Fixing Fast Swing Rhythm
Dear Jitterbug,
My swing rhythm gets fast when I play. I start by playing the first nine holes well, and then speed up and shoot worse on the back nine. Do you have any suggestions to help me slow down?
Tris Middleton
Jitterbug Gang Fan
Jitterbug:
If you’re like most folks you don’t pay attention to how you finish your swing when you play or practice. You simply categorize shots as either “Good Result,” or “Bad Result,” based on where the ball ends up. So, you don’t know how to fix rhythm because you don’t pay attention to rhythm, and can’t get your mind off where the ball if flying long enough to ever sort it through.
Mr. Vaughn:
Just as there are good practice habits you can get into that will help your rhythm, there are bad ones too.
For instance, never take more than four swings in a row with your driver. As soon as you hit a good drive you’ll think. “Let’s see, I swung easy at that one and it came off like a bullet. Imagine if I really let it loose!” Next thing you know you’re coming out of your socks, trying to hit every ball farther than the one before it.
Also, don’t be a machine gun artist. Once you settle up over your ball, give yourself a moment or two to ease into your shot. Prepare yourself with a slow waggle of the club, take a practice swing at half-speed, whatever it takes to keep your tachometer down around idle speed.
Lord Berry:
As little time as most people spend developing reliable rhythm, you’d think it’s unimportant. The truth, however, is that good rhythm can mask poor technique. The best technique in the world, however, is not enough to atone for bad rhythm.
Ask Jitterbug - Golf Advice Column by Bobby Steiner
About the Author
The following are a list of golf teaching columns generously donated to us by teaching professional and author Bobby Steiner. Bobby teaches golf at The Practice Tee in East Asheville during the summer months, and at The Westin Mission Hills Resort during the winter.
You can reach Bobby at: www.bobbysteiner.com or bobbysteiner@msn.com
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