‘X’ factor is the separation between the shoulders and the hips. Why is it important? Well, you ideally want more separation between these two axes as that gives more potential to load up using the big muscles of the groups of the pelvis - principally the glutes, and torso or ‘core’. What is more important however is that the separation is balanced. In golfers over practice symmetry causes all sorts of problems – this will be covered in another article.
To explain it imagine your torso as a big coil, the harder and faster you wind it up the faster the power is unleashed. Now picture that at tee off and you will get the idea why the ‘X’ factor is so important when it comes to producing power in a golf swing.
Sports science research such as Burden et al (1997), Lephart et al (2007) Thompson et al (2007) and Myers et al. (2007) have all carried out research focusing on the torso-pelvic separation. They all suggest that greater torso-pelvic separation and velocity during the downswing results in greater ball velocity as maximal club head speed is directionally influenced by the body’s ability to apply more force.
What is vital to understand is that the scientific research in this field – including my own – demonstrates the characteristics related to the x-factor are be modifiable through golf-specific conditioning programs.
- Must train in multi-plane, dynamic and functional manner.
- Possible to achieve measurable results in 8 weeks.
- An increase of 5% in clubhead speed results in an additional 10 – 15 meters carry distance off the tee.*
Now go get some ‘X’ factor!!
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