#169 Golf Swing Head Movement Analysis
- Author
- Golf247.eu
- Published
- Wed 19 Mar 2025
- Episode Link
- https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/puttin-pro/episodes/169-Golf-Swing-Head-Movement-Analysis-e304d6c
This podcast by Henrik Jentsch from Golf Academy 360°, supported by Sports Box AI 3D, examines the popular golf advice of keeping your head down. It defines "head movement" as vertical motion relative to the starting position and analyzes professional golfer Rory McIlroy's head movement pattern using Sportsbox 3D Golf App data, comparing it to a 20-handicap golfer.
Rory McIlroy demonstrates minimal upward movement immediately after addressing the ball, with another slight rise at position P2 of his swing. Notably, he shows a distinct upward incline near the end of his backswing, known as the "squat move," which contributes significantly to generating power and speed. After releasing the club during his follow-through, McIlroy's head reaches its lowest vertical position, demonstrating a controlled and strategic downward movement. This specific motion is crucial for effective impact and follow-through, enhancing accuracy and distance.
In contrast, the 20-handicap golfer consistently exhibits a pronounced upward movement throughout the entire swing, indicating a less efficient pattern. The divergence between the two golfers begins immediately after addressing the ball and continues through the swing. The continuous upward movement observed in the 20-handicap golfer can negatively impact swing efficiency, consistency, and accuracy, often resulting in weaker shots and a higher overall score.
The podcast concludes that golfers exhibiting a pattern similar to the 20-handicap player should focus on keeping their head lower, as controlled or downward head movements typically correlate with better swings and lower handicaps. The critical distinctions highlighted are in the control, timing, and direction of vertical head movements during the swing. Additionally, the podcast emphasizes the importance of understanding kinematic graphs and setting up the Sportsbox Studio for effective swing analysis, ultimately helping golfers improve their swing mechanics and overall performance.
