The Ultimate Guide to Understanding Trackman

The Trackman Glossary:

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AI Motion Analysis – Now integrated into the Shot Analysis mode of TPS, the innovative AI Motion Technology is the future of coaching and golf swing analysis. Say goodbye to manual line drawing and hello to automated feedback for a more precise and efficient practice session. From shoulder and hip lines to head circle and wrist path, this AI-driven tool offers a range of selectable items that automatically line up for a more efficient practice experience. Already the leader in terms of providing ball and club tracking, AI Motion Analysis is Trackman’s first step on the path to biomechanical tracking.

Altitude – It is now possible to practice at custom-defined altitudes in Virtual Golf practice features. Changeable in Settings, you can now play at your local altitude to further optimize transitioning to and from the indoor and outdoor game. Where innovation meets elevation, discover how altitude affects your distance and take your game to new heights.

Attack Angle – Measured relative to the horizon, Attack Angle is the up or down movement of the club head at the time of maximum compression. In general golf shots hit off the ground should have a negative Attack Angle. To maximize distance with your driver, hitting up on the ball (positive Attack Angle) is a must.

Apex Height – The maximum height that the ball reaches in its trajectory, Apex Height significantly influences the distance of a shot. Most golfers are likely unaware that there is very little difference between a driver and a pitching wedge when it comes to Apex Height. Based on Trackman’s latest Tour Averages the difference in Apex Height between Driver and Pitch Wedge is only 3 meters/yards. Understanding how each club will react helps players find that window to play from and is also beneficial to understanding how shots can be affected by wind.

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Bullseye – Bullseye is a Trackman game designed to improve precision and accuracy in a fun and engaging manner. The Bullseye feature aims to challenge players to hit targets as accurately as possible, rewarding precise shots with higher scores. This feature is particularly useful for golfers looking to refine their control and consistency. Bullseye may include multiple levels or stages, each with increasing difficulty and players can compete against themselves or others, making it a versatile tool for individual practice or friendly competition.

Ball Speed – Generated by club speed and impact, Ball Speed is the speed of the golf ball immediately following impact. Although a golfer’s club speed is key to potential distance, the Ball Speed that is created is the biggest factor in how far the ball carries. Gaining 1 mph of Ball Speed can increase your driver distance by up to 2 yards. Bad impacts off the toe or heel of a club will reduce potential Ball Speed. ‘Glancing blows’ created by hooks, slices and hitting too much down on the ball can also reduce the potential Ball Speed.

Ball Data – Trackman provides detailed ball data to help golfers analyze their shots and improve their performance. This data is crucial for understanding the dynamics of a golf shot and includes several key parameters. These data points collectively help golfers gain insights into their swing mechanics, identify areas for improvement, and make data-driven decisions to enhance their performance on the course. Ball data can include anything from ball speed, launch angle and spin rate to carry distance, spin axis and smash factor and beyond.

Backswing Time – Backswing Time refers to the time the club head travels away from the ball during the backswing portion of their swing — particularly during putting. This is the time interval from the start of the swing until the point where the club reaches the top of the backswing, just before beginning the downswing. Backswing Time is an important metric for consistency, rhythm and timing, swing analysis and personalized training.

Break – Break refers to the total side movement from the ball’s launch direction, at the time the ball reaches entry speed. This term is often used in the context of putting and chipping, where understanding the break of the putt or chip is crucial for accurate targeting and shot execution.

Broadcast – Broadcast refers to the Trackman feature that allows real-time sharing of golf shot data, visuals, and analytics to various platforms and audiences. This capability is particularly useful for TV productions of bigger golf tournaments/events to enhance the viewer experience with detailed insights into player performance. Some key aspects of broadcast in Trackman include live data streaming, broadcast network integration, event coverage and engagement tools.

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Cannon Bowl — In this exciting and entertaining ‘bowling game’, the objective is to hit pins, spares and strikes to win.

Combine – Combine is a standardized Trackman test designed to measure and evaluate a golfer's skill level across various aspects of their game. The Trackman Combine provides a detailed performance report by testing a range of shots, giving players and coaches insights into strengths and areas for improvement. Key features include structured test format, variety of shots, scoring system, benchmarking, detailed performance report and the training tool.

Courses – From St Andrews and Pebble Beach to Royal Birkdale and Bethpage Black, Trackman offers hundreds of virtual golf courses that players can choose to play. These courses are meticulously designed to replicate real-world golf courses, providing an immersive and realistic experience. Courses can be played in various game modes, including stroke play, match play, practice mode and tournaments. See the full course library here.

