Focus Stupid! Focus......

**BostonSully** · August 17, 2010

So lately ive fallen victim to a TERRIBLE lack of focus off of the Tee. Like my ironplay and putting have been phenominal for me lately, but at the cost of my Tee shots which I used to crush and now duff 7/9 tries.

I find myself doing all sorts of wierd things on the Tee. From addressing the ball wierd(leaning way over with my driver) to worrying about people watching (lack of confidence now because I duff'd so many) and Finally PICKING UP MY HEAD... I try to keep it simple and think to myself eye on the ball and just swing easy.

I take 2 good practice swings step up and as soon as I start my downswing I rip my head up and top the golf ball. I just cant seem to control it help me out. What mental games do you use to stay focused with the pressure on especially when youve lost all confidence?

**mdbuschsr** · August 17, 2010

I'd say go be "That guy at the range". Get at least a small bucket, and hit nothing but driver. Get back to basics, and start with the same preshot routine for every ball. Start with 1/2 swings to ensure control of the club and work your way up to full swings. Over thinking the shot/club is the death of a good swing every time.

**saevel25** · August 17, 2010

Raising the head is usually caused by something else, probably loosing your spine angle.

Did you take a peak at the video, you might not be lifting up your head, but getting your weight stuck on the right side as well.

Take a look at the vid.

**andymane** · August 17, 2010

I agree with mdbuschsr. just get urself a small bucket and just focus on rhythm and balance, 3/4 speed till ur hitting them straight consistently and then go full speed but maintain that rhythm and balance!

hope this helps

**BostonSully** · August 17, 2010

Thanks guys,
Looks like sully needs to get his groove back.

What type of pre-shot routine do you usually do with your driver? I havent ever been able to really come up with one that keeps me relaxed and focused lately.

**ks8829** · August 17, 2010

Try a pre-shot routine and stick with it everytime. Many golfers are in your same situation and I experienced it also, but do not fear this will pass and the love of the game with continue. my only tip is back to basics, swing easy at 70%, try practicing with your feet together to prevent swaying, choke up on your club if necessary, lose grip and remember to have fun.

**DavidFehertysBike** · August 17, 2010

Control! You must learn control!

But seriously, my preshot routine is the same with driver as any other club. I pick out a target (perhaps a tree or bunker) line up and fire. Its totally brainless. Im not thinking about anything except the target i have picked out. In alot of ways, i don't even care how far the ball goes as long as the line is good.

**retexan599** · August 18, 2010

My new mantra(s) in this connection:
“Play With Purpose”
“Set My Face Like Flint” (courtesy of the Old Testament!)

**westcyderydin** · August 18, 2010

if your hitting your irons well, hit them off the tee for a week or so and just use your driver on par 5s or something. not sure how far you hit the ball, but a lot of par 4s are reachable with a 3 iron and a 8 iron. you will improve with your long irons, maybe gain some prospective in the lack of importance of driving distance (not having to try and hit the ball so far and all), and you will have a little time off from hitting your driver. then come back the next week, take a practice round and bring the driver back out...hit it nice and smooth and maybe your all around long game will be improved.

**andymane** · August 18, 2010

Thanks guys,

My driver pre shot routine is the same as my irons,pitch/chip,put.......step back be hind the the ball pick your target, before i adress the ball i visualize the balls path the to hole....(close ur eyes if it helps you see your ideal ball path) the adress the ball and take my swing remembering to breathe the whole time....... i know its easy to play quikly when your not doing so well, but thats when you really need to slow down and make each stroke count! because they do!!!

**The Flush** · August 19, 2010

My best drives come when I keep my head down long enough to see the tee hit the ground after the shot.

**soloredd** · August 19, 2010

I used to be scared of my driver. In fact, I surprised a lot of my playing friends this year when I started bringing it out of the bag and putting solid drives out there. It took me over a year to really get comfortable with it. Before, I would hit a hybrid or 5 iron off the tee. What changed? Purpose. I go to the tee now with a plan and if I feel I cannot succeed in that plan with the driver I don't hit it. This has led to put me in more situations where I can succeed and get positive results with the driver, building confidence.

I also developed a pre-shot routine for every tee: I take my GPS to the tee box and note hole distance and distances to any hazards or dog legs and I do not take a club with me. I then decide how I want to play the hole and grab the appropriate club. I pick out the target, align, and my only thought at this point is to follow through to the target.

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Focus Stupid! Focus......

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