This "Golfer's Body" issue delves into "The Swing Phase Muscle Connection," examining the key anatomical structures in each golf swing phase. Practitioners need this knowledge to develop customized treatments to tackle functional limitations that greatly impact swing performance and injury development.
While discussing this topic, it's crucial to acknowledge the asymmetrical nature of golf. Golfers primarily engage one side of their bodies, resulting in muscle imbalances. Prolonged play exacerbates these imbalances, limiting the range of motion, decreasing power, and frequently causing injuries. Thankfully, a blend of research-informed knowledge, manual therapy, and a functional exercise program can help mitigate these issues.
Article Index:
Introduction
Swing Phases
Conclusion & References
Unravelling the Anatomy Behind Golf Swing Phases
Electromyography (EMG) evaluates skeletal muscle electrical activity, helping understand muscle function and anomalies in activation. In golf, EMG offers insights into swing biomechanics by identifying the primary muscles involved in each swing phase. Studies reveal distinct muscle roles: core and lower body muscles generate power in the downswing, while upper body muscles control impact. Recognizing these activation patterns aids in customizing training, addressing imbalances, and enhancing performance. Later sections will detail structures in a golf swing, focusing on right-handed players; for left-handers, simply reverse the sides.
We will examine the following five stages of a Golf Swing:
Phase 1: Address Position to Top of Backswing.
Phase 2: Top of Backswing to Horizontal Club Position (Early Downswing).
Phase 3: Horizontal Club Position to Ball Impact (Late Downswing).
Phase 4: Ball Impact to Horizontal Club Position.
Phase 5: Horizontal Club Position to Completion of Swing (Late follow-through).
Phase 1: Address Position To The Top Of The Backswing
Anatomy and Biomechanics
A golf swing begins with the golfer moving from the Address position to the top of the Backswing. To achieve the Backswing position, a right-handed golfer must: (1,3,4,11,12)
Rotate the entire right shoulder girdle.
Take the right arm into external rotation, abduction, and flexion.
Take the left arm into internal rotation and flexion.
Retract the right scapulae and move the left scapulae into protraction.
The Backswing position readies your body in a fashion akin to coiling a spring, allowing your body to accumulate kinetic energy in anticipation of an abrupt discharge.
The following illustrations highlight the primary muscles engaged during this movement (Address Position to Top of Backswing). Constraints in the muscles (or the surrounding joints) can greatly affect the efficacy of the golf swing throughout this phase.
A comprehensive understanding of the specific muscle involvement during the transition from Address to Backswing (1,3,4,11,12) is essential for practitioners interested in enhancing a golfer's performance and preventing injury.
Phase 1: Primary Muscles
Primary muscles involved in transitioning from Address to Backswing are: (1,2,3,4,5,6)
Subscapularis (LUQ):
The subscapularis muscles internally rotate and adduct the humeral head. When the arm is elevated, the subscapularis directs the humerus anteriorly and inferiorly.
Upper Serratus Anterior (LUQ):
The serratus anterior muscle primarily stabilizes the scapula during elevation and facilitates scapular protraction.
Upper Trapezius (RUQ):
Elevates, upwardly rotates, and retracts the scapula. Additionally, it extends, laterally flexes, and contralaterally rotates the head and neck.
Middle Trapezius (RUQ):
Retracts the scapula.
Semimembranosus (RLQ):
The semimembranosus muscle contributes to hip extension and knee flexion.
Bicep Femoris - Long Head (RLQ):
Both heads of the biceps femoris execute knee flexion. The long head of the biceps femoris, originating in the pelvis, also participates in hip extension.
Erector Spinae (L):
The erector spinae straightens the back (extends), is involved in spinal rotation, and contributes to core stability.
Abdominal Obliques (L):
The External Oblique muscle: Flexes the trunk, posteriorly tilts the pelvis, laterally flexes the trunk, and contralaterally rotates the trunk.
The Internal Oblique muscle: Flexes the trunk, posteriorly tilts the pelvis, laterally flexes the trunk, and ipsilaterally rotates the trunk laterally.
Phase 1 Dysfunction: Treatment
If a right-handed golfer has a problem with Phase #1 of the golf swing check and treat:
Left Subscapularis
Left Serratus Anterior
Right Upper and Middle Trapezius
Left Erector Spinae
Left Obliques (Internal and external)
Right Hamstrings (Semimembranosus & Biceps Femoris long head)
In addition, check for joint mobility of the neck, shoulder, spine and hips.
