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Flexibility For the Golfer

To be a golfer an amount of flexibility is essential. Swing mechanics is determined partly by how flexible you are. A lot of swing faults are caused by a lack of flexibility.

Therefore all golfers should have an individualised stretch program that is built differently and has developed different movement patterns. To therefore stretch for the sake of stretching would not benefit your golf. You need to know what is tight and where you need to concentrate your efforts.

The following flexibility tests are golf specific. We start with the upper back flexibility testing. When the upper back is tight, the lower back is under a lot more strain and low back injury is common.

• Trunk rotation: Start in a seated position perching is even better. Put the golfclub behind your back and hold onto it with your hands. Contract your cleep tummy muscle and rotate your upper back left and right. The moment the club lifts away from your body is were your limitation is. Normal Rotation.

Thoracic extension: flexibility test known as the crucifix ( for definite reasons). Stand against a wall, knees slightly flexed, low back pushed against the wall, upper back and shoulders against wall. Pull your chin gently in and put your head against the wall. Lift your arms to 90 degrees abduction and bend your elbows. All these areas of your body must stay against the wall for good flexibility ( see photo).

All these tests can be used as stretches. Stretch to point of limitation, do not force movement or bounce.

Happy Stretching