Pre-shot thought process?

[gripNrip88]

Since it wont let me post a thread in "Swing Thoughts," (which would be perfect for my question) I'm just going to post it here. I need help with my pre-shot thought process. I always get the case of the "don'ts" and it's KILLING me! Also I feel as if im concentrating too hard on what I need my swing to be like from start to finish right before I'm about to hit and its almost like it's restricting my swing when it comes time to hit. Should I have a clear mind approahing the ball? Or is thinking your swing over the right thing to do? What is your pre-shot thought process? Please help this has been bugging me for a few weeks! Thanks

[uttexas]

When you are standing behind your ball looking at your target/judging the wind/etc, it's fine to think of and rehearse the things your working on. Finish your preshot routine, by imagining the intended ball flight and final target. Then as you start walking toward your ball, just think of the target. Address the ball and look at/focus on the target and pull the trigger.

[gripNrip88]

Thank you I will try that. Playing in a money game tomorrow morning so I want to be able to relax and play. The biggest problem in my game is the mental part and I HATE it lol. Thanks again and I will let you know how it works out!

[DoctorYikes]

My best swing thought is no swing thought, but it's harder than it sounds for me. Last few rounds I've adopted a Mike Weir waggle into the routine that's working wonders, for now. I get all my obsessive neuroticism out of the way behind the ball. Get lined up, kind of "rehearse" my takeaway to where my wrists set, watching the path of the clubhead. Ease back down to the ball, and pull the trigger. If I start thinking, I need to back off. (Also harder than it sounds.)

[Adam Young]

I would say that, from the research, a simple thought which summarises a lot of things is best. Usually this is a thought of what the club is doing. Some of the worst things you can think of are body position thoughts - they often interfere with the movement and brain function much more than a thought such as 'hit the middle of the clubface'.

[FuzzyB1]

I have one swing thought...balance.  If I keep my balance I have all the confidence in the world the shot will work out for me.  If you are thinking about your swing when you're over the ball you're going to struggle.

[gripNrip88]

thanks for all the help guys! uttexas, just concentrating on my target over the ball really helps out a lot. fuzzyB1 im going to concentrate/work on balance as well. ive been finding myself off balance and my weight out over my toes.

[duffedit]

If your really interested in improving your mental game read "golf is not a game of perfect" it will help i struggle with my mental game as well. This book will help for sure.

[uttexas]

thanks for all the help guys! uttexas, just concentrating on my target over the ball really helps out a lot. fuzzyB1 im going to concentrate/work on balance as well. ive been finding myself off balance and my weight out over my toes.

happy to hear things are working out

[gripNrip88]

Originally Posted by duffedit

If your really interested in improving your mental game read "golf is not a game of perfect" it will help i struggle with my mental game as well. This book will help for sure.

awesome im all about videos and books to help your game. can i pick this book up at your local bookstore?

[gripNrip88]

i know this will be tuff to do without a video of my swing....but can anyone help me with the case of the snap hooks/pull hooks?!?!?! maybe just some things that cause them since u cant see whats going on. im only doing it with the driver which is weird bc usually it will spill over into my iron game as well. i will try and post a video soon to help you guys help me. any feedback would be apprpeciated. oh and btw....i shot 74 today (8 handicap and playing with this snap hook) so thank you all for your input on the pre-shot thoughts!!

[FuzzyB1]

Originally Posted by gripNrip88

i know this will be tuff to do without a video of my swing....but can anyone help me with the case of the snap hooks/pull hooks?!?!?! maybe just some things that cause them since u cant see whats going on. im only doing it with the driver which is weird bc usually it will spill over into my iron game as well. i will try and post a video soon to help you guys help me. any feedback would be apprpeciated. oh and btw....i shot 74 today (8 handicap and playing with this snap hook) so thank you all for your input on the pre-shot thoughts!!

If it is your driver...put it up further in your stance and make sure it is not "toed in".  Also, to help you get over it immediately, exaggerate your backswing by pushing it outside the line on your takeaway.  I had a round similar to yours last Thursday in that about 5 holes in I started snap hooking off the tee.  I did what I just mentioned and on the back 9 hit all but one fairway.

[duffedit]

awesome im all about videos and books to help your game. can i pick this book up at your local bookstore?

Im not sure i ordered a used copy on amazon for 6 bucks