How To Create Better Shoulder Stability For Golf

Shoulder stability is essential to packing a powerful golf swing. Without stability, flexibility and strength in your shoulders your swing is not going to be as efficient or effective as it could be. In fact, you can wind up with shoulder injuries that not only hurt your swing, but literally hurt your shoulders.

There are a number of things that can contribute to rotator cuff (the muscles in your shoulders that allow for circular motion) problems, but Brian Schiff, a licensed physical therapist specializing in sports medicine, sees three main contributors: poor posture, flexibility issues, and a decreased level of muscular strength and endurance. "People just aren't conditioned to do the things that we want to go out and do on a regular basis," Brian says. "And, with a sport like golf, it's such a repetitive action. A person that doesn't do any physical activity, and then goes out and plays a few rounds in the spring, they're very vulnerable to certain flare-ups and injuries."

You can combat this issue by incorporating shoulder exercises into your fitness routine. By working your shoulders off the course, they will provide you with the stability and flexibility you need to improve your swing.

One exercise you can try to improve your shoulder stability is to lie on the floor on your stomach. Pull your shoulder blades back and extend your arms to the side with your thumbs pointing up and towards the ceiling. Continue retracting (pulling back) your shoulder blades until your upper body is lifted up and a "T" is formed with your extended arms. Perform this shoulder lift several times.

A similar exercise to improve shoulder stability can be performed with a Swiss ball. Lie facedown over the top of the ball with your abs in the middle of the ball. Your chest should be off the ball and your feet are on the toes. Lift your arms above your head with your hands clinched and thumbs up. Extend your arms up and out as far as you can comfortably (forming a "Y" at the top). Perform this exercise several times.

These shoulder exercises will improve stability and, in turn, your swing.

Susan Hill is a nationally recognized golf fitness trainer, CHEK golf biomechanic and sports nutrition specialist. For more information on golf specific nutrition, exercises or stretches, visit http://www.fitnessforgolf.com.

---

Golf Tips: The Simple Secret to Solving the Slice

The slice is a shot which usually starts off slightly... Read More

How To Create Better Shoulder Stability For Golf

Shoulder stability is essential to packing a powerful golf swing.... Read More

Golf Nutrition Is Not An Oxymoron - Listen Up

Golf nutrition is still a relatively new concept. However, everybody... Read More

Why Exercise Is The Key To The Correct Golf Swing Release

A poor golf swing release has been one of the... Read More

Fitness For Golf Is The Key To Rejuvenating Your Golf Game

Fitness for golf is prevalent at every level. You hear... Read More

Can a Stability Ball Help You Strengthen Your Core For Golf?

Some call it a Swiss Ball, some call it a... Read More

Finish Your Round of Golf with Birdies

All the major tournaments, especially the U.S. Open and the... Read More

Will You Have The Time For Your Golf Training Exercise

Modern living is such that many amateur golfers fear golf... Read More

What Are The Advantages Of Golf Schools In Resorts

Golf schools in resorts serve two purposes - one that... Read More

Making Your Program Golf Specific

"Golf-Specific" means different things to different people. One of the... Read More

Gifts: Giving To The Beginner Golfer

It's golf season again! And you might be looking for... Read More

Are You Wearing the Right Golf Shoes When You Golf?

For those of you that golf you know that golf... Read More

How To Properly Check The Club Heads Of Second Swing Used Golf Club

Interested in Second Swing used golf club? No surprise there.... Read More

Golf For Beginners ? What Makes A Good Golfer?

A good golfer is a golfer who is happy with... Read More

Do You Want To Play Par Golf?

The key to playing par golf is to focus on... Read More

Golf Shots Versus Golf Swings - You Need Shots On The Course!

Why do so many golfers hit a shot and immediately... Read More

Mental Toughness Training for Golfers: How to Conquer Pre-Game Jitters

The first tee shot can often make or break a... Read More

Why The Golfing Game Has Changed Tremendously In Recent Years

The world has changed a great deal in recent years... Read More

Quick Golf Tips for Restoring Muscle Imbalances

As a golf biomechanic, my focus is on looking for... Read More

Getting The Golf Ball In The Air With Physics

Sir Issac Newton was one of the world's most influential... Read More

Golf Fitness: The Quickest Way To Play Better Golf

Golf has always been viewed as a game of leisure.... Read More

Golf Club Swing Weights

A golf club's swing weight helps the player to be... Read More

The Psychology of a Confident Golf Swing, Part 1

Before focusing on the subject of developing confidence with ones... Read More

Improve Golf Swing The Non-Traditional Way

Improve golf swing seems like a thought that is on... Read More

Facts and Fallacies of Strength Training for Golf

Various aspects of golf training have expanded rapidly, but one... Read More

How Golf Training Can Transform Your Game

Golf training has been brought to the masses thanks to... Read More

Do You Have the Confidence to Play Competitive Golf?

Competitive golfers are always in search of the elusive characteristic... Read More

Why Do You ?Not Benefit? From Coaching Golf Tips

Most golfers have had dozens of opportunities to receive coaching... Read More

Golf Weight Training Is The Answer To Longer Drives

It is no secret that most of the male and... Read More

What Do Trees Have to Do With Golf?

On our way back from a recent round of golf,... Read More

Annika Sorenstam- The Legendary Female Golfer

Even those not normally interested in golf, usually recognize the... Read More

Back Exercise And Golf Are Synonymous

Back exercise and golf. Doesn't that sound like a common... Read More

Perform Better Golf With These Fitness Tips

Everyone wants to be able to perform better golf, and... Read More