Essentially two types of analysis are performed in sports biomechanics:

(i) Qualitative Analysis
This is the most basic type of biomechanical analysis, where the biomechanist simply describes the movement, identifying and applying basic mechanical principles underlying the movement. Video playback systems are often used for frame-by-frame analysis of different phases of technique. This can be extended further to estimate the duration (temporal analysis) of each phase (determined by the sampling rate, e.g. PAL television operates on 50 Hz, so each field represents 0.02 s). In addition, rudimentary angular and linear measurements can be estimated using simple geometrical measuring instruments (e.g. protractor).

Advantages: Inexpensive; time efficient; methodologically simple; relatively quick and easily understood feedback procedures.
Disadvantages: Very basic data; subjective nature; limited scope.

(ii) Quantitative Analysis
As the name implies, a quantitative analysis is based around quantitative numerical data. This data can generally be classified as kinematic or kinetic. Kinematics refers to the branch of mechanics that deals with the geometry of movement without reference to the forces that cause the movement. It merely describes the motion of the limbs and torso. Typical kinematic studies emphasise displacements, velocities and accelerations, in both linear (translation) and angular (rotational) form. Kinetics on the other hand, is the branch of mechanics that covers the action of forces in producing or changing motion. Again, kinetic measures can either be linear (force) or rotational (moment or torque).

Advantages: Produces highly accurate and objective results; quantifies performance; allows comparison with other performers; can be used to determine key performance parameters.
Disadvantages: Expensive; time consuming and labor intensive; need for highly sophisticated data collection equipment; methodologically challenging; resulting information may not readily understandable to golfers.

Bibliography

Bartlett, R. (1997). Introduction. In Biomechanical Analysis of Movement in Sport and Exercise (edited by R. Bartlett), pp. 1-6. Leeds: British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences.

Knudson, D.V. & Morrison, C.S. (2002). Qualitative Analysis of Human Movement (2nd edition). Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.

Lees, A. (2002). Technique analysis in sports: a critical review. Journal of Sports Sciences, 20, 813-828.

Watkins, J. (1987). Qualitative movement analysis. British Journal of Physical Education, 18 (4), 177-179.

Watkins, J. (1987). Quantitative movement analysis. British Journal of Physical Education, 18 (5), 271-275.