FinishRhythm and TempoStability & Balance During Rotation All clubs Beginner / Intermediate ⏱ 12 min 🇫🇷 Video in French

Same speed on the upswing and downswing: slow down your swing

Name: Same speed on the upswing and downswing: slow down your swing
Uploaded: 2025-01-21T12:00:00+00:00
Duration: 11 min 50 s
Channel: Simon Camirand
Description: Losing your balance at the finish? For Simon Camirand, it’s a sign you’re asking your body for more speed than it can handle. Two simple cues to regain control: swing down with the feeling of the same speed as the backswing, and hold your finish for three seconds.

Losing your balance at the finish? For Simon Camirand, it’s a sign you’re asking your body for more speed than it can handle. Two simple cues to regain control: swing down with the feeling of the same speed as the backswing, and hold your finish for three seconds.

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Simon Camirand · his YouTube channelFree lesson selected by Fred P.

Schedule · Step 7 of 7A Consistent Swing in 7 StepsPassed when: Out of 10 attempts, you hold your finish for three seconds without losing your balance.

View the program →

To be continued

19 minNext Level UpGolf pivot stall: turn left until you reach the finishGreg Jones · Intermediate 4 minSame problemIndoor crossing drills to improve contactTrillium Rose · Beginner / Intermediate 5 minFrom the same proSeated Torso Rotation: Simon Camirand's StretchSimon Camirand · Beginner / Intermediate / Seniors

What the lesson shows

By trying to generate too much power, you go from a smooth backswing to a downswing where you accelerates as fast as possible from the top. This sudden change in speed is very difficult for the body to handle: weight transfer, rotation, and club positioning become disrupted, and the body spends its time compensating. The warning sign, according to Simon Camirand: a finish where you lose your balance forward or backward.

First instruction: feel as if swing down at the same speed as the backswing. The downswing will naturally stay faster, but the feeling of control changes everything. Second cue: Hold the final position for three seconds, balancing on the front leg. This eliminates the feeling of forcing the swing without losing distance, and improves ball contact. This principle applies to the driver, irons, hybrids, and even approach shots, where accelerating from above causes the club to come down vertically toward the ground.

The Exercise, Step by Step

Take a few practice swings while getting a feel for the speed of your backswing.
Go back down while maintaining the same speed.
Focus only on that sensation, not on the power.
End on your front leg and count “1, 2, 3” without moving.
Hit the balls while following both instructions.
Apply the same technique on your approach shot, using a sand wedge.

Key Takeaways

An unstable finish is a sign that the body is moving too fast.

The bigger the speed gap between backswing and downswing, the more mistakes multiply.

Desired sensation: the same speed going up and down.

The downswing naturally stays faster: that’s normal.

Hold the finish position for three seconds, balancing on your front leg.

The same principle applies to the approach shot, where accelerating from the top causes the club to dip.

Mistakes to Avoid

Accelerate as much as possible from the top of the swing.
A body that turns too quickly or leans too far forward while going downhill.
A finish where you lean forward or backward.
Judge the swing based on distance rather than control.

Driving Range Mode

Keep it in plain sight, on the rug.

Test swings: same speed on the way up and down
Hold the finish for three seconds on each ball
One shot with the driver, one with the irons, and one approach shot
On the course, focus on accuracy rather than distance

Your Questions

Will I lose distance by slowing down my downswing?

According to Simon Camirand, no: you'll feel like you're exerting less effort, but your distance will be just as good as before—or even better—thanks to better contact.

Does the downswing really have to be the same speed as the backswing?

It's a feeling. Your body will always go faster on the downhill, but you need to feel like you're in control of that speed.

Why hold the finish for three seconds?

Because it’s a test: if you can’t stay balanced on your lead leg, the downswing was too fast for your body.

Does this advice also apply to approaches?

Yes. As you approach the ball, accelerating from above causes the club to come down vertically, slamming into the ground. You maintain the same speed, and you can also hold the position for three seconds.

Learn More

All “Finish” videos →Find the lesson that's right for you All “Rhythm and Tempo” videos →Find the lesson that's right for you All videos on “Stability & Balance During Rotation” →Find the lesson that's right for you Weight on the front heel: the key to a stable finishPlacing a ball under the front heel helps you learn to turn by leaning on that heel rather than pushing sideways and ending up on your toes. Golf Tempo: The Pause-at-the-Top DrillThree tempo drills for the "club snatch" and the "over-the-top" swing: feet together, a true pause at the top of the backswing, and starting the swing as if pushing a water bottle. Golf pivot stall: turn left until you reach the finishComplete the pivot by turning to the left: open your left foot 20 to 30°, continue turning after impact, and control the finish with your heels aligned. Simon CamirandAll of his lessons

Video posted on YouTube by its creator (Simon Camirand). Best Golf Tips selects and summarizes the best free lessons without hosting them.