Golf is a sport of precision and biomechanics. Even a minor fault in your swing can throw off your entire game and potentially lead to injury. Among the most common issues golfers face are the “Big 12” swing faults, which can disrupt everything from your posture to your follow-through.
At FRWD Sports Therapy, we specialize in helping golfers overcome these faults using a comprehensive, rehab-based chiropractic approach. By addressing mobility, stability, and movement patterns with techniques like Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS), we help you play your best while staying pain-free.
Let’s break down each of the Big 12 faults and how we can help you fix them.
1. Loss of Posture
What It Is: Significant alteration of your body angles from setup during the swing.
How It Affects You: Leads to inconsistent ball striking and reduced power.
How We Fix It:
- Mobility: Thoracic spine and hip mobility drills to maintain posture through the swing.
- Stability: Core and glute strengthening to support your setup angles.
- DNS Techniques: Reinforce proper posture and sequencing during your swing.
2. Casting/Early Release/Scooping
What It Is: Premature release of wrist angles during the downswing, leading to a weaker position at impact.
How It Affects You: Reduces power and consistency, often producing weak or high shots.
How We Fix It:
- Chiropractic Adjustments: Improve wrist and shoulder alignment for better control.
- Stability Work: Strengthen forearm and wrist stability to maintain angles through impact.
- Mobility: Exercises to increase forearm rotation and flexibility.
3. Hanging Back
What It Is: Failure to shift weight correctly back over the lead leg during the downswing.
How It Affects You: Results in loss of power and poor ball striking.
How We Fix It:
- Mobility: Hip and ankle exercises to facilitate proper weight transfer.
- Stability: Core and single-leg strength training to support dynamic weight shifts.
- DNS Techniques: Teach proper sequencing for weight transfer.
4. Reverse Spine Angle
What It Is: Excessive backward bend or trunk tilt over the lead hip during the backswing.
How It Affects You: Puts stress on the lower back and creates inconsistent ball striking.
How We Fix It:
- Chiropractic Care: Reduce tension in the lumbar spine and improve alignment.
- Mobility: Stretch and strengthen the obliques and hip flexors.
- DNS: Correct movement patterns to avoid backward bending.
5. S-Posture
What It Is: Excessive arch in the lower back at setup.
How It Affects You: Causes lower back stress and disrupts sequencing in the downswing.
How We Fix It:
- Soft Tissue Therapy: Relieve tension in the lower back and hip flexors.
- Mobility: Improve pelvic tilt and spinal flexibility.
- Stability Work: Strengthen the deep core muscles to support neutral posture.
6. Over the Top
What It Is: The club moves outside the intended swing plane during the downswing.
How It Affects You: Produces slices and inconsistent ball striking.
How We Fix It:
- Mobility: Improve shoulder and thoracic rotation to support a proper swing path.
- Stability: Strengthen scapular stabilizers and the posterior chain.
- DNS: Reinforce proper downswing sequencing to prevent an over-dominant upper body.
7. C-Posture
What It Is: Excessive rounding of the shoulders and thoracic spine at setup.
How It Affects You: Limits rotation and leads to poor swing mechanics.
How We Fix It:
- Mobility: Thoracic spine extension exercises to improve upright posture.
- Soft Tissue Therapy: Release tension in the upper traps and mid-back.
- Stability: Strengthen the scapular stabilizers and deep core.
8. Early Extension
What It Is: Premature straightening of the hips or spine during the downswing.
How It Affects You: Loss of posture and power, often causing back pain.
How We Fix It:
- Chiropractic Adjustments: Align the pelvis and lumbar spine for better movement.
- Stability Training: Strengthen the posterior chain and deep core muscles.
- DNS: Promote proper hip hinge and sequencing.
9. Sway
What It Is: Excessive lateral movement of the trail hip during the backswing.
How It Affects You: Reduces power and consistency.
How We Fix It:
- Mobility: Improve hip rotation and flexibility.
- Stability: Strengthen the glutes and core to anchor the lower body.
- DNS Techniques: Reinforce centered pivoting during the backswing.
10. Chicken Winging
What It Is: Breakdown of the lead elbow during the downswing.
How It Affects You: Leads to poor ball striking and reduced power.
How We Fix It:
- Soft Tissue Therapy: Release tension in the shoulders and forearms.
- Stability: Strengthen the lead arm and rotator cuff to maintain extension.
- Mobility: Improve shoulder and elbow flexibility.
11. Flat Shoulder Plane
What It Is: Shoulders become too horizontal during the backswing.
How It Affects You: Limits rotation and affects power and consistency.
How We Fix It:
- Mobility: Improve thoracic rotation and flexibility.
- Stability: Strengthen the core and scapular stabilizers for proper shoulder tilt.
- DNS: Teach proper sequencing for a consistent backswing.
12. Slide
What It Is: Excessive lateral movement of the lead hip toward the target during the downswing.
How It Affects You: Reduces power and consistency.
How We Fix It:
- Chiropractic Adjustments: Improve pelvic alignment for better control.
- Stability Work: Focus on glute and core activation to anchor the lead side.
- DNS: Reinforce proper weight transfer without lateral shifts.
Why Choose FRWD Sports Therapy?
At FRWD Sports Therapy, we don’t just treat the symptoms—we address the root causes of your swing faults. Our rehab-based chiropractic care combines mobility work, stability training, soft tissue therapy, and DNS to help you unlock your full potential on the golf course.
Whether you’re a weekend golfer or a competitive player, we’re here to keep you pain-free and performing at your best.
Ready to Improve Your Game?
If you’re struggling with any of these faults, contact FRWD Sports Therapy today to schedule an appointment. Let’s take your game to the next level!