Does More Flexibility Improve Your Golf Swing?
For many amateur golfers, more flexibility could mean the opportunity for improving their swing. But, as with all things it does depend on other factors too. And, more flexibility isn't always better; there's probably a sweet spot, depending on swing style, physical characteristics and individual movement patterns.
Can More Flexibility Increase Clubhead Speed?
In an ideal world, if you are looking to make a bigger backswing, and you work on flexibility/improving range of motion around the hips, trunk and shoulders, you could increase your clubhead speed (due to a longer swing). It could also give you an opportunity to change your swing (i.e. more range of motion allowing you to make different/more movement than before).
Why Doesn't Increased Flexibility Always Show Up in Your Swing?
Sometimes it can work like this, however, it's not always that simple. Just because you have improved flexibility doesn't mean it's going to show up in your swing or that you're going to use it in your swing.
Golfers use a varying amount of their maximal flexibility. You may need to add strength in this new range of motion too (this is why mobility training is popular), as to use flexibility during the golf swing, you need the strength and control of the newly gained range of motion.
Can More Flexibility Reduce the Risk of Golf Injuries?
Can more flexibility reduce the risk of golf-related injuries?
The research suggests that flexibility does not reduce the risk of injuries in golf; however, I think it's more nuanced.
For example, like I mentioned above, if you happen to use a lot of your flexibility in your swing, you could be at a higher risk compared to someone that doesn't really use much of their available flexibility.
Additionally, if you do not have the strength in the full range of motion (mobility), you could be at higher risk when using those end ranges.
My Thoughts
Although I do believe that for many amateur golfers, more flexibility and range of motion allows the opportunity to make swing changes, increase the length of the backswing and increase clubhead speed, similarly to being able to perform multiple postures and multiple movements compared to being stuck in just one position and posture!
Key Areas of Flexibility for Golfers
For many amateur golfers, a few key areas for flexibility can include:
Thoracic spine
Hips
Shoulders
Wrists and forearms
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