Tempo
From Golf Past 50 by David Chmiel, Kevin Morris
If you’re losing distance as you age,
you’re losing flexibility and your ability to generate clubhead speed—it’s as
simple as that. Strength and flexibility training will help you retain some of
your power, but the average person loses a considerable amount of hand speed.
Other factors, however, can help you sustain your game and compensate for your
loss of power. Shifting your focus toward your tempo and rhythm, for example,
may help you considerably. Why is tempo so important? All great players swing
with a pace that allows them to position their bodies to make solid contact
with the ball. All have different swing speeds, but each has found a rhythm
that affords control of the swing by using rhythm and balance.
Most amateurs simply swing more quickly than their technique and hand-eye
coordination allow. Their swings aren’t grooved well enough or technically
advanced enough to retain their direction and shape or allow for the pace of
their movement. Everyone has a natural swing speed. The important point is to
accelerate your swing into the ball. If you decelerate into impact position, it
is likely that you have accelerated at the top of your swing as you’re
beginning your downswing. A slower backswing will help in two ways: it will
allow you to get into a consistent position at the top of your swing and allow
you to accelerate the turn of your body as your downswing gains momentum. If
your swing loses speed as it approaches the ball, it’s likely that your body
and arms will be out of position for a clean hit of the ball. A “heavy” shot
often results.
Beyond changing the pace of your backswing, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to
change your overall swing speed drastically from its natural pace. Quick swingers
always have trouble gearing down their momentum, just as slow swingers have
trouble increasing their natural arm speed. During practice, swing at different
speeds to discover a rhythm that is effective for you. Remember that
accelerating into the ball is crucial.
Check out "Speed and Direction" from Golf Past 50
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are for informational purposes only and are not intended to substitute
for direct examination and exercise prescription by the appropriate
health professional. It is strongly recommended that you do not
perform any exercise program without the consent of your personal
physician.
