# 7 A Matrix of Setup & Swing Characteristics by Core Reigon (Level 3 Training)

by Dr. David Wright

The illustrations of the Matrices below are a compliation of contributions from my original observations and input from Wright Balance Professionals Jeff Shaw, Larry Rinker and Peter Kostis. Their contributions have been invaluable.

Let's Begin with the ADDRESS POSITIONS.

CARRYING / POWER ANGLE

The Carrying or Power Angle is one of the most important measurements. When set up in Symmetry, the Power Angle shows up in everything from Grip to to Posture.

There are two things important to understand.

  1. The Power Angle is different in every Core Region. It is the most "shallow" in the Upper Core Stance Widths. Following the Wright Balance Core 360 Exercise Program, it is the same at all of the Stance Widths within a Particular Core Region but different in each of the 3 Core Regions.

In these illustration, Legends Tour Player & Wright Balance Professional, Laurie Rinker demonstrates changes in her Power Angle by Core Region.

In the First Illustration, Laurie is in a Stance Width from her Upper Core Results. Her Power Angle is 163.5 degrees

Laurie's Middle Core Power Angle is 158.5 as shown in this illustration...

...and her Lower Core Power Angle is 153.5 degrees. Laurie's Power Angle is 5 degrees different between Core Regions.

Click on this short video to see how the Power Angle is measured by Core Region.

  1. The Power Angle is not the same in the Left and Right Arms when measured before the Wright Balance Core 360 Exercises as shown in this illustration.

After doing the Wright Balance Core 360 Exercises, the Power Angle is the same in both the left and right side. This illustration was taken follwoing the exercises.

PLAYING POWER ANGLE MINIMUM & EXTERNAL SHOULDER ROTATION

External Shoulder Rotation is equal to the Power Angle. The Power Angle Changes by Core Region; it is greatest in the LOWER CORE & least in the UPPER CORE. That means when a player is in a LOWER CORE Stance Width, their External Shoulder Rotation will be greater than in their UPPER CORE Stance Widths.

Note this illustration of LPGA Legends Tour Player Laurie Rinker in a Lower Core Stance Width having her Power Angle Measured.

Laurie's LOWER CORE External Shoulder Rotation is identical to her Carrying / Power Angle as you can see in this illustration.

From this position, have your student lower their arm to their side to determine their trail arm delivery to the ball as shown here with Laurie. Note the location of her trail arm elbow.

Once the elbow is set at the side you will be able to determine if the Player's Carrying / Power Angle is going to provide the most efficient delivery with minimum stress on the body and the best performance. For example, for the Lower Core Delivery, the trail arm elbow needs to be able to "seat" inside the right hip (we estimate that to be about 152 degrees or greater). Also remember that as long as the Core Exercises are done, your students can "move" for playing to the Stance Widths of the Core Region of their greatest proficiency, ease of movement or accommodation of a disability.

This is an illustration of Laurie in a UPPER CORE Stance Width. Notice how much more "Shallow" her Carrying / Power Angle is in her UPPER CORE Stance Width...

...as is her exeternal shoulder rotation in an UPPER CORE Stance Width shown in this illustration.

Note Laurie's right elbow delivery position from an Upper Core Stance Width in this illustration.

These illustration show a comparison of the Laurie's UPPER and LOWER CORE Carrying / Power Angles, the LOWER CORE measurement is on the left and the UPPER CORE is on the right.

This illustration is a comparison of the External Shoulder Rotation in a LOWER CORE Stance Width (Left) and a UPPER CORE Stance Width (Right).

Note in this illustration the trail arm / elbow position when it is seated at Laurie's side as her arms / elbows are lowered from the external Shoulder Rotation position. Note the greater angle of Lauries upper arm in the photo on the left (LOWER CORE) compared to her upper arm angle in the photo on the right (UPPER CORE).

I gave lessons recently to a gentleman who was above the knee left leg amputee. He tested 1 in the Lower Core as his dominant region with a Carrying / Power Angle of 149 degrees. His Carrying / Power Angle was easily in the Range of the trail arm "Under Delivery" of a Lower Core Player. However, his amputation did not facilitate a Lower Core clearance at impact. I moved him to Upper Core Region Stance Widths. As long as he does his Wright Balance Core Exercise for his Upper Core, he can play with an arms and hands swing.

GRIP

Note the Strength / Weakness of the Left and Right Hand Grip in these Elite Tour Players.

Grip Strength and Weakness changes by Core Reigon. Why? After Core Symmetry is created by the Wright Balance Core 360 Exercise is created, the hands hang exactly the same within a Core Region but differently between Core Regions.

