Tempo is one of those elements in the golf swing that every player feels—but not every player trains. If your rhythm is off, your sequencing breaks down. When your sequencing breaks down, the swing loses power, timing, and ball-striking quality.
For this week’s Tempo Tuesday, Coach Joey D and Coach Josh McCumber walk you through a simple, highly effective drill that reinforces proper tempo using nothing more than your golf club.
Why Tempo Matters
Great tempo isn’t about swinging slow—it’s about swinging in sequence. When the backswing, lower body, chest, and shoulders work together in proper rhythm, the club delivers more consistent contact and better energy transfer into the ball.
This drill emphasizes:
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Smooth loading of the backswing
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Balanced footwork
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Proper sequencing from the ground up
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Finishing the swing with stability and direction
It’s the foundation of a repeatable golf swing.
The Drill: Feet Together, Step, and Swing
Many golfers have seen or tried the classic feet-together drill, but today we’re taking a slightly refined approach.
Here’s how to do it correctly:
1. Start With Your Feet Together
Stand tall, feet touching or nearly touching. This narrows your base and forces your body to sequence efficiently.
2. Take a Smooth, Complete Backswing
Focus on loading into the backswing. Don’t rush it.
Feel the club travel back with your chest and shoulders working together.
3. Feel the Ground Underneath You
Before stepping, create awareness of pressure in your trail side.
Good tempo starts with good ground connection.
4. Step and Swing Through
As you begin your transition, step toward the target and allow the lower body to lead the downswing.
Let the upper body follow in sequence.
Finish the swing fully and balanced facing the target.
This entire motion should feel fluid—not forced. It trains your rhythm, teaches proper sequencing, and helps eliminate rushing from the top of the swing.
Why This Drill Works
The combination of narrowing the stance, loading the backswing, and stepping through reinforces the natural flow of energy in a great golf swing. It helps:
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Improve balance
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Promote better lower-body initiation
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Reduce “quick from the top” tendencies
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Build a more athletic, repeatable tempo
You can use this drill during warm-ups, between shots on the range, or even at home with no ball.
Train With Us Inside the Hit It Great App
For golfers who want structured programming, complete video series, and coaching directly from Coach Joey D and Coach Josh McCumber, the Hit It Great app has everything you need.
Dynamic warm-ups, mobility work, power training, sequencing drills—it’s all there.
Tempo is just one piece of the performance puzzle. Let us help you build the rest.
