Driving · Drill
Count Three Back, One Down
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Lots of golfers think a powerful swing has to be a violent one. It doesn't. Try counting. Three beats on the way back. One beat on the way down. It will feel slow at first. That's fine. Make practice swings to the count. Then hit balls with the exact same rhythm. Start with a wedge. Work up through your bag to the driver. Keep your arms moving with your body. When you're nervous on the course, go back to the count.
The drill
- Count three going back and one coming down.
- Make practice swings to that rhythm.
- Hit wedges at the same tempo.
- Move up through the bag to driver.
- Use the count when you feel pressure.
Why it works
A steady tempo lets your body and arms reach the top together, so the downswing starts from a balanced position. The longer count back gives you time to finish the backswing without rushing. The single beat down stops you from adding a late hit with your hands, so the club arrives at the ball in sequence and speed comes from a smooth build rather than force.
Common mistakes
- You count fast, so the three beats are squeezed into a quick backswing.Say the numbers slowly and out loud, and let the backswing take the full length of the three beats.
- You pause at the top and then jerk the club down on the one.Keep the club moving through the change of direction, so the third beat flows straight into the down beat.
- You drop the count when you move to longer clubs and swing harder with the driver.Use the same count with every club and let the longer shaft create the extra distance.
How you'll know it's working
- Your contact is more centered on the clubface, with fewer thin or heavy strikes.
- Your finish is balanced and you can hold it until the ball lands.
- The ball flight looks the same with a wedge and a driver, just longer with the driver.
Make it easier or harder
Easier: Count out loud during slow practice swings with no ball until the rhythm feels natural, then hit short wedge shots.
Harder: Hit a full set of shots through the bag without changing the count, then repeat it with a target and a consequence for missing it.
Common questions
What is a good tempo for a golf swing?
A good tempo is one you can repeat with every club. A longer backswing than downswing, such as three beats back and one down, is a simple way to build it.
Does a slower swing mean less distance?
Not always. A smooth swing often gives better contact, and solid contact can carry the ball as far as a rushed swing that strikes it poorly.