Corridors – Corridors in Trackman allows you to focus your practice on a specific data point and hone your skills. Whether it be working on Face Angle or Club To Path you can focus your practice with corridors in Trackman Golf Pro. Users can select minimum and maximum digits to practice within a set ‘corridor’ of a particular data point. This allows for more focused practice.

Capture the Flag – Capture the Flag is a game mode designed to make golf practice more engaging and competitive. This game mode challenges golfers to hit targets with precision and strategy – similar to the traditional game ‘Capture the Flag’. The primary objective of Capture the Flag is to hit specific targets on the virtual driving range or course to ‘capture’ flags. The player who captures the most flags or achieves the highest score within the set parameters wins the game.

Closest to the Pin – Closest to the Pin is a popular and engaging game mode in Trackman that focuses on precision and accuracy. It is designed to test and improve a golfer's ability to hit shots as close as possible to a specific target. The primary goal of Closest to the Pin is to hit your golf ball as close as possible to a designated target, usually a hole on a virtual green. The player whose ball lands closest to the pin wins the round.

Club Speed – Measured as the speed the club head is traveling immediately prior to impact, Club Speed is a Trackman parameter that determines a golfer’s potential distance. Increasing Club Speed is the equivalent to adding more potential distance. In fact, adding 1 mph (about 1.6 kph) of Club Speed can increase your distance by up to 3 yards (about 2.7 meters) with the driver.

Club Path – Club Path is the direction the club head is moving (right or left) at impact and is measured relative to the target line. Most golfers relate the Club Path number to hitting the ball ‘in-to-out’ or ‘out-to-in’. A positive value means the club is moving to the right of the target at impact (‘in-to-out’ for a right-handed golfer) and a negative value means it is moving to the left of the target (‘out-to-in’ for a right-handed golfer). To hit a straight shot, the Club Path should be zero (Assuming center strike). The Club Path is part of what influences the curvature of the shot. An ‘in-to-out’ Club Path is typically required to hit a draw and an ‘out-to-in’ Club Path is usually needed to hit a fade

Curve – Curve refers to the horizontal side movement perpendicular from the launch direction to carry side. It is a critical parameter that Trackman measures and analyzes to provide golfers with comprehensive feedback on their shots. Spin axis are among the key parameters used to measure curve, and understanding curve data helps golfers diagnose shot patterns, identify swing issues affecting ball flight, and adjust to improve accuracy and consistency. Golfers can also use Trackman's curve analysis to intentionally shape shots around obstacles or towards specific targets on the course.

Carry – The distance between where the golf ball was launched from and where it crosses a point that has the same elevation. It is a fundamental measurement that Trackman provides to golfers and coaches, offering crucial insights into shot distance and performance. Factors that influence carry include club speed, launch angle, spin rate and weather conditions.

Club Data – Club data refers to the detailed information captured and analyzed about the performance of a golfer's club during a shot. This data includes various parameters that Trackman measures to provide insights into how the club interacts with the ball and affects the flight characteristics. Golfers use club data to evaluate their swing mechanics, identify strengths and weaknesses, and refine their technique for improved consistency and accuracy. Club data can include anything from club speed, attack angle, club path, face angle, dynamic loft and impact location.

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Dynamic Aim (Trackman iO) — Move the ball inside your iO tee area, and the target automatically adjusts accordingly on screen (in Shot Analysis and Virtual Golf Course play, Virtual Golf Range and Performance Center).

Dynamic Loft – Dynamic Loft is the amount of loft on the club face at impact and is measured relative to the horizon — the vertical angle of the club face at the center-point of contact between the club and ball at the time of maximum compression. Creating the proper Dynamic Loft is important to creating the optimal trajectory and maximizing carry. Too much Dynamic Loft can send the ball too high into the air and reduce the golfer’s distance. On the other hand, too little Dynamic Loft can send the ball too low causing the ball roll out excessively and making it difficult to judge distance. A golfer’s attack angle, how the club head is released and where the ball makes contact on the club face can all affect Dynamic Loft.

Dynamic Lie – Dynamic lie refers to the angle formed between the sole of the golf club and the ground at the moment of impact with the golf ball. Lie angle significantly influences the direction and accuracy of the shot, affecting both ball flight and contact with the turf. By monitoring and analyzing dynamic lie angle, golfers can optimize club fitting, improve swing mechanics, and enhance overall performance by achieving more precise and consistent ball striking.

