VELOCITY MULTIPLICATION WITH A KINETIC CHAIN

Many indeed, not having a sustained love relation with science, might ask themselves - what really is the advantage of having a kinetic chain with regard to a golf swing?

One important advantage of maximizing a kinetic chain is that it allows to obtain more velocity for a given effort or to obtain a given impact velocity with less effort. Hence exploiting the velocity multiplication effect inherent in a kinetic chain.

This is illustrated graphically below with 8 segment pendulums with either 'free', Fig1, or 'frozen' joints, Fig3, between the segments. The initial potential energy in both cases is identical.  This is also the total energy of both systems and it remains constant.

potential energy     +    kinetic energy     =     constant          ( =  initial maximum potential energy )

There is a conversion of potential into kinetic energy during the falling motion in both cases and at the bottom a re-conversion of kinetic energy back into potential energy.  But the sum of potential and kinetic energy remains the same.

From Figs 2 and 4 one can therefore immediately conclude that, for the same energy input, the kinetic chain effect allows a considerable multiplication of the velocity.

It is quite clear that we don't have here a golfer swinging a club, as some have tried to make believe, yet the same principles do apply in a golf swing but in a way less dramatic manner.

One can reasonably assume that a golfer who is truly tapping into his 'kinetic chain' for swinging a club has two distinct advantages:

- Obtains a given clubhead speed with less effort - all body parts operate at the lowest possible effort level promoting longevity and accuracy.

- Obtains more clubhead speed when applying his maximum potential input effort.

Conclusion -

The advantage of trying to maximize the effectiveness of a golfer's kinetic chain is that more velocity can be obtained for the same effort employed.  



mandrin