retains its resistance along any angle up or down, side-to-side, curved path, linear, or rotation that the human body can produce. This is essential for training the complex movements of a golf swing. Try obtaining that same type of resistance with a rubber band, isokinetic device, pulley system or free weights. Not possible.
There have been a number of inquiries regarding purchase of the SpeedChain. LBG is not yet prepared to offer these through its own Pro Shop. However, we have made arrangements for direct purchase through Z2Golf and its principal, Zane Swenson (TrainChain). I've asked Zane to post the purchase details for those interested. Also, we've arranged for LBG members will receive a 10 percent discount on the retail cost (not including shipping).
Regarding whether or not the Chain delivers the results promised, I have not been working with it long enough to know if I've gained any additional clubhead speed. I do know that I experience a sense of lag and drag as with no other training aid I've tried. And, I have never experienced the sustained feel of #3 Lag Pressure Point Pressure as deep into the Follow-Through and Finish as I do with the SpeedChain. For me, if these two benefits are all I get out of it, then that is quite enough. They will translate into increased distance, even without an increase in Clubhead Speed (which, if it comes, I will consider a 'freebie').
Hybrid Mode
