-Independent Golf Reviews
]]>Golf biomechanical studies have looked at both kinematic (angles, velocities, sequences) and kinetic (ground reaction force, torque, impulse) variables in the golf swing. They have provided ample information related to swings of various clubs, lengths, shafts, swing types and other aspects of the golf game. These studies have helped coaches and players to understand the nuances of how skilled players move clubs differently than amateurs, how the inertial properties of a club (driver lengths, various clubs, single length club systems) alter movement mechanics, and even studies on how to teach/coach the game of golf.
Increasing speed has become a hallmark of success for players of all skill levels. Overspeed and overload training systems have been developed to help golfers train to enhance club speed, ball speed and carry distance. Previous research has shown increases and improvements in ground reaction force (kinetics) during a golf swing after training with the SuperSpeed golf training system. But to date, no study has been carried out to study the kinematic changes that occur because of speed training. Understanding these changes can help golfers to enhance speed training in ways that will help them maximize their speed gains.
Recent developments in Markerless motion capture technology have allowed for more easily collected data related to kinematic motion. One such software, Theia, is a system that utilizes video from multiple high-speed cameras to more accurately build a model without markers. This system has been used effectively in a variety of studies assessing human motion. The capacity of researchers is enhanced because of these new technologies and systems.
Understanding both the kinematic (angles, velocities, sequences) and kinetic (ground reaction force, torque, impulse) changes because of speed training can be beneficial for both golfers and those designing speed training systems. Additionally looking closely at the different inertial properties of a swing training implement (lengths, weights etc.) when compared to a driver may help understand the process of gaining speed even better.
The purpose of this study was to utilize a Markerless motion capture system to analyze both kinematic and kinetic changes of the golf swing because of speed training. Additionally, to investigate how and where the inertial properties of the swing training implement influence these same variables.
Methods:
16 participants started the study (4 did not complete the study, none of which were injuries). The average age of the participants was just over 40 years, and the average handicap was just under 12.
All participant testing was completed in the same laboratory conditions at Utah Valley University. Upon arrival to the lab, demographic questions were asked and answered, a warmup was completed and then golfers hit shots in the simulator to get further warmed up. Upon completion, the golfers hit a series of 10 driver shots. The first 5 shots were meant to be just “standard or stock” drivers, the next 2 they were instructed to build intensity and try to hit close to 100% of their max swing speed. After those 2 shots were hit, a very short rest period was given, and the last 3 shots were hit at max capacity while data was collected. The Theia 8-camera video-based system collected video images of players hitting on two Bertec force plates, while Trackman launch monitor data was collected for all shots.
Following pre testing, the players were instructed in the drills for the level 1 SuperSpeed protocol and were given the dynamic warm up and visuals related to these speed sessions. Players were instructed to perform the training 3x a week for 6-weeks. Upon completion of the 6-week training, golfers were brought back into the laboratory for the identical data collection.
In the pre-training session, golfers also had kinematics and kinetics of the three SuperSpeed 45 inch driver length speed training implements (light (255 g), medium (292 g), and heavy (336 g) and in the post-training session golfers had those same measurements for three 41.5 inch shorter length speed training implements (very light (206 g), medium (401 g), very heavy (506 g)). The driver length implements were used during training, while the shorter length ones were only swung at the post assessment.
Launch monitor data was compared pre and post, as were kinematic and kinetic changes during the last 3 driver swings. Additionally, the 6 speed training aids were compared to driver swings for kinematics and kinetics (the 3 driver length clubs to the pre driver swings and the 3 shorter length clubs to the post driver swings).
Results:
Average of the three max to max comparisons were made for the trackman variables for golfers comparing pre to post speed training. Club speed and ball speed increased significantly from pre to post (5% and 6% respectively) while carry distance had an increase of 20 yards (p=0.1). There were no differences in smash factor and the yards offline was the same pre and post speed training (Table 1).
|
Club Speed (MPH) |
Ball Speed (MPH) |
Carry (Yards) |
Smash |
Offline (Yards) |
Pre to Post Gain |
4.94 |
8.8 |
20 |
0.009 |
0.78 |
Pre to Post Gain % |
4.8 |
6.2 |
7.2 |
0.7 |
1 |
Ttest |
<0.01 |
0.03 |
0.1 |
0.62 |
0.92 |
No other trackman measured variables were changed because of the speed training. This included attack angle, club path, face angles etc. It is interesting to note that when comparing the 5 “stock” driver swing speeds to the 5 “max” swing speeds, golfers were able to produce 5 more mph of swing speed.
Kinetic changes from pre to post speed training included a significant increase in peak lead leg vertical force on the downswing (12%), and the peak lead leg lateral force on the downswing (17%). There were no alterations of sequences for the kinetics of the driver pre and post speed training.
Kinematic changes from pre to post training included significant increases of the peak pelvis velocity in the downswing (10%) and the peak trunk velocity in the downswing (6%). No changes in sequencing patterns were observed.
When comparing the speed training implements to the driver swings. The 3 clubs with similar lengths of the driver were the most like the driver mechanically. The lightest of the three driver length speed training clubs had a slight decrease in the lead leg lateral force on the downswing and a slight decrease of the A/P forces on the trail leg. The medium weighted driver length speed implement had only two differences, one being the decrease in lead leg lateral force on the downswing and a slight increase in peak arm velocity (15%). The heaviest of the driver length implements had the most differences, with four compared to the driver. A slight decrease in the lead leg lateral force, and trunk velocity. It did have slight improvements in the kinematic sequence with the relationship of the arm to the trunk and pelvis, with the arm peak velocity lagging behind a bit more compared to the driver swing.
The shorter swing training implements had more differences when compared to the driver swings. The lightest of that group had five differences. This included a decrease in the lead leg vertical and lateral forces on the downswing and a delay time of this peak (occurred closer to ball impact). Also, this club had an increased pelvis velocity in the backswing. The medium weighted shorter implement had eight differences compared to the driver. Decrease of the lead leg vertical and lateral forces on the downswing and delayed peaking of these forces. Also, a lateral peak trail leg lateral force on the backswing. A slight reduction in the peak trunk velocity in the downswing, increased downswing time and a slight increase in the arm velocity in the downswing. The heaviest of the shorter implements had differences including a decrease in the lead leg lateral force in the downswing and a lateral peak lead vertical force. Decrease in the pelvis and trunk velocities in the downswing, but an earlier peak of these velocities. A delayed peaking of the arm velocity (peaking closer to impact), an increased downswing time and a decreased swing tempo.
