Golf Force Plates: The Future of Swing Analysis
In today’s world of performance-driven sports, data is everything—and golf is no exception. Whether you're a PGA professional, a swing coach, or a dedicated amateur, golf force plates are becoming an essential tool in unlocking peak performance. But what are they exactly, and why are they gaining so much traction in the golf world?
“By capturing the ground reaction forces and how they interact with the body, we can understand exactly how energy is transferred from the ground up, helping players optimize their movement patterns, improve power generation, and achieve greater consistency,” shares Neha Kapoor, Computational Biomechanist at Bertec.
Learn how golf force plates like Bertec’s Swing Station work and three powerful insights they provide to transform your game.
What Are Golf Force Plates?
Golf force plates are biomechanical measurement tools that capture how a golfer interacts with the ground during the swing. They record data on ground reaction forces (GRFs), which include how much force a golfer is producing, in what direction, and when during the swing.
These plates sit under the golfer's feet and gather real-time, high-frequency data about how the body transfers energy to the ground. This information is crucial, as ground interaction is the foundation of power, balance, and consistency in the golf swing.
What Do Golf Force Plates Measure?
Traditional video analysis and launch monitors provide valuable information, but they don’t tell the full story of how a swing is generated. That’s where golf force plates come in.
Here’s what makes them a game-changer:
They measure the invisible: Ground forces are critical but can’t be seen with the naked eye or on video.
They quantify movement: Coaches and athletes can now analyze movement patterns with objective data.
They optimize training: By identifying inefficiencies, players can work on targeted improvements.
Who Uses Golf Force Plates?
Golf force plates are no longer limited to elite academies or biomechanics labs. Today, they are used by:
PGA Tour professionals
College golf programs
High-performance coaches
Indoor golf facilities
Serious amateurs looking to level up
At Bertec, golf force plate technology is more accessible than ever.
Learn more about our Swing Station and how it can help your golf game here