A very common swing fault among a wide range of players, including better players is Early Extension. A player has early extension when there is a forward progression or lifting out of their golf posture during the downswing and through the finish. This is often caused by a lack of flexibility in the calves and the recruiting of hamstrings and lower back rather the glutes and abdominal muscles. Dr. Greg Rose and Dave Phillips show how to test for physical limitations in calf flexibility as well as glute and abdominal strength. Greg and Dave prescribe flexibility and stability exercises to help improve strength and balance and minimize early extension.
Episode Details
Early extension is a very common swing fault among a wide range of players including better players.
A player that has forward progressior or lifting out of their golf posture during the downswing and through the finish has early extension. Because the body has pulled up or moved forward, a player's arms can get trapped giving them less room to make solid contact with the ball.
There are several physical causes that contribute to a player's early extension: -Calf flexibility: lack of flexibility in the calves can cause the heel to lift up early during the downswing -Glute and abdominal strength: lack of strength in the glutes and abs causes a player to recruit the hamstrings and lower back
Test yourself for Calf Flexibility, Overall Balance and Strength
When testing for overall balance, players that have difficulty balancing from front to back tend to be Early Extenders. Those who have difficulty balancing from side to side tend have the Sway/Slide swing fault.
Flexibility exercises, like Dynamic Hamstring and Straight and Bent Leg Calf Stretches, should be done when your muscles are warm and are recommended after getting out of the shower.
Stability exercises promote both strength and balance as they train your body to recruit your glutes and help you maintain the proper angle in your golf posture.
