Muscles Used During the Downswing

During the downswing the shoulder girdles, including the rotator cuff muscles, are active in moving the target arm and internally rotating the non-target arm. The pectoral or chest muscles actively accelerate the arms. The mid-back muscles including the lower trapezius act to stabilize the shoulder blade. The trunk muscles, especially the obliques and spine extensors, are active in the role of trunk rotation and holding the spine angle. The hip muscles that are most active include the hip rotators, hip adductors and hip abductors. Hip rotator weakness is common in golf. If the hip adductors and abductors are dominate during this phase, the golfer may lack leg stability and a sliding motion can occur. The glutes, particularly the medius and minimus, are active in hip rotation. All leg muscles are active as weight is transferred towards the target.