Note the close-ups of the Grips of these Eliet Tour Players

COMPLEMENTARY GRIP

A Complementary Grip is set by the Power Angle and determines Range of Motion in the Backswing & Downswing through Finish.

Determining the Complemetary Grip is a simple test. Set the Left and Right hands at the same Angle as the Power Angle as shown in this illustration. Center the bubble on the digital protractor and set the arm of the protractor at the student's Power Angle as shown in this illustration.

The Left Hand Angle determines the Range of Motion in the Backswing and the Right Hand Angle determines the Range of Motion in the through swing as shown in these illustrations.

For a better understanding of how to set and check a Complemenatary Grip click on this video link:

POWER SPOTS

The Power Spot is also related to the Power Angle by Core Region. The Power Spot changes by Core Region. When the Power Spot is set by Core Region, you are able to support the shaft parallel to the ground when the Grip is set under the heel pad of the lead hand and across the Middle Finger Power Spot of the Corresponding Core Region Stance Width.

This EBook, "HOW TO SET AND TEST THE GRIP POWER SPOTS BY CORE REGION" will guide you through the Left and Right Hand Power Spots by Core Region. Click on the link below for the Power Spots EBook.

https://instructions.wrightbalance.com/how-to-set-test-the-grip-power-spots-by-core-region/

Review the Following video for an understanding of the impact the Power Angle / Spots has on the Set Up. Remember, Stance Width is the foundation for set up and motion.

When the Grip is placed in the UPPER CORE Power Spots, the thumbs become "Long" as shown in this illustration.

This Long Thumb creates an "Early Set" in the backswing.

When the Grip is placed in the LOWER CORE Power Spots, the thumbs become "Short".

These "Short Thumbs" create a "Late Set".

When the Grip is placed in the MIDDLE CORE Power Spots, the thumb length is between the Long Thumb of the Upper Core Player and the Short Thumb of the Lower Core Player, neither short or long.

The Next Matrix continues with Setup.

BALANCE BY CORE REGION

The following illustrations show BALANCE in the feet by Core Region. The UPPER CORE Player's BALANCE is over the balls of the feet...

...the MIDDLE CORE Player's BALANCE is just behind the balls of the feet and just forward of the center of the arches...

...and the LOWER CORE Player's BALANCE is over the center of their arches.

POSTURE

Note in the illustration below that LOWER CORE Player Dustin Johnson's Spine Angle & Thigh Angle are Identical; Ernie El's Spine Angle is slightly greater than his Thigh Angle; and Patrick Reed's Spine Angle to Thigh Angle ratio is the greatest.

BALL POSTION / SHAFT LEAN

Ball Position and SHAFT LEAN go hand in hand. The Angle of the Right Arm and Shaft Face on is Equal to the Carrying / Power Angle face on at address. This Illustration shows the changes in Shaft Lean by Core Region. The illustration below shows LPGA Legends Tour Player and her 2 sons, Tim (Left) and Brent (right). Tim is a UPPER CORE Player and Brent is a LOWER CORE Player. Note the shallow Shaft Lean of UPPER CORE Player, Tim on the Left, a little greater in MIDDLE CORE Player, Laurie and the Most Shaft Lean in LOWER CORE Player Brent

Consider that in order to keep the shoulders parallel to the target line, the Shaft Lean creates the BALL POSITION. The less the Shaft Lean the more forward the Ball Position, (UPPER CORE Tim, left) & the greater the Shaft Lean (LOWER CORE Brent, right) the more center to back of cener the ball position.

Note the Shaft Lean differences in these Elite Tour Players by Core Region.

In some players, Shaft Lean is created with a "forward press" to start the swing. Below is LOWER CORE PLAYER Jordan Spieth with a long iron. Note the ball position.

Notice the Stong right hand and under delivery as Jordan approaches impact.

STANCE WIDTH

Stance Width is the foundation upon which the Setup is built. The results you are emailed from the body measurements you did entail the Stance Widths for each Core Region. The "Matching" set up positions are built on the Core Region Stance Widths. If you Step out of Balance, your Core Symmetry will be compromised as will be your clubface aim, freedom of motion, club path and impact.

The UPPER CORE Player has a narrow Stance Width. The narrow Stance Width enables the Player to rotate their hips as they turn to the top of thier swing, a hallmark of the swing sequencing of the UPPER CORE players swing sequence.

The LOWER CORE Player has a wide Stance Width. The Wider the Stance, the more the restriction of the Lower Core in the Back Swing, a hallmark of the swing sequencing of the Lower Core Player. The illustration below shows the Stance Widths of the LOWER through UPPER CORE Players and the Secondary Tilt. The proximity of the camera distorts the Stance Width observations.