Dynamic Plane Tilt – Dynamic Plane Tilt in Trackman refers to the measurement and analysis of the tilt or inclination of the swing plane during the golfer's swing measured in relation to the ground. By monitoring and analyzing dynamic plane tilt data, golfers can enhance swing efficiency, improve ball striking consistency, and optimize overall performance on the course. This information enables targeted adjustments in technique and setup to achieve better shot control and accuracy.

Dual Radar – Dual Radar refers to the use of two radar sensors within Trackman's technology setup. Trackman employs a dual radar system that consists of two radar sensors working in unison. By simultaneously monitoring both the ball and the club throughout the swing and ball flight, Dual Radar enhances accuracy, provides detailed insights into swing dynamics, and supports informed decision-making for golfers and coaches alike.

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Event – Trackman event software helps organize and manage golf tournaments, providing real-time data, performance tracking, and enhancing the player experience through advanced analytics.

Entry Speed – Entry Speed is the speed that the ball is travelling once it arrives at the hole. Being able to produce a consistent Entry Speed gives the player a better chance of holing putts and avoiding three-putting when missing.

Effective Stimp – The speed of the individual putt, based on the average roll deceleration.

Elevation – The height difference from the ball's starting position to the point of entry speed.

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Find My Distance – The Find My Distance feature in Trackman that helps golfers calculate the average carry distance for each club in their bag. It provides detailed feedback and insights on the distances achieved with various clubs during practice sessions. Knowing the precise distance each club carries helps golfers manage their shots more effectively, leading to better course management and lower scores. Accurate distance data ensures that golfers can select the right club for each shot, avoiding under or over-clubbing.

From Pin – From Pin is a feature in Trackman that measures the distance from the golf ball to the pin (hole) after a shot. This feature is particularly useful for evaluating shot accuracy and proximity to the target.

Face Angle – Face Angle is the direction the club face is pointed (right or left) at impact and is measured relative to the target line. Most golfers refer to this as having an ‘open’ or ‘closed’ club face. A positive value means the club face is pointed to the right of the target at impact (‘open’ for a right-handed golfer) and a negative value means the club face is pointed to the left of the target (‘closed’ for a right-handed golfer). Face Angle is the most important number when determining the starting direction of the golf ball. The ball will launch very closely to the direction the club face (Face Angle) is pointed at impact. To hit a straight shot, the Face Angle should be zero. The optimal Face Angle depends on the type of shot the golfer wants to play.

Face-to-Path – Face to path is the difference between the face angle and the club path.

Forward Swing Time – Forward Swing Time in Trackman refers to the time the club head travels towards the ball until impact when putting. This metric is crucial for analyzing the efficiency and speed of a putt, providing insights into the timing and tempo of forward motion. By focusing on this aspect, golfers can achieve a smoother transition from backswing to impact, leading to better putt consistency and accuracy.

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Games – Trackman offers a variety of interactive games designed to make practice sessions more engaging and fun while providing valuable data to help golfers improve their skills. These games utilize Trackman’s advanced technology to create challenging and enjoyable experiences for players of all ages and levels. Capture the Flag, Closest to the Pin, Bullseye, Magic Pond, Scrapyard and Mystic Sands are just a few games that make learning and playing golf enjoyable for all.

Golf Simulator – The Trackman Golf Simulator provides an unparalleled indoor golf experience by combining cutting-edge technology with realistic gameplay. Whether it be the Trackman 4 or iO, it caters to golfers of all levels, from beginners to professionals, and offers a range of features to enhance practice, entertainment, and performance analysis. Looking for just the essentials? Need the flexibility of a portable setup? Ready to go all-in with a fully customized, built-in golf simulator solution? Whichever path you choose, our design and installation experts are here to help make the process smooth and satisfying.

Golf Portal – Golf Portal is a portal that allows users to personalize and track their performance data over time. It enables golfers to review and share their statistics, such as swing metrics, shot data, and progress in various games and simulations offered by Trackman. It also offers facility owners to manage their facility, setup tournaments and handle booking and payment.

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Hit it! – This is a long drive game where players compete to hit the ball as far as possible using Trackman's launch monitor technology. Players aim to achieve the longest drive possible within the game's parameters, utilizing Trackman's precise measurements of ball speed, launch angle, spin rate, carry distance and more to track and display performance metrics accurately. This feature enhances practice sessions by adding an element of competition and goal-setting based on distance and accuracy.