Discussion:
The findings of this study confirm previous studies showing that a 6-week SuperSpeed training protocol leads to increases in club speed, ball speed and distance while also increasing the forces on the lead leg during the downswing. Additionally, this study adds information that shows speed training also speeds up the rotational velocities of the pelvis and trunk during the downswing. Trackman data further suggests that there were no negative alterations to impact physics measured on trackman, particularly showing that smash factor and offline total yardage remained the same between the two testing conditions.
When comparing the swing training implements, those implements that were closer to the length and weight of a driver led to more similar kinematics and kinetics when compared with a driver, while the shorter and more varied weighted implements were more varied compared to a driver.
The consistency of the trackman measurements was a key piece of information in this study. Many players skeptical of speed training suggest that getting faster would only lead to altered swing paths, more mishits and more offline shots. But this study shows those variables are the same pre and post training. This study supports previous research showing that on course driver shots were more accurate after speed training than before and can help give players and coaches confidence that speed training with the SuperSpeed training system will not negatively alter impact physics and accuracy.
The continued findings of research related to speed training showing the increases of the forces in the downswing is encouraging. Previous studies have shown similar increases in lead leg forces in different populations. This is interesting to note in the context of seeing that the driver length implements swings didn’t alter these forces during swinging but did alter those forces post training in a driver. The level 1 SuperSpeed protocol contains regular swings (tested in this study) but also the step drill (not tested). The purpose of the step drill is to help golfers feel forces traveling to the lead leg in the downswing. The inclusion of these drills may partially explain why these forces do increase on the driver, while the overspeed training swings themselves do not elicit the same changes.
This study added the information that rotational velocities of the pelvis and trunk do increase because of speed training. The pelvis, trunk, arms and hands all help to pass force and energy out the body to the club and it is suspected that some of these would increase as a result of speed training. It is also important to recognize that sequences of the body did not get worse or improve in terms of timing of each segment’s peak velocities. Meaning similar movement sequences were seen pre and post training, just with an enhancement of the speeds of the movement. Further studies could be warranted to understand how to also increase arm and hand speed in addition to the benefits already seen with the pelvis and trunk.
Previous research has shown kinematic and kinetic changes with clubs of various weights and lengths. It was not surprising in this study that the shorter and more varied weight swing training implements did lead to differences in swing mechanics when compared with the driver, while those with similar lengths and weights had fewer differences when compared to the driver. The inertial properties of a swing training implement do alter mechanics of the swing during the speed training. If this leads to alterations in mechanical changes in the driver swing is not understood and a study should be carried out to understand this. This study did not aim to understand this question but does suggest that these studies should be carried out in the future.
In conclusion, training with the SuperSpeed training system leads to increases in CHS, ball speed and carry distance, while limiting changes in other trackman measured variables. Additionally, improvements in GRF variables of the lead leg and the velocities of the pelvis and trunk were seen following the speed training. Finally, the lengths and weights of the training implements do cause differences in swing mechanics in the acute setting. This study did not look at differences in swing mechanics over time when training with shorter length speed training implements. It did show that training with driver length implements leads to enhancements in magnitudes of variables related to speed and distance, without negatively affecting movement patterns while swinging a driver.
Dr. Tyler Standifird, Associate Professor of Biomechanics Utah Valley University
]]>"At THP, we believe that testing should be done not only by us, but also by golfers just like you. One of the cool features about being an active member of the THP Forum is that we look to you guys/gals, the consumers, to give feedback on equipment to golfers all around the world. Each month we send out iron sets, drivers, hybrids, putters, trainings aids and golf balls to our active members to be a part of the THP Forum Member testing.
The SuperSpeed Squeeze was released late last year and there was quite the debate on the THP Forum on whether or not it would work. We decided to put it to the test, and with the help of SuperSpeed Golf, put this tool in the hands of forum members to complete the training regimen and document their process and results. We also selected forum members of all different ability levels to really try and get results for every type of golfer.
SuperSpeed stands by their products and because of that also included a dynamometer, which measures grip strength, to each of the participants reviewing the Squeeze. The testing was done over a period of time and documented in the THP Forum."
]]>LPGA player Cheyenne Knight sits No. 44 in the Rolex World Rankings and 19th in the 2023 LPGA Race to the CME Globe. Last month, she notched her second career tour victory – and first since 2019 – at the Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational alongside partner Elizabeth Szokol.
En route to that win, Knight noticed tangible improvements in her swing speed and drive distance thanks to her work with SuperSpeed Golf, a company that utilizes data and targeted speed training to increase swing speeds. SuperSpeed’s core offering is a three-piece set of weighted clubs designed to reprogram a players’ neuromuscular reaction time by training from both their dominant and non-dominant side.
“My partner (for the Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational) Elizabeth hits it pretty far, she's probably one of the longest on tour,” Knight said. “We were kind of joking around, she's like, 'Man, Cheyenne! You're hitting it out here kind of close to what I do.'”
Knight first purchased a SuperSpeed set in college, and officially signed on as a partner in 2023. The company, which started signing player ambassadors earlier this year, had between 700 and 1,000 player clients as of late June.
As for Knight, SuperSpeed reports that her ball speed increased by nearly 10 miles per hour – from 128 to 136-137 – within two months of adopting her focused speed training regimen.
Here, Knight discusses her work with SuperSpeed and using technology as a tool in her training.
On the motivation to first purchase a SuperSpeed set . . .
Growing up [as a golfer], it was kind of different as to what kids are taught now. I think now kids are just taught to swing as hard as they can and then figure out where it goes later. But when I was growing up, and I feel like for my generation, it was more, 'You need to hit it straight.' And then you saw the shift, I think starting with Bryson [DeChambeau], that really made people think about speed. With SuperSpeed there was a market for that, to help you hit it further. I bought the set and watched the instructional videos on their website. That's how it got started.
