|
|
|
|
|
TAKING PRACTICE SWINGS Have you ever wondered why pro basketball players bounce the ball before taking a foul shot. Why do baseball players dig-in before they face the pitcher? Most professional athletes use some sort of pre-shot routine to cope with the performance pressures. Next time you watch tournament golf on TV, pay close attention to how players approach each shot. They do the same things over and over: they grip the club and line up the same. They take the same number of practice swings and they never start the swing until they are relaxed and totally ready to execute. At The Golf Studio, I encourage students to develop their own personal pre-shot routine. The routine usually includes at least one practice swing. Making smooth practice swings readies you for the "moment of truth." I like the practice swing and the real swing to be nearly identical in tempo and form. This way, you get two chances to pull off that great shot. New golfers are reluctant to take practice swings. They're afraid of holding up play, afraid of digging up too much grass, afraid their execution won't match the "build up." It's this fear that causes them to fail. Everyone hits bad shots. Golf is about managing failure, In the long run, proper execution doesn't come from making too many practice swings, but from taking too few. It's O.K. to look and play like a "real" golfer; having and sticking to a pre-shot routine. We're not talking about taking 3-4 or 5 practice swings. One or two will do. Practice swings don't hold up play, looking for lost balls does. If you are worried about taking too much time, go directly to your ball and get ready while others are playing their shots. This way, you'll be ready to play when it's your turn. Other elements of a personal pre-shot routine can include: standing behind your ball to line up and visualize the shot. Carefully forming your grip and monitoring the tension in your arms and hands during the set-up. Making a slow waggle of the club to keep you loose during the address. Making a slight forward press of your weight to help ease into the back swing. Experiment with several pre shot routines at the driving range. Fiddle around with many variations until you get one you can take to the course. Make sure it includes a practice swing. |
|
|
