The Perfect Kinematic Sequence: Is It Really Perfect?
In golf, the concept of the “perfect” kinematic sequence is often described as the most efficient way to transfer energy through the body—starting from the ground and moving upward through each segment. Rooted in classical biomechanics, this model has been reinforced by research and motion capture technology, becoming a standard in coaching, not just in golf but also in pitching and other rotational sports.
But advancements in sports science tell a more complex story. Emerging research in neuromechanics and motor control shows that athletic movement isn’t just about passively transferring energy along a linear chain. It’s about actively coordinating force production, shaped by the athlete’s intention, motor strategies, and energy management. This challenges the simplicity of the traditional kinetic chain model and highlights the adaptability and variability seen in high-level performers.
Kinetic vs. Kinematic Chains: What’s the Difference? To fully understand golf swing mechanics, it’s important to clarify these two terms:
- Kinematic Chain: Describes the sequence and timing of body segments moving in relation to one another. It’s about how things move, without considering the forces behind them.
- Kinetic Chain: Focuses on why things move—analyzing the forces that generate and transfer energy through the body, including muscle contractions and ground reaction forces.
Imagine a rocket launching into space—first, the main engine ignites, creating a powerful surge from the ground. Then, the second stage fires, building momentum, and finally, the last booster delivers the final explosive push, propelling the rocket into the sky.
This sequence building force from the ground, beginning with greater flexion in their legs at address, then pushing horizontally to create maximum energy transfer. In this model, efficiency comes from activating the lower body first at the top of the backswing.
Rethinking the Kinematic Sequence
Ground-Up Energy Transfer: Not Always the Case
Conventional wisdom suggests that power in the golf swing originates from the lower body, leveraging ground reaction forces. While this applies to some golfers, the way a player interacts with the ground depends on their natural motor tendencies.
- Terrestrial™ Golfers generate power through a ground-up sequence, initiating movement from the lower body in what we call the Pulley-Model™ in our approach. Their stable base allows them to efficiently harness and release energy through horizontal forces, creating a controlled and powerful motion.
- Aerial™ Golfers, in contrast, rely on upper-body initiation, following the Spring-Mass™ Model. Their sequence often begins with a subtle shoulder drop and head movement, leveraging stored elastic energy. This natural rebounding effect enables them to generate power through vertical forces rather than traditional ground-up mechanics, maximizing efficiency in their unique movement pattern.
Sequential Acceleration & Deceleration: A Matter of Preference
The first move in the downswing is a lateral shift—this applies to every golfer. Even those with a strongly rotational pattern still initiate with some degree of lateral movement to reposition their center of mass.
But the real difference lies in what happens next. How each golfer transitions from that initial shift.
The conventional kinematic sequence follows this pattern:
- Hips initiate movement.
- Torso accelerates while hips decelerate.
- Arms take over, increasing speed beyond the torso.
- The club releases last, reaching peak speed at impact.
This sequence aligns well with Terrestrial™ Golfers, who prioritize a structured, ground-reaction-driven movement. However, Aerial™ Golfers operate differently:
- Their upper body initiates movement first instead of the hips.
- The hips clear naturally, leading to a faster hip rotation through impact.
A good visual: Think of Aerial golfers, who rely on elastic recoil rather than muscular push.
They might drop their lead shoulder to load energy, and as they transition, the hips quickly rotate (internally on the lead side) to clear space for the upper body. This rapid internal rotation of the lead hip (usually the left hip for right-handed golfers) often looks like the pelvis “snaps” open, but it’s in response to what the upper body is doing—not the leader of the move.
In practical terms:
- The left hip rotates internally fast, helping to stabilize and redirect energy up the chain.
- The hips clear out of the way quickly, but not because they’re driving from the ground up—it’s more of an elastic reaction to the upper body’s earlier move.
This variation proves that kinematic sequencing is not a fixed formula but an adaptive strategy that depends on an individual’s natural movement tendencies.
Additionally, golfers coordinate their torso movements differently:
- Associated™ Players move their shoulders and hips together.
- Disassociated™ Players create greater separation between the upper and lower body.
Importantly, this separation is not dictated purely by mobility—it’s driven by motor preferences and how a golfer’s body naturally moves for optimal efficiency.
The X-Factor & Stretch-Shortening Cycle: Myth vs. Reality
The X-Factor concept suggests that increasing the stretch-shortening cycle (coiling the upper body against a stable lower body) generates maximum power. While this can be effective, it doesn’t mean every golfer benefits from the same degree of separation.
Power generation depends on:
- Force application strategy (ground reaction forces vs. elastic energy)
- Motor preferences (how a golfer organizes movement)
A golfer forced into a movement pattern that doesn’t suit their natural sequencing risks inefficiency, poor coordination, and injury. The goal is not to maximize separation arbitrarily but to optimize each golfer’s natural energy storage and release.
A great example of this can be seen with Sam Burns and Rory McIlroy. Both golfers demonstrate strong Disassociation™ (X-Factor), creating excellent upper-lower body separation. However, despite this common trait, they initiate their downswing in two distinct ways.
While their separation may look similar, the way they transition into the impact zone is unique to their motor preferences. These differences not only influence their movement patterns but also shape their sensations and intentions throughout the swing. Understanding these variations is key to optimizing performance based on an individual golfer’s natural tendencies rather than forcing a one-size-fits-all approach.
This fundamental difference highlights why a universal kinematic sequence does not exist—each golfer must move in a way that suits their natural mechanics.
Timing & Synchronization: A Personal Blueprint
Every golfer has a unique timing and synchronization pattern influenced by:
- Fast-Twitch vs. Slow-Twitch muscle dominance
- Terrestrial™ vs. Aerial™ movement preference
- Associated™ vs. Disassociated™ torso rotation
Instead of imposing a universal sequence, a golfer’s natural timing should be discovered and optimized. Adopting a rigid model that doesn’t match a player’s neurological and biomechanical tendencies leads to inconsistency and injury.
The Risk of a One-Size-Fits-All Approach
Golfers—especially professionals—are experiencing a rising trend of lower back injuries. Research shows that 35% of all golf-related injuries involve the lower back, with 33% of PGA professionals reporting prolonged back issues.
This raises an important question: Are these injuries purely due to physical strain, or are they a consequence of forcing golfers into an unnatural movement pattern?
When swing models are based solely on elite players, they become the "gold standard" that everyone tries to replicate. However, this approach neglects the fact that not all golfers are built the same. Some may thrive under a traditional kinematic model, while others are forced into compensations that lead to long-term wear and tear.
At Motor Preferences Experts, we advocate for an individualized coaching approach—one that prioritizes the golfer’s own movement patterns rather than forcing artificial mechanics. Rather than prescribing more hip mobility or greater upper-lower body separation for everyone, we analyze whether these adjustments are even necessary based on a golfer’s motor profile.
Conclusion: Golfers Are Not Robots
Golf is not about fitting into predefined angles, numbers, or movement models. Every golfer moves within their own unique biomechanical and neurological framework, aiming to generate power and efficiency with the least amount of effort.
The key to long-term performance is not about conforming to a singular kinematic model—it’s about discovering and refining the sequence that best suits each golfer’s strengths.
By embracing Motor Preferences™, optimizing natural movement patterns, and respecting individual timing, golfers can achieve greater efficiency, consistency, and injury prevention. The goal isn’t to change what’s natural—it’s to fine-tune what’s already there, creating the most efficient, powerful, and injury-resistant golfer possible.
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Are you training based on your natural movement tendencies, or are you following a sequence that doesn't suit you? Share your thoughts in the comments or reach out to learn how we can help you optimize your game based on your motor preferences.
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