Practice to Practice?

[robinoso]

So I don't have as much time to practice as most as I actually get range work in once every couple of weeks.  When I can play, I usally have an extended warm up to get some minor work in.  When I'm at the actual range, my ball striking regresses dramatically (tops, chunks, etc).  I don't know if it's the gallery, too many thoughts in my head while "working" on things or if there is something I don't know about "how" to practice on the range.  I don't just plow through balls.  I try to visualize every shot and make normal routine pre shot routine.  I'd honestly say 80% of my balls are struck poor on the range...it's beyond me.

Anyone else had this issue and if so what did you do to get out of it?  It makes me not want to hit the range as it's more frustrating than a round.  I find I practice better or feel I get better work in when I play later when the course is slow and I can hit 2 or 3 shots at times.

[newtogolf]

You don't mention if you are or have taken lessons but they could help.  Some people have the ability to work out a consistent swing on their own, but I was not one of them.  I tried to figure it out at the range, but quickly got frustrated with similar results to what you described.  Once I started to take lessons I had a foundation that I could build on through practice on my own.

I'm down to taking a lesson a month, but even at this point my instructor will point out "bad" things that have been introduced to my swing through improper practice routines or laziness.  Iacas always states in his posts, "feel isn't real" and he's right, I think I'm doing something, but when watching video of my swing or having my instructor review my swing it turns out I'm not or not to the level I thought.  If you're not taking lessons and don't want to I'd suggest at least taking video of your swing so you can see what you're doing versus going by feel alone.

If your problem is just at the range and you play better on the course there could be something completely different going on.  There's a number of pro's and instructors on this site so I'm sure someone will be able to help you.

[robinoso]

yes I've had some lessons a few months back and am in the process of finding one I like in my area which is tough it seems. As for the range I'm not trying to change things too much just trying to make sure pieces are where they should be. I dont make perfect contact everytime but do hit decent more than I do at the range. I play to about 18-20 with a bad short game. So for me to hit balls like I did a year ago is a beating. Just confused

[1puttit]

Don't try to work on too many things at the same time at the range. You can only work on one thing at a time.

Try the 32 ball drill:  Hit four balls in a row focusing on the one change you are trying to make. Then hit four balls in a row  without any swing thoughts. Repeat for a total of 32 balls. This helps to quickly ingrain the change you are trying to make into your subconscious.

[NuclearMike]

Originally Posted by 1puttit

Try the 32 ball drill:  Hit four balls in a row focusing on the one change you are trying to make. Then hit four balls in a row  without any swing thoughts. Repeat for a total of 32 balls. This helps to quickly ingrain the change you are trying to make into your subconscious.

I practice a fair amount and really like this approach.  I'm usually working on one or two things each time I go out but like the idea of hitting without the number of swing thoughts that usually float through my brain.  Too many swing thoughts at a time lead to "paralysis by analysis", where there are so many things going on inside one's head that it's impossible to simply get comfortable and hit the ball.  As a matter of fact, that's my goal for the next time at the range- get comfortable and trust my swing.

[rustyredcab]

My instructors suggest two kinds of practice: working on your swing, and target practice.

That 32 ball drill sounds like a way to do a bit of both in the same session.

I guy I met at a golf school who dropped his index from 20-something to 5 in a few years. He works on his swing all winter and early spring with video and little care for where the ball goes as he is working on one thing at a time. Then he stops working on his swing at the beginning of his season and just tries to get the ball in the hole all summer -- play golf. When winter rolls around, he busts out the video and starts working on his swing again. He has a beautiful swing and hits the ball very consistently well.

I can not stop tinkering all year round. Maybe that's why I am getting better much more slowly than Dan from golf school.

If you are working on your swing, video is a great tool.