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SAM Puttlab Analysis Reports

Movement Dynamics
The description of movement dynamics includes speed (velocity) and acceleration within backswing and forward swing. Movement dynamics are not directly related to putting technique. Movement dynamics rather show the motor skill level and the movement strategies underlying movement planning and execution. Backswing and forward swing curves are separated and displayed in two graphs only for educational purposes.

Speed

Movement speed is always zero at the beginning and the end of a swing. The maximum speed lies approximately in the middle of the movement (bell shaped profile). The speed curves should be smooth and regular for automated movement execution.

Acceleration

The acceleration signal directly corresponds to the speed signal: Acceleration is change of speed over time. High acceleration means fast increase of speed. Zero acceleration means constant speed. Negative acceleration means decreasing speed.

Impact

The moment of impact is indicated with a vertical stripe in the speed data. In the acceleration curve the impact with the ball can be identified by a steep cusp because the impact decelerates the putter face for a short moment. The characteristic of speed and acceleration signals provide important information on the movement strategy of the player.

Backswing

Backswing duration is generally shorter than forward swing duration. The backswing starts smoothly. At the end of the backswing there is a sharp change from back to forward swing in the acceleration signal. Backswing and forward swing should not be two separate movements. These are the typical characteristics of a committed putting technique. Backswing duration of 600-700 ms is in the optimal range.

Transition

The transition from backswing to forward swing is done with out a movement pause. This means that there is a steep change from backswing to forward swing with a little release of the putter at the top of the backswing. Hands are a little in front of the putter head at this point. Hands and arms should be stable and firm but not stiff. Stiff limbs do not provide proper feedback from the movement.

Forward swing

Forward swing starts approximately at the level where backswing ended. So a committed begin of forward swing already starts with a committed end of backswing and a steep transition. The acceleration profile allows to identify the putting technique of the player. For a swing putting technique acceleration starts at a high level and is then constant until impact. For a hit putting technique acceleration increases steeply just before impact (to more than double), and after impact acceleration decreases steeply. For this player shown in the graph, acceleration increases slightly, but it is still a swing type stroke. Forward swing duration of 800-900 ms is in the optimal range.

Consistency

Automated movements should be executed each time in exactly the same way. The acceleration signal in particular is extremely sensitive and shows all details of movement execution. This refers to the form of the signals, to height and position of the peaks, and to duration of the movements. For this player the accuracy of the movement repetitions is very high, which indicates a high degree of automation.