Golf Instruction by Brent Morrison

Stretching before your round is a great way to improve your game as well as your sense of overall wellbeing.
By increasing range of motion a golfer can improve swing mechanics, reduce tension and avoid injury

There are many different classifications for stretches, the two types probably most familiar to golfers being Static and Dynamic.

Static stretching involves stretching a muscle as far as possible and holding the position for a length of time. Research now suggests that static stretching is not beneficial to golfers prior to a round since it may result in a temporary reduction in strength. This type of stretching is also contra-indicated by some researchers for children under the age of fifteen. One example of static stretching would be a man lying on his back and lifting his leg as high as possible in an attempt to stretch the hamstring.

Dynamic stretching is the form best used by golfers prior to play or practice. This type of stretching gently elongates the muscles through a series of movements. Variables are the speed in which the stretches are performed and the degree of movement involved. With each repetition, the muscles involved in a dynamic stretch become a bit more supple and relaxed, increasing range of motion. Examples include arm swings, leg swings and squats. Lie on your back on the floor with your left leg flat on the ground and your right hip pressed against a wall. Lift your right leg as high as possible. How high does your leg lift?
1) Slightly below 90 degrees = Not so flexible
2) Right leg is 90 degrees to the floor = Normal flexibility
3) Foot moves past 90 degrees = Excellent flexibility

Try to reach behind your back with both hands and touch them together.
1) Able to grasp together or overlap from behind = Excellent flexibility
2) Top hand preventing from touching = external rotation weak
3) Bottom hand preventing from touching = internal rotation weak
Place your glute muscles against a wall. Begin by rotating out your heel only as far as it will comfortably go. Do not lift toes or tilt foot to the side. “Slide” heel out and see how far it can move away from your body while still keeping contact with glutes against the wall. You should be able to rotate the hips fully away from the body without lifting the foot, the toes and maintaining contact with the wall.

Try incorporating some dynamic stretches into your pre-practice and pre-round routines and enjoy the benefits a greater range of motion can bring to your game.

Brent Morrison is the Director of Instruction at the Brent Morrison Golf Academy, located at Pheasant Glen Golf Course in Qualicum Beach BC, V9K 1M5, 1-877-407-4653; info@brentmorrisongolf.com. For more information on dynamic stretches and fitness routines utilized by students at the Brent Morrison Golf Academy, contact Susan Hill at 1-877-222-5092 or visit
www.fitnessforgolf.com.