The principles of the 3D Doppler Tracking Golf Radar
Technology has taken sport to a level of competition unlike anything seen before. More accurate sports measurement systems have resulted in improvements in many aspects of many sports – not only for players, but for spectators, too. One such technological advent is that of 3D ball tracking. This is great for golfers, for example, who are looking for a ball tracking monitor or 3D golf radar and a method of golf swing analysis that provides genuinely useful feedback. If you’ve been wondering how 3D Doppler tracking works to enhance your game, wonder no more!
The secret of FlightScope’s 3D ball tracking success lies in the patented phased array tracking technology that is used in the device. The two main technological aspects of the FlightScope 3D motion tracking device are its radar technology (very similar to that which is used in the military), and its advanced industrial electronics. So what does this mean for you in a practical sense? Well, it means you have access to a level of ball measurement and ball tracking that is difficult to beat.
FlightScope’s 3D ball tracking devices and golf radars can measure a number of variables related to golf balls.
These include:
- real time tracking
- ball speed
- both vertical and horizontal launch angles
- sidespin
- backspin
Flightscope’s 3D motion tracking devices are not just about ball measurement; they can also help with your golf swing analysis by measuring variables related to your golf club, such as
- club head speed
- club vertical attack angle
- club horizontal attack angle
- club face angle
The ball’s trajectory after it has been launched is also measured, which means you have exceptionally comprehensive ball measurement information instantly available, aiding you in your ongoing quest to improve your golf swing.
The FlightScope 3D Doppler Tracking Golf Radar was the official 3D motion tracking device at the 2008 PGA Fall Expo, which just goes to show that this ball tracking monitor is a master of its game and, by using it, you could be a master of yours too by accurately developing that perfect golf swing.
Flightscope Data:
Club Speed: Club speed measured just before impact. Club speed varies a lot between the different tour players. Tiger Woods is among the players with the highest driver club speed – averaging around 124 mph. The Tour Pro Average is 113 mph for a Driver and 95 mph for a 5 iron.
Vertical Swing Plane: The angle of the swing plane of the club head seen from ground and up. A high value is a steep swing plane – Low value is a flat swing plane. The primary goal is to have a consistent vertical swing plane. Tour Pro Average with the Driver is 48 degrees
Horizontal Swing Plane: The swing plane of the club head – seen from above. Orientation left/ right measured in relation to the target Line. Positive value means swing plane orientation toward the right (inside/out for right handed player) and a negative value means orientation towards the left (outside/in).
Attack Angle: The angle with which the club head is “attacking” the ball just before impact – measured in relation to ground level. Negative value is hitting down on the ball, and positive is hitting up on the ball. This is a very important number for club fitters.
Dynamic Loft: The dynamic or effective loft of the club at the point of impact on the club face – calculated relative to vertical. When hitting down on the ball, the dynamic loft will normally be less than the static loft of the club.
Club Path: The club head path measured at impact. Positive value if club head is moving to the right (inside/out for right handed player) and negative value is a club head moving to the left through impact. A shot with a Club Path value between -1 to +1 degree is considered to be straight towards the target.
Face Angle: The club head angle calculated at impact on the club face relative to the target line. A positive value if the the Club head is open at impact.
Ball Speed: Ball speed measured just after impact. A high ball speed is primarily generated from a high club speed. However, the impact location on the club, the dynamic loft, and the attack angle also play a role in producing the ball speed.
Spin Rate: The launch spin measured just after impact. Spin is of major importance for the carry distance and launch angle for high speed shots – a drive in particular. To maximize the driving distance a combination of high launch angle and low spin is needed.
Smash Factor: Ball speed divided by Club speed. It represents the ability to transfer power from the club to the ball. 1.48 is maximum for a driver (COR regulated)
Spin Axis: The spin axis is the axis around which the ball is spinning. The tilting of the axis dictates if the ball will draw or fade. The value is +/- in degrees relative to the horizon. Positive value when the ball is going right – and negative when it’s going left.
Vertical Launch Angle: The launch angle measuered just after impact in relation to the horizon. The optimal launch angle for a driver is individual for each player and is primarily dictated by club speed and attack angle. The TrackMan driver fitting application takes the mystery out of finding the optimal launch angle for each palyer.
Horizontal Launch Angle: The launch angle measured just after impact in relation to target line.
Maximum Height: The measured maximum height of the ball during the ball flight. The height of golf shots are more or less the same for every club in the bag.
Landing Angle: The measured landing angle in relation to the horizon. Keep it below 40 degrees for a driver. Get it higher than 55 degrees for control on approach shots. Tour Pro average – Driver 39 degrees.
Carry: The carry – measured to same level as launch (carry flat). Tour Pro Average – Driver: 262 yds
Carry Side: The carry side – measured in relation to target line
Total distance: equals carry plus calculated bounce and roll.
Total Side: The total side (left or right) calculated in relation to target line.
