Impact of flexibility on performance
This factor looks at the range of motion at each joint throughout the body. The greater the range of motion, the better your flexibility.
This can help increase the following:
- your reach
- the power you can generate
Consider how a certain amount of flexibility in the shoulders can help a golfer when driving.
Rory McIlroy is regularly complimented for the distance he can achieve in his drive.
McIlroy has referenced the importance of mobility and flexibility. His large range of motion means he is able to take the club back a greater amount of degrees which enables him to generate more power on the down swing and therefore gain more distance.
Question
Using the 3-step process, how might flexibility impact performance in golf?
An example answer could be...
- High levels of flexibility in the shoulder joints can really help you when driving in golf.
- This means you can take the club back further and generate more momentum on the downswing due to the club covering a greater number of degrees.
- This leads to your drive covering a great distance and putting you close to the green.
PE and Maths
When considering how flexible a joint is, use your knowledge of angles from maths. The more flexible each joint is, the greater the number of degrees it can cover.
More guides on this topic
- Factors impacting on performance - Introduction
- Impact of mental factors on performance
- Impact of emotional factors on performance
- Impact of social factors on performance
- Impact of physical factors on performance - Skills
- Impact of physical factors on performance - Tactics
- How factor interaction impacts on performance