What does it take to make your workouts and golf game 18STRONG? Join us as Max Prokopy of the University of Virginia SPEED Clinic shares his expertise in the world of biomechanics and gives us in inside look at 3D analysis of the golf swing.
Max does not just analyze the swing to measure data points on a graph. He then takes that information to devise ways to improve the sequencing and forces that a golfer creates to make the body more efficient and less restricted. The result? A golf swing that is less restricted by compensations and a sequence of motion that is much more instinctive than forced by conscious thought.
Max’s Background
- Has always been passionate about athletics and science
- B.S in Biochemistry from Florida State
- Masters in Exercise Physiology from UVA
- Currently working on his PhD in Nutrition
- Former director of Strength and Conditioning at Amherst College and Clarkson University
- Worked with the Anaheim Ducks and LA Kings as a guest Strength and Conditioning coach
Topics Discussed in Today’s Episode
- What does the term “Biomechanics” actually mean and how does it relate to you the golfer
- The athletic sequence is important, but Max explains why we also need to know what the golfer is thinking about during his swing/round to make real changes
- What does it look like when a golfer comes in for 3D analysis?
- There are 2 main things that a golfer needs to concentrate on:
- Efficiently delivering momentum through the golf ball to the target
- Concentrating on the right things in the round
Fixing your hardware and software so your brain can act instinctively
- Why all professionals have a team of professionals that they work with and why this is imperative
- The importance of the thoracic spine and how a restrictive thoracic region can cause injuries all over the place.
- The thoracic spines’ role in visual targeting.
- Max eloquently explains the difference between kinematics and kinetics using beer and bowling balls!
- Max gives some resources where you can go to find some exercises and drills for cleaning up some of your limitations.
- 3 things all good golf swings have:
- separating the hips and torso in the DOWNSWING!
- Leveraging the ground for more power.
- Releasing stored energy TOWARD the target
- Max explains some of the misconceptions of the X-FACTOR
Where You can Find Max:
