When we capture a swing using our Advanced Motion Measurement 3D system, we receive all manner of information about how the body has performed throughout the process of swinging the golf club. We also receive a cool robotic 3D image which can be used for more visually orientated instruction. We have a huge amount of swing data from PGA Tour Professionals which has been gathered by our colleagues at the Titleist Performance Institute in Oceanside, San Diego. They have been leaders in this field and also designed the software which helps us to interpret the information. If a video is an xray for the swing which helps us to see correct form and rhythm, a 3D motion capture is more like an MRI where differing segments of the body are isolated and their performances and relationships with one another can be viewed in detail. Below are two examples of one of the graphs generated from a 3D motion capture known as the kinematic sequence-
This is where things get really interesting. When we say that Ernie Els and Jim Furyk have the same basic pattern to their swings, most people say we're nuts but they do! All of the very best ball-strikers in the world transfer energy to the ball in a very similar sequence and we now have definitive proof of this using the technology mentioned. We always said that pros look the same at impact and these graphs show us why. The basics are as follows-
The graph is a timeline running from Adr (address), Top (top of backswing), Imp (impact) and Fin (finish).
The lines running through the graphs are red (pelvis), green (thorax), blue (lead arm) and brown (golf club).
The zero line represents the point at which the measured parts are moving backwards (negative- backswing) or forwards (positive- throughswing).
The x axis is time (seconds) and y axis represents rotational speed in degrees per second .
All of the best players in the world share a similar downswing sequence from just short of where the club changes direction to the point at which the ball is struck. The pelvis begins the downswing followed by the thorax, lead arm and then golf club. As these segments accelerate, the first to slow down or decelerate is the pelvis followed by the thorax, lead arm and then club. Throughout this acceleration/deceleration process, each segment is transferring energy to the following one and this helps explain why elite players manage to create such effortless looking yet powerful swings. If a player sequences in the right order, he or she will hit the ball straight and rapid accelerations upward indicate a player who is capable of creating power. As we study all manner of students under 3D conditions, it becomes easy to see why they struggle with distance or direction. These swing "signatures" certainly hold the key in helping us to help you become more efficient strikers of the golf ball.
Incidentally, Ernie's swing is the top graph and Jim's the bottom one.