...and get our FREE 7 part series 7 simple things you can do right now to take take 10 shots of your game.   Click here to get this amazing give away now and also pick up your FREE Demo of "From the ground up how to shoot in the 70'S". Click Here to to get your FREE info.	Home Golf Articles Golf Ebay Golf Books Golf Tips Golf Article - It's all in the mind, part 1 by Dr Aidan Moran, Professor of Psychology www.alicesbookshop.co.uk It's all in the mind Preparing to play: Using "pre-shot routines" and "practising with a purpose in mind" Here is the second in a series of articles by Dr Aidan Moran, Professor of Psychology Research at University College, Dublin. Dr Moran is adviser to many of Ireland~s top Golfers including Padraig Harrington Although top golfers have distinctive styles, they tend to prepare for every shot in the same way. In other words, they use consistent ~pre-shot routines~. Psychologically, routines are essential in golf because they take you from ~thinking~ to ~playing~ or from conscious control to automatic pilot. Indeed, research shows that they are helpful in three ways. Firstly, they ensure that your set-up and swing are as consistent as possible ~ even when practising on the driving range. Secondly, they improve concentration because they force you to stay in the ~here and now~ as you go from step to step in the preparatory sequence. Finally, they encourage you to develop a steady rhythm and to play at your own pace ~ not to rush because you feel that you~re holding up someone behind you. So what are the steps in an effective pre-shot routine? 1 Assess the situation First you have to assess the situation by standing behind the ball and gathering ~target information~ such as the lie, the direction of any wind blowing, the distance between your ball and your target, and the existence of any special hazards. 2 Prepare to play Next, try to ~see~ and ~feel~ the type of shot you want to play in your mind~s eye. Then check your grip, get into the ~ready~ position, make sure the club head is behind the ball and align your club and body to the target. If necessary, adjust your stance again until you feel comfortable. 3 Let it flow Finally, relax your shoulders, take your preferred number of practice swings, clear your mind, glance at the target again, and let your shot flow. Your pre-shot routine may vary slightly with the type of shot you play (e.g. bunker shot versus putt) but it should be consistent. Furthermore, you will find that with practice, your pre-shot routine will become a vital part of your swing. Remember ~ consistent preparation is the platform for consistent performance. Practising with a purpose in mind In my last article, I explained that golfers tend to play their best when they concentrate on one shot at a time ~ directing the ball at a specific target. Unfortunately, most golfers set themselves a different kind of target, such as achieving a certain score or obtaining a particular number of points at the end of the round. The problem with these targets is that they are too far ahead and hence distract us from the task in hand. So, how can you practise becoming more ~target focused~? Well. Research shows that only quality practice makes perfect. So, you need to have a specific purpose in mind when you go to the practice ground or driving range. Remember, winners are workers. As Jack Nicklaus said: ~I try to have a clear purpose in mind on every swing. I always practice as I intend to play~ Practice as you intend to play Try to vary the clubs you use in practice because during a game you rarely get a chance to play the same club twice in succession. Always have a target You can improve your target awareness on the range by aiming towards distance markers or other such targets. Maintain your set-up routines When practising, make sure to maintain your normal set-up and routines between shots. Otherwise you are not practising as you intend to play. Putting It's best to practise with only one ball when putting because you never get a second chance in a game. Keep it interesting and reward yourself A good way to maintain interest in your practice drills is to challenge yourself to achieve a certain target (e.g., to sink 6 consecutive putts from a metre away) and then to reawrd yourself accordingly (e.g., with a cup of coffee afterwards). Psychologically, activities that are followed by rewards tend to become rewarding in themselves. If you follow these "quality drills" you will learn to practise properly. This article courtesy of http://www.iprogolf.com. You may freely reprint this article on your website or in your newsletter provided this courtesy notice and the author name and URL remain intact.	Dalton McCrary's Straight Shootin Golf. How this for a way to save on green fees and get some Free extras. Click here to read more From The Ground Up: How To Shoot In The 70's Click Here to read more.
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