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The Ultimate Putting Program (Part 5): The Pre-Shot Routine

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The essence of putting is the ability to roll your ball on your intended line as far as the hole, which we have discussed in previous articles. There is one last variable to putting that I believe is most important. At the end of the day, golfers are only as strong as their pre-shot routine. I imagine that close to 100 percent of golfers are seeking to become more consistent this year. The pre-shot routine is a sure way of developing the skills necessary to be more consistent under a variety of circumstances.

You may be familiar with a pre-shot routine that includes a few practice strokes, a look at the hole and a few waggles. That is fine, but in my opinion a true pre-shot routine is based around a mental process that allows golfers to get in the right state of mind to perform at their highest potential. As you watch golf on TV this year, pay close attention to how the players mentally visualize the shot at hand. Notice how they walk into the address position with a sense of rhythm, while remaining focused on the target. Listen to how they speak to the media and how it relates to their mental preparation. Tiger Woods frequently addresses the media with statements  about “the process” or that he likes the feeling of “being in his own little world.” He is probably referring to the zone-like state where time stands still, he is free of distraction and is solely focused on the task at hand.

Jordan

Free throw shooters, field goal kickers, baseball pitchers, bowlers, archers and golfers are among the athletes that rely heavily on their pre-shot routine for peak performance. Michael Jordan once said that he spent the majority of his practice time developing a zone-like atmosphere that he could rely on under the most intense pressure.

Often times, field goal kickers are relied upon to win games for their team. The pressure involved in kicking field goals that decide the outcome of games with all of the fans and your entire team relying on you must be astonishing. Field goal kickers rely on their pre-shot routine and their commitment to the target to free themselves of the distractions that are associated with kicking game-winning field goals.

eagles

I suggest learning the pre-shot routing that Dr. Bob Rotella outlines in his audio disc, Putting Like A Genius. I have paraphrased it for you.

No. 1: Assess the Situation

The first step of the pre-shot routine is to assess the situation. In the long game, it includes determining the lie of the golf ball, the wind conditions, potential hazards, etc. In putting, you should identify the speed of the green, the degree of the slope, the position that the ball sits on the slope, the length of the putt and sometimes the grain of the grass. Once that data has been collected it is important to use it to visualize the ball rolling on the intended line and into the hole.

No. 2: Visualize The Shot

Travelers Championship - Round One

Jack Nicklaus said, “I never hit a shot, not even in practice, without having a very sharp, in-focus picture of it in my head.”

It is important to visualize the shot at hand with as much detail and clarity as possible. The more detailed your visualization, the more your brain will believe it. You can actually increase your confidence by developing a clear and vivid visualization of the shot that you intend to play. You must see it to believe it.

In David Cook’s story, “Seven Days in Utopia, Golf’s Sacred Journey,” Johnny teaches Luke to visualize his shot from behind an old tree by having him paint his intended shot onto a canvas. After spending the time to paint the picture, Luke hit the shot with great accuracy. This part of the story portrays the importance of a player’s visualization of the shot that he intends to play. Remember, the more clearly and vividly you visualize, the more confidently you will be to execute the shot.

And don’t tell me that you can’t visualize,because that is completely false. Right now visualize an apple, a house, your  house, a loved one’s face. Pretty easy, right?

A practice drill: Get a pencil and a piece of paper. Write the letter “A” while visualizing the letter “B.” If the letter “A” creeps into your mind, stop and start over. You’ll find that is impossible to write an “A” while thinking about anything other than the letter “A”. So how do you think you’re going to putt the ball into the hole when you’re thinking about missing? Or when you’re worried about what your buddies are thinking? Or if you’re worried that you may be taking too long? The point is to visualize your intention and maintain that image for the amount of time it takes for you to execute the shot. Easy right?

No. 3: Feel The Shot

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The next step in the routine is to take practice strokes that represent the amount of force for the intended shot. Far too many golfer take practice strokes that don’t resemble the length of putt that they are about to hit. I suggest looking at the target while taking practice strokes so that your mind and body can better match the feel required for the intended putt. It doesn’t matter if you stand to the side of the ball or behind the ball; the important thing is that you do it while looking at the target. For instance, I am a spot putter so as I take my practice strokes, I clearly focus on the spot that I selected and imagine rolling my ball to it.

Note: I suggest practice putting while looking at the target to enhance your awareness.

No. 4: Execute The Shot

Next, place your putter behind the ball and settle into the address position while remaining mentally aware of the target. After taking your final look at the target, return your eyes to the ball and without hesitation begin the stroke. It doesn’t help to stand over the ball waiting for something magical to happen, so keep the time from when your eyes return to the ball to when you begin your stroke as short as possible (1 to 2 seconds). I believe it is important for your mind to remain aware of the target even during the stroke and trust that you are capable of producing the desired result.

It is important to not allow thoughts of putting mechanics to enter the brain at this stage of the routine, as it will disrupt you from the natural state of awareness.

