Backswing & TakeawayIntermediateFixes: Poor tempo

The Elephant's Trunk (Sling Drill)

Curated PGA Drill by Athletic Motion Golf

Focus Area

Backswing

Rep Guidance

3 sets of 10 slow rehearsal reps

Equipment

Golf club, alignment stick (optional)

Skill Level

Intermediate

Video walkthrough by Athletic Motion GolfWatch on YouTube ↗

Why This Drill Works (Kinetic Mechanics)

Teaches the golfer to generate momentum with the body (core) rather than snatching the club with the arms. The 'float' at the top is the result of perfect sequencing: fast body early, passive arms late.

How to Perform the Drill

Follow these step-by-step instructions. Rehearse slowly to build proper motor patterns before adding full swing speed.

  1. 1

    Step 1

    Setup: Start with the clubhead forward, about 3 feet in front of the ball, pointing back at your belly button.

  2. 2

    Step 2

    Lift the trail heel slightly to turn your body toward this forward position.

  3. 3

    Step 3

    Action: Plant the trail heel and 'sling' the club back using your body rotation (like an elephant slinging its trunk).

  4. 4

    Step 4

    Finish: Use the big muscles to pump energy early, then let the body stop and the arms 'float' to the top.

What Good Feels Like

Focus on smooth tempo and maintaining body connection through impact. Your body and club should move as a single synchronized unit.

Common Mistake to Avoid

Rushing transition before completing backswing or lunging upper body forward towards ball at impact. Keep movement controlled.

Swing Faults & Ball Flights Addressed

RushingArm-dominant swingSequencingSnatchy takeaway

Comprehensive Guides Featuring This Drill

How to Improve Your Golf Swing Tempo

Slow the backswing down so your body turn, not your hands, starts the club moving, then let the lower body initiate the downswing before your arms react. Most tempo problems are really rushing problems: the transition fires too fast. Train a 3:1 backswing-to-downswing ratio with counting or metronome drills until it's automatic.

Not sure this is your real fault?

Upload one swing video and our AI will identify whether poor tempo is actually what's costing you strokes, using physics-backed metrics and a practice plan matched to what it finds. Your first analysis is free.

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