What golf simulator shot numbers actually mean
What your golf simulator numbers mean
Ball speed, spin, launch angle, path. A launch monitor throws a lot of numbers at you after every swing. Each page here takes one number, says what it is, and shows how it connects to the others.
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Every number, explained
Ball speed and clubhead speed explainedWhat ball speed and clubhead speed measure on a golf simulator, how the two differ, and which one has more say over how far the ball carries.
Smash factor: what it tells youWhat smash factor means on a golf simulator, how it's worked out, and the range Trackman's own averages show for drivers and irons.
Launch angle and spin rateHow launch angle and spin rate are measured on a golf simulator, and how backspin and the angle the ball takes off at shape its flight.
Carry distance versus total distanceWhy a golf simulator shows two distances, what carry and total each mean, and how to tell which one to read for the shot in front of you.
Club path and face angleWhat club path and face angle mean on a golf simulator, how the gap between them is called face to path, and how it makes a ball curve.
Spin axis and side spinWhat spin axis means on a golf simulator, how it relates to side spin, and how its sign and size match up with draws, fades, hooks and slices.
Attack angle and dynamic loftWhat attack angle and dynamic loft mean on a golf simulator, how they combine into spin loft, and how they affect launch and spin.