There are two ways that we should practice our golf swing, and they are distinctly different..
One is when we practice prior to playing a round of Golf, and the other is when we plan a thorough practice session on the driving range on those days we are not scheduled to play.This post will focus on an effective strategy for practicing before a round of golf.
Your primary goal when practicing before going out on the golf course should be to loosen up and gain flexibility. If you can achieve these you'll get quite a jump on your competitors.
But please do yourself a big favor and get to the range early so that you aren't too rushed and stressed. These are definite killers of a fine round of golf.
Here's my advice:
- First start by stretching or doing Yoga for a couple of minutes at least. No need to lie down on the wet turf, it can all be accomplished standing up. If you are taking a golf cart, you can utilize it as a stationary structure to stretch your legs and arms from. Be sure to concentrate on stretching your upper lats, as they can take a pounding in the process of swinging the golf club. Use a long iron and grab it on either end and gradually turn back and through with it, ensuring not to bend your wrists or arms. This will give you a long arc type motion and will limber up your shoulders and upper back.
Finally, while standing erect, bend gently from the waist, attempting to touch your toes and stretch your lower back. You now should be quite limber.
-Grab two of your wedges together for extra weight and slowly begin to swing them back and forth, all the while gathering more speed and lengthening your swing.You are now ready to bang some balls.
-If you've played enough golf, you are acutely aware that your body and swing seldom feel the same two days in a row.Start with a lower iron,( nine would be fine), and always with a "target" in mind, begin to hit four or five shots. Concentrate on swinging at a relaxed tempo, and take an extra few seconds between each shot, so that you can strategize on what shot you will be trying to perform.
Tip: If you are still stiff and can't get down to the ball with your swing,( topping out ground balls), don't panic. Consider teeing up the golf ball until you are feeling flexible. Again the goal here is to get loose.
-Depending on the time you have, next hit another four or five balls with your seven iron, then five iron, three iron or hybrid, always focusing on a target, and, advisably, visualizing a circumstance that you're likely to encounter out on the golf course.
-You are now ready for the "big sticks", the metal woods and driver. Notice these clubs aren't brought out of your bag until near the end of the session, not in the beginning as most amateurs do. Again stick with the routine of having a target and a particular shot in mind, and only hit four or five golf shots no matter the results.
-Finally, end the session with the scoring clubs and get a "feel" for your golf swing this particular day. Preferably find a patch of grass and with a specific target in mind, hit four or five wedges and sand wedges. You should have a good feel for tempo and accuracy as you end the practice.
Tip: Whatever your first shot will be out on the course, make your final practice shot with the club you'll be using and then put all your clubs back in your golf bag and head directly over to the most important part of your pre-game warm up, the practice putting green.
- On the putting green it is important for you to get a sense of speed and distance. From ten or more feet away, use only one golf ball,( but two will suffice), and aim to a specific hole or spot on the green, and concentrate solely on getting a "feel " for the speed of the green. (Hopefully, like most golf courses, the practice green will closely mimic the on course putting green conditions). Stroke as many balls as necessary until you feel confident that you have the speed of the greens down pat.
Do this same drill ten feet from all sides of your target hole or spot, being extra observant, noticing how the speed changes when going with the grain or against it.This will be extremely valuable out on the course.
Finally, move to within three feet of your target hole and practice a smooth stroke, concentrating on sinking each putt. Be extra aware of the tightness in your grip and consciously loosen your golf grip for the remainder of the session. After sinking a few in a row, walk away with confidence, knowing that you are in for a fine putting day.
We love this game and so often approach the first tee in awe, not knowing what tricks the golf gods, or our own mental state, will rain upon on us this day.But if you have had an effective and confident practice session before the round, there will be nothing that the game or your mind, can throw at you that you aren't prepared to take on with genuine confidence. And that's really the battle that we all want to win..
Regards,
Jack
Jack McDermott. The surest way to improve your game is by implementing an on plane golf swing. http://www.golfshoppronews.com Copyright 2011 Jack@ http://www.golfshoppronews.com. All rights reserved
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jack_McDemott
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6015435
No comments:
Post a Comment