There is a lot written about slowing down the swing for better accuracy and tempo. It supposedly gives you better control over your swing and clubface. There’s also a lot written about shortening your backswing for more consistent ball striking. A smaller turn is less moving parts and easier to repeat. Well, I’m here to tell you that’s not necessarily true.
Speed up your tempo for better accuracy and tempo.
I bet no one has ever told you that, but it has the potential to work magic in your swing. I’m specifically talking to those of you who sit on the range for hours and micromanage every move during the swing. Or, you stand over the ball and think about all the things you need to accomplish before you start. It’s not good for your swing or the consistency of your ball striking. In fact, there have been studies that prove the more you think over the ball the worse you will perform. Here’ my advice; get into proper set-up position and pull that club back with authority. It’s okay if your picking up the tempo a bit, it might be exactly what you need. It gives your swing better flow, and sometimes the result is better timing. Give it a try.
Make a full turn for better consistency and efficiency.
This is very misunderstood, but I want to elaborate a bit on this to clarify what I’m saying. If you take a three quarter turn, you’re not coiling your upper body to a point of tension in the swing. There is no torque in your body, which means there’s no fuel for the downswing. The first move back down to the ball is quick reverse of direction that results in loss of rhythm in the swing. The downswing had no flow because it was forced. Here’s what you want to do. Turn your shoulders to a point where you feel a little bit uncomfortable. There’s tension between your upper body and lower body. At this point the downswing becomes a reflex action. The club wants to start back down because your body only wants to do one thing; unwind. Your swing will be much more consistent and efficient when your downswing remains a reflex action. So, turn as far as you like, or at least to a point where you can feel a little bit of tension in your body. The best way to perform this technique is with both feet on the ground. It’s critical. It keeps the lower body anchored on the ground and helps resist the upper body turning.
So, the next time your at the driving range don’t be afraid to speed up your tempo and turn as far as you can. As long as you maintain balance, you can go as hard as you like.
Long and Straight,
Adam
