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Those few seconds between the time you tee up the ball, or approach the ball on the fairway, and actually strike it will probably determine how effective the shot will be. Will that be a time when those mental demons creep in, making you lose focus? By using your pre-shot routine that is tailored to you, there will only be time to concentrate on the job at hand. So why does every good golfer have an effective pre-shot routine? Because it works! Basically, your pre-shot routine is a series of checkpoints, thoughts, movements, and attention to details just before hitting a golf shot. It should be unique to the individual golfer, and it is best when it fits the golfer’s individuality. In other words, if his daily routine is fast-paced, and he moves through life in warp-speed, he would not use a slow, methodical routine. Likewise, if the golfer were a more deliberate person, that slower routine would be a better fit. So what would your pre-shot routine resemble? I can only stress its importance and what components go into it, but I cannot tell you what might be best for you. So I will lay out a checklist of what I do before every shot, and you may be able to draw some ideas. 1. Prior to choosing a club, I stand behind the ball and picture the shot. This does not mean distance is the only thing to contemplate. I also factor in wind direction and strength, how the ball is carrying that day, how I am hitting the ball, and take note to leave a margin for error away from problem areas. 2. Then I choose a club. Even if I had already decided which club to use prior to visualizing my shot, I always bring one or two, and sometimes even three, extra clubs with me. If I change my mind after deciding what my ultimate shot will be, trying to hit that shot with a club I am uncomfortable with will almost certainly not work. That is why I always prefer to walk the course if possible; all of your tools are always handy. 3. Choose your target. I always approach the ball from behind, and then I line up a spot about five to ten feet on line and on front of the ball. That is where I will set my stance and the face of the club to. This works for me, and I have found through practice that this gives me a more consistent set-up to my target. 4. Before I set my feet, I set the club on the exact place I want it to strike the ball. I know that if something mechanical goes wrong during my swing, it is possible it can be corrected with a proper ball strike. Then I place my front foot to the ball, then my back foot. 5. Then after one final look at the target, to get the swing in motion (I think this is very important) I slightly press the hands forward before starting the club into the backswing. This “trigger” gives a consistent starting point to begin the swing. As I said before, your pre-shot routine is personal, so you must work out what fits best for you. But to play your most consistent golf, you must address this very important aspect of golf. My name is Jim O'Connell, and click HERE for more helpful hint on how to improve your game. Click HERE for an interesting guide on how to play golf for free by Dave Johnson.
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