Height – Height refers to the maximum vertical distance a golf ball reaches during its flight. This measurement is crucial for understanding the ball's trajectory and optimizing shots. By analyzing the height of a shot, golfers can adjust their swing to achieve the desired ball flight, whether aiming for a higher launch to carry obstacles or a lower trajectory for more roll.

Hang Time – Hang Time refers to the total time a golf ball spends in the air from the moment it is struck until it lands. This measurement is essential for analyzing the overall flight of the ball, including its trajectory, distance, and behavior under different conditions. Trackman's precise data on Hang Time helps players enhance their game by providing insights into how to maximize carry distance and control ball flight.

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Indoor Golf – Indoor golf with Trackman offers a state-of-the-art experience that brings the outdoor game inside, providing golfers of all levels with unparalleled accuracy and immersive play. Utilizing advanced radar technology, Trackman captures every detail of your swing and ball flight, making it an essential all-weather tool for both practice and entertainment. Check out this link to read more about indoor golf with Trackman.

Impact Location – Impact Location refers to the precise point on the clubface where the golf ball makes contact during a swing. This data is crucial for understanding how different points of contact affect ball flight and overall performance. From shot accuracy and distance control to spin rate and feel, understanding impact location is key to unlocking your full potential on the course.

Impact Height – Impact Height refers to the vertical position on the clubface where the golf ball makes contact during a swing. Impact height significantly influences the ball's launch angle. Higher impact locations tend to launch the ball higher, while lower impacts produce lower launch angles. The height at which the ball impacts the clubface affects spin rates, distance control and ball flight trajectory.

Impact Offset – Impact Offset refers to the horizontal position on the clubface where the golf ball makes contact during a swing. Impact offset directly influences the direction of the ball flight. Additionally, hitting the ball off-center generally results in a loss of ball speed and leads to a decrease in overall distance. The further the impact is from the sweet spot, the more significant the distance reduction.

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Landing Angle – Landing Angle is the angle at which the ball hits the ground. Landing angle is highly correlated to height and is a large determinant in the bounce and roll of a golf shot. A lower (flatter) land angle will create more bounce and roll. It is important to consider land angle when optimizing trajectory. With the driver, a lower land angle may decrease carry but increase total distance. However, on an approach shot it is important to be able to control how much bounce and roll occurs once the ball lands.

Launch Angle – The angle the ball takes off relative to the horizon, Launch Angle is highly correlated to dynamic loft. Launch Angle will always be a little less than dynamic loft but will have a similar value. Along with ball speed, Launch Angle is a primary component to determining the height and distance of a shot. Every golfer should be fitted to achieve the optimal balance of Launch Angle and spin rate based on their club speed and ball speed.

Launch Direction – Launch Direction is the initial direction the ball starts relative to the target line. A positive launch direction indicates a ball that starts right of the target and a negative launch direction indicates a ball that starts left of the target. The larger the number, the more offline the ball has started (right or left). A zero launch direction means the ball started directly at the target. Launch direction is reported in degrees and can be thought of in terms of push, pull, or straight. It is important to understand that launch direction does not describe the curvature of the shot, only its start direction.

Low Point – Low point is defined as being before or after impact. First, find impact which is represented by the geometric center of the club head at the time of maximum compression. Then determine if the lowest point in the swing arc is before or after the geometric center of the club head. Low point can create a strong visualization for the golfer. To hit up on the ball, the golfer must visualize the bottom of the swing arc occurring prior to the golf ball. To hit down on the ball, the golfer must visualize the bottom of the swing arc occurring after the golf ball.

Low Point Height – Low Point Height is a crucial metric in Trackman that refers to the lowest point in the swing arc relative to the ground. It indicates how high or low the clubhead is at the lowest point of its swing path. Influenced by factors such as swing mechanics, club selection and setup position, Low Point Height is essential when considering swing quality, turf interaction and ball flight control. Low Point Height is a valuable tool for golfers seeking to refine their swing mechanics and achieve consistent ball-striking.

Low Point Side – Low Point Side is a key metric in Trackman that indicates the lateral position of the club's lowest point in the swing arc relative to the target line. It helps golfers understand how their swing path influences the point of contact with the ball, impacting the direction and quality of their shots. Benefits of monitoring Low Point Side include improved directional control, enhanced shot shaping and better ball-striking consistency.

