What Drives Clubhead Speed in Golf? A Look at the Physical Characteristics That Matter
Clubhead speed is a key determinant of golf performance, directly influencing ball speed and driving distance.
There’s increasing interest in physical training for golfers, yet the specific traits most strongly associated with swing speed are still debated.
This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to summarize the evidence on how different physical qualities relate to clubhead speed, using data across various skill levels and ages.
Which physical attributes are most strongly associated with golf clubhead speed?
What did the researchers do?
Study Details
- Systematic review and meta-analysis of 23 studies with 1,087 participants
- Investigated physical traits linked to golf clubhead speed
- Included recreational, collegiate, and professional golfers
- Analyzed traits like jump performance, strength, power, flexibility, and body composition
- Used Fisher’s z to rank associations between traits and swing speed outcomes
Physical Qualities Evaluated
- Jump metrics ⮕ impulse, peak power, displacement
- Strength ⮕ upper and lower body (e.g. bench press, IMTP, squats)
- Explosive strength ⮕ medicine ball throws, ballistic push-ups
- Anthropometrics ⮕ body mass, limb length, lean mass
- Others ⮕ flexibility, balance, and muscular endurance (capacity)
What were the results?
Top Predictors (Strongest Associations)
- Jump Impulse (z = 0.82)
- Upper Body Explosive Strength (z = 0.67)
- Jump Peak Power (z = 0.66)
More Key Predictors
- Jump Displacement (z = 0.53)
- Upper Body Strength (z = 0.48)
- Lower Body Strength (z = 0.47)
Moderate Associations
- Anthropometrics (z = 0.43)
- Muscle Capacity / Endurance (z = 0.17)
What Doesn’t Predict Speed?
Despite popular belief, these had no meaningful link to clubhead speed:
- Flexibility (z = -0.06)
- Balance (z = -0.04)
What does this mean?
- Jump impulse and upper-body explosive strength had the strongest links to clubhead speed.
- Both upper and lower body strength showed moderate associations.
- Larger lean mass was moderately associated with speed.
- Don’t overemphasize flexibility or balance as they showed little to no relationship with clubhead speed.
Coach's Takeaway
- Prioritize explosive power training such as jumps, throws, and rotational med ball throws.
- Build foundational upper and lower body strength to support faster swing speeds.
- Focus your assessments on jump metrics and rotational outputs, not flexibility or balance tests.
