The Pelvic Rotation Test

Tue May 28, 2013 by Greg Rose

Test Objective for Pelvic Rotation Test

The Pelvic Rotation Test checks the player’s ability to rotate the lower body independently from the upper body. This is an important skill for properly sequencing the downswing and generate a good separation between the upper and lower body. This movement requires good mobility of the spine, hips and pelvis, along with simultaneous stability of the thorax.

How to Perform the Pelvic Rotation Test

Begin by having the player assume a normal five-iron posture, with their arms crossed over the shoulders. Feet should be approximately shoulder width apart and their hands should be resting on the front of each shoulder. Once they are in position, tell them to not move the upper body and try to rotate the lower body (belt and below) back and forth. Look for any movement of their shoulders or excessive lateral motion of the pelvis versus rotation. It should appear as if the player is doing the twist with no shoulder motion. Continue testing in both directions being sure to monitor the fluidity of motion of the pelvis both in the right and left directions, because that fluidity is important in determining golf swing issues. Be sure to monitor the motion of all body segments above the waist line - including the torso, shoulders, arms, and head/neck region. A proper Pelvic Rotation Test will yield no motion above the waist line with only the pelvis rotating. It is acceptable for the legs and knees to be moving slightly along with the pelvis. However, any excessive knee bending and straightening should be noted as well.

If they have difficulty performing this action, try to differentiate between a stability or mobility problem. Do that by holding their upper body stable for them and then have them try to rotate. If they still can’t separate, they have a mobility problem, if they can separate it is a stability problem.

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