Creating good separation between the pelvis and the thoracic spine is one of the most critical elements of an efficient backswing and promotes a more powerful, accurate downswing. In order to accomplish this, we must stabilize the pelvis while rotating the thoracic spine (upper trunk). We can add some clarity to this subject if we think of our abdominal muscles as elastic bands. When you stretch an elastic band, you are able to generate more potential energy or ability to generate force. The same holds true in the golf swing. If we think of your abdominal muscles as large elastic bands that connect our pelvis to our thorax, in order to generate rotational force, these muscle need to be stretched just like an elastic band.
Research studies have clearly proven that professional golfers have an average of 50% to 100% more flexibility in their upper trunks than the average person on the street. So what exercises can you do to improve thoracic mobility gaining you more distance off the tee? Next time you visit Saratoga Health and Wellness try these:
Open Books
Lie on your side with your knees bent and your hands extended out in front of you. Keeping your knees in contact with the ground, try to rotate your top arm all the way across your body. Try to touch your forearm to the ground, keeping your arm at chest level. Return and repeat on both sides.
Trunk Rotation Narrow Base
Sitting on a Swiss ball with your feet together and a club behind your back, try to rotate your shoulders back and forth without moving your lower body. This narrow stance will challenge your stability. Don’t pause in between rotations and try and keep the club parallel to the ground throughout the exercise.
If you have any questions about theses exercises or would like to know more about our Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) golf program at Saratoga Health and Wellness, please free to contact us at [email protected].