The Biomechanical Differences Between Practice Swing And Swing With Foam Ball And Real Swing

Purpose:This study aimed to examine whether there are biomechanical differences between practice swing and swing with indoor practice ball both of which are are commonly employed among golfers when practicing and real swing.Methods:10 students majoring in golf from one college were instructed to execute swings under three random conditions: practice swing, swing with indoor practice ball and real swing. All kinematic parameters were acquired synchronously.Results:Both the club head speed and the value of X-factor of real swing are significantly greater than those of practice swing, while those of swing with indoor practice ball have no significant difference with real swing. The duration for the backswing showed no difference between practice swing and real swing, and neither for swing with indoor practice ball and real swing. The duration for downswing of practice was significantly greater than that of real swing, while that of swing with indoor practice ball has no significant difference with real swing. The all RMS values for the backswing showed no difference between practice swing and real swing, and neither for swing with indoor practice ball and real swing. The real swing’s RMS values of bilateral latissimus dorsi and erector spinae on the left side for downswing were significantly greater than those of practice swing, while thoes of swing with indoor practice ball have no significant difference with real swingConclusion:Not only the club head velocities but all kinematic parameters and EMG values are significantly different between practice swing and real swing. Swing with indoor practice ball shows no significant differences compared with real swing. All the results indicate that practice swing should be employed in the first stage when players begin to learn. However, swing with indoor practice ball is thought to dominate indoor practicing when players proficient in swing.