Single Leg Hold | Analysis and Scoring
partner4 min
The final movement in the DRVN Mobility Assessment is the Single-Leg Hold.
This test brings everything together.
Where earlier assessments focus on posture, depth, and rotation, the single-leg hold shows whether a golfer can control their body through space, stay connected to the ground, and finish the swing with balance.
In simple terms, this test answers one key question:
Can the golfer remain stable and organized after force has already been created?
That's exactly what happens at the finish of the golf swing.
What the Single-Leg Hold Assesses
This test looks at three closely related qualities.
First, balance over time. Not just whether the golfer can reach a position, but whether they can stay there.
Second, ground reaction and foot stability. How well does the foot work against the ground to maintain control?
Third, proprioception — the golfer's awareness of their body in space. This is a major factor in consistency, especially late in the swing.
Together, these elements tell you how well the golfer can control momentum and finish their movement with intent rather than collapse.
Why This Matters for the Golf Swing
The finish position isn't decorative. It reflects everything that happened before it.
A golfer who struggles to balance on one leg often struggles to:
- control sequencing,
- manage force,
- and deliver the club consistently.
When balance improves, finishing positions clean up. When finishing positions improve, swing efficiency and repeatability follow.
That's why this test closes the assessment — it shows whether the system holds together.
How the Test Is Performed
The golfer stands on one leg and lifts the opposite hip to 90 degrees. A golf club is held out in front of the body, eyes forward.
At the lower scores, simply reaching the position is enough. At higher scores, the ability to hold the position becomes the differentiator.
Breathing should remain calm. The body should appear controlled, not tense. Both sides of the body are tested.
Scoring the Single-Leg Hold
Scoring progresses by increasing time, then increasing demand.
| Score | What You'll See |
|---|---|
| 1 | Able to reach 90-degree hip position on both sides, but unable to hold |
| 2 | Holds single-leg position for less than 10 seconds on either side |
| 3 | Holds single-leg position for more than 10 seconds on both sides |
| 4 | Achieves Superman hold position on both sides |
| 5 | Holds Superman position for 10+ seconds on both sides |
The numbers matter — but again, asymmetries often matter more. One side failing earlier than the other tells you exactly where to focus.
The Superman Progression
To increase the challenge, the test progresses into the Superman hold.
From a single-leg stance, the golfer hinges at the hip, extends the non-standing leg backward, and reaches the club forward. The body becomes a long lever balancing over one foot.
This dramatically increases the demand on:
- balance,
- hip control,
- foot stability,
- and center-of-mass awareness.
Holding this position cleanly requires coordination, not brute strength.
Using the Results
This test helps you understand:
- how well a golfer controls their finish,
- how stable they are late in the swing,
- and whether balance limitations are influencing consistency.
If balance breaks down early, training emphasis shifts toward foot mechanics, lower-body stability, and controlled single-leg work. If asymmetries show up, unilateral training becomes a priority.
As balance improves here, overall swing confidence tends to improve with it.
Closing Thought
The single-leg hold isn't about standing still.
It's about proving that the body can organize force, control momentum, and finish with intent.
When a golfer can do that, the swing becomes more repeatable — and the entire system becomes more resilient.