For a smoother swing, ditch your ‘one-two’ tempo
Thinking of the golf swing as one continuous motion will help you build smooth speed
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The subject of time is one we can’t avoid, either in golf or life. We need to leave the house on time. We need to cook our meals the correct amount of time. An investment is a good one when it’s made at the right time. And when we’re on the course, we need to play in a timely fashion.
Timing plays a role in your golf swing, too.
When a golfer comes to me because they aren’t happy with their game, I ask them what they are thinking about as they swing, and they often respond that they are trying to hit the ball in a one-two hitting motion.
That’s when I suggest something different.
Think of the golf swing as one continuous motion
The problem with one-two swing thoughts is that it often results in little or no flow to your golf swing. The golfer must change directions quickly, which requires extra effort and can feel disjointed.
Instead, picture the swing as one motion with the ball getting in the way. the feeling of one motion is similar to when we swing a hammer at a nail. The feeling of one motion will allow for a natural build up in acceleration throughout your golf swing that comes together at impact. It’s one motion, creating smooth speed, instead of a forced one-two motion that needs sudden effort to start the downswing.
Just because the swing is moving in one motion doesn’t mean each part of your body is moving at the same speed. Sometimes, it helps my students to see their club, their arms, and their body moving like a record turning around a record player. Just as the outside of the record is moving faster than the inside, the club will move faster than your body, but it remains one continuous motion.
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