Golf Ground Reaction Forces: Vertical Force

Understanding Vertical Force — The Hidden Source of Speed in the Elite Golf Swing

ATX Golf Performance — Austin, Texas

When you watch a tour player hit the ball, it often looks effortless. But beneath that smooth motion is a sophisticated relationship between the golfer and the ground. Elite players produce three major ground-reaction forces—lateral, rotational (torque), and vertical—and the timing of these forces creates the power, stability, and consistency you see on TV.

Today, we’re putting the spotlight on vertical force—the upward push into the ground that helps create late downswing speed. But here’s the key:
Vertical force doesn’t work in isolation.
It relies heavily on proper lateral movement and torque earlier in the sequence.

This article breaks down what vertical force is, how it works, and why it’s only effective when paired with the other two invisible forces.

What Is Vertical Force?

Vertical force is the upward pressure applied into the ground, most commonly through the lead leg, that produces:

• extension through the pelvis and torso

• increased clubhead speed

• a stable lead side at impact

• dynamic shaft delivery

Think of vertical force as the “push” that accelerates the club late in the downswing.

But vertical force is often misunderstood. Most golfers try to “jump” or “extend” way too early. Elite players do the opposite—they load, shift, rotate, and only then add vertical force to multiply their speed.

How Vertical Force Relies on Lateral Force

Vertical force comes after a proper lateral shift.

1. Lateral Force Gets You Onto the Lead Side

Before pushing upward, a golfer must physically be over the lead leg.
Elite players shift pressure into the lead leg before the club starts down from the top.

Without that shift:

• you push up from the wrong place

• your pelvis stalls

• you early-extend

• you lose speed, not gain it

Vertical force cannot activate properly while you’re stuck on the back foot.

2. Lateral Movement Pre-Loads the Lead Leg

As pressure shifts, the lead leg begins storing elastic energy.
This creates the “loaded spring” feeling that allows for a powerful vertical push.

If the lateral move is too soft or too late, that spring never loads—and vertical force disappears.

3. Correct Lateral Force Prevents Vertical Force From Becoming a Slide

One of the biggest amateur mistakes is pushing upward and forward at the same time.
That turns vertical force into a slide, which destroys rotation and lowers speed.

Elite players shift first → stabilize → then push vertically.

How Vertical Force Works With Torque

Once lateral force puts you onto the lead leg, torque creates the rotational stability needed for productive vertical force.

1. Torque Opens the Pelvis

Rotational force generated from the feet:

• clears the hips

• creates space for the arms

• allows the body to extend upward without losing posture

Vertical force without torque leads to early extension and loss of spine angle.

2. Torque Creates a Strong Lead-Side “Post”

To push upward, the lead leg must resist rotation.
Torque stiffens the lead side, giving vertical force a stable foundation.

This is why pros can explode upward at P6–P7 without sliding or losing balance.

3. Torque Amplifies Vertical Force Into Speed

With pelvic rotation already in motion, the vertical push adds:

• angular velocity

• shaft acceleration

• delayed club release

Vertical force becomes a multiplier—not the source—of speed.

In amateurs, torque is often missing or mistimed, so vertical force is wasted.

The Vertical Force Pattern of Elite Players

Force-plate data shows a consistent trend among tour players:

1. Lateral force peaks early (transition)

Pressure shifts sharply into the lead leg.

2. Torque peaks in the mid-downswing

Feet push in opposite rotational directions to open the pelvis.

3. Vertical force peaks late (P6–P7)

Lead-leg extension accelerates the club into impact.

Vertical force is almost never the first force to peak.
It is always the last major force in the chain.

This is why the “jump” happens late, not early.

Common Amateur Vertical Force Problems

1. Jumping Too Early

Vertical force before lateral force = no power + loss of posture.

2. No Lead-Side Pressure

You can’t push upward if your weight never gets forward.

3. Using Vertical Force Instead of Rotation

Some players try to gain speed by standing up rather than rotating.
This stalls the pelvis and forces an early flip.

4. Collapsing the Lead Knee

If the lead knee buckles, you lose the platform needed for vertical force.

5. Too Much Slide

Pushing upward while sliding destroys balance and speed.

Drills to Train Vertical Force Correctly

1. The “Post Up” Drill

Start in your normal stance, rehearse shifting into the lead side, then extend the lead leg after the pelvis begins to open.
Teaches timing of lateral → torque → vertical.

2. Lead-Leg Resistance Drill

Place a resistance band around the lead leg pulling toward the target.
Rotate and extend against the band.
Teaches stability and lead-side bracing.

3. Step-Then-Push Drill

Step into your lead leg during transition, then push vertically late.
Trains the proper sequence with rhythm.

4. Wall-Behind-Hip Drill

Stand with your butt near a wall.
Shift and rotate without touching the wall until extension occurs late.
Prevents early extension.

Vertical Force Is the Final Gear in the Power Chain

When sequenced correctly:

• Lateral force gets you into position

• Torque starts the engine

• Vertical force floors the accelerator

But when mis-timed, vertical force creates early extension, face control issues, low speed, and inconsistent contact.

At ATX Golf Performance, we measure vertical force directly with precision force plates and 3D analysis—so you can see exactly when you push, how much, and what changes will increase your speed and improve your ball striking.

Unlock Your Real Speed With Vertical Force Analysis

Book a Swing Analysis Session at ATX Golf Performance.
We’ll break down your:

• Vertical force peak timing

• Lateral force shift

• Torque profile

• Center-of-pressure trace

• Kinematic sequence

• Full 3D body measurements

You’ll leave knowing exactly how to sequence your forces for effortless power.