The point of routines

I find the idea of a “pre-shot” routine intrigues most golfers. I think what appeals most of all is the idea that good shots come from a recipe of waggles, practice swings and an exact number of tugs on the trouser. I often find that a player gets overly concerned with the external routine and ignores the main point of a routine; the internal or mental routine. Be absolutely clear on the purpose of a routine: getting your mind (and body) in the most effective state to make a great swing and hit a great shot. Another key mistake I see is only “using” a routine when playing in an important competition. Hence the routine used is not routine at all.

Some of the best routines will involve one or two key thoughts or questions (see last blog entry), complete immersion in the target and desired shape of shot and some sort of ‘pre-nuptial’ agreement that whatever happens with that shot is okay, you’ve given the preparation 100%.