Generating More Power from Hip Rotation - Lessons from Martial Arts

One of the important lessons of Martial Arts trainingforces at the hip- which can lead to imbalances and
is the ability to use hip rotation as a way to generateinjury.
power and speed for maximum impact.Top players initiate their downswing with the
Martial artists know that the hips are where thepowerful muscles of the abs and hips. Once the
body's 'center of gravity' is located. It lends balancedesired momentum is generated by the lower body,
and stability to every move. The lower body isthey use their arm muscles to effectively "fine tune"
designed for power- the upper body for finesse.the swing.
If you can translate this knowledge into a better golfRecreational players, on the other hand, use their arm
swing, you will be blessed with both power andmuscles right at the outset. As a result, they are
accuracy.unable to recruit the latent muscle-power in their
Here are a few tips to get you started:lower body, while the arm muscles work extra hard
Hip rotation holds the key to a powerful swing.both to power and guide the club. No wonder it leads
Do you want to turn easily from the hip and getto a shaky, inconsistent swing!
more yards out of your swing? It's not hard whenMany players employ faulty swing mechanics, which
you know the proven secrets of golf pros.actually dissipate the energy generated by the lower
The first thing you need to know about turning, isbody, before it can be transmitted to the upper
that you won't get a flawless turn till you developbody.
stabilization and strength in the lower body.Recreational golfers show a higher tendency for
To get your upper body in sync, make sure youmovements that rob swing momentum, such as hip
stand straight with your shoulders pulled back, tosliding and lateral bending.
facilitate that perfect swinging motion from theThe reason can often be traced to reduced range of
shoulder- instead of the elbow.motion in the hip joints. Often, the process of aging
Practice turning your shoulders as far back asor a sedentary lifestyle can lead you to lose some
possible, with your trunk acting as the pivot.internal rotation at the hip joint. This condition can be
If you are right handed, you can see your lefthelped with stretches and strengthening exercises
shoulder aligned with your chin.that target the hip flexors, hip adductors (inner thigh
Strong shoulders and well-conditioned abs are a mustand groin), hip adductors (outer thighs or hips) and
to maximize torque, while minimizing the distortingthe glutes (buttocks).