Golf is a beautiful game of precision, rhythm, and control. But it can also be tough on the body. If your swing feels like it has some quirks you just can’t shake, you’re not alone.
The Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) has studied thousands of golfers and found that the same swing patterns show up again and again. The good news? Once you understand these patterns, you can improve your game and protect your body from nagging pain.
At On Point, we look at these swing characteristics through TPI principles and something called regional interdependence - the idea that every part of your body is connected, and what happens in one area affects another.
What Is Regional Interdependence?
Think of your body as one big team.
- If your hips are tight, your back might try to make up for it.
- If your shoulders can’t move well, your wrists may overwork.
In the golf swing, these compensations show up as predictable patterns—what TPI calls swing characteristics. And they don’t just affect your swing… they can lead to pain over time if left unaddressed.
The 5 Most Common Swing Characteristics
1. Early Extension
Your hips move toward the ball during the downswing.
Why: Limited hip mobility or weak core.
Risk: Stress on the lower back.
2. Casting / Early Release
You release the club too soon, losing power and control.
Why: Weak wrists/forearms or stiff mid-back.
Risk: Overuse injuries like elbow or wrist tendinitis.
3. Loss of Posture
Standing up or changing spine angle mid-swing.
Why: Weak glutes, poor balance, or core control.
Risk: Back strain, plus possible hip or knee pain.
4. Sway
Your hips slide away from the target instead of rotating.
Why: Weak glutes or poor lower-body stability.
Risk: Knee stress and lost power, leading to low-back issues.
5. Slide
Your lead hip shifts too far toward the target on the downswing.
Why: Limited hip rotation or weak lead leg.
Risk: Hip and low-back stress, long-term discomfort.
Why This Matters
These aren’t just “bad habits.” Each one is a signal from your body.
A stiff hip can change how your spine and knees move.
A weak core can show up as early extension… and overload your back.
If ignored, these patterns don’t just hurt your consistency...they can create chronic issues like tendinitis, hip impingement, or back pain.
The encouraging part? Each swing flaw is also an opportunity. By finding weak links and strengthening them, you can fix your swing and protect your joints.
The On Point Approach
We don’t just chase symptoms...we find the root cause. That’s why we use TPI screens and the On Point Method to connect the dots between your body and your performance.
Because when your body supports your swing:
- You hit the ball cleaner.
- You reduce stress on your joints.
- You unlock new freedom of movement.
- Golf becomes more enjoyable and your body feels better both on and off the course.
Final Thought
Golf is a game of details, but it’s also a game of connection between your body, your swing, and how you feel when you play.
The five common swing characteristics aren’t roadblocks. They’re starting points. When you address them at the root, you not only build a stronger swing… you build a stronger body and the confidence to explore your untapped potential on the course and in life.
Get On Point. Play better. Move better. Live better.
Dr. Ryan A. DiPrimo
Contact Me
