Tempo
Also known as: rhythm, timing
Tempo is the overall timing and rhythm of your swing — the ratio of how long the backswing takes versus the downswing. A smooth, repeatable tempo is what makes contact consistent.
Research on tour players popularized a roughly 3:1 backswing-to-downswing tempo ratio, though the exact number matters less than consistency. Tempo is not the same as speed: a slow-looking swing can have an explosive transition. Rushing the transition from backswing to downswing is one of the most common causes of mishits, because it throws off sequencing and the low point of the swing.
Example
A coach has a player count "one-two-three" on the backswing and "one" on the through-swing to groove a 3:1 tempo.
Why it matters
Inconsistent tempo shows up as inconsistent contact and dispersion. SwingVantage can flag tempo and sequencing issues so your practice targets timing, not just positions.
Related terms
- DispersionDispersion is how spread out your shots are, plotted as a pattern. A tight dispersion means repeatable contact; a wide one signals inconsistency in face, path, or strike.
- StanceYour stance is how you position your feet, weight, and body at address before the swing. It sets your balance, swing width, and low point.
Related guides & benchmarks
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