Six Degrees of Freedom
In the Sportsbox Golf app, we use the “Six Degrees of Freedom” — all motion can be measured in six different ways.
First, there are linear movements: Forward/backward, left/right, up/down — which are measured in feet, inches, meters, etc.
Next, there are angular movements: Turn, bend forward/backward, or side-to-side — which are measured in degrees.
The linear motions apply to the golfer’s position in terms of lift, thrust, and sway. Lift is movement up and down; thrust is forward and backward, and sway is left and right.
Meanwhile, the angular movements measure rotations, like turn, bend, and side bend.
For example, your pelvis (hips) when the golfer is at address will have a certain position and orientation that will change throughout the swing. At the top of the backswing, the golfer’s hips will have turned, tipped sideways, and tilted backward, and they may also have swayed sideways, thrust forward, and lifted up compared to where they were at address.