The Backward Shaft Bend Drill: Master Your Tempo Ratio
Purpose of the Drill
The backward shaft bend drill, introduced by PGA Pro Markus Westerberg, addresses high tempo ratios (e.g., 3.7:1 or above). These ratios often result from overly slow backswings followed by rushed downswings, leading to inconsistency and loss of power.
Steps to Practice
1. Establish the Backward Shaft Bend
- Grip the club firmly.
- During the takeaway, focus on creating a slight backward bend in the shaft. This movement ensures a smoother, faster initiation of the backswing.
2. Speed Up Your Backswing
- Practice making the backswing more fluid and balanced, reducing the tempo ratio closer to the optimal 3:1 or below.
- Expect this adjustment to feel awkward initially, as changing ingrained patterns often does.
3. Incorporate deWiz for real-time feedback
Use the deWiz device to monitor your tempo ratio in real time, ensuring you're achieving the desired improvements.
Benefits
By increasing backswing speed and achieving an ideal tempo ratio, you'll enhance your consistency, ball-striking accuracy, and power. Over time, this adjustment will help create a more reliable and efficient swing for all clubs.
