Tip From the Archives

Stress Over the Ball

Problem

You are relaxed but as soon as you set up to the ball, you get stressed out and are unsure about your swing, feel, and even your stance.

Cure

Take the stress out of the shot by knowing how you are going to hit it before you even set up to the ball. Use your practice swings to prepare you for the actual shot and then just hit the ball. If you stand over the ball and keep checking everything, you are going to get stressed out and mess up the shot.

Therapy

Select your target area. Always know how high you want to hit it. How else will you know how far it will go unless you know how high of a shot it is going to be? This will help you decide what type of shot you want to use. Look at your lie and decide what type of shot it will allow you to play. How much green do you have and how much roll can you expect? This will help you decide where exactly in your target area that you want it to land. Once you have made two practice swings that feel the way you want your shot to feel like, set up to the ball, take a look at your target, and then hit the ball.

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9 votes

 
Michael Henry | 2 years ago, at the start of September

Disagree with the last 5 words in the article, ie, "and then hit the ball". Those words are likely to undo everything said before it. Once you have made your practice swings.Think of your swing finish position. It helps enormously and takes all the negative thoughts out of the equation. It has the added bonus of you swinging effortlessly through the ball to a balanced finish.

Gerry Pugh | 2 years ago, at the start of September

Excellent comment by Michael Henry. I fully agree.

Philippe Blanchin | 2 years ago, at the start of September

I agree with Michael but I understand what they want to say by "and then hit the ball". You need to hit the ball as soon as possible (without rushing of course...) after the practice swing if you want your body to keep in memory the feelings of it. If you are waiting too long, you do not need any practise swing. I remember Dave Peltz was talking about less than 10 seconds.

Kelley | 2 years ago, at the start of September

Golf is a mental game - it either works for you or against you - it is up to you when you hit each shot to put your pre-swing routine to work for you. Yes "hit the ball" but only after you know where you are going to hit it, and you have told yourself so. Even a mis-hit with confidence usually goes better than a mis-hit without it!

Juliana | 2 years ago, at the start of September

A golf pro told me that he still gets that "verklempt" feeling especially on the first tee when it seems that everbody in the world is waiting for you to duff the drive. He said that taking a couple deep breaths over the ball helps him relax. I do that now and it really does help me. Also, I agree with the advice to "just hit the ball". I find that if I just do my routine, think before I get to the ball, waggle the club or just swing a couple times, then think about an easy swing, and step right up and count 1001, 1002, 1003, sweep, it has improved my odds to hit it well. I am still a beginner so it's not as consistent as I'd like but I'm getting there!!

Hoop | 2 years ago, at the start of September

I remember a buddy I use to play with years ago, he had the most perfect "practice" swing you could want. Then he had to hit the ball. He told me that once he knows he's got to make the shot he became all tense and worried about the outcome. He got over it by not taking a practice swing. He decided that he didn't care when the ball went, he just tried to enjoy the game. His game improved and eventually he brought the practice swing back to his routine. You have to enjoy the game first and the stress, or most of it will take care of itself. Hince the old saying "tee 'em high, and let 'em fly" Have a nice round. Hoop

A.R. | 2 years ago, at the start of September

I really enjoy reading everyone's comments. Yes, you must ENJOY the game. Otherwise, why bother?? Realize you will never be Tiger Woods, but you can relax and, thus, improve your game!

donno | last year, at the start of May

Find techniques to manage stress responses, ie meditate, breathing, visualize success, positive spins, etc. If you continue to dwell on poor execution and can not control tension, get some professional advice, or you risk major frustration and no play!

donno | last year, at the start of May

Find techniques to manage stress responses, ie meditate, breathing, visualize success, positive spins, etc. If you continue to dwell on poor execution and can not control tension, get some professional advice, or you risk major frustration and no play!

donno | last year, at the start of May

Find techniques to manage stress responses, ie meditate, breathing, visualize success, positive spins, etc. If you continue to dwell on poor execution and can not control tension, get some professional advice, or you risk major frustration and no play!

donno | last year, at the start of May

Find techniques to manage stress responses, ie meditate, breathing, visualize success, positive spins, etc. If you continue to dwell on poor execution and can not control tension, get some professional advice, or you risk major frustration and no play!



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