Generating More Power from Hip Rotation - Lessons from Martial Arts

One of the important lessons of Martial Arts training is the ability to use hip rotation as a way to generate power and speed for maximum impact.

Martial artists know that the hips are where the body's 'center of gravity' is located. It lends balance and stability to every move. The lower body is designed for power- the upper body for finesse.

If you can translate this knowledge into a better golf swing, you will be blessed with both power and accuracy.

Here are a few tips to get you started:

Hip rotation holds the key to a powerful swing. Do you want to turn easily from the hip and get more yards out of your swing? It's not hard when you know the proven secrets of golf pros.

The first thing you need to know about turning, is that you won't get a flawless turn till you develop stabilization and strength in the lower body.

To get your upper body in sync, make sure you stand straight with your shoulders pulled back, to facilitate that perfect swinging motion from the shoulder- instead of the elbow. Practice turning your shoulders as far back as possible, with your trunk acting as the pivot. If you are right handed, you can see your left shoulder aligned with your chin.

Strong shoulders and well-conditioned abs are a must to maximize torque, while minimizing the distorting forces at the hip- which can lead to imbalances and injury.

Top players initiate their downswing with the powerful muscles of the abs and hips. Once the desired momentum is generated by the lower body, they use their arm muscles to effectively "fine tune" the swing.

Recreational players, on the other hand, use their arm muscles right at the outset. As a result, they are unable to recruit the latent muscle-power in their lower body, while the arm muscles work extra hard both to power and guide the club. No wonder it leads to a shaky, inconsistent swing!

Many players employ faulty swing mechanics, which actually dissipate the energy generated by the lower body, before it can be transmitted to the upper body.

Recreational golfers show a higher tendency for movements that rob swing momentum, such as hip sliding and lateral bending.

The reason can often be traced to reduced range of motion in the hip joints. Often, the process of aging or a sedentary lifestyle can lead you to lose some internal rotation at the hip joint. This condition can be helped with stretches and strengthening exercises that target the hip flexors, hip adductors (inner thigh and groin), hip adductors (outer thighs or hips) and the glutes (buttocks).

Susan Hill is a fitness trainer, CHEK golf biomechanic and sports nutrition specialist. Her work has been featured in Golf Illustrated, Travel Golf, Resort Living and SELF magazine. For on-line golf specific exercises and stretches, visit http://www.fitnessforgolf.com

---

The Acronym That Saved My Life

Frequently, I get asked about certifications, systems or methods. We... Read More

Fun Games for Children Training in Martial Arts

Keeping children interested in their Martial Arts training requires an... Read More

So You Think You Train Hard

"Tokio Hirano (1922-1993) 8th Dan The Man Who Revolutionized Judo"... Read More

Applying Law of Gravity to Judo

In judo it is important to throw your opponent by... Read More

Fight Simulator Theory for Reality Based Street Defense

This is such a powerful tool that it should leave... Read More

Judo Nagewaza (Throwing Technique) In The Street

How practical are throwing techniques (nagewaza) for self-defense or street-fighting?... Read More

Elements of Unarmed Combat

Custom build your own personal "system":Useful areas of training and... Read More

Catholic Self Defense

Note: I wrote this essay regarding the development of Tekkenryu... Read More

A Samurais Power Is In His Little Finger, Not His Samurai Sword

In the 12th Century the Shogunate was formed. The head... Read More

Are You Frustrated Yet?

I was talking to a parent recently and they told... Read More

Who Created Tai Chi Chuan (Tai Chi Boxing)?

I have read a number of books, articles, and novels,... Read More

I Know Karate and Kung Fu and Lots of Other Foreign Words!

Martial arts have become incredibly popular in the US. Drive... Read More

The Thumb Jab

I'm sure a lot of you remember the scene in... Read More

Things to Know About Learning Tai Chi Chuan (Tai Chi Boxing)

For Easterners, particularly Chinese, this MAY not be an issue.... Read More

Tai-Chi for the Masses--and Others

Kuang Ping was the T'ai-chi set favored by Yang Lu-Chan,... Read More

Fronting

"Fronting": The dodge to get in close to you. The... Read More

Why Every Cop Should Study Judo Part 1

Up until 30 years ago, JUDO was the martial art.... Read More

The Fallacy and the Myth

It's always amusing when "know it alls" dismiss certain methods... Read More

Does It Hurt When I Do This?

Let me tell you something. I don't bruise too easily.... Read More

Im Soooo Confused...

I was going to write about the BASICS of "practical... Read More

Martial Arts Sparring and Training Protective Equipment

The benefits of Martial Arts has always appealed its practitioners.... Read More

Benefits of Martial Arts Training For Kids

Admit it. When the going gets tough at home, we've... Read More

Do You Take Yours Trained or Untrained?

If you ain't pissing anyone off, you're not doing anything... Read More

Is it a ?Hurt? or is it an ?Injury?

My father fed me this line every time I felt... Read More

How to Relax During a Fight

I received a returned video from a well meaning, but... Read More

Dermot Michael (Pat) ONeill

Dermot O'Neill was born in 1905 in County Cork, Ireland.... Read More

Basic Drills

We all have a good foundation in the basic blows... Read More

Samurai - The Honourable & The Treacherous

The Japanese Samurai were warriors. Highly trained, skilled and efficient... Read More

Aikido Philosophy: An Oriental Concept of Energy, Self, and Mind

PrefaceThere are many different ways to understand Aikido philosophy and... Read More

Okinawan Karate

So you are thinking of starting to train in okinawan... Read More

Choosing a Self Defense / Martial Arts School: A Parents Guide

"Daddy, I want to take Karate!""Mommy, Jimmy on the bus... Read More

What To Expect When You Least Expect It

The time you will be attacked you will most likely... Read More

Samurai Swords ? Choosing a Sword to Buy

It's undeniable that a well placed and mounted samurai sword... Read More