Golf Pre-shot Routine
Following a previous post regarding the pre-shot routine being a mental routine I have recently been having some success with the Tour Tempo system developed by John Novosel and been looking to incorporate it into my routine. You’ll need to go to their website to better understand how and why this works so well but there are swing rhythms to replicate within the system and I have now been successful in fitting the rhythm into my routine.
A particular swing thought I have had for a while is to return to the ball at impact replicating my address position. I realise that with the speed of the swing and weight transfer that that is impossible but as a mental image it helps.
So at present my pre-shot routine looks like this;
- I stand behind the ball and identify a target on the horizon
- I visualize the flight and trajectory to that target
- I identify an intermediate target on the ground in line with main target
- Whilst behind the ball I rehearse a swing replicating the impact position
- Step into address position checking Grip, Alignment, Ball Position & Posture
- Mentally chant the Tour Tempo rhythm
- Swing through the ball to a high, balanced “Pro” finish
So far it is working very well, I feel more able to block out distractions and I’m now refining to make the routine automatic and repeating.
June 7th, 2010 at 12:42 pm
That’s pretty good. I have two problems with the pre-shot routine. First, me. Second, the pre-shot routine. Seriously, though, making it consistent each time is the hardest thing. And I almost never had a decent visualization of the shot. Good luck with yours. It looks like you have a pretty solid system down.
Casey
June 7th, 2010 at 3:07 pm
This is similar to mine. I noticed you don’t incorporate a swing thought. I’ve found them to be very helpful, as long as I keep them fairly general. This gives me something to think about when I find myself distracted by the birds and the bees, or by getting close to shooting a good score.
Did you make a conscious decision not to incorporate something like this?
June 8th, 2010 at 5:58 am
@Casey Thanks for your comment, it’s difficult to be consistent isn’t it? Particularly if something nudges you out of your rhythm say you go onto another fairway and you rush to get out of other player’s way. Visualization is elusive aswell, sometimes I can see the shape, especially if there is clear sky behind the shot, but other times just nothing.
Just got to keep working on it I suppose.
June 8th, 2010 at 6:00 am
@ Golfer in Kilt. My swing thought changes depending on what I’ve been practicing most recently for instance I try to keep my right knee flexed so that’s something I try to think of.
It is to be the subject of another post so watch this space.
Many thanks
June 15th, 2010 at 8:01 am
I like your routine, nice and simple. I’m work a lot with pros refining the think box/play box idea and I’m wondering if you’ve looked at how you know you’re ready to a) step up to the ball and b) start your swing? Is it something you picture, feel, say to yourself or a combination? Cheers, Adam
June 17th, 2010 at 2:39 am
@ Adam. I attended a Karl Morris seminar and he talked about an imaginary line a couple of yards before the ball and to rehearse behind that then when you step over the “line” you switch to “Go”. In fact he used the Nike strapline “Just do it”. Is that the same thing as your think box/play box?
In my routine I rehearse a swing replicating the impact position whilst behind the ball face on then when I step into address I’m thinking of a Tour Tempo swingthought and start the swing on the phrase “Swing-Set-Thru”
I’ve certainly found it clears the mind of all other thoughts.
July 4th, 2010 at 3:38 pm
That’s exactly it, yes. So after your rehearsal swing, how do you know when you’re ready to step up? Mantras can be very helpful to clear your mind, tho sometimes can limit your awareness - how do you maintain your focus & connection with the target? Adam