Why movement order matters more than a picture-perfect position
In an Onform article published on October 23, 2026, Dr. Alison Curdt, an LPGA and PGA Master Professional, discusses the kinematic sequence: how different body segments rotate and change speed throughout the golf swing. The article recaps her instructional webinar and examples from lessons with actual students. It is an account of coaching practice, not a newly published controlled scientific trial.
A still image at the top of the backswing cannot tell us how the player reached that position or what happened during the transition. Two players may look alike in one frame yet use very different patterns of pelvis, torso, arm and club movement.
What the kinematic sequence actually measures
A coach may compare rotational speeds of the pelvis, torso and lead arm, followed by the motion of the club. In a frequently observed efficient downswing pattern, the pelvis reaches peak rotational speed first, followed by the torso, lead arm and club. This describes a common pattern, not a compulsory template for every successful swing.
Peak-speed order must not be confused with an instruction to forcibly start every downswing with the hips. Trying to reproduce a graph by moving body parts on command can disrupt timing and ball striking. Curdt notes that even effective ball-strikers sometimes have unconventional graphs.
Diagnose the problem before choosing the drill
Curdt first asks students what they are trying to do. She combines that answer with actual ball flight, strike quality and measurements before prescribing a technical change.
If several clubs are producing unexpectedly similar carry distances, she may examine how the golfer loads the backswing and transitions into the downswing. This is only one possible explanation. Strike location, clubhead speed, dynamic loft and equipment can also influence distance.
Her webinar discusses a “rib crusher” drill and a club-behind-the-glutes drill for specific movement patterns. Those exercises were chosen for particular students, not presented as a cure for all golfers. Copying hip angles, holding the arms back or restricting rotation without an individual assessment may be counterproductive.
A 24-shot observation session
The following routine is an editorial practice suggestion, not a clinically validated training protocol. Use one familiar iron at a safe practice facility and hit 24 balls in three groups of eight.
Eight baseline shots. Swing normally. Note where the ball contacts the clubface, initial starting direction and approximate carry distance. If it is safe, film a few swings from face-on and down-the-line positions, with the camera well outside the potential path of the ball or club.
Eight transition-awareness shots. Before hitting, make a few relaxed, slow rehearsal swings without a ball. Focus on continuous, comfortable movement rather than a sudden arm-driven lunge. Do not force the pelvis to move first or exceed your normal range of motion.
Eight repeat shots. Return to a natural swing. Compare the percentage of centred strikes, directional dispersion and carry consistency across groups, rather than selecting the single longest shot.
One better group of eight does not establish cause and effect. A coach can use repeated results and video to decide whether more sophisticated motion analysis is warranted. Stop if pain or instability occurs.
Data should simplify coaching, not complicate it
According to the recap, Curdt assesses sequence in new students but shows the detailed graph to only about one in 25. Most receive a simpler cue tied to their actual swing problem.
The practical takeaway: do not rebuild a swing merely because one frame looks unusual. Identify what needs improvement — strike, start line or distance control — then test an appropriate change. No one universal timing pattern is guaranteed to work for every golfer.
Source: Onform, “Teaching Kinematic Sequence in the Golf Swing | Webinar Recap,” October 23, 2026, featuring Dr. Alison Curdt.
