Place ten balls in a circle, three feet from the hole. Move around the circle and try to sink all of the puts. Try to sink ten putts in a row. If you miss one, start over. Try to practice your putting for fifteen minutes each day. The better you become at putting the more your confidence will increase. [2] X Research source You can also start off with two-foot putts and then graduate to three-foot putts.
The swing is very short so your right elbow should never be behind your body. The shaft of the club should always be in line with your left arm. Your left arm controls your chipping swing. [4] X Research source Rotate your body forward as you swing.
Keeping the “V” will make your ball have a nice spin and fly high. Make sure your spine is straight before you begin your swing.
If the ball is sitting up in tall grass, you may have trouble hitting the ball cleanly. Take a few practice swings and only brush the tips of the grass with your club head. Then hit the ball with a club that has a lower loft (i. e. launch angle of a club, the amount of slope on the face of the club). If the ball is sitting down in a thick rough, hit down on the ball to get it to come out of the rough. If you are hitting on a tight lie where the ground is firm and the grass is low, use your putter to hit the shot. If your ball is sitting on top of the sand, use an open club face to hit the ball or hit behind the ball to get the ball to go a greater distance. If the ball is sitting down in the sand, your shot will not have any spin when you hit it. If the sand is very moist, use more power for your shot. If the sand is dry, it will be easier to hit the ball.
The wider your stance, the better. Place a little more weight on your back leg compared to your front leg.
The power for your shot comes from your lower body. Shifting your weight as you swing will give your shot power. Hit the ball before you turn your back foot and keep your heels down as you swing. Keep your head down as you follow through.
Try to make your swing as fluid and smooth as possible. Although there are many movements involved, think of swinging as one single motion. Your swing will be better if you are relaxed. Take a deep breath and clear your mind before you swing.
Swing with your wedge, short iron, hybrid, and driver during your session. Simulate the order of shots you would take on the golf course. Start with the driver, then short iron, and then your wedge.
If you are using your driver, try to land your shot between two sets of the markers. This will simulate the fairway on a golf course. Vary your targets instead of hitting to the same target each time. This will help you improve your accuracy.
Spend more time on the things that you do not do very well versus the things that you excel in. Your deliberate practice should also be high volume as well. Repeatedly doing the same thing over and over creates memory in your brain.
A coach can not only identify any mistakes you make, but also offer adjustments and corrections. You will improve much faster when you have this type of feedback. [13] X Research source A coach is helpful for new and established players. Coaches can teach fundamentals as well as tweak the game of experienced golfers. [14] X Research source
Keeping a running tally of your score in your head will distract you from giving each shot 100% of your attention. It is easier to do this when you are playing well and making shots. When you are not playing well, you may become discouraged and think abut your mistakes. You will have to try harder to focus when things are not going your way. Talk yourself through your shot. To help yourself focus, ask some questions such as: What club do I need for this shot? Where do I need to make contact with the ball? How should I position my hands?
The majority of shots you take while playing golf are actually shorter shots and putting. Only one third of your practice time should take place at the driving range. [17] X Research source
Imagine yourself taking the same shot the players on television are taking. Where would you aim for the shot? Compare the choice you made to what the professional player has done. Try to imitate some of the shots you see at your next practice session. Good golf players typically have a pre-shot routine (i. e. what they do before they take every single shot). Use the examples of pre-shot routines to help you develop your own routine. [19] X Research source Begin to incorporate your routine into your practice sessions. A pre-shot routine may consist of checking the lie of the ball, checking the distance to your target, checking the direction of the wind, selecting a shot, choosing a club, visualizing the shot, and taking a few practice swings. [20] X Research source
It is important that you make visualization a regular activity. The more consistently you do it, the more beneficial it will be. Avoid replaying your mistakes when you visualize.
Try exercises that mimic natural movements and engage multiple muscle groups such as squats and dead lifts. Aim for four sets, of one to six repetitions. Rest three minutes between each set.
