Every great swing tells a story—and the nine key positions, P1 through P9, are its chapters. They map the entire motion from address to finish and form the backbone of modern AI-based swing analysis. Each checkpoint captures how the body coils, unwinds, and transfers energy with precision.
P1–P4: Building the FoundationIt all starts at P1 (Address)—a calm, athletic setup where balance rules. At P2 (Club Parallel), the swing begins to load. The shoulders turn faster than the hips, creating that magic X-Factor—the torque separating upper and lower body. At P3 (Lead Arm at Shoulder Height), the body coils like a spring, storing potential power. By P4 (Top of Backswing), the system is fully charged: the chest turned roughly 90°, hips about 45°, wrists hinged and ready to unleash stored energy.
P5–P7: The Chain ReactionThe downswing starts at P5 (Transition)—and it starts from the ground up. The pelvis leads the way while the upper body lags behind, creating the famous “lag” that all great ball-strikers share. P6 (Late Downswing) continues the rotation and shifts weight to the lead side while maintaining the angle in the lead wrist. Then comes P7 (Impact)—the moment of truth. Hips open, chest rotating, hands ahead of the ball. The shaft leans forward, the face is square, and the ball finally meets compressed perfection.
This sequence follows what biomechanics call the Kinematic Sequence—a smooth chain of acceleration and deceleration that acts like a whip. The pelvis peaks first, then slows as the chest, arms, and finally the club take over, producing peak speed exactly when it matters most.
P8–P9: The Grand FinaleAfter contact, P8 (Early Follow-Through) shows how efficiently energy has flowed—arms fully extended, torso rotating freely. By P9 (Finish), the body stands tall, balanced, and facing the target, all weight on the lead foot. A balanced finish isn’t just for show; it’s proof that everything before it worked perfectly.
The X-FactorThat coil between upper and lower body—the X-Factor—starts early at P2 and grows through P3 and P4. It’s the silent engine of distance, storing elastic energy that explodes through impact when the sequence fires in order.
Weight FlowThe swing’s rhythm follows a simple rule: load, shift, release. Weight moves to the trail side during the backswing, then glides forward from P6 through P9, ending with full pressure on the lead foot and effortless balance.
In short: P1–P9 aren’t just frozen positions—they’re a dynamic roadmap to efficient, repeatable power. Master them, and you’ll understand why every great swing, old or new, speaks the same biomechanical language.
