The NEW GBD Freedom System!

In the second quarter of 2011, Polhemus announced the release of its latest 3D, 6DOF (degree of freedom) motion capture hardware – the G4. The G4 is a tetherless system in which sensors (the same size as the current ones) are attached by cable to a device the size of a smart phone, typically clipped to the belt. This device transmits (wirelessly) the position and orientation of the sensors to a computer. That is, the golfer will have no “tail” while wearing these sensors!

The obvious advantage to this tetherless system will be the ability to take the system out on the course and the feeling of the golfer that they are less ‘constrained’. A transmitter with power supply will still be required even in this on-course situation, but it does gives greater scope to collect meaningful data under more ‘real-life’ conditions. The sampling rate of 120Hz is less that the Ultimate System (240 Hz) and accuracy is similar at +/- 2 °.

Rob and his programmers are working hard to build the most sophisticated 3D System available in the golf market. How it will be different?

• It is of course true 3D; that is measuring movement in rotation and translation about 3 axes of motion. K-vest is an example of a 3DOF system – it measures only the rotations about these 3 axes. 

• We are looking at building three different “models” for the end user, not just one version utilizing three sensors. AMM currently is advertising their version called the Walkabout system which places sensors on the hips, shoulders and club. Our first version of the three sensor model will allow for multiple sensor locations on the body depending on your goal for the teaching session. You get to choose! This is much like our entry level 3D product – the BioFeedback System which utilizes only 3 sensors but has a ‘tail’.

• We are also taking advantage of a unique feature of the G4 that allows multiple systems to be piggy-backed. Thus, we will have three software versions that allow the use of 3, 6 or 9 active sensors depending on your price point and the degree of sophistication you are after. Thus, the 9 sensor model will be the ‘wireless equivalent’ of our Ultimate System.

Expected price? Well, of course the new hardware is going to be more expensive than that which we currently use (the Liberty Tracker for the Ultimate System). Entry level is expected be around $US10-12 000 compared to our BioFeedback System (Patriot Tracker) at around $7500.

New Software Features!

There are many new additions to the latest version of our software. It constantly evolves so that we can continue to stay ahead of our competitors. At a recent trip to Penn State to demonstrate our product/processes, staff commented that the GBD software was “by far the most advanced software for biofeedback training in golf”.

Most of the features are designed to make the Biofeedback sessions more efficient. Timing and transition graphs can be easily displayed after each swing and tracking the path of the club head is a simple but effective visual feedback tool. There is also great flexibility to display information graphically - you choose the parameter!

Saving time! Another useful addition to latest version of the GBD System software (3.0.0.6 ) is the ability to reload a calibration from file. It can save valuable minutes in a lesson situation. The calibration process provides us with a very accurate anatomical model of each client as seen in the software.

In practice, this allow the operator to reload the last calibration of a client that was completed without the need to re-digitize all the points on the clients body.

This is especially useful if you experience computer issues or a system crash while a client is ‘hooked up’. It saves a lot of time as you no longer need to recalibrate after you restart the software. This new feature is located bottom right in the pointer calibration screen - ‘Reload Calibration From File’ (see screen capture below). Click on this and the system will reload the last digitized points. This should only be used if the client has not been unstrapped from the harness. Not to be used in a new session or if any of the sensors have moved on the golfer.

Lead-arm mechanics - By Rob Neal

In recent years I have been working hard to understand the interaction between the lead arm and the upper torso (UT) during the golf swing and in particular during the transition and downswing portions of the movement. It is one thing to perform the research and understand the mechanics, but quite another to ensure the practical application of such knowledge. It is however, an important step to undertake in order to make such knowledge useful. As a consequence, with the assistance of other teaching professionals, I have been developing a series of coaching drills/exercises to take advantage of this knowledge – the practical application!

The image (left) by Anthony Ravielli from Ben Hogan’s Five Lessons supports what good golf instructors/players have intuitively known for some time. The image appears alongside this excerpt from page 19 of the famous book: “A golfer’s power is originated and generated by the movements of the body. This power is transferred from the player’s body to his arms and then to his hands. It multiplies itself enormously with every transfer, like a chain action in physics” (Ben Hogan and Herbert Warren Wind, 1957).

