TY - JOUR
T1 - The Effect of Grip Position on Golf Driving Accuracy and Distance
AU - D'Arcy, Morgan
AU - Heisler, Sinikka
AU - Quilling, Eike
AU - Strüder, Heiko Klaus
AU - Chevalier, Anja
PY - 2021/1/12
Y1 - 2021/1/12
N2 - The grip position (GP) in golf substantially affects performance outcomes such as shot accuracy and hitting distance. However, it is unknown which specific GP (i.e., strong, neutral, weak) produces the desired shot outcomes. The current study investigated the impact of five systematically manipulated GPs using 15° increments between −30° (strong) and +30° (weak) on driving accuracy and distance. Data were collected using a Trackman™ doppler radar-based system for 28 amateur recreational golfers with a driver clubhead-speed range between 120 km/h and 153 km/h (M = 138.93 km/h, SD = 14.41) and a handicap range between −3 and −36 (M = −15.0, SD = 8.0). The results showed that GP significantly affected six dependent variables on accuracy (sideways deviation (left and right), accuracy absolute, clubface angle, club path angle, face to path angle, launch direction) and two outcomes on distance (clubhead speed and driving distance total). Overall, the optimal performance on driving accuracy and distance was found for the neutral and stronger GPs. Weaker GPs revealed significantly more adverse accuracy and distance effects. These results suggest asymmetric outcome effects of symmetrical GP manipulation. They also have practical implications for coaches and golfers intending to improve driving accuracy while maximizing driving distance.
AB - The grip position (GP) in golf substantially affects performance outcomes such as shot accuracy and hitting distance. However, it is unknown which specific GP (i.e., strong, neutral, weak) produces the desired shot outcomes. The current study investigated the impact of five systematically manipulated GPs using 15° increments between −30° (strong) and +30° (weak) on driving accuracy and distance. Data were collected using a Trackman™ doppler radar-based system for 28 amateur recreational golfers with a driver clubhead-speed range between 120 km/h and 153 km/h (M = 138.93 km/h, SD = 14.41) and a handicap range between −3 and −36 (M = −15.0, SD = 8.0). The results showed that GP significantly affected six dependent variables on accuracy (sideways deviation (left and right), accuracy absolute, clubface angle, club path angle, face to path angle, launch direction) and two outcomes on distance (clubhead speed and driving distance total). Overall, the optimal performance on driving accuracy and distance was found for the neutral and stronger GPs. Weaker GPs revealed significantly more adverse accuracy and distance effects. These results suggest asymmetric outcome effects of symmetrical GP manipulation. They also have practical implications for coaches and golfers intending to improve driving accuracy while maximizing driving distance.
KW - D plane
KW - Golf coaching
KW - driver
KW - grip position
KW - total driving
UR - https://www.mendeley.com/catalogue/78fa533d-b3bc-3ecd-bd02-5dd6ca885a7d/
U2 - 10.1080/02640414.2020.1865612
DO - 10.1080/02640414.2020.1865612
M3 - Journal articles
SN - 0264-0414
VL - 39
SP - 1287
EP - 1294
JO - Journal of Sports Sciences
JF - Journal of Sports Sciences
IS - 11
ER -