How Elite Short-Game Players Use the Ground Differently Than Full-Swing

When analyzing force plate data from elite short-game players, the timing and sequencing of forces and torques differ markedly from the patterns we typically see with longer clubs. While full swings prioritize early force production and sequencing to maximize clubhead speed, elite short-game players rely on a more controlled strategy to deliver the club.

Understanding this distinction provides important insight into why elite wedge players consistently control low point and strike, as well as how instructors can better interpret force plate data in their coaching.

Here's Dave Phillips and Dr. Greg Rose discussing during one of Titleist's educational forums at the 2026 PGA Show: 

The Unique Timing of “Twist and Lateral” in Elite Short Games

When we analyze a well-executed short-game shot such as a 10-yard chip on force plates, one of the most consistent features we see is the near-simultaneous peaking of horizontal plane torque (we call this “twist”) and lateral force (movement toward the target).

This pattern helps keep the club and handle working in front of the torso, rather than allowing the club to excessively shallow or fall behind the body. 

As Dave says in the video above, when the club gets stuck behind the player it can be a nightmare as it often leads to compensations that disrupt low-point control - a classic cause of fat and thin strikes.

What Coaches Should Watch For on Force Plates

When evaluating short-game swings on force plate, separation between “twist” and lateral peaks often stands out as a red flag.

If lateral movement initiates first, followed by frontal plane torque (“rock”) then horizontal plane torque (“twist”), the pattern begins to resemble a full-swing power sequence, which is not ideal for finesse shots.

Elite short-game players display a more synchronized torque pattern that keeps the club moving with the body rather than chasing it from behind.

It is a reflection of how they are pushing to deliver the club with consistency, not speed.

Why Timing Matters More Than Magnitude

One of the biggest mistakes coaches make when interpreting force plate data is focusing exclusively on force magnitude. We've posted about this numerous times.  We look at HOW you push, not just how hard you're pushing.  In both full swing and short game, timing of force can be as important as how much force is produced.

In the full swing, elite players generate ground reaction forces early -  often while the club is still in the backswing or early transition. This early force application allows more time to transfer energy into the club and is a hallmark of high-clubhead speed players.

However, short-game demands a different solution.

Rather than early force production to maximize speed, elite wedge players prioritize club delivery control. This is why we see coordinated patterns (near simultaneous peaks) dominate force plate profiles in elite finesse shots.

Understanding this distinction helps prevent coaches from misapplying full-swing force concepts to short-game instruction.

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The ability to analyze force plate data and translate it into actionable coaching and training decisions is a core focus of our Golf and Power Level 3 seminars.

If you want to better understand how elite players use the ground differently across shot types and how to apply these insights to real-world coaching, check out our upcoming Level 3 courses.