Golf is a sport that demands not only skill and strategy but also flexibility and mobility. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting out, incorporating golf specific mobility drills into your routine can significantly improve your game. Here, we explore four effective drills recommended these expert V1 Sports’ Coaches to enhance your golf mobility:
Nancy Quarcelino, a seasoned PGA coach, stresses the importance of warming up your shoulders before hitting the greens. The shoulders play a pivotal role in a golf swing, capable of a full 360-degree rotation around the body. Quarcelino emphasizes exercises that isolate shoulder movement without twisting the upper body, promoting flexibility and readiness for optimal performance. These exercises are designed to improve shoulder health and enhance overall swing mechanics. Incorporate Nancy’s shoulder warm-up into your pre-game routine to unlock better range of motion and smoother swings on the course.
Khary Mitchell introduces a drill aimed at improving range of motion and timing, particularly beneficial for golfers with limited mobility. Using a seven iron or similar club, Mitchell’s drill focuses on positioning the club shaft over the feet to encourage a proper body turn during the swing. This exercise gradually incorporates extending the right hand towards the toes, promoting a balanced follow-through position. Practicing Mitchell’s drill daily can significantly enhance your ability to complete a full follow-through, ultimately refining your natural swing motion and enhancing overall golf performance.
Jon Watts, from Tru Golf Academy, addresses mobility issues affecting swing length and power. He recommends simple setup adjustments to enhance rotation: positioning the trail foot slightly back and flaring out both feet. These adjustments facilitate a bigger shoulder turn and create a wider swing arc, effectively increasing club speed and optimizing swing efficiency. Watts highlights that these setup tweaks naturally promote a corkscrew effect in the downswing, maximizing power generation without compromising control. Integrate Jon’s mobility hacks into your setup routine for smoother, more powerful swings on the fairway.
Apo Tsolakis underscores the critical role of hip mobility in elevating golf swing power and efficiency. He advises against having your feet pointed straight ahead at setup, as it restricts hip movement. Instead, Tsolakis suggests slightly flaring out the feet, allowing the trail hip to open more during the backswing and the lead hip during the through swing. This adjustment may feel unfamiliar initially but enhances overall mobility and power in your swing. Tsolakis recommends consulting with physiotherapists or TPI-certified golf coaches for tailored exercises and drills to improve hip mobility and elevate your performance on the course.
Incorporating these mobility drills into your golf routine can lead to noticeable improvements in your swing mechanics, power generation, and overall performance. Whether you’re aiming for better shoulder flexibility, enhanced range of motion, optimized setup for mobility, or improved hip movement, these coach-recommended drills provide actionable steps to elevate your game. Start integrating these drills today to unlock your full potential on the golf course.
You’ll find these drills and more inside the V1 GOLF app. Download today to start working on your swing.