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The effect of movement variability on putting proficiency during the golf putting stroke

  • Ashley K Richardson
    ,
  • Andrew Mitchell
    ,
  • Gerwyn T.G. Hughes
Research Output: Contribution to journal Article Peer-review

Open access

Abstract

Movement variability has been considered important to execute an effective golf swing yet is comparatively unexplored regarding the golf putt. Movement variability could potentially be important considering the small margins of error between a successful and a missed putt. The aim of this study was to assess whether variability of body segment rotations influence putting performance (ball kinematic measures). Eight golfers (handicap range 0–10) performed a 3.2 m level putt wearing retro-reflective markers which were tracked using a three-dimensional motion analysis system sampling at 120 Hz. Ball roll kinematics were recorded using Quintic Ball Roll launch monitor. Movement (segment) variability was calculated based on a scalene ellipsoid volume concept and correlated with the coefficient of variation of ball kinematics. Statistical analysis showed no significant relationships between segment variability and putting proficiency. One significant relationship was identified between left forearm variability and horizontal launch angle, but this did not result in deficits in putting success. Results show that performance variability in the backswing and downswing is not related to putting proficiency or the majority of ball roll measures. Differing strategies may exist where certain golfers may have more fluid movement patterns thereby effectively utilising variability of movement. Therefore, golf instructors should consider movement variability when coaching the golf putt.

Publication Information

Output type

Research Output: Contribution to journal Article Peer-review

Original language

English

Pages from-to (Number of pages)

Pages 590-597

Journal (Volume, Issue Number)

International Journal of Sports Science and Coaching (Volume 13, Issue 4)

Publication milestones

  • Published - 04/04/2018

Publication status

Published - 04/04/2018

ISSN

1747-9541

External Publication IDs

  • handle.net: 10547/624543
  • Scopus: 85045061038

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