Pre-shot routine

[Meddle]

How many of you have a pre-shot routine? And those that do, how important is it in developing a consistent swing? I usually do whatever feels good and relaxing before my shot, and it changes. But I've read that it is important to develop a really consistent pre-shot routine. Thoughts?

[sdped1]

I don't stick to an exact routine. I pick a spot in front of the ball and then walk around to square my body to it. I always look at my grip so that is exactly the way I want it. Take a couple of practice swings to get that relaxed feeling in my grip and arms, then step up a little take a fairly deep breath and let it out and then begin the swing. I do this with every ball on the range. I put a ball in my pocket walk up and place it on the ground or the tee just like I was on the course, and I always have a target I shoot to when I'm at the range-- Steve

[shortstop20]

I have the same pre-shot routine for everything except chip and pitch shots(and my putter obviously). The only difference in the pre-shot routine between my chip/pitch shots and full shots is that for chips and pitches I take my practice strokes right next to the ball to get a feel for the exact distance(instead of standing a few yards behind the ball for a full shot).

IMO a pre-shot routine is very important and absolutely critical in calming you down when you're going for your best round ever, pressure shot, whatever it may be. It will calm you.

[gogolfing]

I have one, but still struggle mentally with keeping swing thoughts out of my head. Two books I have read are Fearless Golf and Every Shot Must Have a Purpose ; both really stress the importance of the pre-shot routine.

[shortstop20]

I don't use any swing thoughts while I'm playing a stroke. I reserve that for when it's not my turn to hit or I'm taking practice swings.

I just tell myself, "Hit it just like you did that others shot, you have nothing to fear".

IMO the worst thing you can do is stand over the ball staring at it until you're ready to swing. I look at the ball when I first address it, after that I don't look at it except momentarily during my waggle. I never sit stationary over the ball, if I do I'm setting myself up for a bad shot.

[running-8-iron]

I think it's great to have a pre-shot routine. I think it's more beneficial when it's natural. I know I do the same thing all the time for all shots (except chipping, bunkers, putting as they have their own) but to be honest unless i stand up and pretend to address a ball I couldn't tell you what I do, the sequence or the number....but when I've watched video of myself it's the same. I think the pre shot routine should be something that prepares you by "zero-ing" everything..hence repeating naturally.

As for pre-shot swing thoughts, I keep it simple, not too technical and limit it to one or two things. But one thing I say to myself at the beginning of my pre-shot routine is "how bad can it be....I'm golfing!!" Try it out...you might wanna borrow it

[ControlJunkie]

How many of you have a pre-shot routine? And those that do, how important is it in developing a consistent swing? I usually do whatever feels good and relaxing before my shot, and it changes. But I've read that it is important to develop a really consistent pre-shot routine. Thoughts?

I definitely have a consistent and important routine. I wouldnt say that it's been important to me in developing a consistent swing, but it has been important in getting more consistent results, if that makes sense.

My pre-shot routine is more of a mental checklist for me, so that I'm not thinking of those things when I'm right over the ball. It goes something like this: 1. Tee the ball behind some sort of significant mark (to use when I make my line, only on tee box obviously ) 2. Grip the club 3. "Evaluate" the wind (which will factor into #3) 4. From behind the ball, determine my line - I try to use 3-4 distinct points to make sure my line is true. I'll use the toe of my spikes, lined up with some point behind the ball, then the ball, and then some point in front the ball, and all this should form a direct line with my target (which is determined by wind, distance, and height above/below me). 4.5. I forgot that the line in #4 should also run through the line on the ball (like on the ProV1's, Nike One's, etc.) 5. Approach ball, but a foot or so away to accomodate a practice swing or two. Make sure feet are parallel to that line I was using, though for some shots, I open up slightly. 6. Couple of practice swings 7. Double check grip 8. Move forwards towards ball 9. Squeeze grip really hard once or twice 10. Deep breath, exhale 11. Swing 12. GET IN THE HOLE!!!! It sounds much longer than it really is. Oh, and one thing I forgot, the face of my irons should form a "T" with that imaginary line. For driver and 3W, the alignment mark should fall within that line for straight shots.

[ks8829]

All players that play any professional sport will have some type of pre-shot routine. Look at the pro basketball players when they shoot free throws. They have the same routine everytime they shoot.

In golf to be consistent especially under pressure you need a pre-shot routine. Watch the pros play on TV and they all have a pre-shot routine for every shot in golf.

Find what works for you and develope a pre-shot routine and stick with it everytime you hit a shot or putt and this will help you shoot lower scores.
In another words, without a pre-shot routine you can not shoot a low score or play your best.

[ControlJunkie]

All players that play any professional sport will have some type of pre-shot routine.

