I recently attended the annual track and field summit that included sessions on sprints, hurdles, throws and jumps. I especially enjoyed the seminars by Dr. Ralph Mann on sprint mechanics. Here are some of the main points that I picked up. Ralph emphasizes “front side” mechanics rather than “back side” mechanics. It is a mistake to think that you should push vigorously … [Read more...]
The Importance of Stretching the X-Factor in the Downswing of Golf: The X-Factor Stretch
Back in 2000 my colleagues and I wrote a paper where we showed that an increase in the X-Factor at the beginning of the downswing seemed to be more important that the X-Factor itself. We called this the “X-Factor Stretch”. Jim McLean is well known for his teaching of the X-Factor and has also mentioned in several articles that the hips should turn into the downswing before … [Read more...]
When does the Pelvis Begin to Decelerate in the Downswing of Golf?
In order to create maximum speed of a distal segment or implement, the principle of the kinematic sequence (a.k.a kinetic link) shows that each body part, should accelerate then decelerate in a sequential manner. For the golf swing, to achieve maximum club speed, the sequence is pelvis, thorax (ribcage), lead arm, club shaft. This means that during the downswing the pelvis … [Read more...]
Working with BMW and Athletics on Biomechanics Technology
Here is a short article in Wired Magazine Online. It talks about the project I am working on with BMW and Track and Field. BMW engineers developing software for a 3D camera with the goal to track the athletes running velocity. This will help us do performance testing on a regular … [Read more...]
Twisting is Easy
The biomechanics of twisting somersaults has always been an interesting subject to me. I am currently coaching Trampoline and Tumbling, and my daughter Jenny is one of my athletes, (Air Sports Unlimited, Scottsdale, Arizona). Quite often I can’t resist doing something myself. Last weekend I watched one of my gymnasts try a Rudi (1 1/2 twist front somersault) into the pit. She … [Read more...]