Ground Force
Also known as: ground reaction force, GRF
Ground force in golf is the vertical and horizontal force a golfer pushes into the ground during the swing. More effective ground use translates directly into club speed and power.
Force plates placed under golfers' feet show that elite players push down and across the ground to generate a reactive upward and rotational force — the physical mechanism of "using the ground." A loading pattern in the backswing followed by a decisive push off the trail foot and a push into the lead side in the downswing amplifies rotational speed. This explains why taller, wider stances and lower-body strength training transfer to more distance.
Example — Force plate measurement
A tour player peaks vertical ground force in the lead foot just before impact, using the ground to accelerate the hips.
Related terms
- Kinematic SequenceThe kinematic sequence is the order in which body segments accelerate and decelerate during the downswing: pelvis → torso → lead arm → clubhead. Each segment slingshots the next for maximum speed.
- Pressure ShiftPressure shift is the movement of the center of pressure under the feet — measured by force plates — from trail to lead during the swing. Elite players shift pressure earlier and more decisively than amateurs.
- Kinetic ChainThe kinetic chain is the linked sequence of body segments — feet, knees, hips, torso, shoulders, arms, wrists, club — where each segment transfers and amplifies energy to the next.
- SquatThe squat is a slight downward drop of the body at the start of the downswing, where the golfer loads into the ground before exploding upward through impact.
Related guides & benchmarks
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