
Episode #38
Finding Your Swing Tempo: Why "Slow Down" Isn't the Whole Answer
If you've ever hit a poor shot and immediately thought, "I got too quick," this episode is for you. We explore what swing tempo actually means and why it involves more than simply slowing down. Drawing from golf biomechanics and motor-learning research, we break down the differences between tempo, rhythm, and timing; look at the the commonly referenced 3:1 ratio; and examine how physical capacity, pressure, attention, and breathing may influence the way your swing is organized. You'll also learn why tempo alone cannot diagnose a swing fault and be guided through a simple exercise to explore which pace and rhythm feel most repeatable for you. Your best tempo isn't necessarily the slowest, or the one that looks like someone else's. It's the rhythm you can organize, repeat, and trust. Show notes: YoGolf Performance® - start your free seven-day trial Free Golf Mobility Guide Contact me Jagacinski, R. J., Greenberg, N., & Liao, M. J. (1997). Tempo, rhythm, and aging in golf. Journal of Motor Behavior. Grober, R. D., & Cholewicki, J. (2008). Towards a biomechanical understanding of tempo in the golf swing. Sports Engineering. Bourgain, M., et al. (2022). Golf swing biomechanics: A systematic review and methodological recommendations for kinematics. Sports. Brennan, A., et al. (2024). Associations between physical characteristics and golf clubhead speed: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Wulf, G., et al. / Hegele, M., et al. (2024). Motor learning in golf—a systematic review. Cooke, A., et al. (2010). Psychological, muscular and kinematic factors mediate performance under pressure. Psychophysiology. Vine, S. J., et al. (2013). Perceived distance during golf putting: The effects of anxiety.

