Dr. Jenni Martin, an LPGA teaching professional, has designed a training program called The Ground Force Trainer to help golfers learn to properly load their weight on the backswing. The program features use of a very unique device, Ground Force Training Discs, which she guarantees will increase a player’s driving distance 5 to 15 yards in four weeks.
Included in the package are the Ground Force Training Discs, a lead leg foam support pad, the Power Pole, an instructional manual and DVD, and a carrying case. Retail price of the entire system is $119, and as mentioned, it comes with a guarantee.
The centerpiece of the Ground Force Trainer is the Ground Force Discs device, which is essentially two heavy duty square-shaped boards attached together with a rotating set of ball bearings. The top board rotates independently of the bottom board.
After reviewing the instructions and DVD carefully, it appeared use of the device was quite simple. The user simply assumes a golf stance, places his lead foot on the foam pad and his trailing foot on the Training Discs. From here, the user mimics a very slow backswing shoulder rotation while holding the Power Pole (basically a wooden dowel) like it is a golf club. The goal is to avoid any movement of the very unstable discs that the trailing foot stands on during the backswing, which will force a great deal of weight into the instep. It is important to keep the lead arm straight and to not to let the weight shift to the lead foot to ensure proper loading. Martin recommends holding this position for five seconds a total of ten times each day.
It is important to note that to avoid injury, great caution should be taken while performing this exercise and a downswing should never be attempted.
Testing showed the Ground Force Trainer was very effective in not only teaching the feeling of proper coil, but also the feeling of engaging the stabilizing muscles in the trailing leg that prevent golfers from over-swinging or swaying on the backswing. This actually came in quite useful, as both are issues this tester is currently working on. As for a cost-versus-benefit ratio, the price tag of $119 certainly causes a pause to consider lower cost options that could provide similar benefit. Still, the program does appear to deliver very well in terms of providing immediate feedback, as the top disc will quickly swivel without proper form.
According to Dr. Martin, “You have to see it, feel it and understand it in order to make meaningful, lasting improvement in the game of golf.” The Ground Force Trainer certainly allowed not only an easy way to feel a proper coil, but also a decent understanding of the muscles that are engaged in the process. More information, including ordering instructions for The Ground Force Trainer, can be found on Martin’s website, www.thegolfgapper.com.
Interesting product, kind of intrigued as this is something that I struggle with dearly. The guarantee of 5-15 more yards off the tee is solid.
Seems like an interesting and relatively simple way to check how you are distributing your weight in your backswing. Very nice, but is it too single-minded and simple to justify the $120 price tag? The piece of foam and wooden dowel could be replicated on the cheap.
That’s pretty cool, I think weight transfer is really misunderstood and underrated. I hope it flies off the shelves.
Nice write up Ryan.
Anything that claims it can guarantee 5-15 yards is immediately on my radar. Price seems maybe a bit steep but if it works, its priceless to a short hitter like me.
Interesting product, this is the first I’ve seen of this one. I would have to get a feel for the benefits before dropping that much money (even with the guarantee).
Would enjoy reading about someone going through the program, what they feel, and if it delivers more yardage.
This is a very interesting training aide for a problem that plagued me for yrs and something I believe plagues most amateurs. Proper loading during the back swing is important to get maximum distance and consistency.
Great write up Ryan and I hope the guarantee is true for you.
Great review and definitely an interesting training device. I would be interested to see how much distance one actually gains after four weeks.
Who doesn’t want more yardage, a very interesting concept for sure, never thought about training and developing that way.
Hmmm. I’d pay 120 bucks to pick up 15 yards guaranteed. Not sure, though, for just 5 yards. Interesting concept, for sure.
I think I need this thing. I have a big problem with loading my weight and then releasing it forward.
weight transfer is something I am struggling with at the moment and I think the biggest culprit to my pull hooks….may need to take a look at this.
Interesting product. This sounds like something that would help me tremendously, as I have a tendency to sway on my back swing. I will have to take a serious look at this product.
I agree with everyone that this one is very interesting, this might be a bit more than I want to spend without researching what else is out there at a cheaper price point.
Thanks for another excellent write up Ryan.
The back foot pad seems like the same type of board you can get on Amazon for exercising. The cost on Amazon is 33.96 (Everlast twist board).
Seems you could build this yourself for much less then $120.