If you flip on the golf channel you’ll notice one thing before each and every pro takes the shot they’ll take a moment to walk through their pre-shot routine. This isn’t a coincidence, pre-shot routine’s are a great tool you can add to your golf game to get yourself in a consistent state of mind before you approach each shot.
What your pre-shot routine should do
When creating your pre-shot routine there are several things you should have in mind. First off you should be sure to sum up your swing thoughts. When asking the professionals the vast majority stated they do not have swing thoughts take their actual shot. All these ideas floating in your head can end up hampering your swing more than helping it.
So it is also important that your pre-shot routine should simplify your game. There are many mechanical and technical things you can think about as you approach a shot. By simplifying your game and just focussing on a few key metrics you will yield much better results.
Finally, a pre-shot routine should give you a consistent train of thought. Having this consistent routine will calm your nerves and your stress levels while golfing. Approaching each shot with the same thoughts going through your mind will keep your swing more consistent. This will ultimately improve your score.
When to use your pre-shot routine
The whole idea behind a pre shot routine is that you use it each time you take a shot. That being said there are specific times where this pre-shot routine will be more helpful than normal. One situation you should be sure you’re using your pre-shot routine is when you’re playing poorly.
Once playing poorly it’s easy for you to get frustrated and change your train of thought.
Another important time to use your pre-shot routine is when you’re playing very well. Often times while playing well you can get excited and energetic at the idea of shooting a great score.
By making sure to follow up with your routine you’ll be sure to keep that swing that has got you this far. This will ensure that the excitement of this great round you’re having is not going to affect the rest of your play.
Things to include
There are several things you should be sure to include in your pre shot routine.
One important factor to have in a new pre-shot routine is that it complements your learning style. You have to remember that these pre-shot routine’s are built just for you. Everyone’s is not going to be the same and different routines are going to work for different golfers.
By choosing a routine to complement your learning style you’ll find it has the best results. Another important factor to have in your pre-shot routine is the narrowing of focus.
Make sure your pre-shot routine focusses on a small number of specific items. This is much more beneficial than a broad detailed routine.
Finally, you’re going to want to make sure that your pre-shot routine has a calming and positive affect. A major factor in your routine is the mental aspect. So ensuring that this routine helps mentally should be a large focal point.
How To Build A Pre Shot Routine Example
Now we’re going to show you exactly how to build a pre-shot routine through example. Your routine should not look the same as this but rather use this example for inspiration.
Step one choose the target well behind the ball. Look down at the target online and choose a spot just in front of the ball. Align your club so that the ball should travel through the spot. This step ensures that you were setting up in line with your target and your club alignment is correct.
Step two is making sure your club is aligned with the ball. Though Club alignment is not the only thing you should be worried about. Making sure your body is properly set up an aimed towards the target is of equal importance. To do this use certain cues such as where the balls in your stand. Or where your shoulders are pointing. This will ensure that your body is properly lined up to your target line.
Step three is step back and take a practice swing. In your practice swing toward the target and treat it like a real shot. This part of the pre-shot routine should make sure that you know exactly how hard you’re going to swing. And are gives you a chance to practice the exact swing about before just before you do.
Step four step back towards the barll and address it. Take a look at the target focus on the front of the ball. Take your club back and strike through the ball with whichever preferred phrase that you have.
For me I like to think of the saying “nice and easy” to make sure that I don’t get too excited. Though your thought should be personal to you and your swing.
Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed our guide on how to build a pre-shop routine. If you have any questions regarding how to build a pre-pre-shot routine or any other aspects of this article be sure to reach out the comments below. If you did enjoy this article you should check out some of our other articles such as our guide on how to cover the golf ball.
