Golf Swing Analysis of Knee Movement
Swing Analysis of Knee Movement: What Your Knees Really Do in the Golf Swing
Why Your Knees Matter in Performance and Stability
At ATX Golf Performance, we understand that consistency isn’t built from the top alone—it’s engineered from the ground and through the knees. Your knee joints are far more than passive hinges; they stabilize, transfer force, and sequence movement through every phase of the swing. Here’s what sports-science research reveals—and why it matters for your game.
Knee Dynamics: Key Roles Through the Swing
1. Load and Rotation in Lead vs. Trail Knee
Professional-level motion-capture studies show that the trail knee faces significantly higher abduction moment impulses than the lead knee—nearly four times greater (–0.518 vs. –0.135 N·s·kg⁻¹) PubMed. This asymmetric loading pattern underscores the importance of knee mechanics in both stability and injury prevention.
2. Complex Flexion and Rotation Patterns
Amateurs and pros alike exhibit substantial left (lead) knee flexion at impact and mid follow-through, often accompanied by external rotation ResearchGate. These combined motions help store and release torque but require controlled stability to avoid wear or overload.
3. Knee Kinematics and Injury Risk
Systematic reviews indicate knee injuries make up 3–18% of golf-related injuries—not negligible for a supposedly low-impact sport SpringerLink. The lead knee is involved in rapid extension and intense internal tibial rotation—motions that can stress ligaments, especially if technique or structural factors are compromised SpringerLinkUNM Digital Repository.
4. Foot Stance and Lead Knee Loading
A biomechanical comparison of foot stances found that an open stance significantly reduced lead knee joint loading—lowering rotation, compression, and torque by 28%, 5%, and 9%, respectively—across various club types ResearchGate. This simple tweak may enhance knee longevity, especially for amateur players hitting high swing volumes.
What It Means for Your Game and Knees
Knees Are Dynamic Pivot Points—not Static Hinges
They absorb and release energy, support weight shifts, and manage twisting loads through rotation.Asymmetrical Knee Roles Require Balanced Load Management
Your trail knee often handles more rotational stress—so stability there is just as vital as lead knee mechanics.Technique Modulates Injury Risk
Controlled swing mechanics—especially in knee angles and stance—can reduce wear over time and help prevent chronic issues.Simple Adjustments Go a Long Way
Adopting an open stance or mindful knee flex variation during setup can meaningfully decrease joint loading.
Knee-Focused Training Drills for Golf Instruction
A. Controlled Rotation Drill
Set up with an open stance.
Practice slow half-swings, feeling how your lead knee tracks flexion and rotation.
Reinforce smooth control through impact and into follow-through.
B. Stability Under Load Drill
From setup, hinge and shift weight into your lead knee with minimal knee valgus (inward collapse).
Pause in the impact zone—feel the joint loading and maintain control.
C. Sequenced Stand-and-Swing Drill
Start with feet close together.
Shift into your stance and swing slowly—focusing on knees responding gently to weight shift and rotation.
Why ATX Golf Performance Coaches Prioritize Knee Mechanics
Our Golf Coaches don’t just cue shoulders and hands—we craft movement from the ground up. Through precision Golf Swing Analysis, we assess your knee flexion, rotation, stance impact, and loading patterns to build a foundation that’s powerful, efficient, and sustainable.
** Ready to train with a focus on stability, movement integrity, and injury resilience?**
→ Schedule your Game Evaluation at ATX Golf Performance.