I have believed for quite some time now that the way in which the Lead Arm and Upper Torso move (that is, the actual shoulder joints!) with respect to one other, is critical in the golf swing. Following some preliminary research, I believe that I identified another stretch-shortening cycle (SSC) that may be as or even more important for the generation/transfer of energy from proximal to distal segments, ultimately leading to high hand and club head speeds. The first one, which is well known in the golf industry, is the X-Factor Stretch or the lead out of the lower body in the transition phase.

After investigating various methods to describe the movements of horizontal flexion-extension as well as flexion-extension of the Lead Arm, the method that I eventually selected is described in brief below. These data are now available as graphs in the latest version of the GBD software.

Shoulder horizontal flexion-extension

The stretch part of the movement occurs between the top of the backswing (TOB) when the minimum horizontal flexion angle between the two segments (arm and UT) is achieved. That is, the arm is squeezed closer to the chest, stretching all the structures on the posterior side of the lead shoulder. The next phase is one of horizontal extension as these posterior muscles contract to accelerate the arm past the UT. The timing sequence graph (below) shows the speed gain from the UT to the arm as a result of this action.

Obviously the graph above depicts a relatively good gain in speed from UT to arm, even if the sequence isn’t perfect (hips peak late). The challenges arise for the teaching professional when working in the practical situation when either the speed gain isn’t present or the actual sequence is not ideal e.g. the arm peaks too early. There are no simple answers of course in coaching, but good coaches know how to prioritize changes for their athletes. And it goes without saying that this issue is virtually impossible to work on without the use of a 3D system.

So, if do we need to change the sequence or the timing for greater efficiency or higher club head speed in our golfer/s, how do we go about eliciting this change? The next step is to determine the causative factor – it is usually a combination of issues relating to swing concept/technique, coordination (motor patterning) and/or physical restraints (muscular inflexibility or lack of strength). The weighting for each can often be teased out using a selection of biofeedback drills and physical screening tests. The subject of another article entirely!

Lead Arm Timing and Co-Ordination Drill

Here is one of the main drills that we use here at the Jim McLean Golf School at Doral to work on training the proper sequence and relationship between the Lead Arm and the Upper Torso - it involves the use of Theraband.

Attach the Theraband to a solid structure at approximately shoulder height. Begin by standing in golf posture holding the Theraband with both hands (this drill can also be completed by holding the Theraband with the left hand only – for right handed golfer) in a position with the arms that would represent the delivery position in the downswing (approximately horizontal to the ground). Then execute the following 4 movements slowly and in sequence:

1. Shift or bump the hips (laterally) towards the target;
2. Rotate the hips open;
3. Rotate the Upper Torso open (this is the point where the lead arm will be squeezed against the chest);
4. Finally pull down and through with the arms.

German National Team golfer Alex Matlari working indoors with Rob a couple of years ago on this very drill.

Once these 4 movements can be completed independently of one other in the correct sequence, try blending them into a more fluid sequence. The next step – gradually increase the speed of the movement. Then make practice swings holding a club, but without a ball. Then finally add the ball. By controlling the speed of the movement throughout this process, you have a greater chance of correctly executing the new movement pattern. Remember, only the correctly performed repetitions count when it comes to ingraining a new motor pattern. Thus, practicing this coordination drill away from the tee can be very useful, making it easier to ‘pull out’ once the little white ball is placed in front of you.

Upcoming Speaking engagement…

The Harrogate Golf Show is Europe’s leading golf trade and educational event. Spanning three days [9 to 11th October inclusive] and held at the Harrogate International Centre, it allows PGA Professionals to view the latest products and services from golf’s leading suppliers and attend an extensive range of conferences and educational seminars, delivered by industry experts and high-profile guest speakers.

In fact, PGA Professionals themselves had the opportunity to shape the educational element of the show by voting for the seminar subjects and speakers they would most like to hear from. The keynote speaker this year will be well-known American coach David Leadbetter.