On using the program . . .
I was lucky enough to do it with the SuperSpeed team and they showed me everything. You make it your own. There's different things. You have the speed sticks – there's light, medium, heavy, and then a counterbalance stick. There's different series of swings that you do on your dominant and non-dominant side.
It doesn't take that long – you do a few swings with each, like a step-and-swing, and there's a radar that tells you how fast you're swinging it. And the goal is to swing the heavy one close or the same as you do the light one. There's other equipment that they also offer that helps you with your grip strength and these little discs that help you use the ground better. I think with that you're just really trying to learn how you need to incorporate speed, because using the ground, pushing off the ground is a really big leap in power.
On the specific improvements with SuperSpeed . . .
I hit the ball pretty straight, but I'm not one of the longest hitters on the LPGA. I feel like you can only benefit from [SuperSpeed]. It doesn't change the mechanics of your swing, it just teaches you how you can hit the ball further and gain some speed. I just used it as a tool.
I just wanted to see some gains in my swing speed and my club head speed. And if I could gain a few miles per hour, I would hit it further off the tee and kind of just have some different clubs into the greens. When you increase your club head speed and your swing speed, you generate more spin, so that would help my irons too, just being able to generate more spin and hold some of the greens more – because I'm usually coming in sometimes as a longer club than the other girls.
On feedback from SuperSpeed . . .
When I spent the day with them, I saw some gains in my club head speed and ball speed. I think, for me, swinging on my non-dominant side was really good. Just learning how my body works, and you're on the force plates and seeing where I lose some of my power. The kind of stuff I already knew – I don't load that well into my right side in my backswing. But seeing it from a different perspective and technology definitely helped. Me swinging lefthanded, it really gets my muscles engaged and learning how to load a little bit better by swinging on my non-dominant side.
On the length of time it took to see results on the course . . .
It's a little tricky, because when I'm playing in a tournament I'm so in-tuned to what's going on. When you hit it off a tee, I didn't know if I was hitting it further because at that point I'm just trying to hit the fairway when I'm in competition.
But I would say I really noticed it with my irons, because with my irons you're being more specific of how far you need to carry it onto the green. I could tell I was picking up three or four yards in carry with my irons. And that was probably two months into it that I saw that.
On being technologically inclined in training . . .
I'm not going to go online and buy a bunch of stuff to just see if it works. I'm more of a word-of-mouth person. So when SuperSpeed first launched on the market, I heard a lot about it from people in my industry. The guy who fits me, Art Sellinger, in Dallas, my club-fitter, he had talked about SuperSpeed and how that could help me.
The golf community is quite small, and if there's a good product out there, people will talk about it and rave about it. That's how I heard about SuperSpeed. Technology-wise, I'll get a TrackMan or a GCQuad. I'm a TrackMan person. I use SuperSpeed and AimPoint.
Article written by Rob Shaefer for Sports Business Journal
]]>SuperSpeed Korn Ferry Tour Ambassador Cody Blick had a great event at the Wichita Open last week with a t12 finish. Cody is currently 14th on the points list in good position to earn his PGA Tour Card for the 2024 season. His driving stats have been improved in recent events with a move from the bottom third of the field to the top half.
Cheyenne Knight, the newest SuperSpeed Ambassador on the LPGA Tour, had an impressive start to last week's Meijer Classic and had another strong finish. Cheyenne is poised to break through with her next win at any moment. Her increasing ball speed off the tee coupled with her outstanding short game and putting stats will surely yield another top result soon.
Nanna Koerstz Madsen Thad her best result of the season 2 weeks ago finishing T-4 at the ShopRite LPGA classic closing with a final round 65. Nanna is up 7 mph in club head speed since late February due to her SuperSpeed training program.
]]>Following an impressive junior year at Ohio State, Moldovan has achieved numerous accolades, including being named a 2nd Team All-American. His remarkable season with the Buckeyes included a 70.64 scoring average, victory at the NCAA Auburn Regional, seven top-5 finishes, 10 top-10 finishes in 12 tournaments and 16 rounds in the 60s. Moldovan, who was a member of the winning U.S. Palmer Cup Team, recently qualified for this week’s U.S. Open at the Los Angeles Country Club, marking his second consecutive U.S. Open appearance.
As part of the agreement, Moldovan will engage with the SuperSpeed community via social media. He will provide insights into the significance of speed in both the amateur and collegiate game, discuss off-season training techniques in colder climates, offer tips for preparing to turn professional, and underline why SuperSpeed is the preeminent speed training system in the market.
SuperSpeed Golf’s Training System, with its three specially weighted training clubs and over a year’s worth of free online training, has been instrumental in helping countless golfers improve their swing speed and overall performance. Leveraging the concept of Overspeed Training, the system boasts an impressive track record, with golfers typically seeing a 5% swing speed increase within approximately six weeks of regular practice.
“I am so excited to partner with SuperSpeed and their great line of products,” Moldovan said. “I have been very focused on getting faster and stronger over the last few years and I have already seen the benefits in my game. I know that the team at SuperSpeed will help me continue to improve moving forward, which is extremely exciting.”
The SuperSpeed Training System is the trusted choice of over 700 professional golfers worldwide and is available in more than 40 countries. SuperSpeed Golf’s ambassador family includes Padraig Harrington, who will also participate in this week’s U.S. Open, LPGA Tour players Nanna Koerstz-Madsen and Cheyenne Night, and Korn Ferry Tour player Cody Blick.
“We are delighted to welcome Maxwell Moldovan to our team,” said Mike Napoleon, President of SuperSpeed Golf. “His extraordinary talent, coupled with his passion for the game, aligns perfectly with our mission. As he prepares for some major events this summer ahead of his senior season at Ohio State, we look forward to supporting his journey and witnessing his continued growth.”
