The Shoulder: A Golf Ball on a Tee

The Shoulder: A Golf Ball on a Tee Why Shoulder Stability Matters (Even If You’re Not a Pitcher or Gymnast) What the Shoulder Isn't : Unlike your hip joint — a deep, secure socket — your shoulder joint is more like: A golf ball sitting on a tee. That’s how shallow the socket is. It’s designed for maximum mobility , not maximum stability.

Why That’s a Problem This incredible freedom (hello overhead reach, tennis serves, and bear hugs) comes at a cost:

• Less structural protection

• Higher risk of dislocation, impingement, and rotator cuff issues

• More demand on muscles for control Your Secret Weapon: The Scapula Your shoulder blade is the baseplate that stabilizes the tee. It connects your arm to your spine via 17 different muscles and moves in 6 key ways : The 6 Scapular Movements:

1. Elevation – shrug up

2. Depression – draw down

3. Protraction – wrap forward (think push-up)

4. Retraction – pinch back (think row)

5. Upward rotation – arm overhead

6. Downward rotation – arm lowers back down Healthy shoulder function depends on all six of these being strong, controlled, and coordinated. Movement Tip: Train Scapula Before Shoulder Before overhead presses and pull-ups, build control through:

• Wall slides

• Scap push-ups

• Farmer carries

• Serratus reach + lifts

• Controlled rows Takeaway: Strong shoulders start with stable scapulae. Train the tee to support the ball — or risk losing your swing entirely.