SECONDARY TILT

The Secondary Tilt is reflected in the Angle of the Shoulders and Hips Face On at Address. Note that the Angle of the Shoulders Face On in LOWER CORE player Dustin Johnson is greater than MIDDLE CORE Player Ernie Els and even greater than UPPER CORE Player Patrick Reed.

My observations (not research) are that the angle of the Shoulders, Hips and Spine in an absolutely Symmetrical setup is equal to the Carrying / Power Angle. As we place players in their ideal setup, these angles need to be assessed more thoroughly to see if this preliminary observation is accurate and produces improved ball striking.

BACKSWING

Note the difference in the Sequencing of Motion by Core Region in the illustration below.

Note the Restriction of the LOWER CORE in Dustin Johnson, the release of the hips in the MIDDLE CORE Player Ernie Els and UPPER CORE Player Patrick Reed.

The illustration below shows the top of the backswing by Core Region. Note that Dustin Johnson (LOWER CORE) has a restriction of his hips and UPPER CORE Player Patrick Reed has released his LOWER CORE (hips) and has a full turn of his UPPER and LOWER Core. Note that MIDDLE CORE Player Ernie ELs' hip rotation is between Johnson's and Reed's.

CENTER OF MASS (COM)

Note in the above Illustration how the COM changes by Core Region. LOWER CORE Player Jordan Spieth is shown below. Note his COM is over his right side in the Illustration below.

In the Illustration below MIDDLE CORE Player Jessica Korda is at the top of her swing and her COM is centered.

In the Illustration below UPPER CORE Player Martin Kaymer's COM is on his target side at the top of his swing...

...as is UPPER CORE Player Phil Mickleson in the illustraiton below.

The GRIP strength and weakness plays a significant role in the COM at the top of the Swing. This video with LPGA Legends Tour Player and Wright Balance Professional, Laurie Rinker shows the impact strength and weakness of the GRIP plays in COM at the top of the swing.

After viewing this video you will note that a Player you meassure as UPPER CORE won't always have their COM on their target side at the top of their swing. The strength and weakness of their Grip will impact their COM at the top of their swing, especially their Right Hand Grip. Please do not use the matrices as absolutes unless you are working with better players. Even better Players like UPPER CORE PGA Tour Players JB Holmes and Boo Weekly don't always fit the characteristics of the matrices.

Here are illustratios of JB and Boo at address and at the top of their swing. Note that the strength of JB's and Boo's Left and Right hands match the Grips of LOWER CORE Players Dustin Johnson, Paula Creamer and Jordan Spieth.

The COM of these UPPER CORE Tour Players at the Top of their Swing is Center to Target Side in JB Holmes and Target Side for Boo Weekly. Also notice that their Hip Turn matches the UPPER CORE Player.

RIGHT ELBOW / RIGHT HAND & PLANE OF THE SHOULDERS at THE TOP

Note the Level Plane of the Shoulders and the Right Hand Under Position of Elite LOWER CORE Tour Players Dustin Johnson and Paula Creamer at the Top...

...and the Neutral Plane of the Shoulders and Side-On to Side Under positions of Elite MIDDLE CORE Tour Players Adam Scott & Jessica Korda at the top of their swing...

...and the Vertical Plane of the Shoulders and On-Top & Side Cover of Elite UPPER CORE Tour Players Jack Nicklaus and Martin Kaymer.

POWER AT THE TOP

When the Carrying / Power Angle is set at the top you will have Freedom of Motion & Maximum Power through the swing.

Below is an illustration of the measurement of the Carrying / Power Angle in the Core Region Stance Width from which Jai will play. The Matching Power Spots, Posture and Sequencing of Motion for the Core Region Stance Width are the Setup and Motion characteristics that create Power at the Top of the Swing.

Have your student swing to the top, hold the angle of their trail arm while they take their left hand and club to the ground. Holding that angle, ask them to stand tall while maintaining the angle of the right arm. Using a digital protractor, check to see if they have set their Power Angle as shown in the following illustration.

You may also test your student's Power at the Top of their swing by pushing up on the butt of the club as shown in this illustration. If they have set their Power at the Top, they will have strength to push down on your hand and you won't be able to move them out of balance.

If you have your student change their Stance Width, their Sequencing of Motion or their Power Spot in one hand, you will be able to push them off balance as shown in this illustration.

Change their Stance Width, their Sequencing of Motion or their Power Spot in one hand. Have your student take the club to the top of their swing. Measure their Angle at the top of their swing and you will see that their Angle at the Top of their swing DOES NOT match their Power Angle. This is a GUIDED DISCOVERY for you and your student. This exercise communicates the importance of the matching components of their setup Stance Width, Posture, Grip and Sequencing of Motion.

