The Pre-Shot Routine, Part 1
"If we are to achieve results never before accomplished, we must employ methods never before attempted."
Francis Bacon
We have talked about a number of fundamentals that will help you be a better golfer without working on your golf swing. They won't work if you can't take them to the course with you every time you play. The best way to do this is the method the professionals use, and it is called a pre-shot routine. Almost everything we have discussed can become a part of your pre-shot routine. Eventually it will become so ingrained that you won't have to think about it; you will just do all of it in order each time you approach a shot. So let's start at the beginning.
As you approach the ball, look around and determine the slope of the ground. Ask yourself these questions: Is it uphill, downhill, side hill? Is it wet, dry? Is the grass long or short? What kind of grass is it? Where is the sun? Is the grass lying in the direction I am striking the ball or against me? Is the wind blowing on this hole? How much? Which direction? In short, you want to gather as much information as you can that will have an effect on the shot you will make. This will determine your choice of club and type of shot. You should be working on most of these questions on your way to the ball. When you have all your information, then you make a club selection.
Stand behind the ball and choose an intermediate target on your ball-target line. Walk to a position parallel to the ball-target line, but before taking your stance over the ball and aligning yourself, there are a couple of physiological and psychological needs that you should take care of. Take some practice swingsnot get-loose swings, but swings that you would use to actually hit the ball to the green. If you are not happy with these swings, take more until you find the one that will hit the ball to the green. Second, we all deal in different ways with the fear of failure. One of the body's reactions to the physical component of fear causes the brain to shut off blood supply to the capillaries. One way we can help counteract this is to make certain that we have supplied our blood system with as much oxygen as possible prior to performing the task. Slowly take three or four deep belly breaths while you are studying your ball-target line as you take your stance.
As you settle into your stance, check yourself to make sure you have the proper alignment and that the ball is in the proper place for the club you are hitting. Check to make sure your hands are going to be starting in the right place for the takeaway, and relax your grip. Keep your feet moving. A little pressure here and change of pressure theredon't become a statue. Make sure you have your right knee cocked in toward the center of your stance. If you have developed a waggle with the club that's okay, just remember to quiet the hands when you begin the takeaway.
When you are confident that you have done all that you can do in your conscious mind to prepare for this golf shot, you are ready to begin your personal ritual.