Pre Shot Routine

[GRAEMBO]

Ideally, I would like to develop my own, and actually do it all the time.

What are some good things to do pre shot...aside from empty your head of all negative thought...swing faults...traps etc!

 

[freddielong]

For me the most important part is to stand behind the ball and picture the shot, for me this helps clear all the other rubbish out of my head. Just create a possitive picture of your ball doing what its supposed to and just focus on that possitive shot.

 

[TWM]

Breathing. Take a couple of slow deep breaths before takeaway.

 

[Wildrover]

Mine is as follows.

Stand behind ball to get alignment right and pick an intermediate target.

Move back to the side and take up address position aiming at intermediate target.

Check the far target again

Rehearse takeaway to get club on plane.

Go.

 

[CrapHacker]

Today I wanted to try a routine I knew I could stick to. I normally spend too long setting myself up, checking my alignment, making one practise half backswing to make sure I'm not going back too flat, and then check the grip. Before actually beginning the takeaway.

So today, just before taking my stance, I took a practise swing thinking about a wide swing arc. Then I took another one making sure I pushed my right leg though with the swing. Then just walked up to the ball, and hit it.

Worked wonders.

 

[USER1999]

Here is mine:

Take head cover off.

Hit ball.

 

[haplesshacker]

Glad you brought this up, as it was something I was talking over with my pro yesterday.

I tend to appear to rush it. ie no practice swing etc. However I do tend to sus everything out before even getting to the ball, so all that is required is a quick check of the lie. I am paranoid about being labeled a 'slow player'! Especially as some will think that a high h'capper shouldn't even be allowed on the course as I take more shots than a scratch player!

With regard to practice swings. I see so many people do half hearted, half follow through'd practice swings that bear no resemblance to the real swing required. What's the point!? The only reason I can see for it is to loosen up. But almost every ametuer I see ain't doing it to losen up. It is a 'practise' swing! Why? Same with practice putting strokes. Why pull up out of the swing half way through? You ain't going to play the shot like that are you!? And anyway, I'll put a fiver on that you'll miss the putt anyway!

Back to what my pro recommended. (For the time being!) Set up and posture. That's it. If I get that right, chances are 9 times outta 10 I'll hit a straight shot.

As with everything else in golf. Horses for courses. I'm a terrible player, and take everything I've said with a pinch of salt. But pathetic practise swings! Argh!!!

 

[haplesshacker]

Here is mine:

Take head cover off.

Hit ball.

As my 2 year old has picked up so eloquently. "'ave it!"

 

[mono217]

I just swing twice cliping the grass set up and whack away

 

[EchtLoon]

Here is mine:

Take head cover off.

Hit ball.

Good man, nae pissing aboot.

1. Stand behind the ball, and pick a spot a foot or so in front of it that is on the line of flight.

2. Address the ball, first lining club up with mark described in #1, then take full stance.

3. Concentrate on staying behind the ball at impact (chronic lifelong swayer)

4. Let Rip

NB: practice swings are the devils creation, and should not be part of anyone's pre-shot routine.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

I think at the end of the day if you are going to develop a routine it is something that has to evolve naturally and can't feel forced or contrived as it won't serve it purpose if you aren't comfortable with it.

Personally I have a one yard rule. I make my decision of club selection and take a practice swing (fully rehearsing the shot) and then put my glove on. This acts as my mental trigger to get set and then once I've crossed my imaginery one yard line I've committed. Then I just take my address have one small waggle to relieve any tension in the arms and fire. Once I take my golve off its a sign that the shot is over and there is nothing I cna do about it now

 

[Imurg]

I can do either. I always used to take 2 practice swings on full shots, 3 on putts and 4 on chips. Sometimes I still do but sometimes I just set up to the ball and hit it. I can't see there's any noticable difference in strikes with or without the routine. The percentage of good shots to bad shots seems very similar. So to me it deosn't seem to make a difference. Guess it just depends how I feel about the shot.

 

[Smiffy]

Here is mine:

Take head cover off.

Hit ball.

My sort of playing partner.
I can't stand fannying about on the tee.