Ball Launch Data describes the measured conditions of the golf ball immediately after impact and the calculated results of those conditions as the ball travels through flight.
The launch condition is described by a combination of multiple measured ball launch parameters. The combination of these measured characteristics determines the ball’s trajectory, peak height, descent angle, carry, and total distance.
Foresight Sports launch monitors use high-speed, high-resolution cameras to capture ball launch conditions with a high degree of accuracy. Ball flight results are calculated by algorithm based on those measurements.
Launch Condition Overview
The launch condition is defined by the following measured ball launch parameters:
Ball Speed
Total Spin
Launch Angle
Azimuth
Spin-Tilt Axis
The combination of these measurements determines:
Ball Trajectory
Peak Height
Descent Angle
Carry
Total Distance
Ball Launch Condition Metrics
Ball Speed
The measurement of the golf ball’s velocity measured just after impact. Ball Speed is the main component in generating distance.
Launch Angle
The initial vertical angle of ascent relative to the ground plane, measured in degrees. Launch Angle, combined with ball spin and speed, determines carry and total distance.
Azimuth
Also known as side angle or deviation angle. The initial horizontal angle relative to the target line. Azimuth, combined with side spin, determines the final ball position down range relative to the target line.
Side Spin
A component of total spin that defines ball curvature or shot shape. Side Spin is also related to the Spin-Tilt Axis.
Back Spin
A component of total spin that defines ball lift and trajectory.
Total Spin
The total amount of spin around the Spin-Tilt Axis that creates curvature and lift.
Spin-Tilt Axis
The axis that the golf ball rotates around to create shot curvature and lift.
When the Spin-Tilt Axis is oriented to the left (looking down range), the ball’s trajectory moves from right to left.
When the Spin-Tilt Axis is oriented to the right (looking down range), the ball’s trajectory moves from left to right.
Ball Flight Result Metrics
Peak Height
The apex of the ball’s trajectory measured from the ground plane.
Carry
The total distance of flight produced by the initial launch condition.
Total Distance
The combined ball flight distance with bounce and roll.
Offline
The end position distance right or left measured from the target line.
How These Measurements Work Together
Ball launch measurements and calculated ball flight results function together as a system. The combination of:
Ball Speed
Launch Angle
Azimuth
Spin Characteristics
Determines:
The shape of the ball’s flight
How high the ball travels
How far the ball carries
Where the ball finishes relative to the target line
For typical and optimized performance benchmarks based on these measurements, reference the Ball Launch Data: Performance Reference Tables.
FAQs
What defines a launch condition?
A launch condition is defined by Ball Speed, Total Spin, Launch Angle, Azimuth, and Spin-Tilt Axis.
Are Peak Height, Carry, and Total Distance measured or calculated?
They are calculated by algorithm based on measured launch data.
What determines shot curvature?
Shot curvature is defined by Total Spin and the orientation of the Spin-Tilt Axis.
Performance Reference Tables
For optimized and typical ball launch performance benchmarks, including driver-only optimized launch data and slower and faster swing speed reference tables, see: Ball Launch Data: Performance Reference Tables
Related Measurement Systems
For club delivery measurements that directly influence ball launch conditions, see: Club Head Data: Measurements & Definitions
Data Accuracy & Support
If your ball launch data appears inconsistent, incorrect, or does not reflect expected results, follow the standard reporting process outlined here: How to Report Incorrect or Inaccurate Data
This ensures your data can be reviewed properly with the required screenshots, session files, and setup details.