No. 5: Accept The Outcome

The last and most important part of the routine is to accept the outcome of the shot. You don’t have control of whether or not the ball goes in the hole. For instance, you could have made the perfect read, the perfect stroke and the perfect routine, and the ball could have still missed the hole because it was forced offline by a spike mark on the green. The only thing to do is to assess yourself on your commitment to you pre-shot routine; the rest must be left up to faith.

A few years ago I disciplined myself to practicing this pre-shot routine everyday for 15-to-20 minutes. I also made it a habit to listen to Putting Like a Genius and Putting Out of Your Mind, both by Dr. Bob Rotella. At the peak of my putting performance I played nine holes and didn’t miss a putt. I made every one of them, finishing with a total of eight putts and shooting seven under par. You could say that I was in the zone. So I know it works! But I did it by making a true commitment to developing the enjoyment of the process, rather than focusing on the results. Stay patient and I am sure you will reap the rewards of this article.

If there is one thing you learn from this series, learn this; develop a mental routine and use it on every shot. Do this, along with the other information discussed in this series, and you are on your way to playing better golf.

 

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transition3  To Part 4

 

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Henry is a PGA member and TPI certified golf instructor. Employed by New Mexico State University, Henry spends the majority of his time teaching the PGA Golf Management curriculum. He specializes in teaching golf instruction and player development. Henry also coaches a handful of amateur, elite junior, and professional golfers. GolfWRX Writer of the Month: June 2014

17 Comments

17 Comments

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  2. Pingback: Beat The Yips With These Simple Tips : Dan Hansen Golf Instruction

  3. Ed

    Jan 9, 2014 at 12:07 pm

    Henry, I think it is critical that the player understand that they must be “using” their visualization of the putt during the stroke. Once the player is at address, their total attention should be directed to visualizing the the ball rolling to and stopping at their target. It is only with this visualization active in the brain that the unconscious can then formulate its instructions to the muscles. When the player is successful at doing this they will be unaware of the club swinging or ball contact. To your example, when you write and “A” you are conscious of the mental image and unconscious regarding which muscles and joints are being used and how much grip pressure is needed. All of the physical action is an unconscious reaction to the conscious visualization.

    • Henry Stetina

      Jan 9, 2014 at 12:18 pm

      Ed!!! I am glad to hear from you! I will always remember the lesson that you gave me at McCromick Ranch a couple of years ago on how to maintain full awareness/visualization of the target during the stroke. I have thought about that a lot and I believe it is the only way great performers excel in at their task. Artists obviously maintain a mental visualization of what they are painting, drawing, sculpting, etc. Musicians use a mental sound or rhythm that they maintain throughout their performance. It is the way we process information naturally but so much of golf instruction has forced golfers to become more aware of physical movements that many of us have lost track of the underlying objective of sending the ball to the target.

  4. Sam

    Jan 6, 2014 at 5:50 pm

    That’s awesome I’m gonna read over each part once every 2 weeks great knowledge very helpful

  5. paul

    Jan 6, 2014 at 9:10 am

    Reading a pre shot routine article still only helps if i am on a practice green and can use it. to bad it is -30 right now.

    • Henry Stetina

      Jan 6, 2014 at 9:18 am

      THIS IS A GREAT COMMENT!!! It is actually easier to develop a pre-shot routine at your home because you will be less concerned with the results. Rotella actually suggest practicing it at home. This is a great opportunity for you to develop a solid pre-shot routine so when the snow melts you will be ready to take it to the course.

      • Henry Stetina

        Jan 6, 2014 at 9:59 am

        By the way… -30 sounds awful!!! It should get to 68 in Phoenix today.

  6. Adrian

    Jan 6, 2014 at 3:49 am

    Excellent article….I was really drilling home number 4 just yesterday because I found the more I hesitated when I took my eyes away from the target the more erratic my results became. It doesn’t take long at all for you to lose focus of the target if you don’t execute the shot immediately. Very helpful article.

    • Henry Stetina

      Jan 6, 2014 at 9:12 am

      Thanks Adrian. You are spot on. We lose focus of the target very quickly. Dr. Bob Rotella gave this advice to Davis Love III and it really hit home for him too.

  7. DIRK

    Jan 6, 2014 at 3:12 am

    I was able to write the letter A while visualizing a B.

  8. marty

    Jan 6, 2014 at 2:06 am

    and you’d also better get used to playing 5+ hour rounds.

    this is exactly whats wrong with golf, everyone thinking they are playing for the Open.

    • Henry Stetina

      Jan 6, 2014 at 9:09 am

      I completely disagree. From my experience this speeds up play. Slow rounds are caused by golfers’ minds filled with fear and doubt. 4 guys shooting 100 is what takes a long time.

      • AJ

        Jan 6, 2014 at 11:39 am

        Agree Henry. I’m not an overly quick player (nor am I slow) but play off a 0-1 handicap and therefore shoot anywhere between 10 and 20 strokes less than most guys at my club.

        3 of me vs 3 of them would be about an hour quicker to the ‘me’s’, despite me seemingly taking longer over each shot – I take less shots because of the time I sometimes take.