Phase 2: Early Downswing - Top Of Swing To Horizontal Club Position
Anatomy and Biomechanics
During Phase 2, a right-handed golfer moves the club from the Backswing position toward the ground. To transition from the Backswing to Horizontal Club Position, a right-handed golfer needs to (1,3,4,11,12):
Begin leftward rotation of the pelvis.
Shift into right hip extension (mainly driven by gluteus maximus).
Simultaneously, the right hamstring (biceps femoris) contracts to facilitate the transfer of body weight back to the left side, supported by the left vastus lateralis and left adductor magnus.
Note: The right pectoralis major initiates internal shoulder rotation and flexion. The right upper serratus anterior contracts to aid in scapular protraction.
Specific Muscles Involved
Understanding the specific muscle involvement during the transition from Backswing to Horizontal Club Position (1,3,4,5,6) is crucial for optimizing golf swing performance.
Most active muscles from Back-Swing to Horizontal Club Position (1,3,4,11,12):
Rhomboids (ULQ):
The rhomboid muscles participate in scapular retraction, elevation, and downward rotation.
Middle Trapezius (ULQ):
Retracts the scapula.
Pectoralis Major (URQ):
The pectoralis major muscle contributes to arm adduction, medial rotation, arm flexion (clavicular fibers), arm extension (sternocostal fibers), and scapular protraction.
Upper Serratus Anterior (URQ):
The serratus anterior muscle is responsible for scapular protraction and upward rotation.
Vastus Lateralis (LLQ):
The vastus lateralis extends the leg and thigh at the knee joint.
Adductor Magnus (LLQ):
The adductor magnus muscle adducts and extends the thigh at the hip joint, and posteriorly tilts the pelvis at the hip joint.
Gluteus Maximus (LRQ):
The gluteus maximus extends and laterally rotates the thigh, abducts the thigh (upper fibers only), adducts the thigh (lower fibers only), posteriorly tilts the pelvis, and contralaterally rotates the pelvis.
Biceps Femoris Long Head (LRQ):
Long Head (RLQ): Both heads of the biceps femoris execute knee flexion. The long head of the biceps femoris, originating in the pelvis, also participates in hip extension.
Phase #2: Treatment
If a right-handed golfer has a problem with Phase #2 of the golf swing check and treat:
Left Middle Trapezius
Left Romboids
Right Pectoralis Major
Right Serratus Anterior
Left Gluteus Maximus
Left Vastus Lateralis
Left Adductor
Left Biceps Femoris Long Head
Phase 3: - Horizontal Club Position To Ball Impact - Acceleration Phase
The acceleration phase of the golf swing, which includes the continuation of the downswing until ball impact, is the most dynamic phase throughout the entire swing. To achieve Horizontal Club Position to Ball Impact, a right-handed golfer must engage the following structures (1,3,4,8,11,12):
The pectoralis major serves as the most active muscle during this phase.
The left pectoralis assists in managing left arm abduction and external rotation through eccentric contraction.
The right upper serratus anterior contributes to scapular protraction.
The left levator scapulae participates in scapular motion, particularly tilting.
Both the left biceps femoris and vastus lateralis exhibit strong activation.
In conjunction with the gluteus medius, the right abdominal obliques facilitate trunk rotation.
Note: A substantial increase in wrist flexor activation occurs immediately prior to impact. This heightened activation places significant demands on the muscles and connective tissues involved, potentially increasing the risk of injury if not managed properly through appropriate conditioning and technique (1,2).
Specific Muscles Involved
The acceleration phase of a golf swing is a critical component of the game, involving a range of primary muscles that actively contribute to transitioning from the Horizontal position to Ball Impact (1,3,4,6,7,8).
The most active muscles engaged in transitioning from the Horizontal position to Ball Impact include: (1,3,4,8,11,12)
Pectoralis Major (B/L):
The Pectoralis Major muscle contributes to arm adduction, medial rotation, arm flexion (clavicular fibers), arm extension (sternocostal fibers), and scapular protraction.
Upper Serratus Anterior (RUQ):
The serratus anterior facilitates scapular protraction and upward rotation.