A wide spectrum of subjects including Coaching, Equipment Technology, Retail and Business will be covered. For a complete list of speakers check the website http://www.golftradeshow.co.uk/speakers-2012 . Robert will speak to: The Use of Biofeedback to bring about Changes in Timing and Sequencing on Wednesday 10th October 2012 at 10:45 – 12:00 (Room B).

Open to PGA Professionals from across the globe, The Teaching and Coaching Conference hopes to engage delegates showcasing a variety of teaching techniques as well as the all-important, how to make coaching more commercial and more profitable!

For more details on Robert’s speaking topic please e-mail K.Harrison@golfbiodynamics.com

NEW from The Golf Athlete (TGA) – The Big Ten Screening Protocol - With Michael Dalgleish

For many average golfers, their inability to change a specific swing characteristic or flaw has its major cause in the golfer’s inability to physically do it. This may be due to a lack of awareness, poor coordination or motor patterning, decreased range of motion, lack of body segment control or a lack of strength/power.

Often, it is a combination of a number of these issues. Over the last decade, there has been a proliferation of material and ‘tools’ in the marketplace for the Golf Coach and the budding, golf interested Allied Health practitioner to assist in optimizing the performance of their golfers.

We feel strongly that the enlightened coaches will accelerate their coaching outcomes by embracing the link that physical inability may lead to technical deficiencies. In a collaborative effort, The Golf Athlete has developed The Ten Test On‐Range Golf Screening Protocol (‘The Big Ten’) which provides the astute Golf Coach and Allied Health practitioner with a skill set to quickly prioritize the needs of their student. The coach can utilize the Protocol to decipher the “physical” to enable the “technical”, to in time, execute the “tactical”!

The Big Ten attempts to provide an objective and comprehensive assessment that will contribute to the improvement of the golfer’s performance and increase their longevity in the game. The protocol boasts six essential qualities:

• Each test is golf specific - based on years of golf swing 3D kinematic data
• Each test takes less than 2 minutes to complete
• No special equipment is required to complete the tests
• The screening protocol provides an objective score of the golfer’s golf specific movement ability
• Scoring allows for easy re‐evaluation of the progress of the golfer 
• Scoring allows for comparison between individual golfers

And in a continuing TGA and GBD collaboration with Griffith University there will an initial reliability study employing the 10 Test On-Range Screening Protocol commencing shortly.

Thanks to Australian TGA Team members for their input:

• Robert Neal
• Matthew Green
• Ben Corso
• Bill McTigue
• Steve Ajzenman

 The DVD is now available - it details each of the tests in both a written and visual format.

Check out: http://www.thegolfathlete.com/screening.php and contact sports physiotherapist and exercise scientist Michael Dalgleish for more details: michael@dalgleishphysiotherapy.com

Our favourite tools! The SMRT “Bodyspanner” (The Body Wrench - US / The Bodyspanner - Australia)

Introducing a new product to market which we love! The SMRT Bodyspanner (Body Wrench in the USA) is a modular device which has been designed by two Australian physiotherapists to assist in the management of musculoskeletal rehabilitation and general well-being.

The Race Car model (as shown by Rob) was developed mainly to manage back pain but due to its clever and innovative design it can also be configured to release the gluteal, thigh, calf/Achilles and forearm musculature or even provide positional feedback for core strengthening and pilates-like exercises. Thus, it can be configured to access virtually any part of the body utilizing a lever principle to deliver force efficiently to the body's soft-tissues and joints.

To date the device has been used by professionals, such as physiotherapists, massage therapists, chiropractors and personal trainers. It has been billed as the ultimate ‘thumb-saving' treatment aid. And now it is widely available to the general public in the US – they regularly have some great deals.

Check the website www.bodywrench.com for more details. For details on how to use this great new device, we also like the Australian site which is far more informational: www.bodyspanner.com.

Where are the former GBD assistants now?

