View this post on Instagram
Pressure Transfer & Trace
The first time I learned about ground mechanics and pressure transfer was at the 2014 World Golf Fitness Summit when I got to test out the new BodiTrak mat. I was amazed how technology could measure the percentage and pressure transfer of the feet and ground during the golf swing. I used to call it weight transfer (center of mass) when I taught lessons before I got BodiTrak Certified. Now I call it pressure transfer because we can measure it. I have since learned pressure transfer is a key component for generating power and improving golf performance. The split second between the top of the back-swing and the transition move on the down-swing decides if you are maximizing clubhead speed and lag.
The other important piece to pay attention to is the pressure trace. BodiTrak measures the COP (center of pressure) trace which shows us a line based on where the center of pressure is during the golf swing. If the trace is moving toward the toes there is a good chance the club path will follow showing a line that moves upward (Inside to Out Club Path). The ideal pressure trace I’ve noticed with good players using their irons is a linear trace. This is where the COP moves in a straight line from the trail to lead foot as the player feels like their pressure stays back more on their heels.
When it comes to woods the trace often moves back and forth quickly called a Z power trace. This is because the player generates more speed by transferring and feeling more of a jumping motion with their lead leg and tilting away from the target with their spine. This type of player swings more up at the ball especially with a driver teed up so the pressure transfers to the lead foot quickly, back to the trail foot, and then back to the lead foot during the follow through. This player understands they need to stay behind the ball at impact and really push off the ground with their lead foot and leg through impact. Justin Thomas is a prime example of this type of COP trace we see in the video below.
Golf Performance Results
In the article, the need for speed, Cameron Tringale talks about how he increased his clubhead speed 8.6 MPH (1st on PGA Tour) by letting his lead heal come up off the ground on his back-swing and then feeling like he is squashing a bug in the ground on the downswing helping him clear his body out of the way so he can create more power using his lower body. He has added 16 yards over the past two years and improved accuracy because of how he uses the ground more effectively.
I have been certified and use my BodiTrak mat weekly with clients for the past two years so I now have proof of before and after results using BodiTrak for visual and kinesthetic feedback. I have seen major improvement in impact positions and distances with the competitive golfers who follow the golf performance process. I refer all my competitive golfers to get fitted for clubs using TrackMan after they develop consistent movement patterns and skill so they can maximize performance.
When I first assessed Gaven’s body and swing he was very tight and it showed on the top left picture because he was unable to rotate and transfer pressure effectively causing his swing to be too steep producing inconsistent contact and slower swing and ball speeds. After he committed to golf fitness, mobility, and drill work daily he was able to turn and transfer better resulting in improved speed, contact, and clubface control. The competitive golfers I work with who have experienced the best results in their scores and distances like Gaven committed to golf performance coaching and fitness training. The clients who only meet with me for lessons usually don’t experience the same results (power) as my competitive golfers who train with me at least once per week. These golfers incorporate BodiTrak as well as perform the golf fitness program I create for them based off their TPI (Titleist Performance Institute) screens.
The golf performance coaching and training takes place year round for my competitive golfers. If they are in season playing tournaments, I usually only see them once per week at RedLine Athletics unless they are struggling and need on course coaching. They also get their equipment checked every few months at GRIPS golf using TrackMan to make sure their distances are accurate and their loft and lie angles are consistent. The golfers who have committed to the entire process and spent time in the gym have seen the best results in their game like Gaven. This is also true with the best players in the world right now like Rory McIlroy, Brooks Koepka, Dustin Johnson, Justin Thomas, Brooke Henderson, and Lexi Thompson. Golf fitness is just as important as their time practicing and playing at the course. They understand that if they aren’t feeling strong and moving well, they aren’t going to play their best golf. Being able to use the ground effectively through correct pressure transfer is a big part of the golf performance process.