Pre Shot Routine…..How to

As I’ve said earlier the pre shot routine is an important part of every golfers game. It also applies to other sports but lets stay with golf for the moment. How do you get one that works for you?

Well the truth about any routine is that it must be just that….a routine. Something that is simple, repeatable and so dependable. The routine is a physical manifestation of a psychological process and because our minds work best when the information presented is as simple and as focused as possible, the routine should be the same.

To be honest the actual mechanics of the routine are irrevalent and should probably reflect your own personality. Thats why all routines are slightly different depending on who the player is. What is consistant is that all the best players have one and it is something that they know they can rely on at all times.

Develop a set of particular actions that you do the same way in the same order before each shot whether it a tee shot or fairway shot or whatever. This can begin by standing behind the ball looking towards your target visualising your shot before you play it or by simply placing your hand on the head of your driver as it stands in your bag. Again the actual action should be personal and as such, your own. The whole point of this action is to set in  train a process whereby whatever is going on around you is essentially blanked and your complete attention is on the shot in hand. the end result of this process is to give you a routine that gets you to the point just before playing the shot.

If anything breaks your routine you should stop walk away and begin again. Professional golfers will do just that (just watch them do this and then scowl at the offending camera man or unruly child). When you develop a set of actions that make up your routine, practice it as part of your range practice, your course practice and even your friendly game with your weekend partners. As with any other part of your game, practice, practice, practice until its as repeatable as your swing should be.

I hope this is of some interest and ultimately of some help to you and your game. Please feel free to comment or indeed contact me if you need any help with anything mentioned here. Enjoy.http://www.rlsportexcellence.wordpress.com