Stretching is just one way to enhance shoulder function for athletes looking for extra performance. Another is strengthening two muscle groups that require attention.

One is the rotator cuff - it is important in every sport, but has an especially critical role in golf. And the other is the scapular, or shoulder. There are sixteen muscles attached to the scapular, and for golfers it is essential to work with golf instructors who feel that working with these is necessary to producing a good swing.

Posture is one thing those teachers are concerned about with their students, and golfers with weaknesses in the scapular area often have problems with theirs. Many slouch with rounded shoulders, which impede their ability to swing efficiently. The best way to remedy that problem is to build strength in the scapular. To that end, a series of three exercises, all of which can be done from the prone position with hand-held weights. In addition, a routine designed specifically for rotator cuff strengthening, again with hand-held weights, but this time sitting up.

The idea here is to add strength and dynamic stabilization to the shoulders in a way that will make golfers stronger as it gives them greater endurance.