We're all looking for the "ideal tempo" and everyone has heard of the 3:1 ratio. But, how do we achieve this? Try this simple mental exercise to perfect your tempo. The good news is with deWiz, you're receiving five different tempo measurements on every swing to help find that 3:1 ratio!
Why Tempo Matters
We've all been there: a great round of golf suddenly derailed by nerves and far too many swing thoughts. As the thought of breaking 80 comes to mind, pressure builds, and your swing can become rushed and out of sync. A smooth transition into the downswing is essential for maintaining control over the club face. Conversely, a quick transition and an out of sync swing can lead to a loss of control and snap hooks/slices.
The Perfect 3:1 Ratio
The 3:1 ratio has long been considered to be the "ideal tempo". This means that the backswing should be *about* three times longer than the downswing. So, if your backswing time is .75 seconds, the downswing should be .25 seconds. Achieving this ratio ensures a smooth and controlled swing, leading to better shots and lower marks on that score card.
Practical Drill for Better Tempo
Here’s a simple drill to help you achieve the 3:1 tempo ratio:
Think "One and Two": On the range or the course, practice thinking “one and two” during your swing. The "one" represents your backswing, the "and" signifies the transition, and the "two" marks the downswing.
Focus on the Transition: Try to maintain a smooth Transition from your backswing to the downswing. When nervous we tend to get a bit quick in our Transition which makes the swing out of sync.
Repeat and Reinforce: Regularly practice this drill to reinforce the timing and improve your muscle memory. Bonus tip: Do the "One and Two" drill att home using your deWiz and get feedback on your Tempo Ratio, this way you really hammer in that 3:1 tempo.
Applying the Drill Under Pressure
To effectively break 80, you need to maintain your tempo even under pressure. Imagine you’re on the tee box of a challenging hole during a crucial round. You’ve been playing well, and you need to find the fairway to keep your score intact. Here’s how you can stay focused:
Set the Scene: Visualize the scenario clearly in your mind, find your target (Not the pin but where you want the ball to land), what shot shape are you looking for etc.
Think Tempo: Concentrate solely on your tempo. Repeat “One and Two” to yourself as you take a few practice swings before your shot.
Conclusion
The 3:1 ratio has long been considered to be the "ideal tempo". This means that the backswing should be *about* three times longer than the downswing. So, if your backswing time is .75 seconds, the downswing should be .25 seconds.
The good news is with deWiz, you're receiving five different tempo measurements on every swing to help find that 3:1 ratio! Read more about deWiz tempo here.