TWO-SHOULDER SWING
using very little muscle, just varying the size of your swing to adjust power, and therefore you should achieve better consistency. Furthermore, if you do need to raise the power of your game, maybe to play power croquet or to execute big jump shots, then the two-shoulder swing gives you that capability more easily because you are able to use the large muscles of both shoulders. By the way, you’ll notice from this analysis that this doesn’t inform you about which swing technique works best at lower velocities, where all of the different techniques are being used fairly passively. I’ve got my own ideas about this, but it’s getting a bit off-topic. In summary, therefore, the two-shoulder swing gives you the ability to play the majority of shots in a passive and consistent way, but if you want to add power to the stroke you can employ the best muscles for the job. Given that the two-shoulder swing has playing advantages, but is more time-consuming to learn, is it worth demonstrating two-shoulder swings to beginners? Firstly, I think it’s worthwhile for everyone to know that there are different types of swing available, and that they have their pros and cons. Even if they don’t use a particular technique, it’s part of the general knowledge of the game to be aware of what other players do, and to be aware of pathways to improve their game. Secondly, there are a number of players who have approached me during the beginners’ courses, who having seen a two-shoulder demonstration ask if it makes sense to learn a two-shoulder technique early, as it would speed their development in the game. These are often ambitious players, who want to invest their time on the best technique. They’ve usually got a sporting background, and appreciate the advantage of ‘starting the right way’. This group of players definitely makes it worthwhile demonstrating the two-shoulder technique. ASK THE EXPERT Raouf Allim has kindly agreed to produce regular contributions for us all to enjoy and learn from, and he is more than willing to answer the questions that you really want to ask. Please do send in your questions to communications@croquetengland.org.uk and address them to Raouf, who will be delighted to respond in future issues of our magazine.
RAOUF ALLIM The Swing Doctor
Grade 2 CqE Coach specialising in swing coaching
John Sayce has posted a follow-up question: ‘Is it helpful for beginners with the one-shoulder swing seeing a coach demonstrate a shot with the two-shoulder swing?’ It’s an interesting question, to which I think the short answer is YES, but it needs some explanation. The first point is that there would be little point in demonstrating a two-shoulder swing if you didn’t believe that it has something to offer over and above the one- shoulder swing. As a coach who believes that you should be able to explain everything you coach, it is insufficient to say that Croquet England recommends it (which they do, and I concur), or that most good players seem to do it (which they do). What are the advantages of the two-shoulder swing? I think the answer lies in the principle of using the least amount of muscle to achieve your goal, as adding muscular effort increases inconsistency. With a two-shoulder swing you are using a swing which is more naturally powerful, with minimal muscular effort. The physics of the different types of swing are that the two-shoulder swing has the greatest moment of inertia, with the one-shoulder swing being second best and the wrist swing having the smallest. The moment of inertia is the product of two factors, which are the mass which you are swinging and the distance of the centre of gravity of the mass from your pivot. The greater the moment of inertia, the more momentum is transferred to the ball for the same mallet head velocity. Regarding mass, the two-shoulder swing includes the mass of your arms as well as your mallet (provided your wrists are reasonably firm), whereas the wrist swing is essentially just mallet mass. The one-shoulder swing is intermediate because it includes the mass of one arm as well as the mallet. Regarding the distance from the pivot, the two- shoulder swing also has the longest distance, compared to swings that pivot at the wrist. The result of all of this is that you can achieve the largest range of shots with a fairly passive technique, using the two- shoulder swing. You can play the great majority of shots
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