Why do you practice golf? To look good on the driving range now — or to perform better on the golf course later? Probably the latter. And if you’re as time-consuming as most of us are these days, you need to make those precious practice moments count.
Finding time to exercise isn’t always easy, so it’s important that you do so in a way that is both effective and efficient. Luckily for you, that’s something I’ve spent years researching and developing. Check out three absolute must-haves for effective practice below, straight from my Train2Trust program.
3 keys for great practice
1. Practice like you play
If what you learn and practice isn’t going to stick and transfer to the golf course, why bother? The principle of context specificity is a good starting point. Basically, it states that the more your practice looks and feels like a real round of golf, the more it will transfer onto the ‘playing field’. And the less it looks and feels like a round of golf (or a competitive round of golf), the less transference occurs.
So the next time you’re on the practice tee, consider adding a simulated nine holes to your regimen. Create imaginary fairways for tee shots, reach targets that represent the center of the greens and holes on the practice green to chip to.
When you do this, you only shoot once per target, just like when you play. Go through your entire pre- and post-shot routines and even hit some shots from bad lies. The more your practice simulates what you see on the course, the better it will transfer when you actually hit the road.
2. Always provide feedback
It’s hard to grow, learn, or improve almost anything without feedback. How do you receive yours when you practice? Sure, the golf ball itself tells a story, but are you receiving accurate, relevant, and timely feedback from trusted sources?
Consider 2D video (oldie but goodie) that you can shoot yourself with a phone and tripod. Make sure you (or your coach) has made an accurate diagnosis and assessment of your golf swing so you know what to look for. There’s a lot of cause and effect in why a golf ball reacts the way it does, so you need to have a crystal clear idea of both possible shortcomings and helpful solutions.
There is no substitute for a competent and smart instructor. Someone who knows your swing, your tendencies and your patterns. We all respond differently to different modalities, but the best teachers identify what “floats your boat” and then nurture you accordingly.
3. Establish consequences
The game itself is full of consequences. Unfortunately, practicing for recreational golfers often has little to no consequences. How are you supposed to switch gears and experience the stress that comes from the consequences if you never practice it?
That’s why it’s important to add consequences to your exercise routines. Play against a friend for some money or just for bragging rights. Gamify your own practice with some sort of penalty for failing. How about playing nine holes with just one golf ball? If you lose it, you go to the clubhouse. There are many options here.
#musts #effective #golf #exercises #top #teacher