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Sports Glossary
Learn the language of your game — answer-first definitions across every SwingVantage sport, each with a real example. Free to explore.
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144 terms
- Spin AxisIntermediateSpin axis is the tilt of the ball's backspin axis relative to horizontal. It determines how much of the total spin curves the ball sideways, and how much keeps it flying straight and high.Golf
- Spin RateIntermediateSpin rate is how fast the ball spins after impact, in revolutions per minute. It controls how the ball climbs, holds the air, and stops on landing.Golf
- Spine AngleIntermediateSpine angle is the forward tilt of the upper body set at address by hinging from the hips. Keeping that same tilt through the swing is one of the clearest markers of consistent ball-striking.Golf
- Spine TiltIntermediateSpine tilt is a slight lean of the spine away from the target at address, especially with a driver. It promotes a positive attack angle and a lower trail shoulder.Golf
- Stableford ScoringIntermediateStableford scoring awards points based on how a hole score compares to par (or net par) rather than counting total strokes. This softens the impact of a single disaster hole and keeps a bad hole from ruining an entire round's result.Golf
- Steep DownswingIntermediateA steep downswing delivers the club noticeably more vertically than the backswing plane. It usually follows an upper-body-led transition, with deep divots, pulls, and lost distance.Golf
- Strike QualityIntermediateStrike quality is a composite assessment of how solidly and reliably a golfer contacts the ball. It combines strike location, low-point control, and smash factor rather than relying on any single measurement alone.Golf
- SwayIntermediateA sway is a sideways slide of the hips and upper body away from the target during the backswing. It replaces rotation with sideways movement, which makes a consistent return to the ball difficult.Golf
- Sweeping ContactIntermediateSweeping contact is a shallow, level-to-slightly-descending strike style that brushes the turf rather than taking a deep, digging divot. It is appropriate for the driver, fairway woods, and hybrids.Golf
- Swing ConsistencyIntermediateSwing consistency measures how much tempo, plane, and impact position vary from swing to swing. Less variation generally goes with tighter shot dispersion.Golf
- Swing Fault PriorityIntermediateSwing fault priority means choosing which swing issue to fix first. Faults are often connected, so fixing the right one can resolve others automatically.Golf
- Swing Overlay ComparisonIntermediateA swing overlay comparison syncs two swing videos, overlaid or side by side, at a shared point like impact. Differences then show without relying on memory.Golf
- Swing PlaneIntermediateSwing plane is the tilted circle the club travels on around your body. A consistent plane makes it easier to return the club squarely and on path at impact.Golf
- Swing Tempo RatioIntermediateSwing tempo ratio compares backswing time to downswing time, commonly near 3:1 for tour players. It is one of the simplest, most coached swing numbers.Golf
- Thin DivotIntermediateA thin divot is a shallow scuff or bruise in the turf rather than a proper strip of removed grass. It indicates a shallow, sweeping angle of attack, which may suit some clubs but signals an issue for others.Golf
- Toe StrikeIntermediateA toe strike is contact made closer to the outer edge of the clubface than the center. It produces horizontal gear effect that curves the ball left and significantly reduces ball speed.Golf
- Toe-Hang PutterIntermediateA toe-hang putter's head is weighted so the toe droops noticeably when the shaft is balanced on a finger. That design naturally works with an arcing stroke that opens and closes the face.Golf
- Trained Eye AssessmentIntermediateA trained eye assessment is an experienced coach's visual read of a swing, drawing on pattern recognition. It complements numeric or video-based analysis.Golf
- Two-Plane SwingIntermediateA two-plane swing lifts the arms onto a steeper plane than the shoulders set at address. The backswing looks taller, with more arm-body separation.Golf
- Up-and-DownIntermediateAn up-and-down means holing out in two strokes from off the green: one chip or pitch (the "up"), then one putt (the "down"). It is a key short-game measure.Golf
- Wearable Sensor (Golf)IntermediateA wearable sensor is a small device clipped to a glove, grip, or belt that measures swing data from its own motion. It is an alternative to video analysis.Golf
- Wrist HingeIntermediateWrist hinge is the upward cocking of the wrists in the backswing. It creates the angle between the lead arm and shaft, storing energy to release at impact.Golf
- Yardage GapsIntermediateYardage gaps are the distance differences between consecutive clubs in your bag. Even gaps (usually 10–15 yards per club) leave fewer distances that no club covers.Golf
- YipsIntermediateThe yips are involuntary twitches or spasms that disrupt the stroke, most often in putting or chipping. They are part neurological, part anxiety-driven, and affect golfers at every level.Golf
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