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Developing Your Body Mechanics



Your Body Mechanics involve what we call your Biomechanical Design. And that design is built upon Structural, Dynamic and Functional influences. The Structural influences are mostly anatomical in nature and are the most fixed of the influences. The Dynamic Patterns are mainly developed during the two main growth phases when you are a junior athlete. These influences can be changed through conditioning, however are often harder to change than learning how to use what you already have developed. And the Functional considerations mainly fall into the realm of fitness and conditioning.





secrets of owning your swing





Within the New Horizons Golf Approach the biomechanics arena is covered by what we call Power-of-3 Golf. While organizing Power-of-3 Golf it became clear that all the structural influences could be organized into 3 correlating options. For example, with regard to the top of the backswing track the lead arm could be aligned above the shoulder line, through the shoulder line, or below the shoulder line. What we call the Trail Arm Action could be described in terms of being Under, Side-On or On-Top, to some degree! And with that in mind it is important to understand that though we acknowledge the 3 options for each influences, they actually fall within a spectrum, or range. And it is important to recognize to what degree your option falls within the given spectrum. It is all a matter of degrees. There are 12 structural influences with 3 options each inside of Power-of-3 Golf and they are covered in detail in the Secrets of Owning Your Swing book series. Currently there are 3 volumes with a 4th in the works.



12 Structural Influences



4 Relating to Accuracy, 4 to Power & 4 to Good Feel



Influences Related to Accuracy

Swing Path - Trail Arm Action

Swing Track - Top of Backswing Plane

Wrist Lever Action

Lever Delivery Action


Influences Related to Power

Swing Anchor - Posting - Pelvic Pivot Axis

Torque System

Clearing Action

Axis of Symmetry


Influences Related to Good Feel

Swing Linkage - Impact Linkage

Swing Slotting - Delivery Slotting

Postural Release - Posturing Up

Arc Management


All influences covered in detail in the Secrets of Owning Your Swing book series!





some key dynamic influences





Athletic Sequence

Body Control - Which Side

Counter-Extension

Dominant Arm Control - Which Side

Dominant Core Region

Dominant Leg Action

Dominant Zone of Action

Dynamic Posture Type

​Force in the Handle

Ground Force Pattern

Hip-Impact Differential

Hinge Action for Speed

Hitting, Swinging, Throwing

Horizontals vs Diagonals

Kinematic Sequence - Horizontal

Kinematic Sequence - Rotational

Kinematic Sequence - Vertical

Platform Loading

Posturing Up

Stroke Shape

Swing Direction

Time to Gather Speed

Trigger Sequence





When it comes to the Dynamics that is the most complex part of biomechanics



A couple colleagues who are both scientist were having a conversation one day. The first Scientist (Paul) worked for a golf club company and the second (Scott) is a Biomechanist for a force plate company. During the conversation Paul said to Scott something like, "You work with people, I don't like working with people. People are messy, golf equipment is clean." Well when it comes to golfers and their dynamic patterns Paul was correct, things get messy!


When it comes to golf swing techniques there are actually more valid patterns than there are people walking the planet. This means to some degree that your stroke patterns will have some unique qualities to them. We often call these unique qualities "preferences." The reason for the preference is the key. They are preferences because they are what work best for the individual and they work best for the individual because of the unique biomechanical qualities the golfer owns.


This brings me to what we call issues of SAMENESS and issues of DIFFERENCE. There are factors in golf that can be considered the SAME for all golfers, and in comparison there are factors that are certainly DIFFERENT for each golfer. Those of Sameness tend to be more general in nature and those of Difference tend to be more specific in nature. For example, we all need to adhere to the Essentials and Fundamentals, and those are issues of SAMENESS. In comparison, although each golfer needs to adhere to the Essentials and Fundamentals, how he or she performs them will involve preferences, and those will likely be Different from golfer to golfer.



Dynamic patterns - there are a variety of dynamic patterns we must develop!



As we look into the Dynamics there are a variety of crucial patterns we must understand. As we look at those patterns we typically look at internal factors and external factors. For example, when considering kinetics we have both internal kinetics and external kinetics to study. What do I mean by that? Biomechanically we are using our muscles to create forces inside the body, however we also use those internal forces in a way that we apply forces outside the body.


There are two main places we apply the external forces - one of them in the handle of the club. Simply put we need to apply forces in the handle to swing the club effectively. The second main place we apply external forces into the ground, creating what we call your ground force pattern. So forces in the handle and forces in the ground comprise what we are mostly studying when talking about external forces.


We often say, "Force creates Motion!" To that extent the forces are applied before the motion occurs. So if you've seen something in motion the forces needed to put it in motion have already done their job. This reminds me that at some point we need to understand what can be observed and what needs to be measured to be more thoroughly understood.


One of the tricky things about understanding the kinetic forces and when we apply them is that we can not see them. This is why we use force plate and other technologies to help us better understand how they work and what valid patterns exist. The good news for you, the golfer, is that a qualified coach who has worked with the technology long enough can often assess what is happening and what is needed without the technology. That doesn't mean the technology is unnecessary, because their are critical times when the technology is needed to help us understand the best preferences for the golfer.


