How Dodgers Pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s Warm-Up Can Supercharge Your Golf Swing
When it comes to elite athletes, the way they prepare their bodies is just as important as their in-game performance. Take Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto, for example. Known for his explosive pitching and jaw-dropping warm-up routines, Yamamoto has a unique approach to getting ready for the game—one that golfers can adapt to maximize power and prevent injury.
Unlike many athletes who stick to traditional stretches or weightlifting, Yamamoto’s pre-game warm-up emphasizes mobility, core strength, balance, and body awareness. He’s been observed performing back-bends, handstands, and gymnastic-style movements in the stadium concourse before games, focusing on flexibility and activating the body’s kinetic chain rather than simply warming up his arm. This isn’t just for show—these movements prime his spine, hips, shoulders, and core for the explosive rotational power needed to deliver a high-velocity pitch while minimizing the risk of injury.
So, how does this relate to golfers? At its core, both pitching and golfing require rotational power generated from the ground up. The legs, hips, and core drive the movement, transferring energy to the upper body and, finally, the hands or club. Yamamoto’s focus on mobility and dynamic movement is directly transferable: by activating these key muscle groups, golfers can improve swing speed, maintain stability, and protect the joints during full, powerful swings.
Take a page from Dodgers pitcher Hiroki Yamamoto’s playbook and transform your golf warm-up. By borrowing his dynamic movement principles, you can prime your body for explosive swings, improved rotation, and ultimate control on the course. Let’s break down a warm-up that gets you swinging like a pro, one movement at a time.”
- Activation & Mobility
Start with movements that open the spine, shoulders, and hips. Wall back-bends, controlled hip rotations, and torso side-bends can increase flexibility while preparing your body for rotational power. These exercises mirror Yamamoto’s pre-game stretches, emphasizing controlled mobility rather than forcing extreme positions. - Dynamic Movement & Neuromuscular Prep
Incorporate movements like wall walk-outs, single-leg hip hinges, and controlled balance drills. These prepare your nervous system and build stability in the same way Yamamoto primes his body for pitching. Your goal is coordination and control, not just stretching. - Golf-Specific Drills
Practice half-swings with a club or a headcover to focus on tempo, hip turn, and balance. Add “fast finish” swings to simulate accelerating through the ball while maintaining control—similar to how Yamamoto readies his body for explosive pitching. - Power & Force Output
Use light resistance bands or a medicine ball to simulate rotational power. Rotational throws or controlled slams engage the core and shoulders, building power safely. The key is to rehearse the movement with control, not to fatigue the muscles before your round.
By sequencing these exercises, Yamamoto ensures his body is fully engaged and injury-resistant before stepping onto the mound, a principle golfers can apply to activate muscles, improve swing mechanics, and maximize power on the course.”
“Power from the Ground Up: Why Ground Force Matters in Your Swing”
And speaking of “Force and Output”; the most untapped power in your golf swing is the utilization of ground force production. A critical yet often overlooked element of a powerful golf swing. By driving force through your feet and legs into the ground, you create the foundation for energy to flow up through your hips, core, and ultimately into the club. Efficient ground force not only increases swing speed and distance but also improves balance and stability, allowing for more consistent contact and control. Essentially, the harder and smarter you push off the ground, the more explosive and precise your swing becomes.
Vertical jump exercises including box jumps and squat med ball slams, are dynamic ways to train your legs and hips to generate explosive power from the ground—directly translating to a more forceful golf swing. By emphasizing rapid hip extension, knee drive, and ankle push-off, these exercises teach your body to transfer energy efficiently from the ground through your torso and into your club.
Torque to Tee: Unlocking Rotational Power with Med Ball Training
Focusing on rotational med ball exercises is one of the most effective ways to improve your turn and coil in the golf swing. These exercises train your core, hips, and obliques to move in a coordinated, explosive manner—mirroring the twisting action of a powerful swing. By practicing controlled, rotational movements with a med ball, you teach your body to generate torque from your lower body through your torso, enhancing both speed and stability. The result is a fuller shoulder turn, better weight transfer, and increased clubhead speed, all of which translate to longer, more controlled shots on the course.
Building rotational power and mastering ground force production are the cornerstones of a truly powerful golf swing. By training your core, hips, and legs to work in harmony, you create a seamless transfer of energy from the ground through your body and into the club. Incorporating exercises that emphasize rotation and explosive leg drive not only increases distance but also improves consistency and control. Commit to these movements in your golf fitness routine, and you’ll find your swing more dynamic, efficient, and capable of delivering the extra yards you’ve been chasing—all while reducing the risk of injury and keeping your body in peak golfing shape.
“Your swing is only as good as your body—book your TPI screen and unlock your full golf potential!” Email lindaw@hermitagecountryclub.com to schedule your TPI Screen.
