Improving Your Golf Performance

Improved performance in Golf requires special attention to several factors. Most of these factors can be improved. These factors are:

Bodily proportions

Skill training.

Strength.

Flexibility.

Endurance.

Positive imagery.

Clothing.

Improved performance demands that one take these components into account to lower ones score, eliminate fatigue, help prevent muscle and joint pain, and to improve lack of concentration.

All of which may contribute, individually or as a group, as a major cause of injury or poor performance.

Of the six factors mentioned, bodily proportion is the only one that cannot be improved. Bodily proportions are a factor of genetics. As such, they can contribute to the success of all athletes. Even if the athlete lacks average amounts of the other performance elements.

Bodily proportion refers to traits such as: The length of the arms, torso, legs and other more complex elements, all of which determine our "natural ability."

Genetics relates to the length of each body segment to each other, and to the physique as a total system.

In an anatomical sense, the genetics also determine the length of bones, the origin and insertion of muscles (the length), cross-sectional diameter of muscles (the width) and neuron-muscular innovation within the muscle (the amount of nerve fibers attached to muscles), all of which controls muscle contraction strength, speed, power and coordination.

As an example, a person who carries five requirements but inherits a bone structure that matures to a height of only 5\' will never excel at a game of high-level, professional basket ball, no matter how much he or she practices.

Generally, neither will him or her be able to place the ball into the hoop by jumping to the height of the hoop, no matter how much he or she practices jumping.

Each of us is limited, or gifted, by our genetics; however, with intelligent choices we can succeed in selected sports competition or recreational endeavors.

One must therefore learn how to capitalize one's genetic potential. One way is to design a specific exercise program, to complement the golf game, and enhance all of the potential elements required for improved sports performance.

Skill Training

Practicing the sport of your choice is very important and is the initial way to improve performance, even if you excel in all other aspects of the required factors. Skill training is best learned from a qualified golfing professional. Then, continued "perfect practice" of the movements will improve one's skill level.Proper instruction will improve motor skills, teach proper body positioning, how to start and stop the movement, timing, coordination, rhythm of actions and body stabilization. In other words: "Perfect Practice Makes Perfect."

Strength

Strength training for Golf is of paramount importance, and often misunderstood. Properly developed strength can prevent injuries to muscles, tendon's, ligaments and bones. Improved strength produces a corresponding improvement in muscle endurance. Strength is the major element required to help the body absorb the impact forces (shock) of sport competition.

Strength also allows one to hold a certain skill position better, longer, and allows repetitive movements without fatigue and eliminates poor body positioning from becoming an issue. It is the strength of muscles and joints, not one's flexibility , that prevents muscle and joint injuries.Heres why: It is the ability of the body to resist and absorb the impact force directed at it, during a fall or in certain fast movements, that prevents excessive twisting or turning of arms, legs, neck or spine. Stronger muscles will dramatically improve your performance.

Golf is a One Sided Sport. Because golf is a "one sided sport" proper strength training will improve total body balance and posture. Total body exercise with balance the strength, flexibility, and endurance of muscles on each side of the body. This prevents, the very noticeable golfer's physique, that causes the bodyto lean to one side, putting excess stress and strain on the lumbar spine, cervical neck, hip, and leg areas.

Flexibility

Flexibility is defined as: Range-of- motion around a joint. As the sports endeavor, golf requires normal range-of-movement. For Golfers, improved range is achieved by skill practice of the events themselves, and other auxiliary movements such as high tech exercise. Stretching for flexibility must be done slowly and the position held for at least 20 seconds for best results.One should move slowly into a position and slowly out of the position. Because of the body's stretch reflex system, any movements quickly performed prevents a full-range stretch.Fast movements inhibit full-range movement because the body's stretch reflex system contracts muscles prior to full extension, limiting, rather than allowing, more flexibility.

Endurance

Endurance is another greatly misunderstood factor in sports. Generally, adequate amounts of endurance is obtained by the repetitive practice of one's chosen sport. Frankly, golf is not an endurance event. We might as well admit it. A properly designed, and supervised Nautilus exercise program, will provide high levels of endurance beyond those attained by the practice of a chosen sport, and at the same time provide superior strength. Properly designed and supervised exercise programs are designed to produce Metabolic Conditioning. the ultimate level of combined strength, flexibility, muscle endurance, and cardio-endurance. Muscle endurance, and cardio-endurance are achieved at the same time, when following a properly designed exercise protocol.

Positive Imagery

Imagery is the process of attempting to concentrate and create, in one's mind eye, the skills involved in the discipline to achieve the perfect form position. It can be practiced almost anywhere at any time, many times a day.

Clothing

Wear lose clothing, appropriate to the climate. Dress for Success. Fake it until you make it!

About The Author

Josesph F Mullen is an author of numerous books and national magazine articles. He is also a consultant in the areas of sports improvement, post-physical therapy exercise, work contitioning, and total conditioning. More information is avaliable through his web site California Strength Institute.