Functional variability in golf putting differentiates between highly skilled players

Mark Sayers; Max Stuelcken; Adam D Gorman

doi:10.7352/IJSP.2017.48.070

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Functional variability in golf putting differentiates between highly skilled players

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Functional variability in golf putting differentiates between highly skilled players

Mark Sayers, Max Stuelcken and Adam D Gorman

International Journal of Sport Psychology, Vol.48(1), pp.70-81

2017

DOI: https://doi.org/10.7352/IJSP.2017.48.070

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Abstract

Psychology

Cognitive Sciences

adaptability

expertise

functional variability

golf putting

The aim of this study was to determine whether differences in putting accuracy in highly skilled golfers could be explained by functional variability. Ten, male single-figure handicap golfers completed 18 two-metre putts. The position of the putter was recorded using a three-dimensional motion capture system. The results from regression analyses revealed that the more accurate participants exhibited greater variability in the swing path of the putter across test trials, suggesting that putting proficiency in highly skilled individuals may be explained, in part, by a greater capacity to adapt the stroke through the use of functional variability. There was also evidence to suggest that all participants, irrespective of their putting accuracy, exhibited reduced movement variability at the point at which the putter head made contact with the ball, relative to the variability of the putter head at the end of the backswing.

Details

Title: Functional variability in golf putting differentiates between highly skilled players
Authors: Mark Sayers (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering
Max Stuelcken (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering
Adam D Gorman (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering
Publication details: International Journal of Sport Psychology, Vol.48(1), pp.70-81
Publisher: Edizioni Luigi Pozzi s.r.l.
Date published: 2017
DOI: 10.7352/IJSP.2017.48.070
ISSN: 0047-0767
Organisation Unit: School of Health - High Performance Sport; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Health and Sport Sciences - Legacy; School of Health - Sports & Exercise Science; School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99450325902621
Output Type: Journal article

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Web Of Science research areas: Hospitality, Leisure, Sport & Tourism; Psychology; Psychology, Multidisciplinary; Sport Sciences