]]>Harrington has won three Major Championships including the 2007 and 2008 Open Championships and the 2008 PGA Championship as well as the 2022 US Senior Open. In total, Harrington has amassed 35 professional victories, reached a highest Official World Golf Ranking of No. 3 and was named a 2024 World Golf Hall of Fame Inductee. In recent years, Harrington has made speed training and overall strength a priority for his continued improvement. At 51 years of age, he has reached the fastest swing speed of his professional career and is leading PGA TOUR Champions in driving distance by reaching ball speeds above 180 mph on a regular basis.
Padraig’s partnership will include social media engagement with the SuperSpeed community which will center on why speed is so important in the modern game, how it’s possible to gain speed as you age, how biomechanics and technology have improved the ability to know exactly how best to train for speed, and why SuperSpeed is the easiest and most effective speed training system on the market.
“I am excited to officially work with SuperSpeed as I want to continue to create more easy speed with my swing. A lot of people think it's all about speed which is very important but what it is really about is having speed in your comfort zone while playing. SuperSpeed has been in this game the longest, they’ve built these programs, they have the experience, and they’ve done the research. If you don’t have speed, you are behind the 8- ball and giving up a lot.” said Harrington.
SuperSpeed also supports several other players and influencers including LPGA Tour players Nanna Koerstz-Madsen and Cheyenne Night, Korn Ferry Tour player Cody Blick, and top amateur Maxwell Moldovan.
The SuperSpeed Golf Training System includes three specifically weighted training clubs and access to over a year's worth of complimentary online training. Designed around the concept of Overspeed Training, the research is clear showing 5% swing speed gains in approximately six weeks of regular practice with gains continuing with subsequent use.
The SuperSpeed Training System has helped hundreds of thousands of golfers increase their swing speed and create more powerful, consistent golf swings. Used by over 700 touring professionals, SuperSpeed is available in over 40 countries.
“All of us here at SuperSpeed are very excited to have a player like Padraig not only as an ambassador for SuperSpeed, but proof of the impact our system can have. When we decided to start our Tour ambassador program, he was the first player we thought of,” said Mike Napoleon, President of SuperSpeed Golf. “Padraig has been working with our equipment as long as our company has existed and has enjoyed great results. He is a perfect example of how fully integrating speed training can have long-term positive effects for a player. We hope that having him on the team helps bring this message to many more golfers all around the world.”
Train swing speed like Padraig Harrington with the SuperSpeed Golf Training System.
]]>Speed training has been shown to be an effective way to increase club speed, ball speed and carry distance in golfers of all skill levels. Traditionally this is carried out with weighted clubs that have similar dynamics of a player's driver. These types of training help drastically improve ground reaction force production during the golf swing, but potentially don’t fully target the way the golfer interacts with the club directly. Counterweighting has been a process of moving mass towards the hands, in order to affect swing speed through hand and club interactions. Past products have been used by players in their own clubs during training, but no research has been carried out on the effect of using a heavily counterweighted training aid in order to increase swing speed. The purpose of this study was to take a group of golfers through a 6 week training cycle using the SuperSpeed C Club, in order to see changes in club speed, ball speed and carry distance. The focus was primarily to understand if this club could elicit speed gains as a result of improvements in arm and hand speed and hand and grip dynamics.
Methods
11 recreational golfers participated in the study. The average age of the golfers was just over 40 years old, and the average handicap was around 15. Golfers in this study had never utilized counterweighted speed training before. The initial visit with the golfers consisted of a dynamic warm up, followed by hitting balls with increasing intensity with their own driver. After a period of about 10 balls, the players were instructed to hit 3 drives with max intensity, while data was collected using Trackman. Upon completion of the initial assessment, the golfers were shown the level 1 protocol from SuperSpeed golf for the C club. This consisted of 39 swings, 21 from the dominant side, 18 from the non dominant side, in 3 different drill positions. Regular swing, narrow swing and step swings. The player went through the entire cycle of training to ensure they were performing the exercises correctly. They were then sent the dynamic warm up and exercises and were instructed to perform these workouts 3x a week for the next 6 weeks. At the end of the training cycle, players came back in and performed the identical assessment including the dynamic warm up and ramping up of hitting balls until 3 were hit at maximum intensity. Comparisons were made for club speed, ball speed and carry distance.
Results
Club speed, ball speed and carry distance all improved as a result of the training program. The increase in club speed was 4 mph, or 4% (p=0.005), ball speed almost 10 mph or 7% (p=0.01) and carry distance of 22 yards or almost 10% (p<0.001). Figure 1 shows the data values for pre and post of all metrics and Figure 2 shows both the average raw and percent gain for the groups.
Conclusion
Training with a counterweighted club does in fact lead to increased club speed, ball speed and carry distance. These gains were seen after only 6 weeks of training at 45 minutes a week with only the SuperSpeed c club. Future studies should look at the changes in both kinetic and kinematics sequencing as a result of this training. Also investigating this training in conjunction with traditional overspeed training. The results from this study are strong to suggest that the SuperSpeed C club is an effective way for golfers to train to increase distance.
]]>Training for club head speed has become a more common occurrence amongst professional golfers. Additionally many amateur golfers are now seeing benefits in their own game as a result of increased swing speed. Research suggests that increases in swing speed will lead to improvements in strokes gained metrics off the tee, approach to green and in overall score improvements.
To date most research related to training for club head speed is centered around metrics of club speed, ball speed and distance. Some studies focus solely on swing speed training with SuperSpeed golf products and show improvements in club speed, ball speed and carry distance. Additionally those studies have also shown improvements in ground reaction forces that are closely related to club speed and efficiency.
The most important metrics to include in any study on training for swing speed should be related to how a golfer performs differently on the course. The advancement of on course tracking tools makes these studies more possible as a way to quantify true changes on the golf course. Understanding how speed gains translate to driver distance, accuracy and scoring on course is one practical aspect of this research that should be investigated. The purpose of this study was to utilize on course tracking to see the effects of on course performance for a group of golfers following the use of SuperSpeed golf level 1 program. It was hypothesized that speed gains would transfer to the course and that distance would increase, accuracy would not decrease and that overall scoring would improve.
