TPI Titleist Performance Institute Level 1

Early extension is often caused by a lack of mobility in the lower body, particularly limited deep squat capabilities due to poor ankle or hip mobility. The other tests relate more to upper body rotational restrictions like flat shoulder plane or loss of posture at the top of the swing.

The most efficient sequence of energy transfer moves from proximal to distal, peaking first in the pelvis, followed by the thorax, lead arm, and finally the club. The other sequences represent inefficient energy transfers that often result in power loss or swing compensations.

When a client can perform the pelvic tilt but exhibits shaking or a ratchet-like movement, it indicates a lack of motor control and core stability, not a true mobility restriction. Grading it as normal ignores the stability deficit, while assuming joint restriction or pain is incorrect based on the observed shaking.

Reverse Spine Angle often occurs when a player cannot rotate deeply into their trail hip (right hip internal rotation) or lacks thoracic extension, forcing them to compensate by leaning backward. The other options do not directly force the spine into reverse extension or excessive lateral bend at the top of the swing.

Sway is a lateral movement of the lower body during the backswing, often caused by an inability to internally rotate into the trail hip. Since the upper body mobility (Seated Trunk Rotation) is adequate, the restriction in the Lower Quarter Rotation test directly correlates to the lower body lateral compensation.

Over-the-top is typically caused by the upper body initiating the downswing before the lower body, which stems from an inability to disassociate the pelvis from the thorax or limited trail hip mobility preventing proper weight shift. Hypermobility or wrist issues do not primarily drive the out-to-in swing path associated with this characteristic.

The 90/90 test assesses shoulder external rotation, while the Lat test assesses latissimus dorsi flexibility and thoracic extension. Since the Lat test is normal, the restriction in the 90/90 test isolates the issue to the glenohumeral joint (external rotation) rather than lat tightness or spinal mobility.

TPI emphasizes the “Body-Swing Connection,” teaching that a player’s swing is dictated by their unique physical capabilities and limitations. They do not advocate for a single perfect swing model, nor do they require perfect physical symmetry before playing.

Chicken winging is often a physical compensation for a lead arm that cannot properly rotate (external rotation) or supinate through the impact zone, forcing the elbow to break down and lift. Lower body restrictions or excessive spinal mobility do not directly cause the breakdown of the lead arm through impact.

The Toe Touch test assesses the player’s ability to hinge at the hips, requiring adequate hamstring length and pelvic mobility while maintaining straight legs. It does not measure upper body rotational power or shoulder mobility.

A slide often occurs when the lead hip lacks the internal rotation necessary to accept the weight and rotate during the downswing; instead of rotating around the hip, the player’s lower body continues to move laterally. Upper body and wrist limitations do not cause the pelvis to slide laterally toward the target.

The TPI Level 1 protocol requires a client to maintain their balance with eyes closed for at least 10 seconds to pass the Single Leg Balance test. Failing to reach 10 seconds indicates a deficit in proprioception or core/gluteal stability.

Failing the Bridge with Leg Extension indicates glute weakness or gluteal amnesia, while failing the deep squat points to lower body mobility/stability issues. Without strong glutes and core stability, the player cannot maintain pelvic angles during the downswing, resulting in a loss of posture.

The Cervical Rotation test requires the client to rotate their neck and touch the chin to the collarbone without compensating by elevating the shoulder. Lifting the shoulder is a compensation for limited cervical mobility, thus resulting in a failed test for that side.

Casting is often a power-loss compensation; when a player cannot generate speed from the ground up due to poor pelvic mobility or lower/upper body disassociation, they instinctively use their hands and wrists (casting) to create clubhead speed. Excessive wrist mobility or overactive glutes do not force the early release of the club.

In the cognitive (initial) stage of motor learning, learners need continuous, immediate, and prescriptive feedback to understand the mechanics of the new movement and avoid grooving incorrect patterns. Summary or delayed feedback is more appropriate for later stages (associative or autonomous) to build retention and self-reliance.

The Seated Trunk Rotation test measures thoracic mobility. For a right-handed golfer, leftward rotation is essential for the downswing and follow-through. A severe restriction to the left (25 degrees) will prevent the upper body from fully rotating through impact, leading to a blocked or restricted finish.

TPI strictly defines Sway as a backswing characteristic where the lower body moves laterally away from the target. Slide is defined as a downswing characteristic where the lower body moves laterally toward the target. Both relate to lower body lateral movements, but in opposite directions and phases of the swing.

The purpose of the Pelvic Rotation test is to assess the client’s ability to move the lower body independently of the upper body (disassociation). If the thorax moves with the pelvis, the client lacks this disassociation, which is critical for generating a proper kinematic sequence, resulting in a failed test.

C-Posture is characterized by a rounded upper back (thoracic kyphosis). This rounded posture physically restricts thoracic extension and rotation. To complete the backswing, a player in C-Posture will typically rotate their shoulders on a horizontal (flat) plane rather than maintaining the spine angle, leading to a Flat Shoulder Plane.