Firstly, our sincere thanks and best wishes to Josh Longney who has been with us through the 2012 season at Doral. Josh has worked hard to become a valuable member of the GBD Team and leaves us to take up a position with Troon at Abu Dhabi Golf Club. An intelligent and resourceful young teacher, Josh has a promising future in golf instruction and will be a great asset to the team at ABGC.

2012 – Farewell to Josh Longney, after completing University in New Zealand and my PGA Traineeship in Australia I had thought my days of being a student were almost over. However after a couple of fortunate positions as a golf professional both back in Australia at the New South Wales Golf Club and abroad at Royal Portrush Golf Club in Northern Ireland I came to the realization that if I wanted to ever wanted to be a successful teacher in the golf industry this was not going to be the case! So my idea was to find a way to combine my exercise science degree and my love for the game of golf, while being in an environment to further my teaching knowledge and experience. Sounds easy right? Ha, if only this was the case. But my search led me to a company not widely known in Australia and New Zealand but with some very strong international connections – Golf BioDynamics.

So an Australian company that is a world leader in 3D technology and golf swing mechanics and is based at the number one golf school in America the Jim McLean Golf School in Miami Florida should be perfect right? And it was. The JMGS at Doral is a seriously unique facility that was like nothing that I had seen previously. With over 30 instructors based there during the season, (many of them Top 100 teachers who head back to some of the most prestigious clubs in the US during the summer), and all of the latest technologies available to them, there was a constant desire to learn and become the best resonating in the air at the weekly staff meetings. It’s safe to say I took and instant liking to the place and after my time here I truly believe that it is one of the best training grounds in the world for a young golf instructor who wants to become a great teacher.

The knowledge that I have gained through Golf BioDynamics and the Jim McLean Golf School is something that I would never have been exposed to anywhere else in the world. I could write a long list of amazing aspects of this experience however without a doubt the most valuable aspect of my time here at Doral was my access to tap into the knowledge of Dr Rob Neal, Karen Harrison and Bobby Cole (former PGA Tour winner and master instructor at JMGS).

They were incredibly generous with their time and somehow always made time to sit down with me and go over anything and everything that I desired. A true mark of their professionalism, passion and not to mention patience!

The decision to take up a position with Golf BioDynamics has truly been a rewarding experience, one that I could never have imagined back in Australia while undertaking my PGA training. As I now look forward to my next position as an instructor at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club with excitement to be able to put the knowledge and skills that Doc, Karen and Bobby have equipped me with into practice, I will always look back on my experiences at Golf BioDynamics with the fondest of memories.

Josh takes up his new position at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club (Troon facility) in September.

We wish you the very best in your new situation!

2011 - Gavin Sutherland, who finished at Doral towards the end of 2011, has just recently headed back to Australia to take up a position close to home in the Hunter Valley. Following on from his time at Doral, Gavin completed a season at the Phil Brew Golf Academy in Singapore. Phil is the GBD licensee for Asia and Gavin was in charge of the 3D instruction at his academy. He worked with several Asian Tour and Development Tour players and consulted to the Singapore National Team.

2010 - Steve Keogh is currently the Assistant Teaching Professional at the Monash Country Club, located on the beautiful northern beaches of Sydney. Working closely with the head professional Glenn Phillips, Monash CC have recently constructed a state of the art teaching facility which may in the future include a 3D system. Together, Steve and Glenn have a contract with Australian Golf Digest to coach Australian celebrity Karl Stefanovic (Good Morning Australia). ‘Coaching Karl’ will be a regular feature in the Australian Golf Digest Magazine.

2009 - Brett Bridgman is currently teaching at the Pelican Waters Golf Club in south-east Queensland. This move puts him a little closer to home than his previous two posts and allows him the opportunity to collaborate with physiotherapist Michael Dalgleish, who is located close by and has a GBD 3D System. Previously, Brett was working in Singapore at the Phil Brew Golf Academy as a full time instructor. During his time in Singapore, Brett was the 3D consultant to the Singapore National Team and the lead 3D instructor for Golf BioDynamics in Asia.