Rhythm & tempo
When I visited with Geoff about 3 years ago one of the things I think I got off track on was the concept of Rhythm & Tempo. Clearly, the rhythm in a putting stroke needs to be "same/same" on each side of the stroke. But does the tempo stay the same as the distance of the putt changes? In other words, if you have a metronome going at 72 beats beats per minute (the tempo), will the "tic-toc" of the stroke be the same on a 5 foot putt as a 30 foot putt?
If I watch Elk and Geoff on the video, it doesn't seem that it's the same tempo on different length putts. But, as I said, I got off track on this one 3 years ago.
Geoff, jump in on this discussion and help clarify.
If I watch Elk and Geoff on the video, it doesn't seem that it's the same tempo on different length putts. But, as I said, I got off track on this one 3 years ago.
Geoff, jump in on this discussion and help clarify.
Discussion started by Ben Maffitt , on 888 days ago
Replies
I believe Frank is correct, tempo stays the same. What I've found while working with a metronome is that on longer putts you have to speed up the backswing to produce a longer stroke, this way you can match the tempo of of smaller slower stroke for shorter putts. Perhaps this relates to what Frank is saying about using muscle power to take the club away, and then letting it fall. Using a metronome you can try different tempos until you find one that works for you on all length putts.
Yes Ben, the tempo stays the same with all putts and when you read for speed your instincts are counting on that gravity based tempo that you have been cooperating with your whole life on planet earth. The amount of gunpowder used for the initial ballistic takeaway changes depending on the length of putt; make sure this is your only use of your muscles during the whole stroke , everything else is LET and the tempo will stay the same. Check out One(slow) Tempo Fits All Putts below. Also, chapter three in Geoff's e-book OPTIMAL PUTTING covers this subject fully.
http://www.puttingzone.com/ziptips.html#DIS
http://www.puttingzone.com/ziptips.html#DIS