Pre-shot Routine Tips:
A consistent pre-shot routine is something that the world’s greatest golfers all have in common. When practiced consistently on the driving range, as well as on the course, a good pre-shot routine will provide you with the ability to find comfort when you need it the most. If done properly, it will give you the greatest opportunity to access the best swing you are currently able to make. Here are some excellent pointers you can follow to create your pre-shot routine.
Part 1. Mind and Body Preparation
1. Take some long and even diaphragmatic breaths. It is important to understand that for every state of mind there is a state of breath. In essence, there is a direct link between your state of mind and your breathing patterns. You may have noticed that when anxiety or frustration is in your awareness on the course, your breathing begins to become short, shallow and mainly from the chest. If you are feeling anxiety or frustration, conscious diaphragmatic breathing will slow down the racing mind and bring you back to the present moment.
2. Let go of any excess tension from the body. When you begin to bring attention to your body on the course, you may be surprised by how tense certain muscles in your body become in different situations. Make it a habit to bring awareness to the various muscles in your body. Without attention, emotions in the mind get stored in the body and prevent the golfer from making a free flowing swing. Bring your awareness to the muscles in your face, down through your neck, shoulders, back, stomach, arms, and legs. In doing so, any excess muscle tension will diffuse with your attention.
Part 2. Shot Preparation and Execution
3. Visualize the shot you are trying to hit. Jack Nicklaus once described how he liked to visualize his shot. He said that it was like watching a movie… he saw everything. He saw how the ball was going to land, and how it would react upon hitting the ground. He even saw the flight and curve of the ball. Finally, he visualized the swing that was going to make those images a reality. The more precise you can be with your visualization, the better. Now you are ready for the fourth step.
4. Feel the shot during your practice swings. After you have visualized the way you are trying to play a given shot on the course, it is important to feel or rehearse the shot you are trying to produce. Feel the sensation in your hands, and the action your body has to make in order to produce a specific shot. This awareness connects the mind with the body, and helps to bring your vision into reality.
Watch closely how Tiger prepared for what is now looked upon as one of the greatest golf shots in Major Championship history.
Pay attention to how he prepared for the shot. He visualized exactly where he wanted the ball to land. Then, he took multiple practice strokes until he found the perfect feel for this particular shot.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRCjJi_uDp8
5. Commit to the shot. When it is time to hit, trust what your body felt and what you envisioned. Immerse yourself into the shot and “copy” the feeling that you had in your practice swing or swings. Play to the vision you have created in your mind. At this point no more thought is necessary; simply hit the shot at hand. Allow the results to be whatever they are. You did your best!
If you can go through your round with a consistent routine, you will be getting the most out of your current abilities on the golf course.
For more information on how I can help you with the mind game please visit https://www.davemahoneygolf.com/instruction/mind.
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