When these angles don't match, their is an elevated chance of injury.

This video will show you the specifics of setting Power at the Top of the Swing and what happens when one of the matching setup positions is changed.

DOWNSWING MATRIX

SHAFT PLANE & RIGHT ELBOW POSITION

In the following illustration, note that the Shaft Plane crosses the dominant Core Region in the downswing. Also, note the Right Elbow position.

Note LOWER CORE Player Dustin Johnson's Right Elbow (trail arm elbow) position as he approaches impact...

...and MIDDLE CORE Player Adam Scott's Right Elbow ...

...and UPPER CORE Player Martin Kaymer's Right Elbow.

The clearance of UPPER CORE Player Martin Kaymer's hips at impact is minimal. Also note his trail arm elbow position down the line at impact.

The clearance of MIDDLE CORE Player Adam Scott's hips at impact is greater than UPPER CORE Player Martin Kaymer. Also note his trail arm elbow position down the line at impact.

The clearance of LOWER CORE Player Dustin Johnson's hips at impact is the most of the 3 Core Regions. Also note that his trail arm elbow position down the line is well inside his trail hip.

POSTURE CHANGES AT IMPACT

Note that Paula Creamer maintains her Spine Angle from Address through Impact...

...and MIDDLE CORE Player Rory McIlroy Spine Angle rises subtly...

... and Patrick Reed rises out of posture at impact

** GROUND REACTION FORCE**

Power recruitment is from the ground. The more Symmetry created at Setup, the greater the potential for recruitment of maximum Ground Reaction Force (GRF).

Wright Balance Professional, Dr. Robert Giombetti has completed a study of 74 Elite Players using the Swing Catalyst to measure how each player used the Ground to Recruit Power. Dr. Giombetti measured each Subject using the Wright Balance Stance Width Measurement System to place them in their Dominant Core Region Stance Width and set their Power Spots. The results of Dr. Giombetti's research appear in this EBook. Click on this Link to review Dr. Giombetti's findings.

https://instructions.wrightbalance.com/grip-ground-reaction-force/

A summary of his findings appear in the Matrix for this section. In Summary, UPPER CORE Players use Rotational (Torque) and Vertical Ground Reaction Force. LOWER CORE Players use Horizontal (Linear) and Rotational Ground Reaction Force. MIDDLE CORE PLAYERS use all 3 types of Ground Reaction Force, Horizontal, Rotational & Verical.

This is a graphic illustration and interpretation of the types of Ground Reaction Force from the Swing Catalyst.

To better understand Ground Reaction Force, please click on the EBook Link above ***"GRIP & GROUND REACTION FORCE"***.

SHAFT AT IMPACT

The Shaft Points at the Swing CORE Region at impact in LOWER CORE LPGA Player Paula Creamer...

...and the Shaft Points at the MIDDLE CORE at impact in MIDDLE CORE PGA Tour Player Adam Scott...

...and the Shaft Points at the UPPER CORE at Impact in UPPER CORE PGA Tour Player Kevin Chappel.

CLUB RELEASE

UPPER CORE PGA Tour Player Patrick Reed releases the club 1 to 2 feet past impact as you can see from the straightening of his right arm and shaft.

Patrick Reed's arms and hands release is evident in his release of the club immediately past impact as you can see in this illustration. Note the ball on the horizon as the club moves left...

...as is also the case for PGA Tour Player Phil Mickelson as shown in this illustration.

MIDDLE CORE TOUR Player Adam Scott's hands & body release is past impact between the Upper and Lower Core Players.

Note that Adam Scott's club release is at aapproximately a 45 degree angle to the target line...

...as is MIDDLE CORE PLAYER Rory McIlroy's release in this illustration. Again, note the ball on the horizon on the right edge of this illusration.

PGA Tour Player Dustin Johnson holds his release as he works under.

And Dustin Johnson's release extends down the line as he releases his body through impact.

Note the extension Down the Line and body release well past impact in this illustration.

LOWER CORE LPGA Player Paula Creamer shows a Body Release / Extension down the line similar to that of Dustin Johnson.

Please remember these setup and swing positions apply to the Elite Tour Player. If you have students who are seeing you on a regular basis, use these Matrices as a guidline to build their swing. Once you have determined the Core Region, Stance Width and Posture of your student, one of the most important factors to consider is the POWER ANGLE. The POWER ANGLE dictates Grip Stength and Weakness, Freedom of Motion, COM at the top of the swing and overall Power and potential for injury.

Check back with our Wright Balance Library of EBooks for an overview of "THE POWER of ANGLES", currently an EBook in preparation.