Why mobility and flexibility is important in the golf swing | Elastic Golf

If you're like most golfers, you want to improve your swing and lower your scores. One way to do that is to make sure you are as mobile and flexible as possible. That's why at Elastic Golf, we believe in incorporating mobility and flexibility drills into training routines. Our goal is to help you move better on the course, hit longer drives, and sink more putts. Keep reading to learn more about the importance of mobility and flexibility in the golf swing!

Lack of flexibility affects the body’s ability to get into the correct positions throughout the golf swing. Improving your mobility and developing a greater shoulder turn and improved hip mobility, not only improves the efficiency of your golf, but also allows the player to maintain good posture and improve their ball striking. Players with good flexibility have the ability to move well around their centre of axis keeping their head more stable, resulting in much better golf ball contact finding the centre of the club face.

Many of us spend most of our days stuck in flexion at work sitting. This results in tight muscles in the front of the body such as the hip flexors and pectoral muscles. Often the hip rotators will become short and tight through lack of movement. Furthermore the upper back gets stuck in flexion reducing the amount of rotation available through this region. Both extension and rotation through the hips and upper back are essential to an efficient and powerful golf swing.

Examples of poor flexibility hindering your golf

• When a person lacks poor movement through the hips joints or lower leg tightness this will often lead to early extension.
• People who have poor upper body rotation will often sway to get weight behind the ball.
• Poor upper back rotation often leads to arms becoming disconnected in the back swing
• Tightness in outer quadriceps (thigh) can often contribute to lead leg collapsing in during backswing reducing shoulder separation
• Tight pectoral muscles leads to flexed upper back reducing the ability to rotate in the golf swing

Passive or Static stretching is where a muscle is taken into an uncomfortable stretch and held until relaxation occurs. Most research suggests that the optimal time to hold passive stretches is around 15 to 30 seconds

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Types of flexibility training

Passive or Static stretching is where a muscle is taken into an uncomfortable stretch and held until relaxation occurs. Most research suggests that the optimal time to hold passive stretches is around 15 to 30 seconds. Elastic golf suggests from experience this type of stretching is reserved for post round after you have finished playing. It aims to recover muscle length and mobility from the exertion of playing golf.

Dynamic stretching or movement is a much more active process involving active movements, where joints and muscles go through a full range of motion. They can be used to help warm up your body before playing golf. Dynamic stretches are often functional and mimic the movements of the golf swing. In essence you are turning on motor patterns waking up your nervous system to perform. The benefit of this type of mobility is you have muscular control of the movement helping you maintain your feel in the golf swing.

Mobility training is a combination of both stretching and movement. The goal of mobility training is to improve your range of motion while maintaining control throughout the entire range. This type of training helps prepare your body for the demands of golf while also teaching you how to move better on and off the course.

If you're looking for more specific golf drills and exercises to improve your game, be sure to check out our blog or sign up for Elastic Golf. We offer golfers of all levels a comprehensive approach to improving their game, from beginner to advanced.

Improving your mobility and flexibility will not only help you improve your golf swing, but can also lead to better overall physical health. So what are you waiting for? Get started today!

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