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Do you think about your swing mechanics while you're playing a round?


GangGreen
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I've been taking lessons this season and have tried to be as diligent as possible with making the suggested changes to my swing when practicing on the range. I'm hoping to get out for the first time this weekend and my "new" swing is still far far away from being "natural" so it got me thinking...do I just go out and do what still feels natural while I play and hope some of the things I've been working on start showing up on the course or should I be more deliberate with working my "lesson swings" in while I'm playing to help reinforce what I'm learning. I've heard others note that they're game gets away from them the first couple of rounds after lessons (which I can live with since my existing game stinks as is and I'm cool with the the one-step back, two steps forward approach). Long way of saying that I'm just wondering how others approach their rounds while they are going through the process of adjusting their swings.
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Thinking about actual mechanics will probably only get you in trouble.  What you need a simple swing thought or two that ties to your mechanics.  For instance, I want a 1-2 rhythm to my swing and what I mean by that is during my back swing I'm counting a long 1 and then accelerate through on 2.  If you're trying to do something like make your swing flatter, you might replace "1" with a word like "Flat" that reminds you what you should be doing.

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When I'm playing, when I'm in my office, when I'm driving, when I'm lying in bed.

It has ruined my life.

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I've been taking lessons this season and have tried to be as diligent as possible with making the suggested changes to my swing when practicing on the range. I'm hoping to get out for the first time this weekend and my "new" swing is still far far away from being "natural" so it got me thinking...do I just go out and do what still feels natural while I play and hope some of the things I've been working on start showing up on the course or should I be more deliberate with working my "lesson swings" in while I'm playing to help reinforce what I'm learning.

I've heard others note that they're game gets away from them the first couple of rounds after lessons (which I can live with since my existing game stinks as is and I'm cool with the the one-step back, two steps forward approach). Long way of saying that I'm just wondering how others approach their rounds while they are going through the process of adjusting their swings.

Just one thought, whatever the small step I am working on is. Right now its hands low through impact.

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Way more than I should, it's probably the single biggest reason why my handicap sucks. I really need to get out of my own way and just play!

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I think about two things on the course.

(1) Where I want the ball to go.

(2) What shape and trajectory it's going to take to get there.

If I ever think about anything other than that I might as well go home.

When I first started playing golf I was on a local driving range beside the best player ever from this area. Another guy walked up and watched him hit balls for a few minutes and then asked him what he thinks about when he's hitting the ball.

I stopped and listened in, hoping for a tidbit of information that might help me. The reply was "Nothing."

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I find it tough to play and work on a swing change as well. But I've found something that works for me that may, or may not, be helpful to you... I do all my thinking pre-shot, take a practice swing with some swing thoughts that I'm working on, then a practice swing or two just trying to feel the shot. Once I approach the ball, that's it, I'm just trying to hit a shot. This way I'm reinforcing what I'm working on every shot, but just playing golf once I'm actually taking the shot. Good luck with the swing changes and this season!
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I try my hardest not to, but I always do. Whatever I'm working on with my instructor at the moment is usually floating around.

It's both a blessing and a curse because while it is distracting to be constantly thinking about mechanics, it also makes me focus only on one thing, so I don't worry about the rest of the swing. Sometimes it helps, sometimes it doesn't.

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I always have some sort of swing thought in my mind for almost all shots.  It has been a problem for me in my short game - but in the full swing, I think many players have some sort of swing thought going on.

This... Thinking of "nothing" only works when I'm hot. I usually need a swing thought or two on my full swings. Short game, usually my only thought is to accelerate through impact on every shot.

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I love how the advice to not think of mechanics is universally given.  How is a high-handicapper or new golfer supposed to do this?  Sure - go out there and clear your mind of all thoughts.  That will work great until you hit your first bad shot.  Ever hear the expression, "playing 'golf swing' instead of golf"?  IMO, high handicappers really have no choice but to play 'golf swing' instead of golf.  I mean, right?  What's the point of visualizing your tee shot with a gentle draw down the left side when you're actually going to hit a hard slice into the bushes?   Should I take on those bunkers at 250? . .well, I'll have to clear the ladies tee first, lol.

I say don't really worry about what you're thinking about.  Just go out and have fun and try to hit some good shots.  If you find yourself getting all mucked up with swing thoughts then take a step back and clear your mind a bit try to cut it down to 1 or 2 thoughts . .and just remember that since you're just playing to try to make good shots .. there is no consequence for bad ones.

Once you get your swing grooved in then there's all kinds of stuff to try and think or not think about.  For example, *never* remind yourself that this putt is for birdie, lol.

Personally, I think a lot about mechanics during a round.  I do try not to - but, like probably almost every average to poor golfer, I can't help it.

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I love how the advice to not think of mechanics is universally given.  How is a high-handicapper or new golfer supposed to do this?  Sure - go out there and clear your mind of all thoughts.  That will work great until you hit your first bad shot.  Ever hear the expression, "playing 'golf swing' instead of golf"?  IMO, high handicappers really have no choice but to play 'golf swing' instead of golf.  I mean, right?  What's the point of visualizing your tee shot with a gentle draw down the left side when you're actually going to hit a hard slice into the bushes?   Should I take on those bunkers at 250? . .well, I'll have to clear the ladies tee first, lol.

I say don't really worry about what you're thinking about.  Just go out and have fun and try to hit some good shots.  If you find yourself getting all mucked up with swing thoughts then take a step back and clear your mind a bit try to cut it down to 1 or 2 thoughts . .and just remember that since you're just playing to try to make good shots .. there is no consequence for bad ones.

Once you get your swing grooved in then there's all kinds of stuff to try and think or not think about.  For example, *never* remind yourself that this putt is for birdie, lol.

Personally, I think a lot about mechanics during a round.  I do try not to - but, like probably almost every average to poor golfer, I can't help it.


I have the same handicap you do and have found that I play my best golf when I reduce my swing thoughts to just one during the pre-shot routine (which is a flat left wrist) and then one during the shot (which at the moment is to swing slow).

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@iacas advised me to minimize swing thoughts to only one if you are working on something.

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