News from Mark Bull Golf

News Update - Spring 2011

I am delighted to announce that several exciting new developments and improvements to our 3D analysis and biomechanics services are now in place, enabling Mark Bull Golf to provide you with much more valuable information and enabling you now to watch and use 3D on your own computer.

The main improvements are:

• New 3D animation software:
  • More realistic 3D animation.
  • New 3D animation showing the relationship between club, arms and hands in swing, which results in better understanding of club-arm-hand path during both back and downswing.
  • You can now take your 3D animation and swings along with all the vital information away with you at the end of your session, so you can watch and compare your swing against top tour pros and also against 2D video footage.
• Enhanced sensors:
  • We are now using additional sensors on the right arm, hand and club, so can provide crucial data on hand, wrist and arm movements within the swing. This allows us to match important body function with critical hand/club positions which will ultimately allow us to look much more closely at how the club shaft and face are working on impact.
  • We are exploring the use of wireless sensors and will be researching this over the next year. Currently available sensors only allow for accurate real-time capture of body rotations, as they are not accurate or quick enough for the translational movements in the golf swing (sways, lifts, thrusts etc.), but watch this space.
• Other analysis improvements:
  • We can now compare swing by swing, instead of taking the average of the swings. This is extremely useful in understanding the differences between good and bad shots, as you will be able to see precisely what changes between well timed, accurate shots versus mistimed, inaccurate shots.
  • We can identify the work being done and the contribution of each major joint in the body during the swing. This allows identification of physical breakdowns in the body which was can use for more accurate prescription of exercises.
  • We can now follow the sequence of the backswing alongside the sequence in the downswing. This is important as it allows for correct connection between club and body in backswing.
• You can now create your own database so you can see what happens within your swing over a period time (or, if you are part of a group, see what the variations are throughout the group too). You can then compare against extensive research of the world's best players.
• I have finished more research towards my PhD, so during your sessions I can utilise further interesting information on the influence of body segments in the golf swing and how to accurately link golf swing faults to physical dysfunction.

There are many more improvements in place, but these are the key ones. For me, all these additions are most exciting as they allow me to provide you with a clearer, simpler and more effective detection and correction of both your swing and body faults. 3D just added a new dimension!

Best of luck with your golf over the coming weeks and months, I looking forward to showing you the new improvements soon!

Mark Bull

New Year Message 2011

2011 promises to be an exciting year for Mark Bull Golf and our clients. A few highlights include:

• One of my main projects for 2011 is the launch of my "12 Patterns of Golf" manual. This will be aimed mainly for coaches and will be an online resource. It is incorporating several years of research working with thousands of golfers. Twelve common physical body patterns/imbalances have been identified and they all individually link to key biomechanical and swing faults. The manual will include how to highlight the body patterns on the range, how to test for physical breakdowns, what the resulting swing faults are likely to be, corrective physical exercises and swing drills. All the information will be in video form, so minimal reading is involved. This will be unlike any other programme, as it will be based around body patterns as opposed to joint stability, muscle tightness etc. Also, it is backed up with 3D biomechanical research and empirical evidence.
• Mark Bull is spending three weeks in Australia working with and alongside some of the leaders in biomechanics, sport science, sports medicine and coaching. Keep up to date via the Mark Bull Golf page on Facebook with pictures and updates.
• Train Like a Tour Player camps with leading golf physio Ramsay McMaster and Mark Bull in April, July and October - contact Mark Bull for more details. Combine physical and technical excellence. Lots of new drills, exercises plus experience all the latest processes that the leading professionals in the world employ.
• As part of my PhD, I am now able to let you read my research into the role of key body segments (neck, pelvis, scapula/shoulder blade) in the golf swing and how training and exercise impacts on performance, improved posture, more power and a better swing. Also, what types of training really do improve club head speed and driving distance? Contact Mark Bull for more info.
• We will be utilising numerous new swing drills and body exercises combining realtime 3D biofeedback, posture belts and other accessories such as SpikeyBalls, tubing, skull caps, pool/water training, etc.
• New 3D software developments and additions, such as 3D putting and pitching analysis, plus the launch of a biofeedback system which allows golfers and coaches to use biofeedback alongside video in between sessions working with Mark Bull Golf.
• We will continue to develop our library of global information designed to help improve your knowledge and to improve your golf even further. Regular publication of articles from Mark Bull partners - the world's leading experts in golf fitness and performance - will continue.

Check out the recent interview I did with the British PGA - Feel the Force at http://www.pga.info/PGAFeatures/40883635.htm

I wish you all a happy and successful 2011 and thank you all for your support in 2010.

Mark Bull