Methods
Ten recreational golfers participated in the study. Average age of the golfers was 42.2 and the average handicap was just under 9. Golfers played on average about 6 rounds of golf a month. Players who participated in the study first set up a baseline of both swing speed and on course data. Baseline swing speed was assessed on the driving range using the PRGR radar. Golfers performed a brief dynamic warm up that included some swings of the SuperSpeed clubs and also their own driver. After the warmup, golfers hit a series of 5 drivers while the PRGR collected club speed. Following the warmup golfers were instructed on how to use the ShotScope V3 watch and associated GPS tracking and tagging for their own golf clubs. They were instructed to utilize this during rounds for the next month to get a baseline of at least 5 rounds of golf as the baseline. Data collections began in the beginning of June, in order to eliminate weather changes and golf performance changes as a result of just start vs. end of season golf.
After golfers established baselines with the ShotScope device, players were given a set of SuperSpeed golf clubs and were taught the level 1 protocol via video instruction. Golfers were directed to perform this training exactly as outlined in the protocol instructions. With summer travel etc, golfers were given almost 8 weeks of training to ensure that at least 20 speed sessions were completed before post data collection. After speed training was complete the identical data was collected following the same protocols. Driver swing speed on the driving range following the same brief warm up and on course performance for the ensuing month using ShotScope. During the month of follow up for on course performance, golfers were instructed to do SuperSpeed golf training one day a week. Differences were measured when golfers utilized a driver off the tee. This was meant to capture tee shots where the primary focus was distance as opposed to accuracy or positional shots based on the hole layout. Also golfers in this study played the majority of their rounds at the same golf course and as such made for a better comparison for location, hole layout, familiarity with the course.
Results
Golfers on average increased swing speed by 6 mph which was an increase of just over 5% as a result of training. ShotScope measures three different types of distances with each club, an average or the average of every shot hit by that club, a performance average that throws out some of the very worst shots hit by that club and the longest shot hit by each club. Average distance increased from 264 to 277, an increase of almost 5%, the performance average also had a 5% increase going from 289 to 302. Max distance had a gain of 2.7% or 8 yards. Average fairways hit increased from 41% pre training to 51% post training. Total shots improved averaged 2.7 strokes pre to post training.
Figure 1. Pre vs Post Driver Swing Speed
Figure 2: Driving Distance Pre vs Post Training
Figure 3. Driving Accuracy Pre vs Post Training
Discussion
This study was undertaken to measure actual on course changes as a result of SuperSpeed golf training. It was hypothesized that golfers would increase distance, and have no negative changes to accuracy and improvements to overall score. Golfers did gain on average 13 yards for both overall average and performance average as a result of training. The fairway percentages increased as a result of training and scores improved.
This study supports the idea that golfers who swing faster do not get worse as a result of balls hit further offline. Swing speed has been shown to be a good indication of efficiency and previous research has shown that SuperSpeed training has improved the golfer's kinetic sequence by improving timing and magnitude of ground reaction forces. This study adds another level of understanding by showing that these gains and improvements are not just reserved for simulator measurements, but also are transferring to the golf course.
Future studies should include more golfers, female and senior golfers as well as over a longer period of time. Looking at golfers for an entire golf season, followed by an off season speed training protocol and measurements in the next golf season would be a great way to look at this data in even greater detail.
Overall this study showed that golfers who speed train using SuperSpeed gain club head speed (5%), but also improve in their on course performance by increased distance, accuracy and lowering scores.
]]>This study was conducted to look at the effectiveness of a golf specific grip training aid on both grip strength and swing speed in a group of amateur golfers. Grip strength has been shown to be highly correlated to swing speed and many amateur golfers have a deficit of grip strength when compared to averages of tour players. This is especially true for female golfers and older golfers. Sufficient grip strength helps players to control the club face more throughout the swing and is required for faster swing speeds to ensure that the club stays in contact with the hands during the swing.
The study consisted of 8 golfers. Three female golfers and five male golfers. The average age of the participants was 43 years old. Youngest in the study was 22 and the oldest was 85. Two of the participants were over the age of 70 years old and three were female to make sure to target populations of golfers who struggle with grip strength. The other three male golfers and all three female golfers were all participating in regular physical activity that included lifts that required grip strength, this was to measure the effect on those who are already participating in regular physical activity.
Participants came to the lab and, after a brief warmup, went through baseline testing of grip strength and driver swing speed. Grip strength was tested on both lead and trail hands in a normal standing posture and also in golf posture using a handheld dynamometer. After grip strength was tested, golfers began hitting a mid iron at 50% capacity and gradually increased the intensity. After hitting 10 golf balls, they switched to drivers and followed a similar pattern of starting at sub max and moving to maximum intensity. Maximum driver swing speed was recorded when the player had two swings in a row that were slower in swing speed than the previous max.
After baseline testing the participants went through the grip strength protocol. This consisted of three different exercises all while a large grip training aid was placed over their own mid iron club. The exercises were all done in golf posture, an isometric hold of 5 seconds on and off, a quick on and off in a series of 10 repeated squeezes, and a series of swings with the golf club increasing intensity throughout the 10 swings. The golfers repeated this set of exercises twice in one sitting with rest in between. They were instructed to do the exercise for 4 weeks and then they returned to the lab for the post measurements of grip strength and swing speed.
On average the golfers all gained grip strength in both hands and in both the normal and golf posture positions. Average increases were between 5 and 7% for both hands and both postures. Additionally swing speed increased on average by 2.0 mph from the pre to post training.
This study shows the potential for golfers to gain both grip strength and swing speed as part of a golf specific grip strength training.
Learn more about: Grip Strength Correlations to Speed
Shop the SuperSpeed Squeeze to train your grip strength today.
First, I’d like to take a look at some grip strength comparisons between professional players and amateur golfers. This data comes from testing static grip strength of golfers we have personally coached and tested in the time frame of 2011-present. The measurements here are in Kg gathered with a standard dynamometer set on the most narrow setting possible.
