Jonathan Elsdon on Rhythm, Tempo, Sequencing and Timing in the Golf Swing
Mar 19, 2024
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Former Tour Pro turned PGA professional, Jonathan Elsdon, delves into the importance of rhythm, tempo, and timing in golf swings. He discusses how these factors impact consistent ball-striking and success, offering tips on developing reliable rhythm and smooth swing tempo. Elsdon highlights concepts like the nature of golf, correct shot process, swing positions, and effortless swing feel. He also shares practical drills for improving swing rhythm, tempo, and timing for more consistent shots.
Understanding rhythm can correct a faulty golf swing.
Effortlessness in swing stems from prioritizing naturalness over manipulation.
Observing rhythmic role models can improve your tempo and timing.
Counting drills can enhance timing and tempo in your swing.
Deep dives
Understanding Impact Variables for Better Performance
To improve performance, understanding impact variables is crucial. Start by building a clear understanding of impact factors that influence ball flight, such as strike centering, club face alignment, swing path, angle of attack, and club speed. Once you grasp how impact affects the ball's flight, you can build your golf swing around these factors, focusing on altering your style while keeping impact accuracy as the primary goal.
Training Technique, Skills, and Competitiveness
Train technique through repetition, skills through variation, and competitiveness through simulation. By focusing on these three aspects, you can enhance your golf performance. Repetition helps in mastering technique, variation aids in skill development, and simulation prepares you for competitive situations on the course.
Maintaining Effortlessness in Swing Execution
Effortlessness in the golf swing can be fostered by emphasizing naturalness over manipulation. Understand that manipulating the swing excessively can hinder performance. Focus on achieving unconscious competence where your actions flow without conscious interference, leading to improved execution and enjoyment on the course.
Selecting Role Models for Rhythm and Tempo
Choosing role models for rhythm and tempo can aid in improving your own swing. Watching and emulating golfers with smooth and rhythmic swings like Ernie Els, Nick Price, or Rory McIlroy can help you internalize good tempo and timing. Observing these players can provide valuable insights into developing your own rhythm.
Incorporating Counting Drills for Timing and Tempo
To enhance timing and tempo in your golf swing, incorporating counting drills can be beneficial. Try counting in a consistent rhythm during your backswing and downswing, such as three counts on the way back and one count on the way down. This exercise can help you maintain a steady pace and find a tempo that feels effortless and natural.
Building Trust in Training and Execution
Developing trust in your training and execution is essential for optimal performance on the course. Allow yourself to trust the technique you've practiced and rely on it during crucial shots. By committing to your intention, building confidence in your abilities, and embracing effortlessness, you can achieve better outcomes and enjoy your golf game.
Closing Note on Effortless and Effective Practice
Incorporate intentional practice focused on achieving effortlessness and effectiveness in your swing. By balancing technical training with skill development and competitive simulations, you can refine your game. Remember that practice habits shape your on-course performance, so prioritize rhythm, tempo, timing, and trust in your training to elevate your golf skills.
Jonathan Elsdon is a British PGA professional and golf instructor in the South of England. A former Tour Pro, Jonathan brings a wealth of playing experience to his lessons and is quickly becoming one of the most sought after coaches in the game.
He joins #OntheMark to share his philosophy on golf technique and instruction, as he dives into the inner workings of the golf swing and how Rhythm, Tempo and Timing are integral to consistent ball-striking and success.
As he teaches you how to develop reliable rhythm and a consistently smooth swing tempo he elaborates on a few concepts such as:
How rhythm can heal a faulty golf-swing, and
The era of swinging hard and fast.
He then makes learning the concept of tempo, timing and rhythm linear by highlighting various instructional concepts:
The nature of golf and how golf is "what the ball does"
Understanding the correct process to hitting quality shots
The value of Timing
The boundaries for Swing Positions, Sequencing, Timing and Tempo
The Effortless Swing and what it should feel like
Speed vs Effort
Understanding ones natural cadence, and
How naturalness trumps manipulation.
Jonathan also shares tips and drills on how you can understand and improve your swing rhythm, tempo and timing for more consistent golf-shots.
This podcast is also available as a vodcast. Search and subscribe to Mark Immelman on YouTube.
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