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Video
analysis: Lights, action, camera!
By: Bruce Munch
Head Professional White River Golf Club
Rochester, Vermont
I
love to watch Senior Golf. During
the course of any senior event you will be treated to a tremendous variety of
swings from some great players. The
unique swings of these players are in many cases, truly their own and are used
by no one else. Prior to video, a
player and his coach had to work it out on the range.
Using knowledge of the ball flight laws, which are the forces that make
the ball do what it does, combined with observation of each shot, the player and
coach tried to figure out what the player must have done to produce that type of
shot. As a result, the great
players of the game found different methods to achieve great results.
An interesting thing happened when some of the great shot makers of the
game had their swings analyzed on video. Although
the swings varied greatly, the move through the hitting area was virtually
identical, which it would have to be to achieve great shots.
The golf swing takes place in a very short amount of time.
Typically the back swing and forward swing will each take about a second
but the club spends only about 1/30th of a second in the hitting
area. The logistical difficulty of
trying to view a swing flaw in real time is enormous.
The use of video recording and frame advance playback enables in depth
analysis of even the fastest swing. When
combined with knowledge of computer analysis of great swings and an
understanding of the proper movements in a pure golf swing, video provides a
tremendous tool for improving a player’s swing. At 1/30th of a second per frame, all the secrets
of the golf swing will be revealed. Nothing
can hide from the lens of the video camera.
Using this great tool, golf teachers and coaches have been able to help
students achieve a simpler swing and with it, improved repeatability that
invariably leads to better shot making.
I have analyzed literally thousands of swings on video and it is
interesting to see how repeatable even a very flawed swing can be.
As human beings we are very good at repeating athletic moves.
Isn’t it logical to assume that we will be even better at repeating a
simpler move? That is why I spend
more time taking un-needed moves out of people’s swings then I ever do adding
moves.
A simple swing is more repeatable and we see it in the swings of many of
today’s young players. These
player’s swings were built to be simple, largely with the aid of video
analysis.
So see your local pro and have your swing video taped.
Many instructors offer a 30-minute video analysis, which can identify
needs in your golf swing that can be addressed in a lesson.
So don’t be embarrassed, have your swing photographed and see yourself
as others see you. It should lead
to an improved swing and more fun in your game.
If your local pro doesn’t offer video analysis, give me a call.
I will be glad to take care of you.
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