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Magic Pond – Step into a completely immersive Trackman world where dragons, skeletons, and adorable monsters await. Magic Pond transports you to a parallel universe where the challenge is to catch as many creatures as you can within a set number of attempts or enjoy unlimited tries to capture them all. It's top-tier entertainment that promises hours of fun, especially for younger members of the family.

Mystic Sands – Having fun on Trackman just got even easier with this gem of an entertainment centerpiece. A sibling to Magic Pond, Mystic Sands offers endless entertainment for golfers of all ages and levels as they swing to slay monsters among pyramids and sand dunes. Bust out those sandals, slip into something comfortable … and let the games begin!

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Normalization – Normalization in Trackman is used to ensure that data from different sessions or different environments (such as indoor versus outdoor settings) can be accurately compared and analyzed. For example, when using Trackman to measure shot distances or ball flight characteristics, normalization may involve adjusting data to account for factors like altitude, temperature, or wind conditions. This helps in providing accurate and consistent data regardless of external variables that could influence the results. Normalization can also be applied to swing data and metrics to provide golfers with a clear understanding of their performance trends over time.

NEXT Golf Tour – The Trackman-powered NEXT Golf Tour brings all the skill and intensity of tournament competition to the great indoors, so you can keep your game sharp all year round. This is professional golf played on virtual courses, exclusively in Trackman simulators around the world. Anyone can play and participants get the chance to win prizes, significant cash sums and opportunities to play on real outdoor European tours. Read more about the innovative NEXT Golf Tour here.

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Online – Play your pals Live. Anytime. Anywhere. From Tokyo to Toronto, Trackman once again moves to unite golfers worldwide. With people in different cities being able to play against one another in real-time, Online has the potential to be a game-changer for indoor golf. Simply schedule a tee time with a friend, link up bays in the Online Lobby, set up a video call on Discord or Facetime and compete live. To see the requirements needed and a tutorial video showing the process setting up to play friends on Online, click this link.

Optimizer – Optimizer refers to a functionality within the Trackman software that helps optimize a golfer's performance. This feature allows for detailed analysis and adjustments based on the data collected during a golfer's session. Specifically, the optimizer feature in Trackman analyzes various parameters such as club data, ball flight characteristics, and swing metrics to provide insights into how to improve efficiency in a golfer's game. In short, after hitting a shot, this feature can show you how far the shot could have gone if it was optimized, and what to optimize.

On Course Practice – The On Course Practice feature is a fantastic way to transition and take your practice to the course. Located in the Practice module, the On Course Practice mode allows you to drop your ball anywhere you'd like on any hole of any of our hundreds of Virtual Golf courses. From there you can select any position on the hole to focus on specific shots from specific distances and locations. This feature is part of Trackman's virtual golf technology, which aims to provide a realistic and immersive golfing experience without physically being on a golf course.

OERT – Trackman’s patented OERT system – Optically Enhanced Radar Tracking – measures club and ball data. OERT synchronizes an inbuilt full HD video camera with the dual radar system to give you the most accurate analysis possible. The radars operate at 40,000 samples per second and per receiver to give a precise picture of the time of impact. The camera works together with the radar system to deliver 4D silhouette clubhead tracking with a pickup rate for club data of over 90% across all shot types. No other company can do this with anywhere near the same degree of precision as Trackman.

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Performance Center – A popular Trackman aid for players and coaches, Performance Center is a versatile, powerful tool for evaluating and elevating shotmaking skills. Now it’s coming to TPS with additional features, including total and carry distances, green speed and firmness settings. Factoring in more than ever before, Performance Center on TPS maintains its Strokes Gained element to offer players unique approaches to improving their game. Customizable pin, green, and bunker locations mean every swing is an opportunity to optimize practice. Read more about Performance Center here.

Performance Putting – Performance Putting provides you with accurate and actionable information on the entire putt. In addition to the data captured along the roll, live video with automatic replay provides you with further insights. A graphic overlay on the video automatically depicts the ball’s trajectory and you can even add the drawing tool to pinpoint focus areas. Set putts side by side with the Compare function.

Practice – The Practice section in TPS lets users sharpen their game in various features, including Shot Analysis, Test Center, On Course Practice, Putting Analysis or Target Practice Range. Aside from being an improvement tool for players, Practice is designed to help coaches and fitters assist their clients as efficiently as possible.

