Consider your pre-shot routine

What players do immediately before hitting their shot is one of the most overlooked fundamentals of the game.

The little series of rituals a player goes through prior to hitting a shot falls under the category of pre-shot routine.

For most players, their pre-shot routine begins and ends with a practice swing; however, it is important to note that a pre-shot routine is far more than simply taking an extra swing.

Your pre-shot routine must be consistent from day-to-day and shot-to-shot. Be sure to also remember, your routine must be uniquely yours. Work on building one for your game which is both consistent and geared toward your own personal needs.

What are some of the main components to a healthy pre-shot routine?

It should start with some time spent on calculation. Calculating yardage, club selection, wind considerations and course strategy all begin the moment you arrive at your ball. This is where you determine the physical shot requirements and commit to your shot and club selection.

Once you have determined your club selection and shot choice, you now move toward the rehearsal phase. This is where you make a practice swing or some other rehearsed movement which is designed to loosen your body up and prepare it physically to execute the shot at hand.

Your rehearsal movements should not be riddled with thought. They are most effective when you focus on feelings and sensations rather than plotting through mechanical swing thoughts. Keep the heavy technical thoughts for the range and your practice times.

Once your body is loose and ready to physically hit the shot, you need to prepare your mind for the task at hand. Visualization, positive self talk and some good deep breathing should all be part of your action plan.

Take some time visualizing your shot while focusing on some simple breathing exercises. A few good cleansing breathes will feed both your muscles and your mind with some much-needed oxygen. Short breathing can deprive your mind and body of oxygen; poor breathing often leads to anxiety and muscle tension.

Your pre-shot routine is not something which happens by accident. It is a very calculated routine which needs to be refined and polished on the driving range with some repetitions.

Dedicate some time to forming a powerful pre-shot routine for yourself and you will see the impact it can have on your scorecard.