How to Hit Your Shots Farther: Unlocking Power Through the Kinematic Sequence
By: Dr. Griffin Love, PT, DPT, CSCS and TPI-Certified Performance Physical Therapist at Carolina Movement Doc
If you’ve ever wondered why some golfers who don’t look particularly strong can still bomb drives 300+ yards, the answer lies not in brute strength—but in how well they sequence their swing.
At Carolina Movement Doc, we work with golfers of all levels who want to hit the ball farther without hurting themselves. One of the first things we assess is the kinematic sequence—the body's natural, efficient order of motion during the golf swing. Mastering this sequence is key to generating speed, distance, and consistency.
What is the Kinematic Sequence?
The kinematic sequence is the order and timing of how different segments of the body accelerate and decelerate during the golf swing. It’s the foundational concept behind TPI’s Body-Swing Connection and is critical to maximizing swing power.
Ideal Kinematic Sequence:
Pelvis (hips) initiate the downswing
Torso (thoracic spine) follows
Lead arm then accelerates
Finally, the hands and club release last
Each segment builds on the energy of the one before it, creating a whip-like effect from the ground up. Think of it like cracking a whip: power is transferred efficiently from larger, slower-moving parts to smaller, faster-moving parts.
Why the Sequence Matters for Distance
If the sequence is off—say, the upper body starts too early or the hips stall—you lose the ability to transfer energy efficiently through the chain. This results in:
Lost swing speed
Early release or casting
Poor contact or inconsistency
Increased injury risk (especially to low back, shoulders, hips and knees)
Our job at Carolina Movement Doc is to figure out why your sequence is off—and fix it at the physical level.
How We Assess the Sequence at Carolina Movement Doc
We use a combination of:
TPI movement screens (especially for mobility/stability balance)
Video analysis of swing mechanics to visualize segmental speed and sequence
Common Physical Limitations That Disrupt the Sequence:
Limited pelvic rotation (affects hip initiation)
Poor thoracic spine mobility (restricts torso separation)
Weak core and glutes (leads to early torso firing)
Lack of trail leg stability (poor transition control)
Tight lats and obliques (limits backswing coil)
Fixing the Sequence: Mobility + Stability + Speed
You can’t train power effectively until you can move and control your body. Here’s how we approach it:
✅ Mobility (To Allow Separation)
90/90 Hip IR/ER Transitions
Open Books + T-Spine Rotations
Banded Thoracic Distractions
✅ Stability (To Control Movement)
Pallof Press with Step-Out
Split Squat Holds (for lead leg posting)
Bird Dogs with Rib-Pelvis Connection
✅ Rotational Speed & Sequencing Drills
Med Ball Rotational Scoop Tosses
Cable Step Rotations (load→explode)
SuperSpeed Golf Overspeed Training
Final Thoughts: Efficiency > Effort
Hitting the ball farther doesn’t mean swinging harder. It means swinging smarter—and that starts with a body that moves efficiently through the kinematic sequence. At Carolina Movement Doc, we help you assess and optimize your body’s movement so you can unlock effortless distance and stay injury-free.
Want to find out what’s holding back your swing speed? Book a TPI-powered evaluation at Carolina Movement Doc with Dr. Griffin Love and start training the way your swing was meant to move.
