The Pre Shot Routine
Posted by Mark Allen
As we discussed in the first part of this series, most golfers fall into the Trained Swing and Un-Trained Brain category. This golfer has had lessons or read articles in magazines to help his/her swing. However, this golfer's scores don't seem to be getting any lower.
If this golfer is you, the good news is that by following these tips your scores could drop rapidly!
This reduction in your scores will start when you develop a good pre-shot routine. Most golfers think they have a good routine but compared to the tour pro's most amateur golfers have a poor pre-shot routine.
A good pre-shot routine should include:
A dress rehearsel practice swing. This practice swing should replicate the swing you intend to use on the ball itself and not a casual whiff. This tells your muscles exactly what you intend to do and gets you ready to perform, exactly the same as the actors dress rehearsel.
Positive visualisation. Most golfers use visualisation in a negative way, such as picturing a "same as usual slice out of bounds" on a particular hole. By replacing these negative images with positive ones after a dress rehearsel practice swing you will be replacing negative thoughts with positive ones just before you hit the shot. If you struggle to picture a positive shot I recommend that you internally verbalise the image of the great shot you want.
Positive self talk. Every great pre-shot routine includes a positive phrase that the golfer uses just before pulling the trigger. This may be "commit to it" or "trust your swing". Conciously saying this to yourself just before pulling the trigger stops any negative thoughts popping into your head just before the key moment.
Using this pre-shot routine for the first time on the course will not make the slightest difference to your game. This needs practicing on a driving range to help it flow and become comfortable. If on the golf course you are thinking about wether you missed a bit of the routine, you will be taking your mind off of the positive elements of the shot you are about to play.
In the next article I will explain how to get the most out of your practice and how to transfer your game on the driving range to the course.
Comments
In order to leave a comment, you must be logged in.