Group |
Lead Hand |
Trail Hand |
Combined Avg |
Male Tour Players |
61.8 |
58.9 |
60.35 |
Male Long Drive Competitors |
84 |
81.6 |
82.8 |
Amateurs Combined |
40.375 |
39.625 |
40 |
Amateur Males |
42.7 |
41.8 |
42.25 |
Amateur Females |
27.2 |
27.3 |
27.25 |
This data shows quite clearly that professional players have significantly more grip strength than amateurs. Long drive competitors have an even greater amount of grip strength than tour players. It is also important to note that amateur females tend to have extremely low grip strength compared to amateur males. In this data set, 85% of the amateur data is made up of males and 15% of females.
Why are these differences important to golf performance and specifically swing speed?
As golf coaches, we have been taught since the time of Ben Hogan that we should use light grip pressure on the golf club. Sam Snead famously said, “Grip the club as if you were holding a baby bird.” I don’t believe that these concepts are incorrect from a feel standpoint. However, the “feel” of how much grip pressure a player is using is very closely tied to the percentage of their maximum grip strength being used during the golf swing. A study by J.P. Ramey showed that the maximum grip pressure a player will use occurs during transition of the swing. This makes sense from a physics perspective because the player has to make the club change direction. High level players are also creating some amount of downswing loading during this area of the golf swing, imparting even more force into the handle of the club. Another study by Sean Langlais showed in more detail that high level players tend to show low grip pressure during takeaway, high pressure during transition, and significantly reduced pressure at impact. These studies have been fairly consistent in showing a maximum dynamic pressure of about 32-35 Kg applied to the grip. This amount of grip pressure probably does feel “light” to a player who can produce a maximum amount above 60 Kg, since this is only a bit above 50% of their max and only stays at this level during the transition of the swing. What happens to the player who can only produce 35 Kg of grip pressure at max? If that player was to use 50% of their max, the club would go flying down the fairway, likely farther than the ball. In reality the player wouldn’t ever throw the club. They would simply slow down the swing or create early release of the club lag to reduce the amount of pressure needed to hold onto the club and attempt to accomplish their goal of hitting the golf ball. The main point here is that amateur players who have deficiencies in grip strength can’t create “light” grip pressure and maintain proficient control of the golf club.
From a performance standpoint, deficiencies in grip strength have a strong correlation to deficiencies in swing speed and therefore distance. We are currently working on additional studies to show even more links between grip strength deficiency and specific mechanical tendencies of the golf swing. Many other studies have been conducted in the past to show similar correlations. One in particular by Greg Wells of the University of Toronto showed a “Strong correlation between grip strength and driver ball speed, driver carry distance, and driver total distance”.
Our goal at SuperSpeed Golf has and will always be to help golfers increase swing speed and distance. So how do we help players who have a significant need to increase grip strength? Many traditional training philosophies tend to overlook specific grip strength training. These methods claim that the process of many exercises involving gripping a bar, dumbbell, kettlebell, or other type of connection to a weight, inherently trains grip strength. This scenario is likely true for players who are training with free weights, especially as those weights become heavier and heavier. Another way to create even more grip strength gains in the gym is to incorporate “fat grip” training during workouts. This involves using a larger grip on barbells and other implements during standard exercises. Patrick Cummings headed a research study at Stony Brook University in partnership with Mississippi State University showing the comparative results of gym training on golf performance with and without the use of “fat grips”. The results of this study showed statistically significant improvements in ball speed, carry distance, and total distance with the test group using “fat grips”, while no significant change was observed with the control group using standard grips. Below are the increases seen in this study.
Stat |
Percentage Change |
Ball Speed |
4.45% |
Carry Distance |
6.56% |
Total Distance |
5.15% |
These are great results for players involved in three plus days a week of regular training in the gym. We would definitely recommend adding “fat grip” training to these routines immediately.
What about golfers who aren’t gym rats and still want to increase grip strength? This population also is quite likely to have the largest deficiencies in grip strength and the most to gain from training. We have also reviewed neuromuscular research that shows even bigger performance improvements in many sports with the inclusion of sport-specific motions during the training process. One such study came out of Australia by William Sheehan of the University of Technology Sydney. This study showed, “Golf-specific strength and power exercises may, to a greater extent, induce larger increases in club head speed and carry distance than traditional exercises due to the swing-specific neuromuscular demands”. Essentially, this says that the golf swing is a really complicated movement. Therefore great benefits can be obtained from training specific elements during the actual motor program of the swing.
So we decided to put a lot of this research together and create a “fat grip” that could be used to train during the golf swing. We call this new product the SuperSpeed Squeeze. It is a simple device that fits over the golf grip on any standard golf club. We have also created a training protocol that involves single hand isometric holds, two-hand golf-posture holds, quick burst on and off reps, non-dominant golf swings, and dominant golf swings. Dr. Tyler Standifird of Utah Valley University has been instrumental in assisting with the development of the Squeeze protocol and the initial research on the results of the training. His initial study involved only four weeks of training three times per week and showed significant improvements in grip strength and swing speed.
Standing |
Golf Posture |
Driver Speed |
|||
Left Hand |
Right Hand |
Left Hand |
Right Hand |
||
Increase |
6.30% |
5.40% |
5.14% |
6.70% |
1.5 MPH |
We are excited to bring golf-specific grip strength training to the masses of golfers around the world. We feel that the science is solid on this topic. Amateurs will see improvements in speed and likely many other aspects of their game as a result of this training. We also look forward to continuing our research around this topic to bring even more specific correlations between grip strength and the golf swing to light.
Michael Napoleon, PGA
Co-founder of SuperSpeed Golf, LLC
SuperSpeed Golf hosted Mike Napoleon PGA and Dr Tyler Standifird to review the best practices to starting up a SuperSpeed training program.
