The kinematic sequence is the order and speed at which the body moves through the golf swing. When that order breaks down, students usually feel it as lost distance or a miss they can’t explain. The kinematic sequence graph shows coaches which part of the body is getting ahead, so the fix can target the real cause.
In this webinar, Dr. Alison Curdt shows how she reads the kinematic sequence graph in Onform and walks through real student swings with the sequencing drills she used to fix them. It’s the third session in her Onform education series, following her webinars on fixing slices and fixing hooks.
What You’ll Learn About Golf Swing Sequencing
- How to read a kinematic sequence graph. Dr. Alison reads each line as a hill and looks for which one comes first and which one is steepest. In an efficient swing, the pelvis peaks first, then the torso, the lead arm, and finally the club. New to the graph? Start with our beginner’s guide to kinematic sequence.
- Common golf swing sequencing problems. She covers the patterns that show up most on her lesson tee and the complaints that come with them. When a student says every club goes the same distance, she checks backswing loading order first.
- Loading the backswing in order. The club starts the backswing because it has the farthest to travel, while the pelvis only turns about 45 degrees. For students who move everything together, she has them feel like the lower body is set in cement.
- Drills for stalled rotation and early arms. Dr. Alison shows each student’s graph, what she diagnosed, and the drill that changed it. You’ll see the rib crusher drill and a club-behind-the-glutes drill that helps players clear the pelvis.
- Assess before you prescribe. She runs a full student interview before any fix. One of her most important questions is simply “Tell me what you’re trying to do.”
- When to show students the graph. Dr. Alison checks the kinematic sequence on every new student but shows it to only about 1 in 25. The rest get simple cues in plain language.
“If the student doesn’t walk away hitting the golf ball better within that 60 minute session, then I have failed as the teacher. They haven’t failed as a student.” Dr. Alison Curdt
Kinematic Sequence FAQ
For a deeper dive, Drew Cooper answers 10 common questions about the kinematic sequence.
What is the kinematic sequence in golf? The kinematic sequence is the order and speed at which the body segments move during the swing. Alison compares it to a row of dominoes, where the backswing sets each piece in place and the downswing lets them fall in order.
What is the ideal kinematic sequence? In an efficient downswing, the pelvis reaches peak speed first, followed by the torso, the lead arm, and the club. The club should peak highest. That said, an unusual graph doesn’t always mean a swing flaw, and plenty of good ball strikers break the pattern.
Where do I find the kinematic sequence graph in Onform? Open a swing video, choose 3D in the view selector, and let Onform compute the 3D model. Once it’s done, select KS in the same menu to see the graph.
About Dr. Alison Curdt
Dr. Alison Curdt is an LPGA and PGA Master Professional based in Los Angeles. She was the first female president of the Southern California PGA and has coached golfers for 20 years, from beginners and juniors to strong mid-am players. She also holds a doctorate in clinical psychology, which shapes how she helps students handle swing changes.