LOL! Meant to say that, and completely forgot! Good call! It's funny you say that though, because that's exactly what I equated it to when I first started, and it's almost so simple, yet overlooked from time to time. Some people see someone about to shoot a free throw, and never realize that they are doing the exact same thing prior to every shot.

When I played basketball, I was normally very consistent at the free throw line, but if I went into a real cold streak, I'd make some sort of adjustment to my routine just to put my mind on something else, and ususally that would get me straightened out. It really got to be almost a superstitious thing for me.

[B-Con]

I only recently fell into a routine, and I wish I had sooner. Before I used to take a number of practice swings inversely proportional to how well I felt like I was hitting my club (if I was hitting well maybe only one swing, if I was hitting poorly maybe 3 swings), then stand over the ball and fine-tune my address until I was pleased.

Recently I noticed that just taking two swings every time and standing at the actual address for at least 2 but no more than 5 seconds is best. When I spend too much time standing over the ball wiggling and adusting my grip, weight distribution, etc, I over-think things and often screw up. I just need to make that my habit now.

When I played basketball, I was normally very consistent at the free throw line, but if I went into a real cold streak, I'd make some sort of adjustment to my routine just to put my mind on something else, and ususally that would get me straightened out. It really got to be almost a superstitious thing for me.

I played a lot of basketball and I was almost religious about my free-throw routine. I'm surprised it took me this long to get a routine for my golf shots.

[ControlJunkie]

I fight this constantly still, even though I have my routine pretty burnt in, and it's extremely frustrating. A prime example of it is a 170 yd par 3 on a course I play really frequently. There's water down the entire right side. I'll over think things, even though I know I shouldnt, and I'll end up hitting a bad shot to the right and into the water. Normally, for my 2nd tee shot, I'm so furious that I skip everything except my grip check, address the ball, and just hit it. Somehow, that one ALWAYS ends up much better than my first shot!

My point is, it's really hard to fight off over-thinking your shot, but if you figure out the secret to it, please share!! It seems like overthinking it leads to not committing to the shot, which always produces bad results. Concentrating more on my routine had alleviated it some, because it gives me something to divert all of my attention to, but I still fight it from time to time.

[Al Czervik]

My preshot routine is usually the same for most shots that I hit. When I am able to find my ball hahaha I address it and determine my distance to thepin and try to imagine which club is best suitable for the lie and distance. Once I have my club selected I stand behind the ball and envision the flight path of the ball and where to aim. I usually drop my club head a foot in front of the ball to have anaim point. After thisi address the ball and take a light practice swing. Then I step up and Wack one right into thewoods! Hahaha

[Creestoff]

I always start out directly behind the ball, facing the direction I want the shot to go. I set my left hand grip (i'm a righty) at that point, then swing around and line up the club for the shot. Directionally, I think it helps me stay online.

[CarlSpackler]

Yup. Same every time. Putting is a different routine.

[ControlJunkie]

I've got a couple of swings I'm thinking about working in to my routine. One is a single swing with my feet very close together to emphasize the hip turn.

The second is something I saw on The Golf Fix that helps to feel the proper release of the wrists and hands. The guy (not Michael Breed) had set his right foot very far back, way over-exagerrated, much further back than if you were setting up for a draw. Then he just tried to swing as normal, but the position of his body forced everything to release. I dont think I'm explaining correctly, but I'll see if I can find a link to a video. I saved it on my DVR, but that's not helping any of you very much. :)

[Herms]

I have a preshot routine that i do on all my shots. I take a few practise swings, making sure to take the club away correctly and follow throught bringing my left hand (I'm a lefty) square to the target and to follow throught like i'm going to shake someones hand with my left hand. once i fell comfortable (about 3 swings) i will walk back behind my ball and visualize my shot... aim point, flight, landing. Basically I want to run through my head what i want to happen. I will then address my ball, take a deep breathe and hit.

I've been doing this for several years now and seems to work for me.

[wedge player]

How many of you have a pre-shot routine? And those that do, how important is it in developing a consistent swing? I usually do whatever feels good and relaxing before my shot, and it changes. But I've read that it is important to develop a really consistent pre-shot routine. Thoughts?

i take 2 practice swings,get on ball waggle aim waggle look at target again and hit.

[BallStriker]

I developed my pre-shot routine while breaking in a new pair of golf shoes that were a touch snug in the toes of my left shoe....so, every time I would stand behind the ball I would kick my left heel to move my toes away from the end of the shoe...still do it every time.


Stand behind the ball....kick my left heel once or twice...set myself up to the ball and take one "completely loose and free" practice swing (with the club's lowest point about a foot off the ground)....set up to the ball and let it go.


Funny how things come to be sometimes.