ORIGINAL RESEARCH: PDF OnlyEFFECT OF AN 8-WEEK COMBINED WEIGHTS AND PLYOMETRICS TRAINING PROGRAM ON GOLF DRIVE PERFORMANCEFLETCHER, IAIN M.1; HARTWELL, MATTHEW2Author Information 1Exercise Physiology Laboratory; 2Department of Sport Exercise and Biomedical Sciences, University of Luton, Luton, Bedfordshire, United Kingdom. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research: February 2004 - Volume 18 - Issue 1 - p 59-62 Free Abstract The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of a combined weights and plyometrics program on golf drive performance. Eleven male golfers' full golf swing was analyzed for club head speed (CS) and driving distance (DD) before and after an 8-week training program. The control group (n = 5) continued their normal training, while the experimental group (n = 6) performed 2 sessions per week of weight training and plyometrics. Controls showed no significant (p > 0.05) changes, while experimental subjects showed a significant increase (p > 0.05) in CS and DD. The changes in golf drive performance were attributed to an increase in muscular force and an improvement in the sequential acceleration of body parts contributing to a greater final velocity being applied to the ball. It was concluded that specific combined weights and plyometrics training can help increase CS and DD in club golfers. © 2004 National Strength and Conditioning Association
