Golf Routines

Chapter 2 Routine

In golf We call pre performance behaviors or pre swing routine performance has improved when the exact same routine is followed internally and externally on every shot. These internal and external routines build a positive motor program, positive, relaxed routines build good performance programs. Well negative tense routines build poor performance programs.

Your internal routine is what you say to yourself about the situation. The internal and external routines occur as distinctly separated chains of behavior. If one link in either the external or internal chain is disrupted, the other links in both chains will be effected and performance will suffer in his 1974 book. Jack Nicholas said, I feel that hitting specific shots playing the ball to a certain place in a certain way is 50% mental picture, 40% setup and 10% swing. That’s why setting up takes me so long why I have to be so deliberate unless I can get set up exactly right. In relation to the shot I have pictured. I know I have no chance of executing it as planned.

The internal and external behaviors that make up Nicholas has mental picture and set up. And that makes up 90% are his pre swing routine in a 1995 article, he added 10% to the importance of swing. And again, I quote, I believe golf is 80% preamble, strong visualization, correct? Gripping, aiming, and aligning sound, ball positioning, proper posture, and 20% swing.

A student I had in Florida a few years ago, asked me why I thought he played better in tournaments than in a casual round of golf with his friends. This came on the heels of a discussion of how competition produces arousal and how players tend to show a deterioration in performance. When feeling the pressure of competition. I asked him to describe as routine during a round with friends versus around in competition. It became quickly apparent that during around with friends where he perceived himself most relaxed, he didn’t step off his yardage or read putts as intently as he did during competition. In short, his routine changed.

You have a routine that you follow prior to each shot. It may not be a desirable routine, but one does exist. Your routine may change depending upon the situation tournament, play frustration, good play, poor play. And many more situations will tend to cue changes in your routine. Your level of play will improve if you develop a consistent, positive pre swing routine that doesn’t change, regardless of conditions.

Please continue with: Pre Swing Routine