Levator Scapulae (LUQ):
The levator scapulae muscle elevates and downwardly rotates the scapula while also extending, laterally flexing, and ipsilaterally rotating the neck.
Biceps Femoris (LLQ):
Both heads of the biceps femoris participate in knee flexion. The long head, originating in the pelvis, is also involved in hip extension.
Gluteus Maximus (LLQ):
The gluteus maximus is responsible for thigh extension, lateral rotation, thigh abduction (upper fibers only), thigh adduction (lower fibers only), posterior pelvic tilting, and contralateral pelvic rotation.
Vastus Lateralis (LLQ):
The vastus lateralis muscle extends the leg and thigh at the knee joint.
Abdominal Oblique (RLQ):
The external oblique muscle flexes the trunk, posteriorly tilts the pelvis, laterally flexes the trunk, and contralaterally rotates the trunk. The internal oblique flexes the trunk, posteriorly tilts the pelvis, laterally flexes the trunk, and ipsilaterally rotates the trunk laterally.
Gluteus Medius (RLQ):
The gluteus medius functions to abduct the thigh, extend the thigh (posterior fibers only), flex the thigh (anterior fibers only), laterally rotate the thigh (posterior fibers), medially rotate the thigh (anterior fibers), tilt the pelvis both anteriorly and posteriorly, and contralaterally rotate the pelvis.
Phase #3: Treatment
If a right-handed golfer has a problem with Phase #3 of the golf swing check and treat:
Left Levator Scapulae
Bilateral Pectoralis Major
Right Serratus Anterior
Left Gluteus Maximus
Left Biceps Femoris
Left Vastus Lateralis
Right Gluteus Medius
Right Abdominal Oblique
Phase 4: Ball Impact To Horizontal Club Position - Early Follow Through
The phase of the golf swing where most injuries occur is primarily due to the increased activation of wrist flexors (flexor burst) just before impact. Injuries can also result from the golfer striking the ground or another object, causing a sudden shift from concentric to eccentric contraction of the wrist flexors.
To transition from Ball Impact to Horizontal Club Position, a right-handed golfer must execute the following actions (1,3,4,6,8,12):
Decelerate trunk rotation immediately after impact.
Maintain activity of the pectoralis major muscles throughout this phase.
It is important to note that during ball impact, the right subscapularis and left infraspinatus are highly active in controlling left-arm supination and right arm pronation.
Specific Muscles Involved
During the transition from Ball Impact to Horizontal Club Position, various muscles play critical roles in executing the proper golf swing.
The most active muscles from Ball Impact to Horizontal Club Position are: (1,3,4,6,8,12)
Pectoralis Major (B/L):
The pectoralis major muscle functions to adduct and medially rotate the arm, flex the arm with clavicular fibers, extend the arm with sternocostal fibers, and protract the scapulae.
Subscapularis (R):
The subscapularis muscle internally rotates and adducts the humeral head. When the arm is elevated, the subscapularis pulls the humerus anteriorly and inferiorly.
Infraspinatus (L):
The infraspinatus muscle is responsible for the lateral rotation of the arm.
Biceps Femoris - Long Head (L):
Both heads of the biceps femoris participate in knee flexion. The long head, originating in the pelvis, is also involved in hip extension.
Vastus Lateralis (L):
The vastus lateralis muscle is responsible for extending the leg and thigh at the knee joint.
Gluteus Medius (R):
The gluteus medius abducts the thigh, extends the thigh (posterior fibers only), flexes the thigh (anterior fibers only), laterally rotates the thigh (posterior fibers), medially rotates the thigh (anterior fibers), tilts the pelvis both anteriorly and posteriorly, and contralaterally rotates the pelvis.
Abdominal Oblique (R):
The external oblique muscle flexes the trunk, posteriorly tilts the pelvis, laterally flexes the trunk, and contralaterally rotates the trunk. The internal oblique flexes the trunk, posteriorly tilts the pelvis, laterally flexes the trunk, and ipsilaterally rotates the trunk laterally.
Phase #4: Treatment
If a right-handed golfer has a problem with Phase #4 of the golf swing check and treat:
Bilateral Pectoralis Major
Right Subscapularis
Left Infraspinatus
Right Gluteus Medius
Left Biceps Femoris (Long Head)
Left Vastus Lateralis
Right Abdominal Oblique
Phase 5: Horizontal Club Position To Completion Of Swing - Late Follow Through
During this golf swing phase, reduced trunk rotation may lead to shoulder rotator muscle injuries. Golfers often over-activate these muscles to maintain swing momentum when compensating for insufficient trunk rotation. Excessive force on the shoulder can lead to injury, making golfers with back issues prone to shoulder injuries as well (1,6).
