followthrough

Follow-through, sometimes written as follow-through or followthrough, is the continuation of action after an initial initiative, intended to complete a task, deliver a result, or maintain momentum. In general usage it refers to finishing what one starts and honoring commitments, and in sports it describes the motion that extends a swing or stroke after contact to maximize accuracy and power.

In sports, follow-through is the portion of a movement that continues beyond the point of impact or delivery. Examples include a baseball batter's swing finishing toward the opposite field, a golf club continuing toward the target, or a tennis forehand finishing over the shoulder. Proper follow-through can influence speed, direction, and control, and is often emphasized in coaching.

In business, education, and everyday life, follow-through denotes the reliability of completing tasks and abiding by commitments. It is a key component of accountability and project success. Poor follow-through can result from procrastination, competing priorities, unclear goals, or lack of feedback. Organizations may measure follow-through via deadlines met, tasks completed, or outcomes achieved.

Improving follow-through involves setting clear goals and deadlines, breaking tasks into manageable steps, tracking progress, and creating accountability structures. Public commitments, regular check-ins, and reflecting on outcomes help reinforce habitual completion. Related concepts include reliability, perseverance, and task management.