#6 THREE RULES OF BETTER

Don’t just hit the range and smash a basket of balls into oblivion. Use your time productively, like this ...

SET SESSIONS TO 45 MINUTES MAX

It’s easy to think that the longer you practise the more progress you’ll make, but this isn’t always the case. Research suggests 45 minutes is the maximum a human can fully concentrate on a task and gain maximum benefit from it. Any longer than this in a continuous session and your concentration and physical abilities will begin to decrease. Plan exactly what you want to do and achieve in each practice session... and ensure it doesn’t last longer than 40 minutes, 45 max.

SET THE APPROPRIATE DIFFICULTY

It’s tempting to practise shots you’re already good at, but to improve, you have to push yourself. If the tasks you set are too easy you’ll get bored and won’t improve your technique or develop any new skills. But if it’s too hard, you won’t be able to achieve the targets you set yourself and you’ll then become frustrated. The quality of your practice depends on finding the appropriate difficulty level in your tasks. You should be working slightly above what you believe you’re capable of.

MONITOR AND RECORD YOUR RESULTS

It’s essential you set specific tasks and record your results each time you practise. This creates useful pressure and helps you identify your strengths and weaknesses and monitors your progress. Pay attention to each shot you hit, analyse how and why you got the result you did and use this to hone your skills as you practise – rather than relentlessly hitting one shot after another. Write down any thoughts or discoveries you have and any questions that arise for further research, or to ask your coach.