Tip From the Archives

The Preshot Routine

Problem

You need to learn how to or improve your pre-shot routine.

Cure

It is important to develop a good pre-shot routine to help you relax and build consistency into your swing. By performing a repeatable routine every time you approach the ball, it allows you to zone in and focus on the shot at hand while pushing any other thoughts to the back of your mind. This needs to be done even when you are at the driving range and on the putting green to make it a consistent part of your routine. A repetitive habit is essential to help relax your arms and visualize the proper line, stroke, and speed necessary to sink the putt. If something interrupts your pre-shot routine, then you should step away and start over.

Therapy

Regardless of the type of swing you are going to use, it is always important that you look from behind the ball and focus on the target. Visualize the kind of swing and power needed to land at the selected target. Now take a practice swing as you imagine hitting the ball and it landing exactly where you want it too. If you do not feel that the swing is correct for the shot, take another practice swing until it feels right. Many golfers decide to add in a waggle to help relax their arms and creating a muscle memory of an ideal swinging path away from and back to the ball. You can do this by taking the clubhead back in a small loop along the target line and then return back to the ball on a line slightly inside of it. There is an eight second time frame from when you address the ball and need to complete the shot. If you take any longer than the eight seconds, then the picture of a successful shot will begin to fade and you will increase the chances that you will make a mistake. Address the ball and waggle. Take a long deep breath as you focus on a key part of your swing. This is a thought you will use to initiate your backswing; such as keep your head down or make a full follow-through. Take a final look at the target as you use the exhale to relax and immediately swing as you practiced with the confidence that it will land where you want it too.

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6 votes

 
Krystalyn | last year, at the start of July

AFAICT you've cveroed all the bases with this answer!



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