When you watch a tour player, you’ll notice that they ALL have a pre-shot routine that they run through to get focused on the task at hand. They also use this routine to get properly aligned at the target.
Most amateur golfers have no routine whatsoever. Occasionally they take one practice swing, and then for another shot, they may take four or five.
Many also have no clue how to get themselves lined up at the target.
The set up routine serves several purposes.
First, it helps the golfer become more relaxed. We are always more relaxed when we are performing a routine task. A tour pro goes through the routine as if they are on the driving range.
Therefore, no matter how important the shot may be, performing the familiar routine helps them calm the nerves a bit.
Second, it helps the player focus on the task at hand. What they are trying to do is execute a shot. They’ve executed virtually every shot they’ve ever hit in a tournament THOUSANDS of times. The set up routine helps them stay focused.
Lastly, the set up routine helps with their alignment. I’ll make a few comments about this here.
In my routine, I visually the shot I want to execute from behind the ball. Once I’ve visualized that shot, and get myself relaxed, I focus on my alignment. If I am not properly aligned, I can’t execute the shot properly.
So, from behind the ball, I pick a spot a couple feet in front of the ball. That spot is lined up with my target.
So, when I step in to set up beside the ball, I square my club up to that spot. I visualize a line running from the ball to that spot, and I then align my feet parallel to that line.
After a couple waggles of the club and another look at the target, I settle in and perform the golf swing.
I share this routine in a video on the Free Training page. Check it out!
I highly recommend that you use a set up routine before you execute most of the shots you hit on the driving range as well. This will get it more ingrained so that it becomes more natural on the golf course. Also, it will help you become more focused in your practice.