They covered many topics including:
-How the SuperSpeed Training Protocols and Cycles work
-How to best keep track of your gains with technology
-How to incorporate a fitness regimen with SuperSpeed
-How to best use SuperSpeed while still playing golf or tournaments
-Non Dominant Training
-Typical results from the protocols
-Swing Mechanics
The SuperSpeed Golf Blast Motion Speed Analyzer is a fantastic piece of gear that makes it easy to track your speed training. It packs in loads of other functionality, too, but it’s worth the money for the speed training alone. If you want to get faster and longer, make this part of your practice kit.
https://pluggedingolf.com/
Mike Napoleon PGA and Dr Tyler Standifird of SuperSpeed Golf and Greg Sabella of Blast Motion had a great conversation about how to effectively use the Blast Technology to improve your speed, full swing, short game, and putting this offseason.
Want to wirelessly track all your SuperSpeed sessions and store your progress in an app? We have partnered with Blast Motion to create the all new "Air Swing Mode". By adding the Blast sensor to the end of each SuperSpeed club, each swing will be automatically measured in the app with no manual or voice entry.
Besides the new air swing mode for SuperSpeed swings, The Blast Motion sensor measures tons of useful data when hitting a ball.
✅ Swing Speed
✅ Peak Hand Speed
✅ Tempo
✅ Backswing Time
✅ Downswing Time
✅ Attack Angle
✅ Total Swing Time
Learn more about the Blast Motion Speed Analyzer Package.
Average age of the participants was 70.3 with a youngest of 58 and an oldest of 89. Swing speed increases were seen in all 47 of the participants
Ron explains his group training details here.
“Overall, my goal was to continue to encourage, motivate and inspire the belief that faster club head speeds were possible even at an age where most golfers are suffering significant distance loss.
With that as an objective, every week, there were five segments in a SuperSpeed Training Session.
Part 1) Once a week with all 3 groups, I created highlights of the previous week performances. Percentage increases, personal bests…really any breakthrough was recognized by the group, either with SuperSpeed Sticks or with the Driver. I also included technique adjustments with the SuperSpeed training clubs that might help increase speeds.
Part 2) The dynamic warmup, which frankly, most considered to be a full body workout. Ironically, after the first two weeks, the feedback from the participants was that they looked forward to the warmup as much as they did the speed training.
Part 3) Next, each player made 5 full speed driver swings on FlightScope with Strike Spray. I would record all five swings on video for analysis after the SuperSpeed session. I also would write in the data from each of the 5 swings on the golfer’s individual worksheet.
Part 4) Players would pair up and go through their SuperSpeed training protocols, based on their training Level, 1, 2, or 3. We provided PRGR launch monitors for each twosome. One player would swing while the other recorded the results on that player’s worksheet. This helped to guarantee enough rest between sets to optimize the training and the training results.
Part 5) Upon completion of the Level 1, 2 or 3 SuperSpeed protocol, players would end their session with 5 full speed golf shots with their personal driver and Strike Spray. Again, I would record the swings on video for analysis after the SuperSpeed session. I also would write in the data from each of the 5 swings on the golfer’s individual worksheet.
For the other 2 required sessions per week, I produced individual worksheets for each player and asked them to record their results. The players would return those to me. I plugged them into their personal “locker” (file). Next, I printed “permanent” sheets for them to keep.
Before beginning Level 1 Training I provided each player a personal binder to keep track of their progress, along with pictures and articles from SuperSpeed and other sources describing the training process involved with increasing speed. Even though it was a bit, “Old School” these became an integral part of the experience for our members, while they were putting in the effort and tracking the results. I would often hear them talking about a breakthrough in speeds that they never thought were possible.”
Swing speed increases were seen in all 47 of the participants, the smallest gain was 0.5 mph, and the largest was 13 mph. The average gains were 4.1 mph for the males and 4 mph for the females. This led to increases of just over 5% (p<0.001) during the training. There was no correlation between age and club head speed gains (r=-0.036, p=0.810), showing that age did not affect how much speed these golfers gained during the training. There was also no difference in gains by gender, as both genders equally gained swing speed (p=0.938).
Charts below show the pre and post driver speeds grouped by gender and also a table looking at the group averages for males, females and combined (all participants).
Dr. Tyler Standifird, the lead biomechanist from SuperSpeed Golf, joined the Sweet Shot podcast with hosts Jon Sherman and Adam Young show to discuss the benefits of Overspeed training.
They cover a wide range of topics based on Tyler’s research into how golfers train for speed. Tyler also answers many common questions most golfers have, whether they are thinking about Overspeed training or want to dive deeper into more advanced programs he created for SuperSpeed Golf.
]]>Dr Tyler Standifirid, professor of biomechanics at Utah Valley University, joins Mark Immelman to discuss his ongoing research relating to Speed Training.
Training to increase your club head speed involves both a physical and neuromuscular aspect. Unfortunately we are not able to feel our nervous system fatigue the same way we feel our muscles. For example, if you complete a training session in the gym or a run where you push too hard, the next day frequently results in muscular soreness from those activities. When training the nervous system we often aren’t able to feel if we have pushed too hard or not. Since Overspeed training is making us swing faster than we normally would on course or during practice, this results in a high neurological stimulus. Recognizing how fatiguing this can be to the nervous system, adequate rest is recommended for optimal gains and reduced risk of injury. At SuperSpeed Golf, we have each protocol session followed by a full day of rest.
When you first begin training with SuperSpeed you may find that the Level 1 protocol leaves you tired which is very common. The more you train the more your body will get used to the effort required to maximize your speed output. As you continue to progress using SuperSpeed you get the urge to train more frequently than we recommend due to the sessions feeling “too easy”. If this occurs we still recommend only training 3 days per week, with a greater focus on providing maximum effort output with each swing. If you have a measuring device like our PRGR Launch Monitor keep close track of what the speeds of each club are session to session. Combining max effort with proper rest will help you achieve your club head speed goals.
Listen Here:
]]>The Heel Stomp drill focuses specifically on the very start of the downswing. We know that some golf instructors and certain golf tips that you read tell you to not lift your lead heel in the backswing. We believe there is no one correct way to swing the golf club, as every golfer has very different swing characteristics surrounding their swing, their body, etc. This particular drill is not meant as technical golf swing advice but rather how to develop speed skills which may require you to perform movements that do not normally occur in your golf swing. It is important for players to train speed and their technical golf swing separately. While some players have an understanding on how to use their Lead Foot, they might always use it effectively during the downswing. Other struggle to understand how the Lead Foot can help not only create power, but stabilize that power through the golf swing. This drill can help players develop the desired feel to maximize their power potential in the golf swing.
