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Understanding the Dynamics of Hip and Torso Movement in the Golf Swing


In the world of golf, one of the common questions that arise, especially concerning the downswing, is whether the hips and lumbar spine open up faster compared to the torso. This inquiry delves into the intricacies of the golf swing, and the answer lies in the delicate interplay between hip and torso movements.


The initial response to this question tends to be affirmative – yes, the hips have to open faster, primarily during the transition from the backswing to the downswing. The transition triggers the automatic rotation of the hips. However, the challenge arises in ensuring a smooth transition without compromising the position of the club.


Picture this: a golfer completes the backswing, starts the transition, but fails to shift weight appropriately. This can lead to undesirable outcomes, such as popping the hips up too early, causing an early extension, or spinning excessively without synchronizing the movement of the club. The result? A disrupted swing path, casting, or other undesirable effects on the club face.


golf swing kinematic sequence
TPI swing sequence chart. The golf swing happens with varying speeds of body rotation depending on the back or downswing

Upon deeper reflection, it becomes evident that the hips and torso move together, albeit at slightly different rates. The pelvis may move slightly faster, but it is crucial to maintain a harmony between the movements of the pelvis and torso. Striking this balance becomes essential for preventing common issues such as leaving the head back or spinning the hips too early.


To address the challenge of keeping the head back, golfers often need to initiate hip movement slightly faster. This adjustment creates the necessary space, enabling a smoother club shadowing, and facilitating the turn required to square up the club face.


In the quest for an effective golf swing, the key is to ensure that the torso and pelvis move together, with the pelvis taking a slightly faster lead. This synchronized movement creates the ideal conditions for a stable swing, preventing issues like an out-to-in swing path, slices, and other common challenges.


It's important to note that the speed of hip movement is not uniform throughout the entire swing. While the hips initiate the movement, they eventually slow down, allowing the torso to catch up. This deceleration is strategic, creating a stable support point for the torso to pull through and complete the swing.


Many amateurs face issues related to synchronization. Some move everything together, finishing off-target and relying heavily on hand movements. Others overcompensate, attempting to follow rigid advice like "belly button to target," leading to inefficient swings and potential injuries.


Understanding the nuanced relationship between hip and torso movement is crucial for refining one's golf swing. By achieving a harmonious synchronization and strategic tempo changes in hip movement, golfers can enhance their swing efficiency, reduce the risk of injuries, and ultimately improve their overall performance on the course.

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