Tiger Squat

[Ringer]

I said in the thread about Brady Riggs's analysis of Tiger, he says that the Tiger Squat creates more power. I wonder how that is. Is it just another case of, "Well he does it so it must be good." type of thing, or is there something to it in your opinion?

 

[Jim Kobylinski]

I said in the thread about Brady Riggs's analysis of Tiger, he says that the Tiger Squat creates more power. I wonder how that is. Is it just another case of, "Well he does it so it must be good." type of thing, or is there something to it in your opinion?

It was explained to me like this:

In gym class, when they tested your vertical, did you just stand there and jump or did you do a little squat and then jump?

It's the same idea, you are using the ground as leverage to exert more force. Maybe someone smarter than me can explain it scientifically (mechanically).

 

[Ringer]

It was explained to me like this:

In gym class, when they tested your vertical, did you just stand there and jump or did you do a little squat and then jump?

It's the same idea, you are using the ground as leverage to exert more force. Maybe someone smarter than me can explain it scientifically (mechanically).

But the direction of the athletic motion is completely different. It makes sense to make a vertical move.. but the golf swing is more horizontal.

 

[Jim Kobylinski]

true, however have you ever tried to throw a ball as far as you could?

Ever try to throw SOMEONE as far as you could?

What do you do right before you? You squat and use the ground for leverage. Again, i don't know how to explain it scientifically but it works.

 

[hue]

I remember Brian saying something like "You have to go into the ground to come out of the ground" Boxers do the same thing when they set themselves up to throw heavy punches.

 

[tchilds]

I remember Brian saying something like "You have to go into the ground to come out of the ground" Boxers do the same thing when they set themselves up to throw heavy punches.

right...I thought I remembered Brian writing something about squashing the lemon or something...in other words applying force to the ground. Same thing as a squat isn't it...

 

[Ringer]

Boxing.. bat swinging.. ball throwing.. all of those motions are in the wrong direction of Golf. According to TGM we are bringing the club to bear on the ball and going DOWN. All those motions you mention are either upward or sideways.

I understand the concept is to gain leverage, but what precisely is being leveraged?

 

[sea cow]

Clubhead speed represents mostly momentum transferred from the body to the clubhead. That's why the hands have to be loose and freely pivoting. Body momentum needs to be downward and around. Hip rotation, arms pulling downward and the squat all direct body mass down toward the ball. The clubhead lags behind a bit, and then at some point, it begins its very rapid acceleration around the hands toward the ball. At the point of impact, all those moving high-mass body parts are very nearly motionless -- the clubhead is actually pulling the hands/arms around at that point. The momentum of the dropping, twisting body is transferred to the clubhead at impact.

So, I think the squat isn't so much about needing extra flex or pre-flex in the legs as it is about adding momentum and power to the downswing. It's pretty tricky to time this move. Not many people can pull it off. Sean Fister hits the ball pretty far without that squat!

BTW -- the best baseball hitters don't squat as they swing. They just turn from their launch position.