Besides addressing the Kinetics related to playing golf we also discuss Kinematics. Golfers often ask, what is the difference between Kinetics and Kinematics? A simple view is that Kinetics involve the force applications you cannot see, and Kinematics involves the motions that can be visually observed. For example, there are many sequencing patterns we can visual observe, and there ae many types of techniques and actions we can visually identify. However we can't see the forces that created those techniques and actions.


When talking about Kinematics we often address what is called the Kinematic Sequence. The original Kinematic Sequence research focused on Rotational Velocities and identified a recommended sequencing between the components being monitored. In reality we swing in 3-Dimensional Space, which means there are likely 3 Kinematic Sequences - one addressing the rotational components, another addressing lateral components and one addressing vertical components.




Understanding Sequencing and match-ups is critical to owning your swing!



The idea of match-ups has been becoming more and more popular in recent years and is even becoming a standard concept. That hasn't always been the case. At the beginning, when coaching the Power-of-3 Golf Approach I was regularly criticized for coaching match-ups. Even as Mike Adams and I offered the BioSwing Dynamics educations we were criticized for coaching match-ups.

However, the truth always prevails, and the truth of proper match-ups has prevailed.


Now, there are all kinds of match-ups. Remember, people are messy and especially when it comes to biomechanics and dynamic patterns. Some of the key match-ups we look for with regard to ground force kinetics are when the forces peak. For example, we look for the horizontal forces to peak in the transition, because they help us change the swing's direction from the backswing toward the downswing. Then we see the torques peak 2nd, they peak between the end of the transition and delivery. Those torques, besides helping provide power also help the swing move the club down and around the body toward delivery. And lastly the vertical force peak occurs right before delivery, helping synchronize the verticals while matching up with the in plane forces we use to create clubhead speed through delivery.


The sequencing of those ground force peaks is what we call the Kinetic Sequence - Horizontals peak 1st, then the Torques and then the Verticals. and we look for each to peak in specific windows of the swing. Furthermore, the more we screen golfers to understand the specifics of their biomechanical design the more we know about which match-ups work best for each golfer. Even so, over the years I have cautioned coached to described such match-ups as absolutes. This is because although there are a few absolute match-ups, when it comes to dynamics there are often options, or multiple dynamic patterns available to the golfer. One of the keys, as a golf coach is to find out which options work best for the individual. So, as you study the biomechanics of golf, be open to match-ups, but also be open to there being multiple options.



The rotational Kinematic Sequence





As mentioned earlier the original Kinematic Sequence focused on rotational velocities. It looked at the activity of the hips, thorax rotation (shoulders), Lead Arm and Golf Club. It looked at their rotational velocities and identified when they peaked. The recommended sequence was to have the Hip's Rotational Velocity Peak first, then the Thorax, then the Lead Arm, then the Golf Club. However, over the years it has been recognized that only about one-third of Tour Professionals actually employ the recommended Kinematic Sequence. In my experience, those golfers that employ the recommended rotational Kinematic Sequence do so because their biomechanical design is dominated by the rotational influences in 3-Dimensional Space. And when it comes to the Horizontal and Vertical influences they are more or less accommodating, or complimenting, the rotational influences.


Now, those professionals that are successful and employ a pattern other than the recommended Rotational Kinematic Sequence they do so because either the Horizontal influences or the Vertical influences are the most dominant for that golfer. There is still a lot of research to be done in this arena. However, there is much evidence showing that those golfers that use either the Vertical Kinematics or the Horizontal Kinematics more dominantly typically struggle with employing the recommended Rotational Kinematic Sequence. And when they do employ the recommended Kinematic Sequence their performance suffers and they tend to become more injury prone. With this in mind, In my opinion, identifying the golfers biomechanical design and understanding which influences are inherently dominant require great consideration while developing each golfers skills. Failing to identify and work with the golfers biomechanical design leads to over stressing the body during play and that leads to inviting injuries. Fitness and conditioning can only stave off the inevitable for so long. Therefore, in my view, it is imperative that we address the golfers biomechanical design while helping them improve.



Vertical Kinematic sequencing





When we look into Vertical Kinematics we discuss three main activities, Working into the Platform, Posturing Up & Synchronizing the Verticals. Simply put the ground is the platform and we use the ground in a variety of ways during the golf swing. We use the ground while establishing dynamic posture, while loading, transitioning, during delivery, and while following-through.


