Train Like a Golfer: How Hip Control Can Make or Break Your Swing | Golf Training St. Johns

Greg Goldberger • August 18, 2025

Golf Training St. Johns

Golf Training St. Johns
When most golfers think about improving their game, the first things that come to mind are clubs, grip, and swing mechanics. But here’s the truth: your hips are the powerhouse of your swing. Without proper hip stability and control, you risk losing distance, struggling with consistency, and even dealing with nagging back pain.

At Movement Driven, we specialize in golf training in St. Johns designed to bridge the gap between injury rehab and performance. One of our go-to drills for both prevention and performance is the hip airplane — a simple yet powerful move that trains hip control, rotation, and balance.

Why Hip Control Matters in Golf

Your hips play two critical roles in your swing:
 1. Power generation – They transfer force from the ground through your torso and into the club.
 2. Stability – They keep your lower body anchored while your upper body rotates.

When hip control is lacking, golfers often compensate with their spine or knees. Over time, this can lead to low back pain, poor mechanics, and reduced efficiency on the course. That’s why focusing on golf training in St. Johns that builds hip stability is essential for players of all levels.

The Hip Airplane Drill: A Golfer’s Secret Weapon

The hip airplane drill is a favorite because it directly mimics the rotational demands of a golf swing. Here’s why it matters:
 • Improves hip stability for stronger, more consistent swings
 • Enhances rotation without straining the low back
 • Strengthens the glute medius and hip rotators, critical for endurance and control
 • Carries over to real swings, helping golfers stay grounded while rotating smoothly

Adding this drill to your warm-up or gym routine can help you unlock better control, more power, and fewer aches after a round.

Common Golf-Related Imbalances to Watch For

Many golfers struggle with the same physical issues that affect their game. Use this quick checklist to see if you might need to address an imbalance:

✅ Do you feel your back working harder than your hips during swings?
✅ Do you struggle to maintain balance on your lead leg?
✅ Do your shoulders and pelvis feel “out of sync” during rotation?
✅ Have you noticed recurring stiffness in your low back or hips after playing?

If you answered yes to any of these, it may be time to invest in golf training in St. Johns that targets your unique movement patterns.


Take Your Golf Performance to the Next Level

Don’t let poor hip control hold back your swing or put you at risk for injury. Our Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) assessments and Golf Performance sessions are designed to identify your movement limitations and create a personalized plan that bridges rehab and performance.

Whether you’re looking to prevent back pain, add power to your drives, or simply play the game longer and pain-free, Movement Driven’s golf training in St. Johns can get you there.

👉 Book your TPI Assessment or Golf Performance Session today and start swinging with confidence.
By Greg Goldberger April 8, 2026
Coach Mo Gesualdi and Dr. Greg break down what junior golfers really need to perform — movement, PT, and a team approach that goes way beyond the lesson tee.
By Greg Goldberger April 6, 2026
Is your child's sports injury not healing? Learn why young athletes in Jacksonville and St. Johns need specialized pediatric sports PT.
By Greg Goldberger April 1, 2026
If your swing isn't improving, your body might be the reason. Dr. Greg Goldberger breaks down the mobility fixes every golfer needs this season.
By Greg Goldberger March 30, 2026
Struggling with chronic pain or muscle tightness? Discover how dry needling in Jacksonville and St. Johns gets to the root cause — not just the symptoms.
By Greg Goldberger March 25, 2026
Most people think rehab is just exercises. Dr. Greg explains why nutrition is the missing link in orthopedic recovery.
By Greg Goldberger March 23, 2026
Golf season, pickleball leagues, and spring baseball are ramping up in St. Johns County. Dr. Greg shares the 3 most common spring injury mistakes.
By Greg Goldberger March 18, 2026
Most people get injured in spring not because they did one wrong thing — but because they did too much too soon. Dr. Greg explains how to ramp up activity safely.
By Greg Goldberger March 16, 2026
Dr. Greg explains why active adults in St. Johns County are choosing out-of-pocket performance PT.
By Greg Goldberger March 11, 2026
Dr. Greg breaks down why mobility alone won't increase your club head speed — and the right way to build rotational power without hurting your lower back.
By Greg Goldberger March 8, 2026
Treating active women in St. Johns County — from the pickleball player dismissed as 'arthritic' to the runner who finished a half marathon post-hip replacement.