Putting Analysis – Located in the Practice section on TPS, Putting Analysis provides detailed metrics and insights into a golfer's putting stroke. Analyzing everything from Stroke Path, Impact Location, Green Reading, Tempo and more, Putting Analysis helps golfers of all levels identify strengths and weaknesses in their putting and tailor their practice sessions for maximum improvement.

Putting History – Putting History in Trackman refers to the feature that allows golfers to review and analyze their putting performance over time.

Putting Mode (use a putter in the entertainment games) — Users can switch between stroke and putting mode in all games (except for our two putting games, which are strictly putting) providing a new experience and making it easier for players who struggle hitting other golf clubs.

Party Putt — This new Putt-Putt Game highlights the most frequently used stroke in golf in a fun and engaging way. Party Putt is available on all licenses (except TMiO Home).

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RCT (Radar Capture Technology) – In collaboration with Titleist, Trackman has developed the RCT golf ball designed to enhance the data capture of launch conditions in an indoor environment and deliver the most accurate information possible. Read more about how Trackman and Titleist teamed up to create the popular RCT ball for a better indoor game.

Roll Speed – Speed at the point where the ball starts to roll.

Roll % – The amount of roll on the total putt distance.

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Shot Analysis – Located in the Practice activity on TPS, Shot Analysis provides users with actionable data in real time every time they hit a shot. Combined with the Trackman Camera app, users can also record swing videos and see how the data match up with the video. Finally, users can use Trackman’s revolutionary AI feature Tracy. Tracy uses artificial intelligence and a database of over 500 million shots to give you tips on what to practice. Check out this video to learn more about Shot Analysis.

Speed Training – A groundbreaking training method, Speed Training allows users to enhance swing velocity without needing a ball. Accessible via the Shot Analysis section, Swing Speed tracks the clubhead speed at low point and is a useful tool to help golfers maintain or increase swing speed. To better understand the key features and benefits of Speed Training and watch a tutorial video shedding light on the new addition, click this link.

Scrapyard – Scrapyard is an exciting addition to the TPS gaming universe, offering explosive fun for players of all skill levels and ages. Scrapyard is all about controlled chaos in the heart of a junkyard. Your mission? To blow up as many cars as possible, Scrapyard is designed to be an absolute blast! Whether you're a casual gamer or a seasoned pro, you'll find the gameplay easy to pick up and enjoy.

Streets of Neon – A virtual putting game, Streets of Neon takes players on an eye-popping journey through the wildest putt-putt course around. Featuring futuristic playscapes, over-the-top obstacles and a helpful drone robot who guides players from hole to hole, this game is a guaranteed blast for putters of all ages and skill levels.

Shot History – Shot History in Trackman refers to the feature that records and displays detailed information about each shot hit during a session. This feature is essential for players and coaches as it allows them to review past shots, analyze performance trends, and track improvements over time. Coaches and players use Shot History to identify strengths and weaknesses, adjust strategies, and tailor practice sessions to improve performance effectively.

Smash Factor – Smash Factor is ball speed divided by club speed and relates to the amount of energy transferred from the club head to the golf ball. The higher the Smash Factor the better the energy transfer. A golfer would hope to achieve a Smash Factor near 1.50 on driver shots. That means for a 100-mph club speed the ball speed would be 150 mph. The higher the loft of the club, the lower the Smash Factor is expected to be. A PW should have a Smash Factor near 1.25. For further insights, watch this video on Smash Factor, one of the 10 Fundamentals of Trackman University.

Spin Rate – Significantly influencing the height and distance of a shot, Spin Rate is the amount of spin on the golf ball immediately after impact. Spin Rate is one of the least appreciated numbers, especially in windy conditions. A high Spin Rate is the enemy, particularly when hitting into the wind. One way to reduce spin is to hit a lower lofted club. More loft generally increases Spin Rate. All things being equal, more club speed will also increase Spin Rate. Learn more about Spin Rate on Trackman’s 10 Fundamentals series.

Spin Axis – Spin Axis is the tilt angle relative to the horizon of the golf ball’s resulting rotational axis immediately after separation from the club face (post impact). A negative Spin Axis represents a ball curving to the left, a positive Spin Axis represents a ball curving to the right, and a zero Spin Axis represents a shot that has no curvature. In general, a Spin Axis between -2 and 2 can be considered a straight shot. The higher the number of the Spin Axis, the more curvature that should be visible.

