By Pam Owens, Special to Lone Star Golf
We all know the potential for going to new heights when we bounced on a trampoline with a friend. With precise timing, we experienced the double-bounce trampoline effect. That’s where you gain momentum from the friend’s bounce that propels you higher than possible alone. The action of one bouncer gives momentum to the second bouncer.
The momentum gained in the downswing is similar to the double-bounce trampoline effect. The clubhead’s speed is determined by the speed and energy from sequential joint movement that starts from the ankle connection to the ground. The action of one joint affects the action of the next joint and so on. Speed builds up through each area or “link” in the body’s chain starting with the feet, hips, trunk, shoulders, elbow and then ending at the wrists.
If you have hit a plateau in your golf performance, then you will benefit from today’s challenge. We use this drill as one of many in my speed training workshops to build good sequencing in the body. This challenging drill in today’s lesson is purely about sequence, speed and using momentum from a small, quick motion to build into a larger quick motion. With a 10-foot PVC pipe, you can test your body’s coordination to create greater movement at the ends of the pipe.
Whip the Pipe: Grab a ¾-inch x 10-foot PVC pipe and stand in ready position, as shown in the video. Your goal is to make large circles at both ends of the pipe by building momentum from the lower body using very small, but quick arm/hand movement. Try making circles for about 10-15 seconds in each direction with short breaks to reset. It’s hard to maintain the momentum for long. For those that cannot achieve circles, try to reduce your movement and speed, soften your grip to then gain sequencing.
Longer hitters and more powerful golfers are able to make very large circles displaying great sequence with quick movements through the body. You’ll discover the larger the hand motion the smaller or choppier the circles become yet when you use very little movement with great sequencing you can build enormous circles. This drill demonstrates your ability to sequence as you move energy from your lower body to your hands. By practicing making circles in both directions you will build more coordination to move in sequence and move faster. This drill will have a surprisingly positive effect on your body’s coordination and your speed.
Pam Owens is the Director of Fitness for Royal Oaks Country Club in Houston and the owner of Pam Owens Fitness. A two-time Golf Digest Top 50 Fitness Professional, Pam helps golfers all over the world get lean, bendy and powerful with online or in person coaching. For a free recovery routine and for more resources, click here.
