Introduction
Accuracy and skill characterize golf as a game. The idea of optimal distance and accuracy are contingent on a fluid golf swing. However many golfers pay too much attention to techniques and mechanics of movement and even ensuring the comfort of their clothes, looking specifically for golf polo shirts for men or the right golf shoes.
In the meantime they neglect the significance of flexibility and mobility in playing golf. This article explains why flexibility and mobility are vital in a fluid golf swing and provide some simple stretching and mobility exercises to help you enhance your swing.
Understanding the Importance of Flexibility
Your flexibility allow your body to go through unrestricted ranges of motion without pain. Even Though you might not think that you need flexibility to play golf, it will significantly improve your game. In increasing your overall flexibility, your range of motion increases allowing you to get as much speed as possible around the body’s axis which will increase the output (power) and give you a balanced swinging pattern.
Targeted Stretching Exercises
Golfers should engage in regular stretching routines to improve their flexibility. Here are a few stretches that target key areas involved in your golf swing:
Shoulder Stretch
While standing, fold your right arm across your body and rest your left hand on your right elbow. Lightly pull your right arm toward the middle of your body as far as comfort permits. You should feel a stretch behind your shoulders. Do this for 30 seconds and switch sides.
Hip Flexor Stretch
Get down on your right knee and place your left foot firmly in front of you. Maintain a straight posture and lean forward until you feel a stretch in your right hip. Hold this for 30 seconds and then do the other side.
Hamstring Stretch
With your legs stretched out in front of you, stretch your spine up and reach forward, trying to touch your toes. Make sure you keep your back straight and hold for 30 seconds.
The Role of Mobility
Mobility differs from flexibility in that a joint can traverse a full range of motion. It is important to consider the joint’s health and integrity. A golfer must have sufficient joint mobility to ensure a natural swing. Good hip, shoulder and spinal rotation gives golfers fluidity of movement during their swing and helps ensure your body is more agile, avoiding unnecessary strains and injuries.
Dynamic Mobility Exercises
Mobility exercises can help golfers work on increasing their range of motion and improve their swing power. Here are a few dynamic mobility exercises to target key areas of mobility:
Arm Circles
Stand with your feet in line with your shoulders. With a good posture, extend both your arms outward at shoulder height. Start by making tiny anti-clockwise circles with your arms that gradually get larger. Do this for 15 seconds and then reverse the motion to make clockwise circles. Repeat for 2-3 sets.
Leg Swings
Stand next to a wall or bench, holding on to it for support. Swing one leg forward and backwards in a continuous fashion, slowly increasing the length of the movement. Do 10-15 swings and then switch sides. Aim for 2-3 sets.
Torso Twists
Stand with your feet shoulder width apart. Rotate your upper body from side to side doing 10-15 repetitions. Start off slowly and gradually increase your speed.
Incorporating Flexibility and Mobility into Your Routine
Flexibility and mobility exercises should be practiced regularly by golfers for better performance on the course. Incorporate these exercises in your routine a few times a week to get the most benefit from them. Don’t push yourself beyond your limits as this can cause injury. Start small and slow until you get used to them.
Conclusion
Golfers should focus on improving their flexibility and mobility to improve their swing. While this factor is often overlooked by golfers, they can help improve long-range shots, produce a more powerful swing and minimize chances of injury. After all, a flexible and mobile player makes the goal of achieving a fluid golf swing possible, just as much as the right equipment and proper technique.