        I agree touring professionals have become far too deliberate though – a 3 ball of scratch golfers at my club (in the UK) would take no more than 3.5 hours to complete 18 holes on an average day. 5+ hours for the pros is ridiculous.

        • Henry Stetina

          Jan 6, 2014 at 3:11 pm

          Agreed. A foursome of scratch golfers will probably take the same amount of time and strokes as a threesome of 100 shooters.

          You are correct in that touring pros have become a bit slow. But they are also playing for a million dollars every week. Their slow play is definitely a bad example for the weekend golfer.

          Golf as a whole is played much quicker in Europe than in America. Surprisingly walking is usually faster than taking a cart.

          • DaveMac

            Jun 30, 2014 at 1:55 pm

            Please develop a SHORT pre shot routine, imagine the outcome if the guy who takes 40 putts a round buys into this but does not improve.

            A routine is good but make it a fast one. (Jim Furyk likes his so much he does it twice)

  9. amateur

    Jan 5, 2014 at 5:19 pm

    Ok, I’ll try to do this.

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Instruction

Clement: Stop ripping off your swing with this drill!

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Not the dreaded headcover under the armpit drill! As if your body is defective and can’t function by itself! Have you seen how incredible the human machine is with all the incredible feats of agility all kinds of athletes are accomplishing? You think your body is so defective (the good Lord is laughing his head off at you) that it needs a headcover tucked under the armpit so you can swing like T-Rex?

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How a towel can fix your golf swing

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This is a classic drill that has been used for decades. However, the world of marketed training aids has grown so much during that time that this simple practice has been virtually forgotten. Because why teach people how to play golf using everyday items when you can create and sell a product that reinforces the same thing? Nevertheless, I am here to give you helpful advice without running to the nearest Edwin Watts or adding something to your Amazon cart.

For the “scoring clubs,” having a solid connection between the arms and body during the swing, especially through impact, is paramount to creating long-lasting consistency. And keeping that connection throughout the swing helps rotate the shoulders more to generate more power to help you hit it farther. So, how does this drill work, and what will your game benefit from it? Well, let’s get into it.

Setup

You can use this for basic chip shots up to complete swings. I use this with every club in my bag, up to a 9 or 8-iron. It’s natural to create incrementally more separation between the arms and body as you progress up the set. So doing this with a high iron or a wood is not recommended.

While you set up to hit a ball, simply tuck the towel underneath both armpits. The length of the towel will determine how tight it will be across your chest but don’t make it so loose that it gets in the way of your vision. After both sides are tucked, make some focused swings, keeping both arms firmly connected to the body during the backswing and follow through. (Note: It’s normal to lose connection on your lead arm during your finishing pose.) When you’re ready, put a ball in the way of those swings and get to work.

Get a Better Shoulder Turn

Many of us struggle to have proper shoulder rotation in our golf swing, especially during long layoffs. Making a swing that is all arms and no shoulders is a surefire way to have less control with wedges and less distance with full swings. Notice how I can get in a similar-looking position in both 60° wedge photos. However, one is weak and uncontrollable, while the other is strong and connected. One allows me to use my larger muscles to create my swing, and one doesn’t. The follow-through is another critical point where having a good connection, as well as solid shoulder rotation, is a must. This drill is great for those who tend to have a “chicken wing” form in their lead arm, which happens when it becomes separated from the body through impact.

In full swings, getting your shoulders to rotate in your golf swing is a great way to reinforce proper weight distribution. If your swing is all arms, it’s much harder to get your weight to naturally shift to the inside part of your trail foot in the backswing. Sure, you could make the mistake of “sliding” to get weight on your back foot, but that doesn’t fix the issue. You must turn into your trial leg to generate power. Additionally, look at the difference in separation between my hands and my head in the 8-iron examples. The green picture has more separation and has my hands lower. This will help me lessen my angle of attack and make it easier to hit the inside part of the golf ball, rather than the over-the-top move that the other picture produces.

Stay Better Connected in the Backswing

When you don’t keep everything in your upper body working as one, getting to a good spot at the top of your swing is very hard to do. It would take impeccable timing along with great hand-eye coordination to hit quality shots with any sort of regularity if the arms are working separately from the body.

Notice in the red pictures of both my 60-degree wedge and 8-iron how high my hands are and the fact you can clearly see my shoulder through the gap in my arms. That has happened because the right arm, just above my elbow, has become totally disconnected from my body. That separation causes me to lift my hands as well as lose some of the extension in my left arm. This has been corrected in the green pictures by using this drill to reinforce that connection. It will also make you focus on keeping the lead arm close to your body as well. Because the moment either one loses that relationship, the towel falls.

Conclusion

I have been diligent this year in finding a few drills that target some of the issues that plague my golf game; either by simply forgetting fundamental things or by coming to terms with the faults that have bitten me my whole career. I have found that having a few drills to fall back on to reinforce certain feelings helps me find my game a little easier, and the “towel drill” is most definitely one of them.

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Clement: Why your practice swing never sucks

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You hear that one all the time; I wish I could put my practice swing on the ball! We explain the huge importance of what to focus on to allow the ball to be perfectly in the way of your practice swing. Enjoy!

 

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