The Sweet Spot - Golf Podcast Ground Reaction Forces & Ball Rollback w/ Dr. Sasho Mackenzie
23 snips
Jun 16, 2025 
Dr. Sasho Mackenzie, a biomechanics professor and co-founder of the stack, dives into the fascinating world of golf mechanics. He discusses how ground reaction forces are essential for generating clubhead speed, likening swing mechanics to sports like darts and frisbee. The conversation shifts to the contentious topic of golf ball rollback, exploring its potential impact on game dynamics and player strategy. Mackenzie emphasizes the importance of muscle coordination and timing in optimizing performance, offering insights that could elevate any golfer's game.
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Ground Reaction Forces Boost Speed
- Ground reaction forces come from muscles pushing into the ground and the ground pushing back.
- These forces enable golfers to generate about 40% more clubhead speed compared to swinging without ground contact.
Angular Momentum and the Ground
- Angular momentum in the golf swing involves opposite rotations of the club and body to maximize speed.
- The ground allows us to increase the system's angular momentum beyond zero, enhancing swing speed.
Measure Angular Momentum First
- When receiving ground reaction forces feedback, first measure your angular momentum relative to your clubhead speed.
- Don't blindly increase ground usage without knowing if you have enough or too much angular momentum.