Side – Side measures the horizontal distance between the ball's actual landing position and the target line. It helps to determine how far left or right the ball has veered from the intended target. Side helps players and coaches assess the accuracy of shots and identify tendencies such as consistent slices (right deviation for right-handed players) or hooks (left deviation for right-handed players).

Side Total – Side total is the distance from the target line based on where the ball comes to rest. Side total is side plus or minus any bounce and roll. Side total is a calculated value based on the landing angle, landing direction, landing ball speed, and spin rate. A flat surface (ground) and ‘normal’ hardness is assumed to calculate total distance.

Score – Score in Trackman is a numerical value that represents the effectiveness of a golf shot or series of shots based on various performance criteria such as distance, accuracy, and shot placement. Score takes several components into consideration, including accuracy, consistency, distance control and ball and club data.

Spin Loft – Spin Loft is the three-dimensional angle between the direction the club head is moving (both club path and attack angle) and the direction the club face is pointing (both face angle and dynamic loft). The spin rate of a shot is largely influenced by the Spin Loft. All else equal, a higher Spin Loft will result in a higher spin rate. Controlling Spin Loft is key to controlling spin rate. Also, a higher Spin Loft will create a lower smash factor with all else equal.

Swing Plane – Swing Plane is the vertical angle between the ground and the circle that the club head travels on during the bottom portion of the swing arc. Swing Plane uses the three-dimensional position of the club head from approximately knee high to knee high on the downswing. Shorter/higher lofted clubs generally result in a higher (more vertical) Swing Plane since the golfer must stand closer to the ball and the plane the golfer swings on is typically more vertical with these shorter clubs. A golfer’s height and dynamic posture will influence Swing Plane. A driver typically has a Swing Plane between 45-50 degrees.

Swing Direction – Swing Direction is the horizontal direction of the plane relative to the target line defined by the club head’s center of gravity movement prior to impacting the golf ball. When a swing is referred to as ‘over the top’, ‘underneath the plane’, or ‘on plane’, the person is generally referring to the Swing Direction. Just as with swing plane, Swing Direction uses the three-dimensional position of the club head from approximately knee high to knee high on the downswing. Swing Direction uses hundreds of points from the club head during the half-circle arc from knee high to knee high in the downswing.

Swing Radius – Swing Radius refers to the measurement of the radius of the swing arc from the center of the swing (typically the golfer's body or a specific reference point like the shoulders) to the point of impact with the ball. This metric is crucial for understanding the mechanics and efficiency of a golfer's swing.

Stroke Length – The distance the club head is pulled back from the ball in the backswing.

Skid Distance – The distance the ball is bouncing/sliding until it starts to roll.

Speed Drop – The percentage drop in speed from Ball Speed to Roll Speed.

Stimp (flat) – The calculation of green's general speed, based on the average roll deceleration of the individual putt.

Slope % – The average horizontal inclination of the surface

Slope % Rise – The average vertical inclination of the surface

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Trackman Range – Trackman Range is a flexible golf-ball tracking solution with tour-proven technology and the industry's best Virtual Golf, Practice, and Entertainment software. For range owners, it's a gateway to attract and retain guests with a new interactive experience, and if you're a player, it’s whole new way to practice, play and have fun on the range. Check out this link to learn more about Trackman Range. Better for players. Better for business.

TPS – Updated regularly, TPS (Trackman Performance Studio) is a software platform developed by Trackman that captures, analyzes, and visualizes golf swing and ball data in real-time.

Tracy – Tracy is Trackman's AI-driven virtual assistant that helps golfers interpret their data, offers suggestions for improvement, and guides them through their practice sessions. Tracy provides real-time feedback on each shot. It also analyzes performance data and offers personalized tips and drills tailored to the golfer’s specific needs. Check out this video to learn more about Tracy.

Trackman University – Trackman University is an educational platform created by Trackman to provide in-depth knowledge and training on using Trackman technology effectively. It is designed for golf professionals, coaches, and enthusiasts who want to maximize their understanding and utilization of Trackman systems for improving performance, teaching, and analysis. Trackman University offers a structured curriculum covering various aspects of Trackman technology, including ball flight laws, club and ball data, and advanced data interpretation. Click here to learn more about the free Trackman University and sign up.

