Watch any long hitter and you'll notice how they seem to push off the ground. Force plates, platforms that measure the forces your feet apply, have shown that the ground is a key source of power in the golf swing. Coaches and researchers use them to understand how golfers shift pressure, rotate and jump up through impact. You don't need a force plate to benefit from what they've revealed. Here's what they measure and how to use the ground better.
What force plates measure
| Force | Direction | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Horizontal (shear) | Towards the target or away | Shifts pressure and starts the downswing |
| Rotational (torque) | Twisting the feet against the ground | Helps the body rotate |
| Vertical | Up and down | Adds speed as you push up from the ground |
| Centre of pressure | Where pressure is under your feet | Shows the pattern of pressure shift |
Some systems use pressure mats instead, which show where pressure is under each foot but not all the forces.
What research and coaching data show
- Pressure shift: good players move pressure into the trail side during the backswing, then shift it into the lead side early in the downswing, often before the club starts down. Read golf weight transfer.
- Rotation: the feet twist against the ground, helping the hips turn. Read hip rotation for power.
- Vertical push: many long hitters squat slightly in transition and then push up through impact, which can add speed.
- Sequence: the timing of these forces matters as much as their size.
Why it matters for amateurs
Many amateurs hang back on their trail side, spin out or don't use their legs at all. Learning to use the ground can:
- Add distance. Read how to hit the golf ball further.
- Improve contact, by moving the low point forward. Read how to hit the ball solidly.
- Improve balance and sequencing.
Drills to feel ground forces
Step drill
Start with your feet together, then step towards the target with your lead foot as you start the downswing. This trains the early pressure shift.
Pump and push
From the top of the backswing, feel a slight squat into the ground, then push up through impact, using slow swings at first.
Lead-foot pivot
Feel your lead heel push down and your lead hip turn back as you swing through.
Balance finish
Hold your finish for three seconds with almost all your weight on your lead foot. Read golf follow-through and finish.
Accessing force plate technology
Force plates and pressure mats are found at some coaching studios, fitting centres and university labs. Some portable pressure mats are available for coaches. A session with a coach who uses one can reveal your pressure pattern quickly. Read golf lessons: choosing an instructor.
Safety and body considerations
Using the ground aggressively puts load on the knees, hips and back. Build strength and mobility first and make changes gradually. Read golf fitness exercises and golf knee and hip pain.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a force plate to improve?
No. Drills and good coaching can teach you to use the ground well.
Is jumping at impact good?
Some vertical push helps speed, but it should come from a controlled sequence, not a jump that disrupts balance.
What's the most common amateur pressure fault?
Staying on the trail foot through impact, which causes fat and thin shots.
The bottom line
Force plates have shown that the ground is a key source of power and consistency. Shift pressure correctly, use rotation and a controlled vertical push, and train with simple drills. For the full picture of power, read hip rotation for power.