Frequently asked questions about the Heel Stomp:
Keep in mind that results will always vary from player to player. Use these answers as a guide to help identify where power leaks may occur and how you can solve them using this drill.
Potential pitfalls for completing the Heel Stomp Drill:
A properly sequenced downswing begins with the lower body; a move most amateurs struggle with. Many average golfers initiate the downswing with their upper body leading to slices and pulls, fat and thin shots, and a loss of distance! The step drill is designed to force you to start the downswing with your lower body leading to improved sequencing and more power/speed in your game. The video below provides a detailed breakdown of how to complete the step drill.
Frequently asked questions about the Step Drill in SuperSpeed Training:
Keep in mind that results will always vary from player to player. Use these answers as a guide to help identify where power leaks may occur and how you can solve them using this drill.
Potential pitfalls for completing the Step Drill:
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"Everyone wants a Trackman Launch Monitor for the price of a dozen ProV1s. While that may be a bit of an exaggeration; the rise in interest in personal launch monitors is real and the price point is one of the biggest factors. How much are you willing to pay to have technical details about your clubs? How many details do you feel are necessary to know about each club or ball you play? I can’t decide for you the value those numbers have to your game; I can tell you that a TrackMan Launch Monitor costs around $20K while the PRGR costs around $200. So how do they compare? Clearly they aren’t in the same category, but you might be able to get what you really need at a fraction of the cost."
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By the end of the six weeks, golfers had gained, on average, 6.4 miles per hour with their driver compared with their baseline test, measured at the start of the six weeks.
The reason for the increase, in a nutshell, was that making non-dominant sided swings appeared to improve golfers’ golf swing sequence, and specifically their lower body movement."
]]>LUKE KERR-DINEEN, Golf.com, explains the exciting results of Dr. Tyler Standifird's study on Non Dominant Swings and why they are important to your speed regimen.
"The case study involved 10 golfers who had an average clubhead speed of 109 mph. Whereas in a previous study Standifird had golfers go through the company’s six-week level 1 training protocol — which involves making right-handed, left-handed, and step-swings — this time golfers were instructed to make only non-dominant side swings.
Right-handed golfers would swing the Superspeed sticks lefty 39 times, three times a week (and vice versa for lefty golfers). These golfers didn’t hit any golf balls except at the very start and end of the experiment, to measure its effects.
...
By the end of the six weeks, golfers had gained, on average, 6.4 miles per hour with their driver compared with their baseline test, measured at the start of the six weeks.
The reason for the increase, in a nutshell, was that making non-dominant sided swings appeared to improve golfers’ golf swing sequence, and specifically their lower body movement."
]]>When assessing your gains during a speed training program it is essential that you are measuring speed in consistent ways to ensure that you are measuring speed gains accurately. As I have collected data in my lab there are a few keys that I would suggest every golfer employ when doing pre/post assessments. The main idea is consistency. Keep the pre and post sessions as similar as you possibly can. We don't want people to think they gained more speed than they did or not see the gains that they may have had. We want you to be fair and accurate in how you asses your own speed gains. Below are some key things to keep consistent between these sessions.
1. Warm up - Warm up the same way for the pre and post assessment. A good dynamic warm up and a handful of swings while increasing the intensity is a great way to go. You cannot have variable warm ups between sessions and expect to measure accurate speed gains. Write down what you did for the first session and do it the same way on the post session. Don't do a pre session cold or with an abbreviated warm up and a post session with a great warm up and expect you will have accurate results.
2. Intensity of Swing - Make sure the intensity of the swings is the same for both assessments. You can't have pre assessments where you are swinging like you are on a tight par 4 and your post assessments like you are playing in a scramble on a wide open par 5 and your partner is already 275 yards in the fairway. Make sure that both assessments are at the same intensity. This is why I like to use the idea of swinging as fast as possible, so at least your thought process is the same on the pre and post.
3. Club and ball - Make sure you are swinging the same club for both your assessments. Don't change the shaft or the length of the driver between sessions. Don't do a pre session with a driver and then a post session with a three wood. If your pre session is with air swings (not hitting a ball) that is fine, just make sure your post session is the same as well. Make sure you use the same ball if you are going to be measuring ball speeds.
4. Daily routine - Try and make your day the very same for both assessments. If you worked out really hard the morning of your pre assessment and then don't the morning of your post, that would influence it. Don't do a pre session first thing in the morning and a post session in the middle of the afternoon. If you slept wonderfully the evening before your pre and terribly before your post that would affect it. Try and have the day be as consistent as possible.
5. Device measurement - Make sure you are measuring with the same device. If you are using a PRGR for your swing speeds, use it for all of your speed measurements. Be as accurate as possible with setting up your radar. Put it in the same location relative to where you are swinging the club. I use tape and lines in my lab to make sure it is in the same position every time. Don't jump between measurement devices, as each will measure speed a little differently.
6. Environment - Try and keep the location and situation as consistent as possible. If you do the pre session in your living room do the post in your living room. If you do the pre session outside on the grass with golf shoes do the post the same way. Don't do the pre on wet grass in the morning and the post on dry grass in the afternoon. Keep that environment the same.
My goal is to be as accurate as I can with my research as it relates to speed training. These ideas, and others like them, allow me to be confident in the true gains you are gaining from your speed training.
Dr. Tyler Standifird
Assistant Biomechanics Professor
Utah Valley University
Photo - Top Team Sports Performance Jason Lindsay
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✅ David Leadbetter Golf Academy Director for 13 years
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✅ Numerous appearances on Golf Channel
✅ Taught numerous that have competed on PGA, LPGA, PGA Champions Tour, and Canadian Tour
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0:00 Intro
0:45 Key Details and Specs
3:55 Testing
13:01 Final Thoughts
In this video, 2nd Swing's Thomas Campbell and Drew Mahowald test out the PRGR Launch Monitor and compare it to the numbers on Trackman.
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