Using Muscle Memory In Golf
Chuck Hanson PT, OCS
Director — Therapeutic Associates / North Lake Physical Therapy
Figure 1
A 92 percent free-throw shooter is fouled late in a basketball game and steps to the line. You don’t have to be a betting man to predict a good outcome. Now, compare that to your confidence on the first tee, praying to just put the ball in play. An unfair comparison? I think not!
Below, you can view simple repeatable movement patterns that serve to “groove” an excellent/reliable swing. The aim in each is to use rhythm and ease to create your pattern. Motor control research advocates this “part task training” and then integrating the parts as a means of building or fixing efficient movement.
Shoulder/Hip Turn (Fig. 1)
A club, or broom, held across the back of the hips, serves to identify the lateral line, or plane, for the pelvis. Pivot, as if to aim the buckle of your belt to the target line ba
Next, try the same with the club behind the shoulders. As you “pose” is your trailing shoulder moving under your chin? Are you comfortable, or forcing motion?
Figure 2
Weight Transfer
Like a boxer throwing punches, alternately reach right, then left. The keys are to let your feet and hips take part in the turn, keep your chest off our tummy and visualize the line of flight as your plane on which to reach. Pick a spot on the wall that is in line with your feet as your target and “release” towards that point. Stay balanced!
