Pre-shot routine...

[onthehunt526]

Hi Ladies and Gentlemen,

My mental game has some issues, I have NO pre-shot routine, really, I just step up and hit it, I'm usually so tense over the ball, I freeze and can't pull the trigger, when I'm relaxed, I hit the hell out of it. When I'm not my swing turns to rubbish..

Anything you do in your pre-shot routine that helps? Any little stupid thing I can think about that will relax me?

[Gator Hazard]

2 minutes ago, onthehunt526 said:

Hi Ladies and Gentlemen,

My mental game has some issues, I have NO pre-shot routine, really, I just step up and hit it, I'm usually so tense over the ball, I freeze and can't pull the trigger, when I'm relaxed, I hit the hell out of it. When I'm not my swing turns to rubbish..

Anything you do in your pre-shot routine that helps? Any little stupid thing I can think about that will relax me?

I breathe and intentionally focus on feeling my shoulders and forearms relax before I start my swing.  If I am tense I have a hard time starting and I know I am gripping the club too tight.  Try breathing before you even approach the ball.  Breathe in deeply and hold it, then slowly exhale a few times.  

Could always go with the cliched and over quoted thought of:  "Be the ball"

[JP golf]

Pre-shot Routine:  Step behind the ball and pick your target, brush the grass with your club as you are picking your target just letting your arms swing back and forth for a second.  Once you have your target walk up to the ball and step in with your right foot first and align your clubface to the target, then step in with your left and set your stance.  Waggle to release tension in the arms, check your target and then concentrate on your swing thought and hit the ball...  Takes about 15 seconds if that... 

I actually practice my pre-shot routine on the range sometimes.  It doesn't take long, but in the end, I feel the clubhead and catch a rhythm, check my target and alignment and hit the ball with the same swing thought.  In theory it can help your consistency and focus...

Good Luck - and really, it's much simpler than it reads above, just try it a time or two.

[Patch]

Stop and smell the roses in between your pre shot routines. In other words relax in between shots. 

A preshot routine can be anything a golfer wants it to be as long as it is not time consming. 

Another plus for having a preshot routine is that it is a good way manage slow play by others. 

Anyone have a post shot routine thry are dedicated to? Mine is picking up my broken tees, and repairing any turf damage I cause. 

[adam3553]

37 minutes ago, Patch said:

Anyone have a post shot routine thry are dedicated to? Mine is picking up my broken tees, and repairing any turf damage I cause. 

I have to have a wet towel to clean my clubs. Im pretty picky about keeping my clubs clean.

Regarding a PSR the only tip I would have is once you get your personal PSR down make sure to do it for every shot and dont stray from it. It can help calm your nerves and it forces you to think about the NEXT shot.

[DrvFrShow]

I go through my preshot routine on every shot even on the driving range. I over heard a former touring pro talk about this when talking to an up and coming high school student. I incorporated it into my routine. The logic being that it will become habit and make it easier to carry the range game to the course. Plus it gives you a break between hitting a ball.

So go through your slow drill of what you're working on to make sure you're setting up right. Then go through the pre-shot routine, and hit the shot. Sure it takes longer, but you're at the range and not holding up anyone.

[dchoye]

this is what a do for PSR

Long Game:

1) without a club in my hand figure out which club I'm confident hitting for the that particular shot.

2) take out that club and stand behind the ball looking at my target down the fairway and take slow breaths

3) align my lower body to the ball, then step up the ball and address my grip/shoulder tilt/loosen up by either hinging/waggling the club

4)I try to make sure I hit thru the ball and not at the ball.

try to enjoy the swing and observe where the ball goes that day and make adjustment through the round.

 

Short Game:

1) I walk up to the green or towards the hole and imagine the where I want the ball to end up.

2) figure out which club matches the technique I envision.

3) for putting I try to see the line from the low side. If I not sure I use my feet to feel the slope from behind the hole.

4) commit to my stroke and try not to look up too soon.

try not to let a missed putt ruin your confidence. sometimes its up to the golfing gods.  If you hit the spot where you were aiming. and doesn't go in because of weird turn or spike mark its not your fault.

Edited November 6, 2015 by dchoye