Pelvic Control to Improve Distance

Pelvic control refers to the ability to move the Pelvis independently of the rest of the body. The Pelvis is often called your Hips for the purpose of analysing the golf swing.

It may seem strange to think that distance is achieved from control rather thanstrength or power. Have you ever thought ‘I’m just going to make a nice easy swing on the ball’ and sure enough you hit the ball further than you expected? This is often due to improved timing and sequencing of the swing.

Technology now allows us to measure the timing and sequencing of the golf swing. It is known as a kinematic sequence (see photo). The great thing about the kinematic sequence is that there is only one right answer. Great golfers all have the same sequence but not the same swing. Rory McIlroy and Jim Furyk have very different looking swings, yet their kinematic sequence is very similar. This is what allows them to generate a powerful consistent swing.

The key difference between a good and bad kinematic sequence is the ability to independently create movement at the Pelvis (Hips) separate from the Thorax (Chest) and to independently slow movement. At the start of the downswing the sequence of movement should be Pelvis, Thorax, Arms and Club. As the swing approaches impact the segments sequentially slow to transfer energy from one segment to the next in the same order. This creates a ‘cracking of the whip’ at impact and increased club head speed.

So what does this have to do with Pelvic control?

If you don’t have the ability to move the Pelvis (Hips) independently from the Thorax (Chest) then you will not be able to properly sequence the swing. You may have tried in the past to initiate the downswing with your Pelvis (Hips) with little success or been told by a Golf Professional that this is what you need to do but again had a difficult time performing this action. What often occurs instead is a swing where all segments fire at the same time. This causes an inefficient swing that lacks power and consistency.

Your best plan is to see a Titleist Performance Institute Certified Medical Professional who will be able to assess your ability to control your Pelvis independently.

If it is functioning well then some simple drills and lessons with your Golf Pro is the best option.

If you have not developed the ability to control your Pelvis, the Medical Professional will be able to teach you how to gain this ability through retraining movement patterns. Once these movement patterns have been developed, you will be able to go back to your Golf Pro with much more success.

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