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Let's get right into the golf swing faults that we talked about last week. Remember, just four this week. Next week we'll take care of the next four. We'll finish off the golf swing faults in two weeks.
Also, don't forget to check out the video descriptions posted on the Web site -- www.nobullfit.com.
C-posture
* C-posture is curvature of the spine at address in which the golfer's torso and shoulders slump forward toward the ball and the back is rounded from the neck to the tailbone.
* The cause of C-posture could be as simple as having a poor set-up position.
The following muscle groups could also be short or tight: pectoralis major and minor, latissimus dorsi, upper trapezius and levator. Then the serratus anterior, lower trapezius and deep neck flexor might be weak or inhibited.
* The biggest culprit of C-posture is lack of thoracic spine extension -- the ability to arch the upper back.
* Possible exercises to help the issue: Swiss ball Ts, Ys, Ws and Ls; stationary press ups; reach roll and lifts; cats and dogs.
S-posture
* S-posture is a curvature of the spine at address resembling an S.
* Many athletes think the chest out/butt out stance is great for sports. But it's horrible for golf and leads to lower-crossed syndrome (L-CS), one of golf's biggest causes of lower back pain.
* L-CS consists of tight hip flexors and a tight lower back along with weak glutes and weak abdominals. This combination is all about muscles that are compensating and performing tasks they're not supposed to perform, and other muscles not doing their jobs.
* Possible exercises to help the issue: cats and dogs; half-kneeling hip flexor stretch; reverse stick crunches; lying knee-to-chest stretch.
Loss of posture
* Loss of posture happens during the downswing when the body significantly alters from its set-up angles.
* Blocked shots and hook shots are typically the results of a loss of posture. One miss can be dealt with. Golfers don't want two misses.
* Loss of posture typically stems from a lack of flexibility in the glutes, hips and hamstring muscles.
* Possible exercises to help the issue: chops and lifts with no rotation; lunge stance chest press; lunge stance rows; double- and single-leg bridge.
Early extension
* Early extension is an occurrence during the downswing in which the body moves closer to the ball.
* As the body thrusts forward, the club tends to get caught behind the body, forcing the golfer to straighten and lose posture, too. Common misses are the hook and block.
* Lack of glute strength is evident in many early extenders. They also lack lead hip internal rotation.
* Possible exercises to help the issue: double- and single-leg bridges; stride stretch with hip flexion; abdominal knee raises; abdominal shoulder taps.
* Milo F. Bryant is a National Strength and Conditioning Association certified fitness professional. He can be reached through his Web site, www.nobullfit.com.
