Now that it’s the off season, I’ve begun putting metronome training. I have improved my putting over time by being more consistent with my Tempo and Rhythm. Hitting thousands of putts over several off seasons has helped.
What are Tempo and Rhythm?
Tempo is “time” or the measurement of time it takes for your backstroke to the time you hit the ball.
Just as a benchmark, it is said that the correct tempo is “0.60 seconds” for your backstroke and “0.30 seconds” for your forward stroke.
Rhythm is “ratio” or the ratio between the time it takes for your backstroke and forward stroke.
The backstroke takes twice as long. The ratio between the two would be 2.0:1.
I can tell you that trying to force yourself to fit into that mold of a 2.0:1 ratio may not work for you. It’s not a one size fits all situation.
I tried to do that and was pretty successful at attaining a repeatable backstroke of 0.60, forward stroke of 0.30 and a ratio of 2:0:1.
However, over time I’m finding out if I just try to putt and count 1000 on the backstroke and 1 on the forward stroke, I’m ending up with a 1.7:1 ratio. I consider that correct for me.
I measure it with Blast Motion Golf.
My point is that not everyone is the same. When golfers putt they are fast, medium and slow.
Having said that, the vast majority of professional golfers measured using a metronome are at 76 beats a minute.
That’s where I’m at now.
I’ve read articles saying that most people have a rhythm of at least 70 and up to 80 beats a minute.
Video – Mike Shannon on Tempo and Rhythm
Other ways to measure
If you aren’t familiar with putting metronome training, the first tic is for the backstroke and the second toc is for the forward stroke.
I’ve heard this expressed several ways by teaching professionals. Use 1000 – 1 or1 – 2 or tic toc. Whatever works for you.
The bottom line is to find a repeatable Tempo and Rhythm.
When I’m putting, I say 1000 – 1 to myself whether I’m practicing or playing.
Video Martin Hall – Tempo and Rhythm
Ways to practice
Since it is freezing outside, my off season putting metronome training takes place indoors.
There are a couple ways to set this up.
• My Wellputt putting mat has backstroke and forward stroke markings on it for 3 foot, 6 foot and 10 foot putts.
I can practice timing with or without ball using those markings on the mat and a metronome.
• If you don’t have a mat like this, you can use coins or markers. It’s not really important to have the coins at any specific distance other than equidistant on either side of the ball. Example: 10 footer – Put a coin 8 inches on either side of the ball.
Start with the putter in the middle. Then take a backstroke on tic and forward stroke on toc. I stop for a few seconds in between and then start in again.
The key here is learning a repeatable Tempo and Rhythm regardless of length of backstroke.
Practice like you are actually making a putt.
Video – Rob Cheney – Speed Control Metronome – part 1
Video – Rob Chaney – Speed Control Metronome – part 2
Before a Metronome
Years ago my coach had us swing to waltz music for Rhythm training. We would do that for a month before he let us hit golf balls.
It’s the same theory with putting metronome training.
As I’ve said, I think to myself or say to myself 1000 – 1. For my full swing, I think or say to myself Smooth Smooth.
There are different timing theories or drills for putting, pitching and full swings.
Where to buy a metronome
I bought my first one at a large music store in the early 2000s. More recently, I found “the last one” at a music store locally.
My guess is that musicians and others are using metronome apps and not the actual device.
I use both.
The app I use for putting metronome training is Soundcorset – metronome and tuner. I set if for 76 beats a minute.
There are lots of these metronome apps in the respective app stores.