I have seen a statement to the effect that in order to hit the ball farther, the arms must move faster. Is there any scientific data backing this claim? Is anyone aware of motion studies that have measured arm speed? Is that possible? Not trying to get into pivot v. arms issues, just interested if the scientists or teachers here have identified how fast the arms move in the swing and whether that has translated to further force.
Dear rogerdodger,
The forward arm speed is one of the graphs of the kinematic sequence as obtained from the Titleist Performance Institute, TPI/AMM 12 sensor systems (similar to Michael Jacob's new system), and even available from K-Vest as they also use the Titleist data bases, and place one of 3 sensors on the lead hand.
Just a few days ago, I had access to the new AMM "Walkabout" system, which also places a NEW Bluetooth sensor on the lead hand, and can be taken to the driving range, or even on the golf course.
Back to your question. All these systems record information and present a 'graph' of rotational arm speed in degrees per second referenced to the humerus/glenooid of the lead shoulder complex for the entire back swing transition and downswing.
The rotational speed of the arm has a complex but direct relationship to the eventual speed of the golf club head as it is the energy in this arm that provides much of the energy transferred to the golf club. Faster arm speed is good early in the down swing however, as the angular momentum of the accelerating arm transfers thru the wrists and hands, it accelerates the club, but the lead arm DEcelerates.
IMO, the higher the 'maximum' arm speed at its peak, approximately 2/3 of the down swing time, the higher the club head speed, and peak arm speeds of 900 degrees per second are common for good golfers. Page 60 of the TPI 3D Biomechanics Report used in their Level 2 Classes shows a range of 888 to 1038 degrees per second for accomplished golfers.
Hope that's clear,
art