Specific Muscles Involved
During the late follow-through phase of the golf swing, several key muscles play crucial roles in ensuring proper execution and form. (1,3,4,6,8,12)
Most active muscles in Late Follow Through:
Left Infraspinatus:
This muscle is responsible for the lateral rotation of the arm.
Left Pectoralis Major:
This muscle contributes to arm adduction, medial rotation, flexion (clavicular fibers), extension (sternocostal fibers), and scapular protraction.
Right Subscapularis:
This muscle rotates the head of the humerus internally, adducts it, and draws it anteriorly and inferiorly when the arm is raised.
Right Serratus Anterior:
This muscle assists in scapular protraction and upward rotation.
Left Semimembranosus:
This muscle aids in hip extension and knee flexion.
Left Vastus Lateralis:
This muscle extends the leg and thigh at the knee joint.
Left Adductor Magnus:
This muscle adducts and extends the thigh at the hip joint and posteriorly tilts the pelvis at the hip joint.
Right Vastus Lateralis:
This muscle participates in leg and thigh extension at the knee joint.
Right Gluteus Medius:
This muscle abducts the thigh, extends the thigh (posterior fibers only), flexes the thigh (anterior fibers only), laterally rotates the thigh (posterior fibers), medially rotates the thigh (anterior fibers), tilts the pelvis both anteriorly and posteriorly, and contralaterally rotates the pelvis.
Phase #5: Treatment
If a right-handed golfer has a problem with Phase #4 of the golf swing check and treat:
Left Pectoralis Major
Left Infraspinatus
Left Subscapularis
Right Serratus Anterior
Left Semimembranosus
Bilateral Vastus Lateralis
Left Adductor Magnus
Right Gluteus Medius
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding muscle involvement in specific phases of the golf swings is critical for performance enhancement and injury prevention. By identifying key muscles involved in a particular deficit, golfers can focus on releasing restrictions and strengthening specific regions, all of which will result in a golf swing that is more powerful, accurate and less likely to cause injuries.
From a practitioner's perspective, treatments can target specific structures based on good biomechanical research that can achieve remarkable results.
In Part 3 of this blog series, we will explore strategies to address soft-tissue and joint restrictions. These can give the practitioner great insight into both golf performance and injury prevention.
DR. BRIAN ABELSON DC. - The Author
Dr. Abelson's approach in musculoskeletal health care reflects a deep commitment to evidence-based practices and continuous learning. In his work at Kinetic Health in Calgary, Alberta, he focuses on integrating the latest research with a compassionate understanding of each patient's unique needs. As the developer of the Motion Specific Release (MSR) Treatment Systems, he views his role as both a practitioner and an educator, dedicated to sharing knowledge and techniques that can benefit the wider healthcare community. His ongoing efforts in teaching and practice aim to contribute positively to the field of musculoskeletal health, with a constant emphasis on patient-centered care and the collective advancement of treatment methods.
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References
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Hosea, T.M., Gatt, C.J., Galli, N.A., et al. (1990). Biomechanical analysis of the golfer's back. In A. Cochran (Ed.), Science and golf: Proceedings of the World Scientific Congress of Golf (pp. 43-48). London: E & FN Spon.
Jobe, F.W., Moynes, D.R., & Antonelli, D.J. (1986). Rotator cuff function during a golf swing. The American Journal of Sports Medicine, 14, 388-92.
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Watkins, R.G., Uppal, G.S., Perry, J., et al. (1996). Dynamic electromyographic analysis of trunk musculature in professional golfers. The American Journal of Sports Medicine, 24, 535-8.
Abelson, B., Abelson, K., & Mylonas, E. (2018, February). A Practitioner's Guide to Motion Specific Release, Functional, Successful, Easy to Implement Techniques for Musculoskeletal Injuries (1st edition). Rowan Tree Books.
Glazebrook, M.A., Curwin, S., Islam, M.N., & Kozey, J. (1994). An electromyographic analysis of the role of dorsiflexors on the ground reaction force during the golf swing. Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, 34(4), 304-310.
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