CONSERVATION OF MOMENTUM
by Dr. T. J. Tomasi, Keiser University College of Golf Senior Faculty and Director of Research
When you’re driving your car and slam on the brakes at 60 mph, anything that’s not tied down smashes into the windshield.
This is a demonstration of the conservation of momentum, a useful law of science when you’re making a golf swing with one very big caveat – to hit good shots, it must happen at the correct time.
The proper swing sequence is violated when you slow or stop your trail shoulder too early in the downswing, a mistake that causes the club to flip off line.
Thus, if your shoulders fail to keep pace, you will fall victim to what I call “running out of right arm” (left for left-handers).
Think of it this way — your trail arm is only so long, and it effectively shortens when your back shoulder loses pace during the race to impact.
Held back by the slow shoulder, your back arm will reach its full extension too early, transferring so much force to the lead wrist that it must collapse prematurely, resulting in a weak slap at the ball.
If you enjoyed this golf tip, here’s how you can get even more. Contact Keiser University College of Golf to learn more about golf careers.
