Understanding Launch Angle Data

How Golfers Use Vertical and Horizontal Launch Angle Data

Available for Mevo, Mevo Gen2, Mevo+ and X3 users

Vertical Launch Angle

What is Vertical Launch Angle?

Vertical Launch Angle refers to the vertical angle at which the golf ball is launched relative to the horizon of the radar. In other terms, it is the angle at which the ball takes off from the ground after impact with the clubface. It's typically measured in degrees, with a positive value indicating the ball is launched upward and a negative value indicating a downward launch. Launch angle will influence the shot height and is mostly determined by the dynamic loft and angle of attack.

How Vertical Launch Angle is Measured

The FlightScope Mevo uses 3D Doppler Radar technology, while the FlightScope Mevo Gen2, Mevo+ and X3 utilize patented Fusion Tracking Technology – a unique combination of radar and camera – to track the ball's trajectory after it leaves the clubface.

Why Vertical Launch Angle is Important

The vertical launch angle plays a significant role in determining both distance and trajectory.

  • Distance: A higher vertical launch angle typically results in longer carry distance, as the ball spends more time in the air. However, excessively high launch angles can lead to excessive height and reduced roll after landing, potentially sacrificing overall distance.

  • Trajectory: Launch angle influences the peak height and overall flight path of the ball. Understanding your optimal launch angle allows you to shape shots for different situations on the course, such as clearing obstacles or controlling roll on approach shots.

Ideal Vertical Launch Angle For Every Club

Wondering what launch angle to aim for? You can compare your launch angles to the PGA and LPGA Tour averages for every club from a Pitching Wedge up to a Driver:

How to Use Vertical Launch Angle for Improvement:

  • Optimize Distance and Trajectory: Analyze launch angle data to understand why your shots might be flying too high, too low, or not carrying far enough. Adjust your swing mechanics or club selection to achieve desired launch angles for different situations.

  • Compare with Benchmarks: Compare your launch angles against players of similar skills or your own averages to identify potential areas for improvement.

  • Focus on Impact Dynamics: Launch angle is heavily influenced by club path, angle of attack, and impact efficiency. Addressing swing mechanics that affect these factors can indirectly help you optimize your launch angle.

Horizontal Launch Angle

What is Horizontal Launch Angle?

Horizontal Launch Angle refers to the horizontal angle at which the ball takes off from the ground after impact with the clubface, relative to the target line. It's typically measured in degrees, with:

  • 0 degrees: Indicating the ball travels directly down the target line.

  • Right (eg. 4.2R): Indicating the ball starts right of the target line (for a right-handed golfer).

  • Left (eg. 1.5L): Indicating the ball starts left of the target line.

How Horizontal Launch Angle is Measured

FlightScope utilizes patented Fusion Tracking Technology – a unique combination of radar and camera – to measure the ball's 3D movement after it leaves the clubface. By analyzing the horizontal components of the ball's initial velocity, FlightScope calculates the horizontal launch angle.

Why Horizontal Launch Angle is Important

While not directly influencing distance or trajectory like other launch conditions, horizontal launch angle can offer insights into potential ball flight issues and swing mechanics causing them.

While not directly impacting distance or trajectory, analyzing horizontal launch angle alongside other data points offers valuable insights into potential ball flight issues and their underlying swing mechanics causes. Golfers can utilize this information to improve their swing and achieve greater control over ball flight direction.

How to Use Horizontal Launch Angle for Improvement:

  • Diagnose Ball Flight Issues: Analyze horizontal launch angle data alongside ball flight observations to identify tendencies.

  • Identify Swing Mechanics Issues: Analyze horizontal launch angle in conjunction with other data points like club path and face to target to diagnose swing mechanics issues contributing to these tendencies.

Key Takeaway

Launch angle is a crucial data point for golfers seeking to control both distance and trajectory. By analyzing launch angle data and adjusting your swing or club selection, you can optimize your game for different course situations and achieve greater control over your shots.