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Components Of An Effective Pre-Shot Routine
Jack Moorehouse
Developing consistency isn't easy. It's especially difficult
for golfers whose practice time is limited by their work and/or
their families. But there are some things that these golfers
can do to help themselves develop consistency, even when they're
unable to get to a range or are on the road traveling. One
is practicing their pre-shot routine -- something my golf
tips often discuss.
Unfortunately, many golfers don't have a pre-shot routine.
If they do have a routine, they don't always use it. And when
they use it, it's disorganized. Their method of ball alignment
is haphazard; they spend too much time over the ball; and/or
they line up off-target, among other things. If they're interrupted,
they look up to see what caused the noise -- then hit away,
as if nothing happened.
Using a pre-shot routine is helpful, whether on the tee or
in the fairway. It encourages consistency, guarantees correct
alignment, and helps you make the transition to the right
frame of mind. It also helps you focus on the job at hand,
which my golf tips constantly advocate. In short, a good pre-shot
routine prepares you both physically and mentally for a shot.
My golf lessons review the individual components of a good
routine. Of course, everyone's routine will differ to a degree,
but most will be pretty consistent in terms of their key components.
If you're striving for a lower golf handicap, work these components
into your routine.
Here's what I recommend…
Components of a Pre-shot Routine
- Stand behind ball/visualize shot
- Position yourself parallel to target line
- Place clubhead behind the ball, square to target
- Look at target/visualize shot
- Relax arms/waggle club
- Look at target again, sense shot, exhale
- Pull trigger and swing
First, stand a few yards behind the ball facing the target.
While behind the ball, pick out a target, and picture the
shot, a technique we often emphasize in my golf instruction
sessions. Also, visualize the ball's flight.
Next, walk to the ball. Position yourself approximately parallel
to the target line with your feet close together.
Next, place the clubhead behind the ball so that it looks
squarely at the target. Adjust your body so that it is parallel
to target line. Move your back foot back, then your front
foot forward until you're in a comfortable but stable stance.
This sequence eliminates the need to worry about where the
ball is positioned. It will be in the correct position every
time.
Once you're set up, look at the target. Visualize the shot
once more. Gently shuffle your feet, then waggle the club
a few times. Constant movement primes you for the swing, as
our golf lessons teach.
Then, relax your arms and your hands. Waggle the club a few
times more.
Next, take another look at the target. Exhale. Sense the shot.
And finally, pull the trigger. Swing smoothly and easily.
That's it. Use this routine as a guide to developing your
own or adapt it as you see fit. Work on the routine until
you have something you're comfortable with, then use it. If
you watch professional golfers you'll see that they all have
a slightly different pre-shot routine; but they all have one
and they all use it time and time again.
Sergio Garcia used to waggle the club countless times before
he pulled the trigger. He no longer does that. Now, he waggles
the club a couple of times, then pulls the trigger. He uses
the routine every time he hits a ball from the tee or the
fairway. Other players have their own pre-shot routines, with
their own idiosyncrasies. But they do the same thing again
and again -- every time they hit.
There's nothing mysterious about a good pre-shout routine.
In fact, it's rather simple. Each component is designed to
help you with the mechanical or the mental phase of the swing.
And some of these components can be modified to suit your
needs, so you have your own version.
What's critical, though, is that you use the same routine
every time you take a shot. Repetition develops consistency,
and consistency lowers golf handicaps. If something interrupts
your shot, step away from the ball and start the routine all
over again. Doing so assures you that you are focused squarely
on hitting the ball.
Repeat this routine on the course or at home, with and without
a ball. Practice it until it becomes instinctive. If you make
adjustments, practice the new routine until the adjustment
becomes instinctive. Use the routine every time you take a
swing -- even when taking golf lessons.
Next time you can't get to the range or you're on the road,
work on your pre-shot routine. Then use it when you're on
the course. You might be surprised just how much a good pre-shot
routine helps your golf handicap.
Copyright © Jack Moorehouse http://www.howtobreak80.com
Jack Moorehouse is the author of the best-selling
book How To Break 80 And Shoot Like The Pros
http://www.howtobreak80.com.
He is NOT a golf pro, rather a working man that has helped
thousands of golfers from all seven continents lower their
handicap immediately.
Article Source: http://www.hotlib.com/articles
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