When addressing Working into the Platform one of the main segments of the swing we look at is from Transition to Delivery. This is where we get most of the work down needed for creating effortless speed. From delivery we employ the Posturing Up Actions in such a way to match the Delivery Actions (technically the Lever Delivery Actions) and when we match them up we coordinate synchronizing the verticals. When synchronizing the verticals we often focus on what we call Counter-Extension. That is the process of matching up the delivery extension with the Posturing Up. Simply put, Posturing Up is a postural release action that involves extending the body upward from the platform. What we commonly call extension is the extension of the arms and club at the end of delivery. When the Posturing Up action matches the Delivery action we achieve a more effective delivery extension, or Counter-Extension (as seen in the picture to the left). With each individual we can observe the lower body posting, the upper body extension, the arms extending, the club extending and how they all relate during Delivery, Posturing Up and through Counter-Extension. The more we study these activities and how they synchronize together the more we will understand about the Vertical Kinematic Sequence.



horizontal Kinematic sequencing





When we look into Horizontal Kinematics we are mainly looking at Loading & Driving Properties, Breaking Properties and Changes in Direction. Lateral bumps are often used to get the swing moving. Even at address most players are active instead of stationary. The activity is mainly in pressuring into the ground and waggling. It is the pressuring into the ground that helps us propel the swing into motion. A slight bump forward, followed by a lateral shift sets the stroke in motion. As we near the top of the backswing there is another Lateral Shift to help the stroke decelerate and change directions. Then in preparation for delivery there is another lateral braking process that allows us to more effectively accelerate the golf club throughout delivery. As one part in the sequence slows down, the next overtakes it, speeding up. And there are a series of those interactions that help us perform an effective delivery action. With that in mind, the Horizontal, or Lateral, actions play an important role in the initial braking needed to employ that delivery action.



build a swing around your biomechanical design !



BioSWing Dynamics





In 2009 I met Mike Adams, who flew out to spend a few days with me in California, over those days we discussed my New Horizons Golf Approach and Power-of-3 Golf Biomechanics. Shortly after we agreed to team up and co-founded BioSwing Dynamics together. Between 2009 and 2019 we organized BioSwing Dynamics and offered a variety of educations annually to help coaches learn how to effectively coach using BioSwing Dynamics. Over those years, thousands of golf professionals from around the world attended our educations.


In 2019 Mike Adams split off with Terry Rowles to create the Ultimate Golf Lesson System. Basically they use a condensed version of BioSwing Dynamics, IMO mainly focusing on their preferences. Though we chosen to go in different directions we all continue to search for the truth and strive to provide more tools in the toolbox so that instructors can better coach their students.


Before meeting Mike I was already using screens for the 12 structural influences and over 20 dynamic patterns. We added a few more screens in BioSwing Dynamics and advanced much of our understanding of the dynamic patterns. When Mike and I shock hands on BioSwing Dynamics I said, "The Future of BioSwing Dynamics is in understanding all the valid dynamic patterns." And that is just as true today as it was then.


I am as committed today as I was when I started Power-of-3 Golf Biomechanics. And I am as committed today as I was when we were actively working together to advance BioSwing Dynamics. What am I committed to, making sure we address all valid patterns and influences. With that in mind, if you are interested in the principles taught within BioSwing Dynamics you will find them in the New Horizons Golf Approach, Power-of-3 Golf Biomechanics, and the new Making Your Golf Simple website.


My primary focus right now is rebuilding this website and the Making Your Golf Simple website. However, I am still planning on offering educations that share the information we accumulated in BioSwing Dynamics. Please check back periodically to see when we will be offering those educations.


E.A. Tischler



making your golf simple





In 2020 I developed the Making Your Golf Simple App to continue the process of providing the BioSwing Dynamics information as a part of the New Horizons Golf Approach.


In the App I addressed all aspects of the game, all the shots, the Essentials, Cornerstones, Fundamentals, Body Mechanics, Playing in the Flow and much much more. I built the app with Swing U who decided at the end of 2022 to discontinue providing their services for coaching apps. Therefore we are building a new Making Your Golf Simple website to move all the content over and to continue to provide the best possible services to golfers that want to use the New Horizons Golf Approach and BioSwing Dynamics in their games. Within the website we cover all the Structural and Dynamic Influences, as well Functional issues.


Within the Making Your Golf Simple website you will find we cover all the screenings and all the valid patterns that have been identified throughout the history of New Horizons Golf Approach and BioSwing Dynamics. There are videos that comprehensively cover the screenings, and Screenings Sheets that cover the Structural and Dynamic Screenings. Using the Screening Sheets while performing the screens will help with the ongoing process of improving. Though it is impossible to improve everything we need at once, it is possible to create a plan that allows use to stay the most productive course of improvement. Of course you can plug away at the screenings one at a time little by little, however you can also get them all done in one session. And with all the screens completed you acquire a complete blueprint of what works best for each golfer. It is that blueprint that allows a qualified coach the ability to help each student to stay the course of improvement.


One of the keys to success is making sure you have an effective plan. That plan must be built on sound information and valid options for the individual. The Making Your Golf Simple website provides the information, the options and the expertise to help you play your best golf. Whether you have a good coach helping you or not, the Making Your Golf Simple website will help fill in the blanks as you learn to play your best golf. Look for the website to be launched at the end of February 2023! Looking forward to interacting with your on that site.





NEW HORIZONS GOLF APPROACH
E.A. TISCHLER
408-203-7599



INNOVATIVE COACHING FOR GOLFERS