Trackman Golf app – The Trackman Golf App is a comprehensive mobile application designed to enhance the golfing experience by integrating the advanced capabilities of Trackman technology with user-friendly features. The Trackman Golf App is a game-changer for golfers seeking to elevate their performance and keep track of all their Trackman activities. Download the Trackman Golf app on Google Play Store or App Store.

Trackman Golf Pro app – The Trackman Golf Pro app wirelessly connects your iOS device to the Trackman 4 unit. It features a new, easy-to-read interface for both indoor and outdoor use. The app provides detailed insights into your shot performance, helping you improve your game by analyzing trajectory, dispersion, and club data. Advanced features like the Performance Center and putting analysis combine data with swing videos for deeper feedback. Available for iOS only. Download it here.

Trackman Camera app – The Trackman Camera app is a companion application designed to work with Trackman devices, particularly the Trackman 4 unit. It allows users to record their golf swings using a smartphone or tablet camera and synchronize these recordings with Trackman data for comprehensive swing analysis. The app enables golfers to visually review their swings alongside detailed data parameters. Download it here.

Trackman iO – Trackman’s first purpose-built product for the indoor game, the Trackman iO designed to deliver the ultimate indoor golf experience. Its compact, ceiling-mounted design saves floor space, ensuring a clean and elegant simulator setup without additional lighting needs. Using radar, infrared, and high-speed imaging technologies, Trackman iO provides real-time ball data, including precise 3D spin and spin axis measurements you can trust. It accommodates various spaces and budgets, requiring only enough room to swing a club with no minimum distance requirements in front of or behind the ball. Read more about the Trackman iO here.

Trackman 4 – The Trackman 4 is the ultimate tool for professional golf, offering comprehensive club and ball data with over 40 parameters for each shot. Its patented optically enhanced radar tracking (OERT) technology precisely captures impact location on the clubface, setting a new standard for accuracy in golf analysis. Unlike optical-based monitors, Trackman 4’s dual Doppler radar technology tracks the entire ball flight, providing data throughout its approximately six-second duration. Whether used outdoors or indoors in simulator setups, Trackman 4 is trusted worldwide by top coaches, players, equipment manufacturers, and club fitters for its unmatched precision and performance. Read more about the Trackman 4 here.

Tournaments – Compete in private or public virtual golf tournaments locally or across the world in Trackman’s Tournaments section on TPS.

Target Practice – Target Practice on Trackman refers to a feature or mode where golfers can aim at specific virtual targets displayed on the simulator screen. This mode helps players improve their accuracy and precision by simulating real-life scenarios where hitting designated targets is crucial. Users can adjust the difficulty and distance of the targets to challenge themselves accordingly, making it a valuable tool for both practice and training sessions.

Test Center – Located in the Practice feature on TPS, Test Center lets golfers set up their own custom test or take on the Trackman Combine to see how accurate and consistent they are. Test Center allows you to design your favourite drills or any test that fits your needs. From testing your wedges or irons to focusing on your long game or more, Test Center lets you control how you practice. Check out this video to learn more about Test Center.

Tempo – The Backswing time divided by the Forward swing time, for a putting stroke.

Tour Averages – Tour Averages refers to the statistical data compiled from professional golf tours, such as the PGA, LPGA or European tours. These averages provide benchmarks for various metrics like club speed, ball speed, carry distance, spin rates, and accuracy, among others. For example, Trackman collects data from tour players during practice sessions and tournaments to establish these averages. Compare yourself to the pros by checking out Trackman’s latest Tour Averages here.

Two radars, one camera, zero doubt – ‘Two radars, one camera, zero doubt’ refers to the technology used in Trackman systems, specifically the Trackman 4. This system utilizes dual radar technology alongside a high-speed camera to provide accurate and detailed data on golf shots. The dual radar setup captures the entire trajectory of the ball from impact to landing, ensuring precise measurements of parameters like ball speed, spin rate, launch angle, and more. The integrated camera enhances this by tracking the club's impact with the ball, offering insights into club path, face angle, and impact location on the clubface. The best of both worlds, and together these technologies eliminate uncertainties in data collection, making Trackman 4 a trusted tool for golfers, coaches, and club fitters aiming for precision and performance improvement.

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Virtual Golf 3 (VG3) – Released in September 2024, VG3 is the most dynamic and lifelike visual experience the indoor game has ever seen. Taking virtual golf to a whole new level, VG3 is realism redefined in 4K. Check out this link to learn more about VG3 and watch a video about it. Your game has never looked better!

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