BackswingRhythm and Tempo All clubs Beginner / Intermediate ⏱ 20 min 🇬🇧 Video in English, summarized

Low and Slow Golf: Jimmy Tropicana's Backswing

Name: Low and Slow Golf: Jimmy Tropicana's Backswing
Uploaded: 2024-10-22T12:00:00+00:00
Duration: 20 min 21 s
Channel: Jimmy Tropicana
Description: Do you start your swing as if you're in a hurry? Jimmy Tropicana observed about 140 tee shots during a tournament: most of them started with a sudden lift. His solution can be summed up in three words—low and slow—and he puts it to the test by playing a par-5 and a par-3.

Do you start your swing as if you're in a hurry? Jimmy Tropicana observed about 140 tee shots during a tournament: most of them started with a sudden lift. His solution can be summed up in three words—low and slow—and he puts it to the test by playing a par-5 and a par-3.

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Jimmy Tropicana · his YouTube channelFree lesson selected by Fred P.

To be continued

2 minNext Level UpJustin Rose's ball drill: rotating without liftingJustin Rose · Intermediate 14 minNext Level UpCollin Morikawa's Irons: Clubface on the TargetCollin Morikawa · Intermediate / Expert 9 minSame problemAlignment Rod and Swing Plane: The Complete ExerciseSimon Camirand · Beginner / Intermediate

What the lesson shows

For Jimmy Tropicana, "Low and slow" is the key to a good backswing, and therefore a good swing. Low: The club stays low, close to the ground; it brushes the grass as it moves backward, without any sudden upward motion. Slow: The swing starts deliberately, without rushing. He says he used to be a player who was in a hurry to hit the ball hard, with shots going all over the place. Once you've set the tempo at the start, stick with it: Don't accelerate your hips or force the swing, because hitting the center of the clubface sends the ball farther.

On the course, he plays a par-5 with a 3-iron—ball positioned back in his stance and hands forward—with an almost lazy swing, followed by a par-3 with a 9-iron. Around the greens, he uses his 69-degree wedge, forming a V with your arms as he swings, with a loose grip. When putting, he keeps his head down and guide the ball with the putter head. He makes two pars and suggests trying out this rhythm at the driving range or in the backyard.

The Exercise, Step by Step

Take your practice swings deliberately, at the same pace as the actual shot.
At address, place the ball toward the back of your stance, with your hands in front.
Start the club low, brushing the grass without lifting it.
Start off slowly and deliberately, almost lazily.
Maintain this tempo on the downswing, without suddenly speeding up or pushing too hard with your hips.
Around the green, form a V with your arms and swing that V, keeping a loose grip.
When putting, keep your head down and follow the ball with the putter head.

Key Takeaways

Low: a low takeaway that skims the grass, without lifting the club.

Slow: a deliberate, unhurried start.

The tempo chosen at the start is maintained until the end of the swing.

To move fluidly is to glide effortlessly, like walking in socks on a hardwood floor.

Contact at the center of the clubface determines distance, not power.

Suitable for all ages, even without a fast swing speed.

Mistakes to Avoid

Swing the club sharply right from the start.
Rush to the starting area.
Wanting to hit the ball hard and suddenly accelerate in the middle of the swing.
Telling yourself you're too old or too slow to keep up with this pace.
When putting, strike the ball and stop the putter instead of following through.

Driving Range Mode

Keep it in plain sight, on the rug.

Low, slow club swings, brushing the grass
Full swings at a slower pace, without sudden acceleration
Short approaches while swinging the arms in a V shape
Short putts by guiding the ball with the putter head

Your Questions

What does "low and slow" mean?

Low: The club starts low, close to the ground, brushing the grass, without any upward movement. Slow: The start is slow and deliberate. For Jimmy Tropicana, this is the key to the backswing and the entire swing.

Doesn't swinging slowly cause you to lose distance?

According to him, no: a slow swing ensures you hit the center of the clubface, and the ball goes farther. In the video, he hits a 3-iron about 175 to 200 yards with apparent ease.

Should you speed up on the downhill?

No, he sticks to the tempo he set at the start. For him, speeding up and moving his hips only works once out of ten times.

Is this method suitable for older players?

Yes. To those who say they’re getting older or lack speed, he replies that anyone can swing like that, at any age, since this swing requires no effort.

Learn More

All “Backswing” videos →Find the lesson that's right for you All “Rhythm and Tempo” videos →Find the lesson that's right for you Collin Morikawa's Irons: Clubface on the TargetClubface always toward the target, body open or closed depending on the shot shape, finish height to control trajectory, and a glove under the arm on the backswing. Justin Rose's ball drill: rotating without liftingHolding a ball between your forearms keeps your elbows together: your body rotates instead of raising your arms, your hands remain still, and the angle is maintained. Pause at the Top of the Backswing: Matsuyama ExplainsMatsuyama explains his pause at the top of his swing (his left shoulder is too “tucked in” when imitating Tiger), his hands in front of his chest, and his swing mechanics with the irons. Jimmy TropicanaAll of his lessons

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