Ep. 50 | Dr. Scott Lynn On Ground Reaction Forces and How Science Will Shape The Future Of Golf Coaching
Jan 27, 2023
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Dr. Scott Lynn, leading expert in golf biomechanics, discusses ground reaction forces in the golf swing. He shares insights on optimizing forces for individual players and analyzing anatomy for tailored coaching. The podcast explores elite golfers' force patterns and the evolution of coaching tools. Kinetic sequencing and anatomical customization in sports training are also highlighted.
High levels of vertical force, as seen in the swing data of top golfers like Colin Morikawa, significantly impact the consistency and accuracy of iron play. Vertical force contributes to a more shallow angle of attack, creating a larger 'flat spot' through the swing, increasing precision by allowing for more forgiving contact with the ball.
Understanding Horizontal Forces in Hitting Sports
Compared to golf swings, hitting sports like baseball exhibit less prominent horizontal force due to the different swing plane. Higher hand positions in these activities necessitate more horizontal force to shallow out the club or bat path, highlighting how force applications are influenced by the specific demands of the sport and the player's positioning.
Evolution of Motion Analysis Tools in Sports Training
The evolution of motion analysis tools in sports, such as launch monitors and 3D force plates, has revolutionized coaching and training methodologies. The increased availability of technology like force plates has allowed for in-depth data analysis, leading to a more educated and precise approach in optimizing athletic performance across various sports disciplines.
Understanding and Preserving Individual Athletic Gifts
The podcast emphasizes the importance of recognizing and preserving individual athletic gifts instead of imposing a standard technique. It highlights examples such as George Gankis's approach with Matt Wolf and Justin Thomas's dad letting Justin's unique style develop without interference. The speaker stresses the significance of building a golf swing around a player's natural abilities, ensuring optimal performance without disrupting their innate gifts.
Complexity and Customization in Coaching and Training
The episode delves into the complexity of coaching and training athletes by debunking common generalized theories. It discusses how every player is unique, leading to the need for tailored approaches. The speaker shares insights on kinetic sequences, biomechanics, and the evolving understanding of individual anatomy's impact on athletic performance. Additionally, the discussion extends to the future of personalized training with advancements in technology and AI potentially revolutionizing the field.
Dr. Scott Lynn, PhD is a professor in Kinesiology at Cal State Fullerton and is the Research Director for Swing Catalyst. Dr. Lynn has done a lot of his research on golf and is the leading expert on ground reaction forces in the golf swing. Swing Catalyst is a Norwegian company making force plates that measures the forces created in the golf swing in all three dimensions.
Dr. Lynn has a unique perspective on the biomechanics of the golf swing because he's seen more swings on a force plate than any other person in the world. He's also worked with numerous top 100 players in the world to analyze how the best players create force in the golf swing.