THE EFFECTS OF THE DEFLECTION POINT AND SHAFT MASS ON SWING AND LAUNCH PARAMETERS IN THE GOLF SWING

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This study determined whether a higher dynamic deflection point (DDP) was evident when using a driver fitted with a stiff shaft of greater mass and whether between-shaft differences were evident in swing and launch parameters. Twelve elite male golfers had three shots analysed for each of two drivers fitted with “stiff” shafts of different mass (56 g and 78 g). Six swing and launch parameters were measured by a real-time launch monitor and the (DDP) was measured using a motion analysis system. Between-shaft differences were evident for the DDP at maximum, but not at ball impact. Between-shaft differences in swing and launch parameters for the heavier shaft resulted in; lower launch angles (p<0.001), increased spin rates (p<0.001) and steeper attack angles (p<0.001). The findings show the importance of DDP and optimising swing and launch parameters.