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 August 19, 2026
Dr. Greg explains why shoulders hurt overhead, the difference between rotator cuff tendinopathy and impingement, and how scapular mobility plays a role. Listen now.
By Greg Goldberger August 18, 2026
Confused by your MRI results for back pain? Learn what imaging can and can't tell you, and what actually predicts recovery, from a Jacksonville PT.
By Greg Goldberger August 12, 2026
Dr. Greg talks youth sports psychology, performance anxiety, and men's mental health with LMHC and CrossFit coach Maggie Mahany.
By Greg Goldberger August 10, 2026
Getting back into a workout routine after time off? Learn how to return to exercise safely and avoid re-injury from a Jacksonville physical therapist.
By Greg Goldberger August 5, 2026
Dr. Greg explains why herniated and bulging discs show up on MRIs of pain-free people, and what your imaging really means for your back pain. Listen now.
By Greg Goldberger August 3, 2026
Discover why August sees a spike in sports and workout injuries in Jacksonville — and how to keep training, playing, and moving without getting sidelined.
By Greg Goldberger July 29, 2026
Dr. Greg explains why fall brings a wave of new injuries and how to ease back into routine without getting sidelined. Listen now.
By Greg Goldberger July 27, 2026
Looking for the best physical therapist in Jacksonville or St. Johns? 7 questions to ask before you book, plus why one-on-one, cash-based PT may get better results.
By Greg Goldberger July 20, 2026
Knee pain going up or down stairs in Jacksonville or St. Johns? Learn what's behind it, why it often starts elsewhere, and how PT helps. Don't wait to act.
By Greg Goldberger July 15, 2026
Dr. Greg explains why summer activities like pickleball, golf, and vacations spike injuries, plus his top tips to stay active and pain-free.