Dragging is a common problem, and one that is typically responded to with instructions to practice with a metronome, to physicalize the rhythm, or even just, “keep better time.”
All of those instructions overlook the signal that dragging is giving us.
The cue we should take whenever we start dragging is this: this is a signal to slow down and practice this moment slowly.
When we drag, it’s likely because our brains are still working hard to actively process the music. We need to lock it in slowly so that our brains can work more efficiently. When we’ve done that, tempo will no longer be an issue.