Find Your Rhythm: 6 Tempo Drills for a Flawless Golf Swing
Do you ever have days on the course where everything feels like it is going your way? You step up to the first tee, and it feels natural to generate power in your game.
This is likely because your golf tempo was in check that day.
However, golf tempo can quickly get off track, and one of the easiest ways to get it back is to practice golf swing tempo drills.
We have put together six of the best golf swing tempo drills. You need only a golf club and a few golf balls to work on these.
Find one of these tempo drills to incorporate into your daily routine. You will find that you play much more consistent golf and can make progress with other areas of your game.
Contents
The Secret to a Better Golf Swing Starts with Your Wrists!
Your clubface angle at impact determines 80% of your shot’s direction—your wrists control that angle. Click here for the best drills to master your wrist mechanics and take control of your game.
The 6 Best Golf Tempo Drills for Every Golfer
Dynamic Movement Drill (HackMotion)
Golfers who tend to lock up before they swing have unnecessary tension. This tension can throw off tempo and make it difficult to maintain a consistent rhythm in the golf swing.
Rob Cheney suggests adding some dynamic movements into your pre-shot routine and address and maintaining a more athletic approach.
- Video Timestamp: 0:16-3:00
Dynamic Movement Drill – Step by Step:
- Set up in your normal address position wearing your HackMotion so you can track your tempo.
- Begin by making small, rhythmic movements with your feet, knees, and hips (almost like you’re “bouncing” in place) before initiating the swing.
- From this flowing start, make a full swing.
- At the finish, hold your end position for a full 2–3 seconds without losing balance.
Step Drill
The Step Drill is a classic golf tempo drill that helps sync your lower body movement.
It takes some practice to get the timing right, so be patient as you work through it.
Start slow without a ball, then gradually increase speed and add the ball once you feel comfortable.
- Video Timestamp: 3:10-4:34
Step Drill – Step by Step:
- Start with feet together, holding the club just in front of the ball.
- “Push” the club toward the target and then swing it back.
- Simultaneously, step your trail foot back into your normal stance width as the club swings up.
- Step with the lead foot through impact.
- Swing through and hold your finish.
- Practice without a ball to groove the feeling of proper sequencing and balance. Then, introduce a ball.
*Watch the video a few times in slow motion to see Rob complete this drill and then work on it yourself.
Three-Ball Drill
A classic drill to help you build endurance and create a consistent tempo you can trust is the Three Ball Drill.
With this one, you’ll place four or five golf balls in a line in front of you, each separated by a few inches.
The goal is to swing back and forth until you hit all of them without stopping. Wearing your HackMotion while you complete this drill can give you some insight into your tempo and whether it needs to be adjusted.
- Video Timestamp: 4:52-5:45
Three-Ball Drill – Step by Step:
- Place 4–5 balls in a line, each separated by a few inches.
- Swing back smoothly and hit the first ball.
- Continue your follow-through, and then immediately swing back again (without pausing) to hit the next ball.
- Repeat until you’ve hit all 4–5 in the line.
- On the last one, hold your finish for a full 2–3 seconds.
Payne Stewart 3 Drivers, 3 Sand Wedges Drill
The 3 Drivers, 3 Sand Wedges drill will help you gain a consistent tempo regardless of the club you are swinging.
If you remember watching Payne Stewart play golf, one of the things that stands out most about his golf game was his tempo. This was his original drill, and it’s a great one to implement into your practice routine.
Wear your HackMotion for this drill and compare your tempo from the sand wedge to the driver.
- Video Timestamp: 0:15-2:58
3 Drivers, 3 Sand Wedges Drill – Step by Step:
- Set up at the range with your driver and sand wedge.
- Hit 3 driver shots at your normal effort.
- Immediately switch and hit 3 sand wedge shots using the same “effort” feeling—do not overswing your wedge.
- Alternate: 3 drivers, 3 wedges (or 1 driver, 1 wedge if limited on time).
- Focus on feeling the same effort and tempo regardless of which club is in your hand.
Top-of-Backswing and Finish Timing Drill
To get a great tempo, you’ll want to have a synchronized movement between the upper body and the lower body.
This simple top-of-the-backswing drill helps you feel like your body and arms are working together.
When working on some of these tempo drills, don’t hesitate to tee your golf ball up. Teeing the ball up will help you focus on your tempo and not worry so much about the golf ball.
- Video Timestamp: 1:27-3:00
Top-of-Backswing and Finish Timing Drill – Step by Step:
- Take a normal setup (no ball at first).
- Make a small forward press of the club, then swing it back into your takeaway.
- Key Checkpoint: Arrive at the top of the backswing at the same time as your hands and torso finish turning.
- Swing through to the finish with smooth acceleration; body and club should arrive at the finish together.
- Tee up a ball once you consistently time both the top and finish.
Feet-Together Drill (Balance & Tempo)
Anytime your tempo feels off, revert to this Feet-Together Drill.
It is a great way to settle things down, eliminate unnecessary movement, and start hitting short and full swing shots that are much more consistent.
The narrow stance helps you to keep an eye on your ratio without overcomplicating your swing. Try this as a warm up and even use it in your short game when you play.
- Video Timestamp: 0:08-4:08
Feet-Together Drill – Step by Step:
- Address the ball with feet close together (6–10 inches apart).
- Take a mid-iron or short iron; maintain normal posture.
- Swing to a “9 o’clock” position (arms parallel to the ground), focusing on wrist hinge and balanced rotation.
- Transition smoothly back down, striking the ball with minimal foot movement.
- Hold your finish. Gradually lengthen the swing once you can maintain balance.
Final Thoughts
While you may not think you have tempo issues, it’s a good idea to measure your tempo occasionally and check on things.
In addition to monitoring your wrist angles, HackMotion Pro also monitors your golf swing tempo. You’ll quickly notice that swings with good tempo will produce some of your better shots and give you more confidence on the golf course.
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