Using the ground properly to increase power and distance on shots has become a hot topic in the golf industry. With the advent of technology, such as BodiTrack, instructors can know measure how much pressure a golfer puts into the ground in order to maximize efforts. Ground force reaction (GFR) has been discussed, debated, and taught to students who wish to use their legs better in the golf swing. I’ve come up with an easy explanation to help students understand this concept quickly so that their golf game can improve.
The load, squat, jump sequence is an easy way to describe the proper use of the legs to help students use the ground more effectively to improve power and speed. This ultimately translates to more distance for the student.
Recommended Drills
There are two simple drills I prescribe that students can use in order to feel how much leg motion can be utilized in the swing. Players who lack distance and control often over-use their upper body (hands and arms) and unfortunately, this creates more variance in the golf shots. Using larger muscle groups, such as the core, legs, and hips create more reliable sources of motion.
The first drill to practice with is the Single Leg Swing Drill. Line up the golf ball with your lead leg, and pull back your trail leg so the toe in on the ground (See Picture 1). Next, you will make some swings utilizing your legs and upper body (see Pictures 2 & 3).
Most players will start this drill only swinging their upper body. What will happen naturally is the lead knee will flex in the downswing in order to maintain stability and balance. Next, it will begin to straighten, or “post,” right before impact so you’re able to swivel and rotate through. You can pick up clubhead speed with the drill immediately which will solidify the benefits and impact of using the ground quickly.
An easy way to understand how flexing and pushing into the ground creates force in the golf swing is through the use of a jump rope. If you look at the pictures of me demonstrating jumping rope (Picture 4), you’ll see the knees flex right before I jump over the rope. As I leap into the air, the legs extend.
The movement of knee flexion to extension is what creates the force and energy to propel my body into the air. Golfers use this same extension action to create energy and power in the golf swing.
This idea will certainly challenge those who believe you should “keep your head down,” throughout the swing. Over the years we have seen many examples of tour players who squat lower in the downswing, then extend and “jump” through impact and into the finish position. This creates massive gains in power. Look at some of the games longest hitters: Rory McIlroy, Dustin Johnson, Lexi Thompson, and Brittaney Lincicome. Working on these two concepts will help you solidify the idea of ground reaction forces, and simplify how to use your legs in the swing to maximize power.
Alison
Feature Photo of the author, Dr. Alison Curdt at the 2020 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship from Getty Images
Dr. Alison Curdt leads our coverage of golf psychology and is a PGA Master Professional and a LPGA Master Professional. Being 1 of only 2 women to achieve this highest dual PGA and LPGA credential earned by an instructor. Alison has over 29 years of golf competition background and has recently played in five LPGA Tour majors. Alison arrived in California after being a 2 time Academic All-American and competing on a full scholarship on the women’s golf team at Florida State University.
Owner of Alison Curdt Golf in Los Angeles, CA, she earned numerous teaching awards such as the 2015 LPGA National Teacher of the Year, 2016 Southern California PGA Teacher of the Year, 4-time LPGA T&CP Western Section Teacher of the year, LPGA Top 50 Teacher, and was inducted into the Southern California PGA Teaching Hall of Fame. Alison has been selected twice as one of Golf Digest’s Best Young Teachers in America.
Alison is the Director of Instruction at Wood Ranch Golf Club and practices as a licensed clinical sport psychotherapist at Curdt Performance Therapy. She holds her doctoral degree in clinical psychology with an emphasis in sport psychology.
Contact Alison Curdt at her website alisoncurdtgolf.com and follow her online on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Youtube.
See all of Alison Curdt’s articles on WomensGolf.com
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