What is a Functional Assessment and Why Should I Consider One?
Hello everyone,
I often get asked what is a functional assessment and why should I have one done.
A functional assessment is a series of movements and tests that is designed to check your ability to perform each aspect of the task at hand. The functional assessment I perform is developed by the Titleist Performance Institute in California. Each individual test targets a specific aspect of the golf swing which is required for the ideal swing. These will test your flexibility, stability, strength and balance in relation to the golf swing.
So why is it valuable to a golfer?
Often times your swing will have compensations due to lack of flexibility. For example, you may have seen a golf pro to correct your swing. They may have suggested corrections to your address position and/or changing the plane of your swing. A lot of players will not be able to make these corrections as suggested by the pro due to structural limitations in the body and therefore will not be able to correct the swing until these are addressed. With specific stretches and exercises you will be able to improve the limitations and then address the swing changes.
Distance is something that all players want more of. The assessment will determine which muscle groups need improvement and when given specific strengthening exercises will improve your club head speed and power.
"Golf is a game of inches" is something I'm sure you've all heard before but when it comes to the sweetspot on the clubface it is a game of millimetres. Balance and stability are vital to consistency in the swing. Golfers who lack in these areas will often struggle with topping the ball, hitting it thin, chunking shots, hitting off toe/heel of the club. If stability and balance are of concern it will be revealed and then specific exercises and balance work will be able to improve consistency with time.
I hope that helps to clarify things. If you have any specific questions please send me an email through the contact page on the website.
Brent
