Tempo and sequencing

Setup

1. One hitting line, stations a clear gap apart, all hitting the same direction. Check the space around you before every swing; nobody goes forward of the line until the coach calls it clear.
2. Warm up properly: these drills add speed gradually and the back, wrists and elbows need to be ready. Stop if anything hurts.
3. Start with a mid iron off a low tee; move to the driver once the rhythm holds.

How it runs

1. Counted rhythm: make slow practice swings saying 'one' on the way back and 'two' at the strike, with the backswing unhurried and the downswing quicker. Keep the same count for every club.
2. Feet together: feet touching, ball teed, swing at about half speed to the count. Losing balance means the arms are taking over. Five balls.
3. Step drill: start with feet together, and as the backswing nears the top, step the lead foot towards the target; the body then unwinds from the ground up: lead side, hips, chest, arms, club. Five balls.
4. Pause at the top: swing back, hold for a moment, then start down with the lower body. Three balls.
5. Normal swings: hit three balls with a normal stance, keeping the same count and the same order of movement, then repeat with the driver.

Coaching points

• Smooth is not slow: the backswing sets the rhythm, the downswing builds speed through the strike.
• Down from the ground: the lead side moves first, the arms and club come last.
• Hold the finish in balance for a count of two after every ball.
• Same rhythm for every club; the driver is not a reason to rush.

Common mistakes

• Snatching the club away fast from the ball.
• Starting the downswing with the arms and shoulders, which throws the club outside.
• Stepping too early, before the backswing is nearly complete.
• Falling backwards or off balance at the finish.