One of the biggest mistakes we see during 10-to-2 swings isn't usually obvious until you know what to look for.
Most people simply don't finish the pull.
The swing comes over the shoulder, but instead of pulling the handle all the way down, they stop several inches early and immediately cast it back into the next repetition.
It still looks like a 10-to-2.
It still feels like work.
But they're leaving a lot of the movement...and a lot of the training effect...on the table.
A simple cue we've been using lately is this:
Touch your hip.
Or more specifically, let your bottom forearm or hand lightly brush your torso or hip at the bottom of every repetition.
It's an incredibly easy way to make sure you're completing the movement.
Why This Matters
The pull-down portion of the 10-to-2 isn't just there to reverse the direction of the mace.
It's where you finish the rep.
By pulling all the way down, you're actively extending through the triceps while driving your elbow toward your hip. That encourages better lat engagement and teaches you to use your upper back instead of simply letting momentum do the work.
The result is a stronger, more connected swing.
When people stop their hands too high, they often lose that final piece of the movement. The rep becomes shorter, the muscles don't work through their full range, and over time those little shortcuts add up.
Use Your Body as a Built-In Coaching Cue
One of the nice things about this cue is that you don't need a coach standing beside you.
Your body gives you instant feedback.
As you're swinging, simply notice whether your bottom forearm or hand lightly contacts your side or hip at the bottom of the pull.
If it does, there's a good chance you're completing the repetition.
If it doesn't, try consciously pulling the handle just a little farther before beginning the next cast.
You don't need to pause there during normal training. Just let it become a consistent checkpoint until the movement feels automatic.
It Works for Single-Arm Swings Too
Although it's easiest to notice during two-hand 10-to-2s, the same concept applies to single-arm swings.
The goal stays the same:
Finish the pull.
Complete the rep.
Then begin the next swing.
Whether you're training technique, building work capacity, or working toward heavier loads, good repetitions are what make progress happen.
Better Reps Lead to Bigger Progress
Everyone wants to swing more weight.
The fastest way to get there isn't cutting reps short.
It's owning every inch of every repetition.
Small technique improvements like this may seem insignificant, but over hundreds and thousands of swings, they make a tremendous difference in your strength, movement quality, and long-term progress.
Next time you pick up your mace, pay attention to where your hands finish.
You might be surprised how much you've been leaving on the table.
Watch the video above for a demonstration of this simple cue, then give it a try during your next training session.